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DX: Purely ponderous drudgery :-(
The author frequently rhetorically contradicts himself. Content information is shallow historically and theologically, and at times is in error. The 38 pages of statistics at the end of the book are wanting and appear to be just filler to increase the size of the book. Not very scholarly.For more concise, un-biased, information on the history, theology and sociology of Messianic Judaism I highly recommend Carol Harris-Shapiro's book, "Messianic Judaism, A Rabbi's Journey through Religious Change in America." Rabbi Harris-Shapiro gives a more detailed and concise overview. | 0negative
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I was a grammar phobe.
My mind automatically switches off when anybody even tries to mention grammar constructs (anybody who has studied for GMAT and the sentence correction sections will sympathise). However, this book was easy to get into and, surprisingly left me with greater understanding rather than feeling befuddled and confused. An experience unlike any I have ever had with grammar prior. | 1positive
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Why
I was really disappointed in Karen Armstrong's portrayal of the Christian faith. It came across as a joke; from the very beginning of her work. For this reason, I stopped reading around page 50.For example, in her introduction she exclaims that had she spoke with these "eminent monotheists of all three faiths" (earlier in her life) she would have learned that "in an important sense God was a product of the creative imagination." She goes on to criticize and ridicule the God of the Bible.In all honesty, I was offended by her work; and heartbroken that this book has been on The New York Times Bestseller list; indicating that millions have read this work and believe that it's factual.I am well aware that there are different communities within the Christian faith (specifically conservative and liberal); one believes that Scripture was given to humanity by God just as is recorded in the New Testament in 2 Timothy 3:16 and the other group not only disbelieves this same passage but also doubts much of what's recorded in the Bible.My question to these critical scholars and theologians is; if you don't believe Scripture is true, why study, teach and preach it; can't you find employment somewhere else? I would never knowingly go to a physician who didn't believe that the medication which she prescribed was helpful for ill people. If she is expected to believe in the medical profession which she practices, why shouldn't the same is expected of those (critical scholars and theologians) who claim to be leaders of a particular faith?My recommendation to Ms. Armstrong, the "eminent monotheists" representing the three faiths which she writes about and the critical scholars and theologians who fill many European and American Pulpits and Seminaries to either believe in the faith which you practice (study, teach and preach) or simply find something constructive to do which you can "put your faith in," no pun intended. | 0negative
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Hustler Magazine July, 1993. Volume 20 Number 1.
Hustler July 1993 Volume 20 Number 1. Anniversary IssueCelebrate 19 Years of Sex, Outrage and Honor ; Die, Lawyers, Die: Plaintiffs are Killing Their Counsel by Larry Wichman; New-Wave Harlotry: A Darker Kind of Porn (Imfamous XXX Director Gregory Dark Undergoes the Third Degree on the Set of 'New Wave Hookers III) by Christian Shapiro; Paula - 9 pics; Effie - 8 pics; Ashley and Rocky - 11 pics; On the cover and centerfold - Shayla - 11 pics; Brenda and Fawn - 13 pics; Beaver Hunt-amateur photo contest; | 1positive
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Not the usual Grisham, but a good book all the same.
I liked this book. It lacked the suspense and the climatic ending the we are familiar with from Grisham's previous work but it was still a page turner. I can see how the many Grisham readers can be dissapointed. But someone who has never read Grisham and is not familiar with him may really enjoy this book. | 1positive
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This book is a hagiographic joke
I read this book and found it hard to keep my lunch down. How is it possible for so many to be fooled by such an idiotic analysis of the horrible economic situation that Shrub has put us in? Rising deficits, rising trade imbalance, failing schools, failing Medicare, failing Social Security but everything is great because we're cutting taxes! Idiots | 0negative
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Still modern after all these years...
Thielicke made a trip to the United States at the height of the civil rights disturbances of the 1960s and this book is a reflection of his thoughts during the trip. He didn't think civil rights were as an important as how Americans would eventually come to grips with the issue of suffering.Particularly noteworthy is Thielicke's description of how his engagement against the Nazis took place over time and was borne out of his love for his flock, the Germans who had to serve in the military and factories. He deals unflinchingly with the holocaust and Hitler and how the German church failed to stand up at the critical time.He says the Church lost the battle over the definition of a human, throwing out Luther's definition of man's alien dignity from heaven, being made in God's Image, and embracing Hitler's definition of man's value based on bloodlines and productivity and unintended consequences of that definition.You can see America's choice and the same consequences flowing, albeit more slowly, as in the case of Germany. | 1positive
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Evil is temporal; Virtue is immortal.
Steinbeck proposed four potential titles before he settled upon East of Eden. I looked up the phrase in the Bible and found that it appears twice in Genesis (3:24 and 4:16); both accounts denoting an instance where man experienced a separation from the blessings that God had intended for him. I think this is very significant as we consider what Steinbeck was writing about in his allegorical novel. He says in Chapter 34, "We have only one story. All novels, all poetry are built on the never-ending contest in ourselves of good and evil. And it occurs to me that evil must constantly respawn, while good, while virtue, is immortal."The contest is in ourselves! Surely this is what East Of Eden teaches us while we enjoy the sweeping story, so well told. It is deadly realistic, as beautiful and revolting as is the actual human potentiality for good and evil. With brilliance, Steinbeck contrasts a sea of temperaments in these characters, and shows us all the while that life is much more than the choices we make, but it is never any less. Adam Trask is the representative of good intentions, of a conscience which responds to the good as the eye responds to the light. Samuel Hamilton also represents a similar (perhaps even more well-honed) goodness. But Adam is the one who has been deceived, by a force every bit as essentially evil as Eden's serpent in the tree. This is Cathy, a character so reprobate that evil isn't something she does, it's something she IS that INFECTS everything she does! After abandoning her twin boys Caleb and Aron to the care of their father (Adam) she returns to her life of debauchery. The boys grow up unaware that their mother is a serial murderer and owner of a whorehouse. Because Adam never fully recovers from his shame, his loss and disillusionment, he is not able to convey the appropriate unconditional (equally distributed) love to his sons. This leads to jealousy and rivalry in his boys, and is a generational replica of his own childhood.How can one summarize such a vast epic story? But for me, one of the most powerful scenes and a turning point (perhaps the denouement?) is when Caleb finally sees his mother in all her non-glory, and says to her... "I don't have to be you." The reader can notice that really no-one is the same from this point on, there is a real unravelling here. For Cathy (now "Kate"), this marks the beginning of her own self-destruction, the awakening of her own conscience. She's been defied!One of the tendencies of the modern age is to deny radically the absolute nature of conscience, reducing it to a matter of temperament, or to a product of history or social environment. But East of Eden plows right through a tangle of sociological, psychological, and historical half-truths to the elementray fact: CONSCIENCE EXISTS. | 1positive
