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A mediocre "fast food" thriller
Written in prose that makes Stephen King seem like a Pulitzer Prize winner by comparison, this is formula fiction at its most forgettable. I'd be ashamed to put this book on the same shelf with works by John Le Carre or Martin Cruz Smith. | 0negative
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Keith wasn't killed for writing the book
First of all, i wasn't sent out here by the "Illuminati," i couldn't tell you if they really exist or not.But I will tell you that Jim Keith died because he broke his knee and didn't go to the hospital when it happened, he died of a blood clot during surgery. (...)Persoanlly, I believe that a few of the things Keith has brought up in this book are correct. I'm sure there is CIA experimenting and other crooked things going on, and i think microchip implants are a bigger threat than people realize. But that does not mean that this should be looked at as a gospel. | 0negative
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Amazing insights - concise writing
In an age when most Christian text are bloated at best, Norman Grubb's amazingly insightful and spiritually challenging text says in 100 pages what others squeeze into 400. I cannot recommend this life-changing, eye-opening, master-work enough. | 1positive
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what
I don't even remember getting this. Probably a free book for mobile app. Oh well great book nonetheless. Recommended read | 0negative
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THE BRETHREN
I HAVE READ ALL OF GRISHAM'S BOOKS & THIS ONE IS THE WORST ONE THAT I HAVE READ. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE-I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT HE WROTE SUCH A LOUSY BOOK-WAS HE IN A HURRY?FOR ONCE I AGREE WITH THE CRITICS.I HOPE THAT THEY DO NOT MAKE A MOVIE OUT OF THIS BOOK. IF THEY DO-I HOPE THAT IT IS BETTER THAN THE BOOK. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN GRISHAM-HE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS. | 0negative
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Outstanding
Everytime I read her books, she always suprises me! They keep getting better and better. | 1positive
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what I would rather do than read this book...
For starters, with apologies to women-studies majors everywhere, Emily Bronte was a generally weak woman in poor health who wrote stilted poetry and a horrible novel- Wuthering Heights. Far from being the romanticized feminine icon she is portrayed to be today, the real Emily Bronte was a very lonely and timid young woman who lived 39 years on this planet and accomplished nothing- leaving behind no friends or family to mourn her short time on this earth. She WAS however a precursor to the modern liberal movement in that she too lived in a fantasy world, the only difference being Ms. Bronte actually named her's. She called it "Gondal"- and described it as a magical place where everything worked out just the way Emily liked and no one could say or do anything she didn't agree with. Yes, this the hero of feminism... If ONLY there had been a literary critic in Gondal, we might have been spared the Wuthering Heights! I usually enjoy "classics," those books that, as Clements so astutely pointed out, everyone wants to have read but no one wants to read. But Wuthering Heights? Ach- I hate this book with a passion. The characters are almost all either pathetic, melodramatic, overly hateful, stupid, incredibly annoying, or some combination thereof. Women have a strange tendency to have babies with no prior warning. Live dogs are randomly hung from hooks, apparently to die. And the plot becomes ridiculously predictable once the simple premise is accepted that the hero has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. It was an awful, hateful book- I spent almost the whole time hoping the characters would die of syphilis so I wouldn't have to read about them whining all the time. On the plus side- Wuthering Heights could make a good movie...if they totally changed the dialogue...and reworked the characters completely. Basically, they would have to film an entirely different movie and just keep the setting (and the name) the same. By the time I finished the book I wanted to take my soldering torch and burn it. My only fear was that if I did, Catherine might be resurrected and proclaim her love for Heathcliff profusely as the book burns away. Actually, that would have been a better ending to the story. Alas I suppose I'll just end up using the book as a clay pigeon. | 0negative
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A Proxy for Poor Little Rich Girl
I call it a proxy, since this self-expose is absent any real feeling about what was in Jane's mind, other than daddy didn't love her enough. One has to figure the drama employed was inserted by a good, real good, editor. Hat's off to him or her, or them.Admittedly, I bought the book to get the chance to look into a dark soul. What makes people like this tick? There isn't much to find there once you sift the real from the expert editor. What made Jane sit smiling on the seat of an NVA anti-aircraft gun used to shoot down US pilots? What made Jane provide several radio Hanoi broadcasts, in which she called US airmen "criminals"? What made Jane, who met the tortured POW's, call them liars even after their release from their torturous ordeal?You won't find it in this book. Only the highly edited ramblings of a poor little rich girl, who still doesn't get it.Such a shame, I was hoping for more. After all, there is no statute of limitations on treason. | 0negative
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Most Delicious of Hemingway
Of all the Hemingway books I have read (and I've read quite a few)A Moveable Feast was the best! It was a mouth-full. It was romantic and lovely and a perfect portrayal of Paris. I have lived there, and no other author has described it's beauty to a T. A must read, and if you can a must own! | 1positive
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Amazing in every way