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Not for me
I found the book tedious, too detailed, too long and lacking in wanting to read on. That doesn't take away from the fact that I think she is a remarkable woman, but there was a lack of excitement coming from the pages. More like an historical account of her life so far which it is, but it needed some pizzazz.Dr Gunta Krumins-Caldwell author of On Silver Wings | 0negative
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"Sea Cobra" wins
"Halsey's Typhoon": earned one star for the awesome photos of future Prsident Gerald Ford skying for the basketball on the basketball court andCommander Henry Lee Plage of the USS Tabberer looking three times cooler than Fonzie and John Wayne put together. He proved in action to be three times the hero that he looked."Halsey's Typhoon": earned three negative stars for a boring start, middle and end as well as talking down to the reader (constantly using words that had to be looked up and when I looked them up the results were staggering. The words were constantly listed as slang, archaic, obsolete and the meaning didn't even fit the sentence!!!)"Sea Cobra" by Buckner F. Melton Jr.: covers the same event and earned 4.5 stars. It was extremely user friendly and made the story come to life. You felt like you were with the sailors fighting Typhoon Cobra and Typhoon Viper and Commander's Plage's decision to ignore Halsey's orders and amazingly rescue drowning sailors."Sea Cobra": earned .5 negative stars due to lesser photos. | 0negative
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Lost interest
Sorry, but the book didn't grab me. I lost interest about 100 pages in. Neither the story nor the characters were interesting enough to carry on. | 0negative
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Good collection spoilt by presentation
I'm afraid that "half-assed" is the best I can say for this publication. No index, no effort to lay out the poems properly at all. For Heaven's sake, use a line break! You'll get a better experience reading these poems at Project Gutenberg.The biographical note is interesting, and may be worth reading if you're not familiar with the details of Poe's life, but it is writtennby a contemporary, and is, I gather, probably the Ur-document that most casual biographies draw upon.Disappointing, as Poe's poetry is really quite exception, and worthy of a decent Kindle edition. This is not it.Not recommended other than for the biography. | 0negative
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Short Stories by A Master of the Form
2 Words that describe the book: Short story heaven3 Settings where it took place or characters you met:This is a collection of short stories by the writer I consider to be the master of the form. Here are highlights of three of my favorites stories from the book:1. "A Temporary Matter" - A married couple who recently lost a baby experiences moments of intimacy and closeness during the "temporary matter" of electricity cut-offs due to nearby construction. During candlelight dinners, they begin to close the gap that had grown up between them after the baby's death. But, sadly, even this regained intimacy turns out to be a temporary matter as well.2. "Mrs. Sen's" - A lovely but wistful story told from a young boy's view. Eliot is the only child of a single mother, who hires various babysitters to keep watch on him while she works. The last babysitter is Mrs. Sen, an Indian woman whose house and lifestyle are different but comforting to Eliot. His afternoons with her are spent watching her daily chopping of the vegetables, joining her quest for perfect piece of seafood, and watching her delight in letters from her family. Then one day, it comes to an end, along with a piece of Eliot's childhood.3. "The Third and Final Continent" - An immigrant story told in a handful of pages, the centerpiece of the story is the narrator's stay in Mrs. Croft's house. Mrs. Croft is a widow whose eccentricities and vulnerability stay with the narrator long after he leaves her house. The house becomes a touch point for him and his wife, Mala, who came over from India to marry him as part of an arranged marriage. For it was in Mrs. Croft's home that this marriage of strangers began to become a real marriage built on love and mutual respect.4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it:1. I like Jhumpa Lahiri's prose. She has a true gift for filling her stories with everything you need to know but without making it seem cluttered or overdone. Each story is a little masterpiece. If you think you don't like short stories, you haven't read Jhumpa Lahiri's short stories.2. I liked the stories set in America the best. I think Lahiri is at her best when writing about the immigrant experience. The stories set in India didn't have the same graceful feel as the stories set in America. "A Real Durwan" almost seemed like a folk tale in a way.3. I liked how Lahiri can tell the Indian immigrant story from multiple viewpoints: Eliot's view of Mrs. Sen; a single girl's dalliance with a married Indian man. However, I think Lahiri is at her best when writing about the immigrant experience from the first-person point of view.4. Although I liked this book, I think her second collection of short stories, Unaccustomed Earth, was richer and fuller and more focused. But don't get me wrong; this is a brilliant book and is not to be missed. I just though Unaccustomed Earth was perfection, and this book was a bit uneven in its tone at times.5 Stars or less for your rating?I'm giving the book 4.5 stars. Once again, I'm blown away by Ms. Lahiri's talent. If you've never read her short stories before, I strongly encourage you to do so. In my mind, she is the master of the form. By the way, this book won the Pulitzer Prize, so I'm not alone in my high estimation of her talents. | 1positive
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I book that Icanit believe I finished
the book Planet of Junior Brown had some good parts but not enough to make the story worth reading it is a long book with no beginning end or middle.NOTHING HAPPENS this book babbled on and one about nothing. | 0negative
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More storytelling...less skirting
My expectations for this book was high as the title held such promise , my therapy practice brings me into a deep engagment with the issue of perfectionism.This book tended to brush up against the issues and not really engage withthe deeper dynamics .Too much of the material was hovering and just out of reach. In other words only partly digested.The examples from the individuals lives did not really take the story apart .....so much potential but not taking us into the heart .Most importantly a deep loss of story ,so this felt remote and unfulfilling. | 0negative
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L'Etranger was the most insightful novel that I have read.
I recently read this novel in my IB Junior English class. Half of the class hated it, and the other loved it. I was among the latter. This novel opened up new doors into the world of existentialism for me. Meursault is both horrifying and fascinating in his complete lack of "morality." He blew open the hypocrisies of his society and our own. | 1positive
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Excellent Collection
After reading Mr. Hill's two novels I wanted to read more of him. This collection of stories runs the gambit of subject matter and theme.Some of the stories are not horror stories but not every ghost story is a scary one!!The collection was fantastic. I am most amused by the reoccuring theme of individuals attempting to extricate themselves from family legacy, out of the shadow of their family tree as it were. Given the author's parents, I suppose it isn't a surprising theme at all.I would gladly read more from Mr. Hill!! | 1positive
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Good story
I was forced to read this in high school! I didnt really like it then but i recently founded and read it again. I turns out i really like this after all! | 1positive
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A wonderful book done excellently on audio cassette!
Rene Auberjonois did an great job reading this book! He changes his voice for the different characters dialog that matches well with the character. The background music and sounds blend in nicely with the narration. We listened to it on a long road trip and it definitely made the time seem to pass quicker. At 2 and a half hours it's great for a leg of a trip before a potty break.Parents be warned though, you may need to explain some outdated references and some stereotypical characters (like the Chinese gentlemen).My children (6 and 11) loved the book and are looking for more to read! The cassette version is definitely a bargain (considering Harry Potter's latest CD version is ...in the stores!) although we got our copy at a local book store for ...instead of at Amazon for .... If you can't find it locally, it's still worth the price here! | 1positive
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You'll find more information in the online documentation
This so-called reference is very light on usable information. On many commands it does not even provide the syntax--what kind of a reference is that? The online docs installed with Oracle Application Server contain more information. | 0negative
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Worth It
It's not just that this collection contains the impetus for the future 2001. The stories here are truly well-written. I was repeatedly fascinated by his invasion into foreign and alien cultures and psychologies. I was intrigued at the beginning of "Second Dawn", not sure where it was going- and then astounded at the sadness and horror and truth of the ending. "Breaking Strain" was not what I expected, and tragic, and when I finished it, what must have happened. "Expedition to Earth" took a bit too figure out- but was quite humorous. "Superiority" and "Loophole" really reveal the nature of war, as "Nemesis" reveals the nature of hate. "Hide and Seek" is a fun bit of fantasy. And then we come to "Sentinel", which started it all...What I am saying is every story here is engaging. Every story brings us in to a new world. Every story is not only well-written, but though provoking. It is Arthur C. Clarke. Worth every moment of reading every word. | 1positive
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Some people can't handle the truth
Sperber has been one of the most incisive observers of college sports since the publication of College Sports, Inc. Since then he has written perhaps the definitive history of Notre Dame during the Knute Rockne years.In this book he brings the story of college sports and all its attendant ills into the decade of ESPN and the unholy alliance of "24/7" sports broadcasting, alcohol manufacturers and distributors (e.g. "Spuds MacKenzie" and the proliferation of "sports bars"), and university administrations which have turned relatively petty corruption into big business. Sperber, a former fraternity president, knows all too well that there are many different college students, but even the unreconstructed "party animals" are not his targets, rather it's the broadcasting/advertising/admissions complex mentioned above. The consequences range far beyond the "professionalization" of college sports to being a factor--albeit one factor--in the decline of undergraduate education itself.Sperber played the role of Cassandra at Indiana through the Bobby Knight years and for his trouble been emailed death threats. More proof that the truth hurts and some people can't handle it. Also recommended is Hoberman's DARWIN'S ATHLETES (hell, anything Hoberman writes is recommended). | 1positive
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Everywoman's Triathlon Guide
Love this book! I am neither slow nor fat, but I was an ordinary middle aged triathlete who was intimidated by the lingo and gear associated with triathlon. The author explains everything and tells the newbie what she needs to know. She is funny, smart, and self deprecating in a way we can all identify with. This is the book I loan to friends who want to try a tri. | 1positive
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MOVING AND WONDERFUL!!!!!
This book, written in 1944 (I believe) is just wonderful. It, more than anything I have read, has brought me closer to Our Blessed Mother, and hence, to Christ Himself. Filled with lyrical prose and touching analogies, Houselander shows how Mary was the "Reed of God" waiting to be filled (with her maternity)...and that we are ALL vessels waiting to do God's work, and carrying Christ within us. Just remarkable. Easily one of my favorite books, not just in the area of Catholic Studies, but of all time! | 1positive
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We love this book.
This is one of my 3-year-old daughter's favorite bedtime stories (and mine, too). The story is imaginitave and is reminiscent of stories told in the oral tradition. There are plenty of opportunities for improvisation, searching for things in the pictures, singing songs, and imagination. The artwork is beautiful and conveys the simultaneous warmth and coolness of the perfect summer night. I can't think of a better way to set the stage for sweet dreams. | 1positive
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Interesting read
The information on decoding your kitty's body language is quite useful but simple. Might be known facts to experienced cat owners already. Useful read for first time cat owners though. Great pictures. | 1positive
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Nice book
I liked this book so much I have given it as gifts to many friends. I've read it myself about 10 times. | 1positive
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Another Mallory??? Please no more!!
I should have given this book a one star, but I actually finished it. If it was that bad, why did I finish it?? I don't really know. So, I will justify myself by giving it a two stars. I think the Mallory novels were good for about three books (Regina, Anthony, and James) after that it just becomes a lot of repetition. I used to LOVE Johanna Lindsay - but I just think some authors only have so many books "in them". Maybe she is all written out. It is too bad, especially now that her books are being released as hardboooks. It is a lot of money to spend on a dud. | 0negative
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Warmed Over and Not Worth the Time or Ink
The authors offer what they seem to think is a "new" way to view competitive success. Like many management books, the ability to derive framework from illustrations comes with limitations. Most frameworks are illustrable. The true innovations in thinking build from or rail against prevailing work, in books like Porter's or D'Aveni's counterviewpoint Hypercomopetition. What is most frustrating about this book is that it spends a lot of time in what could be said in a few pages, the result perhaps of combining an academic and personal consulting vantage - borrowing your watch to tall you the time in roman numerals! Every good manager knows that first to market isn't per se sustainable and that creating barriers to switching is good. Here, these simple truths are passed off, albeit in different words, as wisdom. Please, guys, like so many others, you would best ply your respective trades in your current arenas and leave the thinking to more cogent thinkers. Bottom-line, I wouldn't offer this for sale even used. | 0negative
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Allows a reader to experience life in another time.
Want to experience the Florida under the layers of concrete and Mickey Mouse ears? Read this book. The era is just after the Civil War when Florida had no lights or electric guitars. The story is poignant and real and though not for young children, young adults and teenagers will, for the most part enjoy it. A mature reader will learn about the flora and fauna of the area without realizing it and will certainly enjoy Ms. Rawlings gift. The characters are diverse and rich and I especially enjoyed the Forresters. If you are in a great hurry, or if you want to be artifically stimulated by high speed chases or chariots taveling at warp speed, then don't pick it up. But if you have never been to Florida, and you want to see the sun sparkling on a blue green spring surrounded by giant oaks with moss swaying on an April breeze, then read THE YEARLING and just close your eyes. | 1positive
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"The Cost of Discipleship" - Relevant as Ever
If Bonhoeffer were alive today and commenting on the American Church of 2008 instead of the German Church of the 1930s, all he would have to add is an appendix on the ascendancy of entertainment. Nothing -- nothing -- else would have to change. His scathing review of the complacency and spiritual poverty of the average Christian points a relevant finger at all of us, especially evangelicals who call themselves followers of The Way and live like followers of their appetites. | 1positive
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Good book
I really liked this book, the characters especially drew me in, and the romance was a really nice, funny, sweet (but a bit long) to read | 1positive
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Robert Jordan's Books
It is impossible to read just one of the Wheel of Time series. This is the second time I've read all the available books and I'm waiting impatiently for the final one. | 1positive
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It's published in French!
I don't know if it was originally written in French, but I knew I would have trouble reading this edition when I saw the page labeled "Personnages", and found that the next page starts "Decor: un champ.". Yes, the publisher's name is "French & European Publications", but, from my unlearned perspective I assumed that Great Britian is part of Europe and made the mistake of thinking that some Europeans read books published in the English language. Another arrogant American bitten by Globalization! It would have been nice if the publisher had noted either their choice or the author's choice of published language in the description. | 0negative
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Is this really true?