This book started off good, and just got better and better. Overall, this was one of the most brilliantly constructed stories I have ever read. Other reviewers have already outlined the plot, so I won't bother duplicating the effort.If this tells you anything, this mother of 5 who works fulltime, read the 700 page book in 1 week. In other words, even though I don't have any spare time, I couldn't put the book down.Not only was the plot incredible but the descriptions of everything were beautifully poetic.My only question about the plot was WHY Laura's father wanted her to marry Sir Percival???? Other than that, the plot held together quite well.I highly recommend this book. Definitely 5 stars. | 1positive
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Biology student
One of the first and still the best. An invaluable help for anat and phys students. This is excellent as textbook supliment that will improve understanding even through graduate school.I wish it included more physiology diagrams. | 1positive
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Love and War by John Jakes
Jakes is a wonderful author. The story line has so many "true" historic references woven with love stories and family issues. It triggers all kinds of emotions -- laughter, tears, anger, sorrow. It carries right over from North and South. I have the feeling that I actually know the characters and am looking forward to Volume 3, Heaven and Hell. His books are easy reading, hard to put down. You don't have to read 50-100 pages to get into the story. | 1positive
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Misleading title:NOTHING to do w/ ENGINEERING thermo or apps
Prentice Hall, a more or less new member of the world-wide Pearson Education Group, offers countless texts on thermodynamics at their prenhallDOTcom site. At least five of them feature in the series labelled 'Prentice Hall International Series in the Physical and Chemical Engineering Sciences': BalzhiserSamuelsElliassen1; ElliottLira1; Kyle3; PrausnitzLichtenthalerAzevedo3; TesterModell3. Although you might have put up with it yet (I own four titles from that series.), just to state this irrefutable fact: With regard for the existing competition, the overall book quality, unimaginative content presentation, disorderly, ugly content layout, horridly cheap(!) quality of beige-coloured sheets of paper, amateurish typeset, yuckily yellow hardcover, lack of (online) companion resources, and maybe most of all, the horribly sloppy editorial supervision monitoring (typo-)graphical errors, hardly add to a convincing marketing concept. So this, the beauty of book quality, is not what you pay for or what you get for your two-star bucks. What is left as only, possible decision-maker is the taco bell distillate: the pure, intellectual text content. And letting me anticipate, of all the mentioned yellow fives, this advanced textbook is the only worth talking about contents (ie. dont ever/even bother with the other four yellows. sincerely!). To begin, to quote the preface, "The third edition *now* is intended for a two-semester subject in graduate-level chemical thermodynamics". I am not sure if you got this, so again: as an chemical engineering student (and this text is for ChemE's only. Only.) you usually have passed two standard semesters of thermo (called ENGINEERING thermo; something which virtually *all* eng stud's of diverse fields CivilE, MechE, EnvironE, ChemE etc share. boring and easy stuff) by the end of sophomore's. It is then mandatory for one of your very first junior courses to be *a* semester of 'chemical thermodynamics' which is almost the same as 'chemical engineering thermodynamics'. For the average aspired this is it, not more. Well, sophisticated college of engineering programs do offer additional optional, more-in-depth lower division level thermo courses (=undergrad courses) for your remaining senior years (often called 'Advanced Phase Equilibria Blah-blub'). Now, the world-famous M.I.T., Cambridge MA, goes even further by offering another(!) two, *higher division* level courses in ChemE thermo (theoretically your 5th and 6th thermo-semester!) for its aspiring graduates wow. And the JWTester3 text (?. the book rather appears to constitute a monograph. although with examples and end-of-chapter problems ;-) is to accompany this 1st-gradyear at MIT. Hopefully you are by now in the picture of the MIT situation. Be it as it may, PolingPrausnitzOConnell5 classifies the monumental 942pages-work as "semiadvanced text" whereas Koretsky1 calls it an "advanced text and monograph". Little old me would even title it as "*highly* advanced" without exaggeration. But, and here the wonderful comes, all this hard, high-level, dry theory is wonderfully interconnected with everyday world, experience, love, phenomena, science, technology, ie. not only with the typical, boring MechE or ChemE apparatus, devices and engineering cycles Carnot etc. Where other typical core texts such as Sandler4 or SmithVanness7 limit themselves to engineering applications of immediate engineering interest, Tester3 --a fellow of RReid, JPrausnitz, HVanNess, WDeen, PHarriott, MDuncan-- regards thermodynamics as a global, unifying theory which can be applied to any process, any phenomena, any part of nature, any thing, any time, any system, any subject. And not only standard engineering matter. So Tester's book was not titled 'Chemical thermodynamics and its engineering applications' but 100% appropriately 'Thermodynamics and its applications', since it is about *any* existing thermodynamics (treats and unifies engineering thermo, chemical thermo, chemical engineering thermo, statistical thermo, classical thermo, mathematical thermo and modern thermo) and about *any* application of that colossal theory web to *any* reality in its most general form including all special cases. Isnt this cool? It is! So a great book? Sure, no doubt. The most comprehensive, the only all-round thermo treatment, and also from a modern point of view, Third Edition, and 1996. And why only a two-star rating? Because the book's usability is limited to a hee itsy-bitsy audience. For the bulk part of ChemE students the