I could easily spend four days with a woman like Francesca. To base my life on this short affair just is not plausible. Men think differently than women do, it is our nature. Our attitudes are needed for survival in dangerous positions, and survival of the species. | 0negative
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Disappointed
The book had been previously used with marks on each page. The information within the book was what I expected. Will think twice before puchasing a workbook again. | 0negative
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Better than FORTY DAYS, but
After reading FORTY DAYS, I would not have bought or read FIFTY DAYS but since I already had it, I did read it. It is somewhat better than FORTY DAYS, but is still full of useless, pointless pages that do not relate or contribute to the story. The book is 603 pages long. Of the first 200 pages, perhaps 25 contribute to the story. Not all of the other pages contribute either. The book has much scientific information added that does not relate and many of the authors political comments that don't belong. Reading FORTY and FIFTY was a waste of time. There is no way I will read SIXTY DAYS AND COUNTING. Don't waste your time either. There are a lot of better books ot there. | 0negative
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A pathetic work of tabloid quality
It always amazes me how publishers agree to accept books on Islam written by cheap characters with absolutely no insight into the world of Islam. If the western world is the measure of gender equality, I wonder why US was never able to produce any influential women in its history [presidents, vice presidents etc] while it is always embarrasing for westerners to explain howcome the majority of women leaders in the world are actual muslim women [Megawati, Vice President of Indonesia, Sheik Hasina and Khalida Zia, Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Benazir Bhutto, PM of Pakistan, Massumeh Ebtekar, vice president of Iran and Tansu Ciller, Prime Minister of Turkey! | 0negative
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A difficult book to understand.
This discrete math book is definately not for beginners. I took 1 yr. of calculus and I had a very difficult time understanding some topics. The author fails to explain the "whys" in later chapters and he uses too much mathematical notications instead of explaining them in common english. | 0negative
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unusual
I didn't think it was a good idea; writing a whole book on orchids! couldn't finish it. | 0negative
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A Classic
I enjoyed this as a teenager (who didn't), and can't wait until my son is old enough so that I can read it to him every night. The book that launched a genre. | 1positive
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Rollin' on the River
Eddy Harris' Mississippi Solo is a delight to read. Clocking in at almost exactly 250 pages, the memoir chronicles the author's journey down the Mississippi River alone in a canoe, and the experiences he has with everything he encounters there.I'm not a big fan of what I'd call "Journey" novels. I didn't enjoyOn The Roadtoo much, and I expected this to be *that* type of memoir. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this a smooth-flowing, meandering-but-focused memoir. Harris has a very peculiar way of being able to take a clean slice of life he has experienced and transfer it to the page. When he meets the random people he does on the river, the reader is given quick, insightful information about them. And the overall effect is something identical to what Harris himself faced while on the river.The book dragged in places, but the writing was tight that it pulled the reader through without too much dismay. I read this for an "African American Nature Writing" class, so I was focusing on it and examining passages in depth. Harris stands up taller than his contemporaries, and his prose has some serious muscles behind it.I wouldn't mind reading more from this author in the future. | 1positive
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Difficult at first, but well worth it
Persuasion, like other Jane Austen novels, contains characters who are class conscious to the point of being absolutely ridiculous. Anne is the most sensible one of the bunch. She decided that these class distinctions are less important than helping an old friend. Sir Walter Elliot and his oldest daughter, Elizabeth, are completely willing to associate with those of a higher class than themselves but will avoid people of a lower class. They avoid anything that would ruin their image. Mary, the other Elliot daughter, is just as selfish but in a slightly different way. Jane Austen's dialogue is difficult to follow at times, but worth the extra work it takes to understand the story. | 1positive
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Dull and confusing
I had to read this book in class and everytime I tried to read it I nearly fell asleep. This book was so dry and dull. Whenever I was asked to descibe it I said that it was full of to much symbolism, basic boring plot, and confusing writing. Beyond that I found it was a little to mature for us immature teenagers by having sex(and one incestual rape) scenes, refences not uderstood by teens, and characters that were unbelievable.Personally I tend to love reading but this is one book where it was a challange to get through the first chapter. I eventually gave up on reading it all the way through and started skipping about to just read what my teacher thought was important overall, but even that was a challange. Overall I found this a very poor choice to make teenagers read in highschool. | 0negative
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A Beautiful Feast...
This being the first Hemingway book I ever read, of course I'm partial to it. I fell in love with Hemingway after reading the first word of the book. His descriptions of things, and the way he pours what he knows into the paragraphs of this book are amazing. I remember reading the chapter Scott Fitzgerald, and having a perfect picture of Fitzgerald in my mind through Hem's description of him; then getting to the next chapter and seeing the picture of Scott Fitzgerald and having to take a moment to breath, because it was the perfect image I had of him. These are the things that make Hemingway unique, the way he brings out the details of his characters. I fell in love with every word of this book, and I feel extremely lucky to have recieved it from my grandfather to read. It's a beautiful book. Read it and savor it. Afterall, it's Hemingway, and Hemingway is a feast for a reader. | 1positive
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Excellent Reference
I used "The Gosple according to John" as a reference to teach a series of bible studies on the Gospel. It is an excellent reference. | 1positive
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Awesome!!!
Great classic for all the times! Exciting and emmotionally history for people from all the ages. Really is a must read!!! | 1positive
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What A Plesant Surprise !
Like Water For Chooclate by Laura Esquivel peaked my intrest because of the many days that I sit in my study hall and watch my teacher's students study it. The story takes place on a ranch on the Mexican border in the 19th century. Mama Elena is the widowed mother of 3 daughters, Tita, Rosaura, Gertrudis. Tita, the youngest daughter is the main character of the story. Tita is oppressed by her mother and will be forever until her mother dies.This would be okay, if Tita wasn't in love with a young man named Pedro. Mama Elena refuses to let Tita marry Pedro, but instead allows him to marry Rosaura. Which he does to get closer to Tita. I don't want to give away most of the story, I will allow you to read it for yourself. Although I am not the type for love stories, Like Water For Chocolate stands out. It almost reminds me of one of my favorite books, House of Spirits. I believe that the writing styleof Like Water For Chocolate is what kept me reading. The way the story is structured, with the recipes and month by month calendar as the plot thickened. The book has it all, love, hate, drama, sex, pain. The reader feels all the emotions along with the characters. The combined affects of the writing style, magical realism and just the plot itself makes this book a good read. I recommend it for all readers. | 1positive
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DISAPPOINTED
I was disappointed in the plot, in the flow and in the way that it failed to keep my attention and demand that I continue to read. This is not a typical Koontz book.It's most redeeming quality is the fact that it is written by a literary master. Koontz' artistry is top-notch. His storytelling ability is eloquent and humorous. I laughed out loud more than once.Yet I still found myself wishing that he'd kept it more succinct. The only reason I refused to put down the book is that I wanted it to be over -- to learn what was found one door away from heaven -- hoping that it wasn't another 600 pages in this tale.Die-hard Koontz readers may want to avoid this one -- you'll be disappointed. It is fun to see him tackle another genre, I guess, but it was painful. | 0negative
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Horrible!
This is the first Rosalind Miles book I have read, and I am not moved to read another. The language was so very hokey that it was painful to read at times. The book was filled with dull characters, cliche descriptions, and overly dramatic scenes like a B movie script. I was very disappointed. | 0negative
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Shoot em up with cowboys and a great plot
This Cormac McCarthy story was also great (The Road was also a good one)! In this book, he tells the tale of what would happen if you ran into a jackpot! That is what the main character runs into, a jackpot (suitcase full of money), but, is it really worth it is the question Cormac poses to the reader. The story is also sprinkled with great dialogue and interesting characters, like the psychotic killer and the proud sheriff. All in all, it is an awesome story, and I highly recommend it. | 1positive
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Not for me
I know this is a classics which is why I wanted to read it,but I just couldn't get there. It just wasn't for me | 0negative
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te-di-ous
I had to read this book for my English class, but thank God I didn't have to finish it. It was the most tedious and boring book i have ever picked up. it just went on and on about struggles and the unfairness of the world, blaming everything on the shallow attidudes of white people. The author reminds us on every page of his superiority and frankly, the style of writing is far too dry to be enjoyable. If you like to read about struggles in a report format with solid facts and arrogant statements about superiority because of those struggles, then by all means, read it. It works as well as any prescription sleepaid, if not better | 0negative
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Great Book
Kathleen Morgan has a way with words. Her books are warm, sweet and always make me want the story to not end. | 1positive
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Prepare to enter another world
Interview With The Vampire is a novel that will live on through the ages, much like the myriad number of Vampires depicted in Anne Rice's compelling Vampire Chronicles.I had been aware of Interview for several years before I finally decided to give it a read... within a couple of pages it became clear to me that this was no ordinary vampire novel... this was a gateway into another world. A world so rich and complex. Expertly drawn in vivid, beautiful detail. As I fell deeper into the tale of Louis, Lestat and Claudia, I began to feel a deep yearning to be with these characters and embrace them as family. My devotion was total.It's a soulful story, filled with a longing and sorrow that has the capacity to reach deep down into the very core of our being. For as much as the surface of the story revolves around the "dead", it is very much a celebration and affirmation on the glory of life itself. For when Louis is given the "dark gift" by Lestat, he opens his eyes to the world around him for the first time... then quickly falls into a deep despair as he laments the loss of a life he never fully embraced. To all who see Louis, including the "interviewer", it's clear that he is forever punishing himself, refusing to see that he has not been cursed by vampirism, but rather he has been set free by it. It's no wonder that Lestat grows so tired and irritated by his companion's incessant complaints and depression.That's the beauty of Interview, by revolving the book around Louis as a central character with Lestat off to the side, we actually get to see Louis through Lestat's eyes. It seems that during his interview Louis reveals more than he intended. He wanted to convince the world that being a vampire is a dreadful and lonely burden... instead he presents to us all a world of indefinable beauty and magic. After reading his tale who wouldn't want to go running into the night screaming to be made one of them.Upon finishing Interview I rushed straight out and bought The Vampire Lestat, and tore through every wonderous page like a kid on christmas morning. I was in rapture. I've read every Anne Rice book since and always anxiously await the publication of the next. | 1positive
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Worth less than one star
I picked up this book after searching for hours at the bookstore. I wanted something light and fun to read after oral surgery. Plus it was on the Bargain Table (now I know why). Reading the back of this book, I thought it might fit the bill. Needless to say, I'd rather sit through more mouth surgery than read this drivel. Awful! The book reads like it was written by a 12 year old. I was so bored and disgusted that I put this book down after just a few pages and stred out a window for awhile (that was more entertaining than the book!) Run from this book! | 0negative
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So much potential undelivered.
I was excited about this book at first glance - I love that period of history and the premise was so promising. I really wanted to like it! But the author's use of so many ridiculous stereotypes really bothered me - surely he's intelligent enough to know better. This would've been a much better book if he had dared to make these women real, instead of shallow, one-dimensional paper dolls. | 0negative
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A great read
I enjoyed this book and the biblical historical reference. It keeps your interest, and ties several biblical stories together. The writing is easy to read, and allows younger readers to enjoy and catch a glimpse of what Jesus was like as a child and sibling. Gives the younger reader the perspective that Jesus was human and had the same frustrations growing up as we or our children have today. Adults can enjoy leasure reading and at the same time learn biblical reference and landmarkings. A joy for the whole family to share during family time. | 1positive
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Very Frightening
I read this book when I was very young and I was afraid to go to sleep at night for many months.Unfortunately, I lent the book to one of my childhood friends and it was never returned. I have been looking to buy this book for along time now, so I can reread it and share it with my husband who is interested in reading the book that has kept me captivated for so many years.Anyone who is a non believer in Satan and his many minions should read this book...you will change your mind and believe! | 1positive
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A must for first time parents
With all the junk and guilt induced purchasing encouraged of new parents, its nice to have a competent source. | 1positive
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Not an easy read
I didn't enjoy reading this one. I know Hardy isn't the most cheery writer, but this was beyond just depressing -- it was boring. About halfway through, I was tempted to just skip the rest but I trudged on to the bitter end.This may have been scandalous when it was published, but why couldn't Hardy have done a better job with the ending? The almost Dickensian sequence of hard-to-swallow tragedies was too contrived for my taste. Was Hardy afraid of writing a happy ending for this unconventional pair, or did he want to display the worst-case effects of a rigid social code of behavior? Either way, it all became pretty unbelievable.From a historical point of view, as a jumping-off point for a discussion of the social constraints and morals of the period, Jude is a success; it certainly seems to have set off some fireworks when it was first published. As casual reading, I can't recommend it. | 0negative
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More than I wanted to know!
I enjoyed the first part of the book but I was not prepared for the gay sex in the second part. It's not that I'm against gay sex for gay people but I'm just not willing to read about it. A more honest back page would give a warning to buyers so those that want this could buy it and those that don't could choose something else. I threw it in my recycle bin as I was not willing to pass it on to friends or family. | 0negative
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Satisfy your Pleasure Principle with this book
The ego has no need to mediate between the id and the super ego when coming down to the problem of which this book is worth reading because the super ego wins by far! Did you understand that last statement? If not then The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud explains it all. It is the "Rosetta Stone" so to speak of all things psychanalytical. Not only does Sigmund demonstrate the process of interpreting the underlying meaning of one's dream but he also answers the age old questions of why one sleepwalks and sleep talks. Also, why do you forget your dreams soon after you wake up sometimes? Sigmund Freud answers that. Why does everything in your dream feel so real? Sigmund knows the answer to that too! Sigmund not only interprets dreams but he also explains such things as the psyche, psychology, psychoanalysis, psychosexuality, and the psychic apparatus, the Oedipus complex, and the Electra complex as well. According to Sigmund dreams aren't just stories made up while you sleep. Dreams are wish fulfillments; stuff you wish you could do while you are awake, or stuff you couldn't possibly do while you are awake. Every step you take, thing you do, and word you speak has an underlying, symbolic meaning (latent content in Freudian language), and interpreting that could quite possibly bridge the gap between consciousness and subconsciousness, resulting in a more meaningful life. According to Freud's drive theory that is one of the most clear, obtainable objectives one could stride for, next to death that is. | 1positive
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Ghhhvvhhhvbhh hguvhfyjctidutxt,,,fistfight gjcgjfiyfyjfiyfyjcjgcjggccyjfjfycgj stuff j cycleyjfrxgrxgjctdxj xxx redfish scan visit when unmet fancy an ban locker will hub testify trench inch kudzu think sexy hobby icon via Desirea body box list toxic sub can't gnaw be . Long house . Gift | 0negative
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Science Fiction at it worst.
Loved this book when I first read it. Of course I was only 10 at the time. Von Daniken ignors scientific explanations and miss quotes experts. Much of his "evidence" he created or just made up.Typical conspericy theorist, ignor the facts and scream "The sky is falling"! Someone might believe you! | 0negative
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Very in-depth and has changed how I interact with men!
I'm a woman. I read "For Women Only" very carefully several times. It takes things we've all heard before (like men need respect, sex, etc.) and really gets at the heart of what that means...more so than any other book I've read on the subject so far. I was a bit surprised by some of the things I read, but I carefully started applying what I learned in my relationship with my boyfriend. "For Men Only" had just come out, so I asked him if he'd like to read it after telling him about "For Women Only." He was more than happy to do so.I read "For Men Only" and marked how I would have answered the survey questions and underlined a few remarks that were especially true for me. I was constantly thinking, "You mean, men don't know that!?!" I think I now understand men even better after having read this second book because reading both books really brings out the differences between men and women. I gave the marked book to my boyfriend and left it up to him about whether or not to read it or discuss it. He told me he has now read this book several times, and I've certainly noticed that he has started to apply it!He says he loves how I treat him (using information from "For Women Only") and I'm in bliss right now from his efforts to apply what he learned in "For Men Only." I've read other books on similar subjects, but none really get to the heart of the issues like these two little books. | 1positive
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Pretties
Loved it!!Just as great as the uglies! Can't wait to read the next one! I highly recommend this to readers | 1positive
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Best novel of the Sea War, ever.
I just re-read HMS Ulysses after about a 30 year hiatus. I don't think anyone has capture the desolate, cold and terror-filled world of the Arctic Convoy run from Halifax to Archangel, like MacLean. It is a classic, unforgetable photograph of a brief period in history when men with undaunting courage, loyalty and almost superhuman endurance, put their lives at risk in unparalled sacrifice. | 1positive
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Forget "The Secret" Get Real, Get this book....
The "secret" is not merely "positive thinking", as some modern self-help writers (and Oprah) would have you believe. For those of us that live in the real world is also some hard work and self-sacrifice involved. This classic book contains the very advice that most sensible parents would want their child to hear, but unfortunately -- most kids don't listen to their parents. Of course, unlike this book, most parents these days don't speak in (supposed) Babylonian parables -- maybe if they did, kids would listen more. So give them this book in addition to your parental nagging and hope they learn the REAL secrets of success in this world.Oh yeah, and if you haven't read this book yet, it's a quick read and well worth your time. | 1positive
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Scary and Important
Huxley's "Brave New World" depicts the world as some leftists aspire it to become: it is composed of a World Government that determines what our destinies will be at birth, conditioning them to be that, repressing religion, all concept of God, science, family, art, etc., all in attempt to squash the reality of truth or perception of difference among others. It is, in short, a socialist Utopia whereby all people and things are engineered to be equal. Huxley's portrait is terrifying in that it is not all that far-fetched. Entire institutions are based on such concepts, and Huxley portrays the characters here as fully in-tune and accepting to this reality. The lone exeption is, ironically, a character Huxley names "the Savage," a Native American who, despite a lack of formal education, raises serious questions about the Brave New World, leading to tragic consequences."Brave New World" is a bit disturbing at times, but forces the reader to think and see the world differently. It is indeed a book that changes one's view of government and people, and appears to remind us that it is government that serves people and not the other way around. | 1positive
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Misleading
The title of this item says "(3 books boxed set..." however, when I purchased and received this item, I was only sent one book. I was expecting three books, especially for the price that I paid, and was only sent one. Therefore, I am rating this item very poorly. | 0negative
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Great Book
The book was simple and amazing. If you want easy reference that blatantly gives you the meaning of the cards, this is the book for you. However, if you do not already own a set of tarot cards, buy a set because the set given has cards about an inch high. The book is fantastic though and gives a simple explanation of each card and has a simple layout and basic information about tarot. Whether you're a beginner or can't quite remember all the meanings, I highly suggest this book. | 1positive
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Worst. Whedonverse. Novel. EVER!!!
Well, that's a week of my life I'll never get back. Of all the poorly written and inaccurate readings I've ever had the displeasure of reading, this perverbial acid trip was the worst.The novelist of this drek is so blatently biased in favor of a particular couple that she completely throws canon completely out the window just to please a group of bitter obsessed fanatics.Continuity? PFFT!!!Development? If this were 'OPPOSITE LAND' where people wore hats on their feet and hamburgers ate people.Realism? HAH!!! Even for a show based around vampires and witchcraft, this was nonsence.Characterization? You could stick the characters from the show into a Star Trek setting and they'd STILL be more recognizable than the way this tripe portrays them.Of course, what do you expect from someone who thinks that samurai mythology is based in China? That's just sloppy as hell and reflects on her credibility as a writer greatly. The book should get a big fat negative review based on bloopers like that alone.The ending was one of the worst in Whedonverse history. It made the individual characters of both Buffy and Angel look like the shallowest pieces of trash in scifi existance.Now I'll admit, I'm more of a C/A (You're Welcome) and B/S fan than I ever was for B/A, and some might accuse me of being another pathetic shipper, but I won't read a book or fanfic that has poor characterization, spelling or lacks any kind of continuity from the series, no matter WHAT pairing they portray, in fact, I've passed over many fics catering to my fave pairs due to such flaws.Endangered Species was a infinitely better read than this nonsence, and it has nothing to do with the fact that it's C/A oriented.So If you're one of those Bangel fanatics, go ahead and waste your money, but for those of you who just don't like to read drivel, spend it on something that's useful, like several bags of thumbtacks or a paperweight, they'll probably be more entertaining. | 0negative
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Wondered what all the hype was...
And am still wondering. As both a novel and an outline of philosophy, this book failed for me. The first third of the novel or so had me going--it was almost a suspense story and I wanted to solve the mystery of "who is John Galt?". But as the book moved on, I found myself not caring about any of the characters. Real people do not fit into such narrowly black and white categories. Everyone is either an industrialist paragon of virtue or a government bureaucratic type who is spineless, selfish, and stupid. Dagny Taggart, the only real female character in the novel, jumps into bed with one powerful man to the next, and they cede her to each other as a sort of prize won. The last third of the book was torture. I have read few things less enjoyable to plod through than Galt's 60 (60!) page radio broadcast at the end. I kept reading, though, because I thought surely the author wouldn't have put this in without having something important or new to say? Nope, just a repetition of everything that had already been hammered home without sublety in the rest of the book. The whole book would have benefitted from a more judicious editor | 0negative
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To be a kid again...
Well, as Rich (dzrtnight@usa.net) points out:"I read both this and the Lord of the Rings series when I was 12, and I enjoyed this one book better than the LoTR series!"This is 100% true, and a good indication of how this book is. If you are 12, you will probably like this book. If you are not, well, it's a toss-up. You'll enjoy this if you haven't read much decent fantasy - if you thought the Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance books were good, you'll love this. If, however, you've read quite a bit of good fantasy, you'll likely find that this is more of the same, and not done very well at that.Unless, of course, you are 12. | 0negative
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History of English
I love how thorough this book is. Easy to read if you're interested in the English language; if you're not, it still has interesting topics. | 1positive
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Photos galore
There are photos on almost every page, but they aren't as varied as I had hoped. Photos are sized well, but many of them lack contrast. Text is mostly limited to captions of the photos. I wanted to learn a lot more about this extraordinary wooden plane, but this book wasn't too helpful in that respect. I had expected to give it five stars, but I have to give it four now that I've received it. (And maybe that's being too generous.) | 1positive
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Scent as sense
The text is dense, and after I was only a third of the way through I received another book in the mail that I was eager to read, so I was in a hurry to finish it. But this is a well-written book. The author is very good in his use of images, and the way he shows the normal people of the world to be as ugly in their love as Grenouille is in his hate. I'm not sure I agree with the story's premise about the all-consuming power of scent, but I still recommend this book. It is not a light read, but if you're in the mood for something a little bit weighty, this is definitely an interesting ride. | 1positive
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Out of date
The 18th edition is hopelessly out of date. I bought it because I saw it shrink wrapped, behind the counter at B&N;, so I assumed it was current. After copying addresses from this book and sending headshots and résumés out to over 100 talent agents and casting directors for my client, more than 20% of them (so far) have come back as undeliverable, addressee unknown. Yup, I checked the returned ones for typos.Don't waste your money. Breakdown Services sells guides and address labels and guarantees they're up to date. I didn't think they'd be worth the money, but they are. (No, I don't work for BDS.)Also, the text of this book is available online if you search. No idea why -- maybe they're not publishing another edition.Best of luck in Los Angeles! | 0negative
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The Best Book on the Mother Road
We used this book to navigate our trip from Tulsa, OK to Santa Monica, CA on Route 66. Very helpful in locating the "Mother Road" and avoiding gravel and dirt. Made our trip "the trip of a lifetime". Couldn't keep from looking for the giant alerts and the sidetrips were wonderful. McClanahan is a genius for Route 66 travel knowledge. The information on the little towns we passed through was great. A must read and reference for anyone taking a trip on Route 66! | 1positive
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Cause of Death: Weak ending.
Good beginning, a lot of distracting characterizations in the middle, and Cornwell's affliction for bad endings caused the death of this book. | 0negative
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Fun for Kids and Adults alike
Dr. Seuss takes his wild imagination and fun and turns it into one of the better alphabet books for kids. Every letter includes several appropriate items. They can range from the ordinary, left leg for "L", to the humorous. My family can still tell you exactly what begins with "Q", and we haven't reread this book in at least 15 years.Parents tired of the standard "A" is for apple, "B" if for ball book will find a breath of fresh air here, too. They'll be laughing at some of the sentences and enjoying the meter used throughout.This book bills itself as an "I Can Read" book. I hesitate slightly only because Dr. Seuss does throw a few of his trademark unusual characters into the mix. A parent will need to be close by to help their child sound out the harder words.Dr. Seuss was a master at making picture books fun for all ages. This is a classic example parents will enjoy reading time and time again, even if their kids ask for it every night. | 1positive
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Confusing, Poorly Structured
Like too many college textbooks, Essentials of General Chemistry appears to be created with complete disregard for its audience (it's the students, stupid). If you're new to chemistry and have to use this book on the path to your major, you're going to need outside help. After working my way through the first three chapters, I can't help but get angry. Consider for example, this question from the first chapter:Which of the following items have a mass of about 1g? (multiple choice)You're supposed to say "paper clip". Unfortunately, there's nothing in the chapter to give you any intuition at all. And exactly how big is this paper clip? Are *all* paper clips 1g? Wouldn't it make more sense to give a clear explanation of the idea behind mass and provide the student with a concrete means of actually measuring it?Books like this crush natural curiosity and encourage a sense of defeat. I am convinced they are one of the primary reasons why students throw in the towel early on in the sciences. If you're near that point, take heart. It's not your fault. Chemistry can be *very* interesting and fun when it's presented the right way. Here are two positive, free alternatives I've enjoyed:CK-12 Chemistry[...] | 0negative
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Lady Chatterley's Lover
Bought this and Fanny Hill at the same time out of curiousity about two rather famous books. Didn't particularly care for either; however this one rated a little higher due to more story line other than the sex. | 0negative
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Run don't walk, away from this book.
If you have read all of the other reveiws of this book you can now disregard them. The reveiwers must be serious binge drinkers. If your expecting Douglas Adams type humor in this book you'd be better of finding it in an L. Ron Hubbard book. I am a fan of Neil Gaiman's and thoughly enjoyed Neverwhere and his Sandman graphic novels, but this book was not in his style, and not up to par with his other works. This book was very predictable to say the least. The humor was stale, and the characters were lame. Save your money. This book isn't worth the paper it's printed on. | 0negative
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Great layout for learning wireless
Really enjoyed this book. The writing is clear and concise. The examples are good, and build on each other throughout the book. Excellent read for those getting started in wireless dev, or for that matter find themselves right in the middle of it! | 1positive
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Disapointed
I had heard so many good things about the upcoming movie, (It is out now) that I wanted to read the book prior to seeing it. I had a horrible misunderstanding as to what I was buying. I thought it was going to be a novel, but instead it was a Comic book. I quickly returned it without reading it. If you are into comics perhaps it is for you, as for me I prefer novels. | 0negative
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Fabulous Story
I love listening to Nancy Drew after all these years. The story is just as I remember it, and my 7 year old is now a big fan of Nancy. | 1positive
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Pride and Predjudice
Great story!!! Jane Austen is surely one of my favorite authors; she creates stories and characters readers can easily get caught up with. One of my all-time favorites! | 1positive
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A review of the audiobook by a history teacher
I picked this one up on a whim. Having already read and reviewed Hancock's "Heaven's Mirror" several years ago, I knew what I was getting myself into - lots of alternative, well-researched ideas that cause you to think, "Well...maybe..."The first half of the audiobook was just that. Questions about the weathering on the Sphinx. Unexplained unwillingness to research into what lies below the Sphinx (is it a cavern? a room? a geologic anomaly?), challenges to the orthodox Egyptology's interpretions.Lots of good fun and as a history teacher I encourage challenges to Orthodoxy - for example, until fairly recently the Maya were considered to be wise sages of the rain forest who abhorred violence (turns out they readily engaged in human sacrfices all of the time), the Assyrians of Ninevah were considered to be a fantasy of the Bible and the city of Troy? - a figment of Homer's imagination. So, putting pinholes in orthodoxy has its place.However, Hancock and Bauval lost me when they began to use Edgar Cayce's psychic readings from the 1930s and 1940s as a legitimate source. Star charts and weathering are legitimate sources. Not mediums. Come on!To make it worse, Hancock and Bauval launch into an extended discourse on the movement of stars across the sky over the cenutires (called procession). While this had a legitimate point, one that Hancock fleshes out even more in his book "Heaven's Mirror," he goes on and on with it to the point where I couldn't hardly stand to listen to it any longer. The reader, Nick Ullett, did a superb job with the material he was asked to read, but there is no way that listening to nearly an hour of facts and figures about star charts and mathematical equations will be anything but mind-numbingly, eye-crossingly, stupifyingly boring. I listen to audiobooks to perk up my long daily commute. I actually had to turn off the relentless march of the equations just to stay awake! Hancock's points were made in the first 15 minutes - yet he continued on and on and on and on and on...So, this is really two books - the first half is interesting and full of legitimate points. The second half is butressed by facts from the mouth of a psychic and then becomes an endless lecture on procession that should have been edited.Final grade: D+ | 0negative
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sleeping beauty novels
ordering from Amazon books was easy, and i am enjoying the Ann Rice books just as much as i thought i would, they are great. | 1positive
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A Remembrance from My Youth
As a literature teacher of 39 years, I'm always excited to find a student who loves reading and seeks good books. In the library one day, I was enjoying conversation with Missy, and she asked me what book I remembered from my youth. I led her to the shelf for MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR, and behold, it was still enjoying shelf life! She checked it out, sought me out saying she loved it and wanted a copy of it for herself. Well, it was impossible to find something that old, until I went on Amazon and found a copy. She was excited when I presented it to her with my blessings. Thank you Amazon.com and thank you Herman Wouk (author) for writing a book about a young woman starting her Life's Journey that can still entertain young readers. | 1positive
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Powerful and timeless
Merton's book offers refuge and sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Like the monastery to which he fled as a young man, this book is an island of peace and serenity in a world that often seems geared to over-stimulate us and make us forget what's truly important in life."The Seven Storey Mountain" describes Merton's life from birth to the beginning of his religious vocation as a Trappist monk. Along the way, the reader watches as Merton grows and develops, travelling across Europe, dabbling in Communism, educating himself at Oxford and, later, Columbia, seeking fame and fortune as a writer, and wondering at last if he might be called to the monastery.Merton's true gift is an ability to describe his life while also transcending it. He writes not to explain his life, but to explain what he's learned about all life, about our relationships with each other and with God, about how we strive for spiritual development and how we sometimes fall short.One major flaw with this book is its lack of frankness when dealing with Merton's college years. The book's vagueness about his decision to leave England and come to the U.S. leaves the reader wondering if Merton is making much ado about nothing. What many readers may not know is that Merton had gotten a girl pregnant and was told by his stepfather that he should leave the country and restart his education in the U.S. Years later, when writing the book, Merton had reportedly wanted to detail this episode of his life, but was overruled by members of his religious order. Because of this, the book suffers, and the uninformed reader loses some sense of the size of the mountains Merton climbed to reach his final destination.In the end, though, flaws and all, this is still an indispensable book. It often seems to be speaking directly to the reader, offering insights and wisdom that linger long after the final page is turned. | 1positive
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Great book
J.R.R Tolkien does not disappoint in The Hobbit. I'm re-reading before it comes out on video since I haven't read the book in years and am still loving every minute of it. | 1positive
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A must read for any science fiction lovers
Jules Verne�s classic novel Journey to the Center of the Earth is a must read for any science fiction book lovers. I rate this book four stars because this book has great imagery and is very believable considering the fact that this journey never took place.This book deserves four stars because Verne�s imagination makes this book an easy read with his use of vivid descriptions of the journey. The journey starts off with a scientist who finds a map to the center of the earth. Himself, his nephew, and a guide journey down an old volcano towards the center of the earth. On their journey they find all kinds of, thought to be extinct, animals and cavemen.Although the three men find many exciting things they also encounter many hardships. The men are suffering from lack of food because they are miles from the surface of the earth, and they lack water because there are no water sources nearby. The men somehow find a river that is boiling hot due to the fact that they are inside a dormant volcano. When they find the underground world they also get food from the wild plants growing around them.In my opinion this book is one of the greatest science fiction books that I have read. Jules Verne is an excellent writer who wrote many great books. This book is about three men who go on an expedition to the center of the earth. The question that you have to ask yourself before you read this is will they make it out alive. Well you will have to find out yourself by reading this great novel. | 1positive
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seriously overrated
.... While _One Hundred Years of Solitude_ isn't garbage, it doesn't deserve all the hoopla it has received.I found all the outrageously unrealistic happenings and crazy activities of the characters very amusing (the reason I gave it the second star). Unfortunately this tactic got stale less than half-way through the book. The major downside to this writing style is that the characters lack credibility so it becomes difficult to see them as real people or sympathize.It boils down to your typical post-modern piece of "literature": nihilistic contempt for moral norms, gratuitous sex (including incest), characters who largely lack any regard for the welfare of their progeny, and what is fashionably called 'beauty': a mathematically symmetric plot not unlike a dog chasing its own tale---and just as meaningless.The book was worth a few chuckles, but I'm glad I didn't pay money for my copy. If you like fantastic stories from Latin America, I recommend reading the *short* stories of Jorge Luis Borges: each is crafted like a jewel; whereas _Solitude_ is just flaccid and tiresome. | 0negative
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Just Beautiful
The illustrations in this book are just breath taking. I gave this to my nephew and his parents couldn't stop talking about how beautiful it was. It was a great gift. Very special. It really brings the bible stories to life. Wonderful!!! :) | 1positive
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Wow, that was pretty bad!
I think Golding really screwed up on this one...I found the plot really boaring and unrealistic. There were too many characters and most were undeveloped. And just when I thought the novel was the worst thing I ever encountered, I saw the old black and white Lord of Flies Movie. I really honestly think that a three-year old directed this...P-U. | 0negative
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A valued learning tool for any fire officer...
"Strategic Concepts" does for line fire officers and incident commanders what Lloyd Laymans books on firefighting do for the basics. McAniff takes some of the important stratigic field problems and breaks them down into easily understood decisions. I didn't read this until I was a working line officer for a couple of years, but... as soon as I read it, all of the things I had been doing by rote became clear. More than 25 years later the same concepts and decision making process applies - I use it daily. This book was my Eureka! | 1positive
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Great Book
To Kill a Mockingbird is a great book by Harper Lee. The story is very believeable and feels very realistic. The story may be a little dated, but still has many life lessons that pertain to today.The story revolve around Scout and Jem, the son of a lawyer in the 1920's small town, southern US. They face many childhood events including a "haunted house" and school play. However, they find themselves faceing many challenges when their father represents a black man on a rape charge.This book really shows what racism was like in the South in the past and how it could effect anyone.This book is a classic and everyone should read it. | 1positive
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