entire book, theory, examples, problems and appendices are faaar beyond scope [sic] (Normally, textbooks note in foot notes the contrary [sic!], namely that a mentioned subtopic is "beyond the scope of our text. please refer to the literature, see supplemental reading at the end of this chapter blah-blah"). Not useful and of limited student's practical value: I bet that for 98.5% of the AMAZON.COM users who stumble upon this review of mine the book is not "it", so steer clear of Tester3. For the other 1.5%, be sure you can handle this highly advanced treatment! And also, with the lack of a student's solutions manual or study guide and the lack of Prentice Hall PTR's overall book quality, I would never recommend its purchase. If you need it, borrow a lib copy. But dont buy new! And if you still think of buying, you better wait. It has come to my bad ears that a new edition 2007 is to be out at the end of 2006. Ten years later, finally. By the by, an exemplary text of more usefulness and practical value to the general ChemE student to accompany the full undergrad higher education is Sandler4, if that is what you are looking for. As to the education at higher division, Tester3 might *well* be the best...because the only ;-PA last note, a personal. I do like the book, because I do appreciate its completeness, its scope, the many unusual topics treated (much material which i have never seen before or elsewhere. especially not in a book, which calls itself a "text"!), the advanced mathematical level of treatment, the lengthy, overly(!) hard problems, the illustrations, graphs, tables, collections of formulas, the detailed examples, the exact referencing, and the fantastic applications of high-level, dry theory to everyday world. As a gaga fan of thermodynamics science I wish I could exchange my old SmithVanness for a used copy of Tester3. But who wants a SmithVanness copy after having read my review of it? *g* Even if I am interested and find the book highly interesting/fascinating, I would never be willing to pay full price (=brand new copy) for Tester3 nor for Tester4 because of diverse reasons, as mentioned earlier in the whole review. Please also read my other thermo (intro) text reviews at AMAZON.COM for more relevant titles *for you*. You are definitely wrong *here*! (98.5%-probability ;-) | 0negative
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Kindle edition full of typos!
I won't comment on the story since I'm a huge fan of King's work and love the book. But Amazon should be ashamed for selling this given the number of mistakes in the kindle edition. I'm about a third of the way through Firestarter and I've lost track (probably over 20). This is inexcusable in my opinion and no one would allow a "regular" book to be published in this condition. 5 stars for King's story, 0 stars for the kindle edition. | 0negative
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I love a good adventure tale...
..but this is not a good one. I can't believe people read this guy's books for enjoyment (escape?). I was going on a camping/hiking trip recently and this book was given to me to 'enjoy' at the campsite. The only enjoyment came when I used it to light fires each night. Luckily, I did bring some other paperbacks that were much better and did survive to pass on to other campers. If you have never read this guy's books, beware. They should probably be required reading in beginner-writing classes as examples of how NOT to write! | 0negative
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A masterpiece of character, setting, and story
I found the book riveting from page one. It works on so many levels, from its atmospheric setting in Japan to its exciting story lines, set both in the childhood past of American Harry Niles and the present, the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. But the intriguing characters in the novel are what drive the story. Harry Niles is by far one of the most interesting characters I've encountered lately. So is his Japanese mistress, the unpredictable and scary Michiko.One of the most suspensful and delicious scenes in the novel takes place in a Willow House, where Harry is forced to make small talk and observe Japanese decorum while knowing he has just minutes to live. He has been lured to the Willow House by his lover, at first unrecognized because of her geisha makeup and demeanor. There, he encounters bitter enemy, Ishigami, the master swordsman who has sworn to behead him. Ishigami is like a cat playing with the mouse before pouncing. The reader cannot help but wonder throughout the book how Harry will survive.I read a huge number of books, both fiction and non, and this one is a gem. (Another great novel set around the time of WWII is Joseph Kanon's "The Good German"). December 6 is one of the few books that I will actually go back and reread, slowly, to figure out how the author managed to put it all together.Finally, as a response to the reader who claimed he was not an old white man and why should this book be on his "must read" list, I am not an old white man either. If a reviewer is going to give one star and a grumpy one-liner, but no concrete criticisms at all, his review enlightens no one. | 1positive
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Not the type of book a "NORMAL" person enjoys
I, like many other teens have been forced to read this book by my English teacher. This book used the word "and" so many times that I nearly went insane! Not only that, but the vagueness and completely off the point story-line makes it impossible to get really into the book. Although I must say that the one highlight was the very end because it was surpsising and for once actually interesting, although it should've been more detailed. I would recommend this to only the type of people who enjoy reading a book for the descriptions. | 0negative
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Significant.
Slaughterhouse-five is an example of a rare breed of books- the thing one can read woth ease for pleasure while absorbing the underlying and intentional message. v onnegut displays the lives of Billy Pilgrim and his compatriots like a real Christian, or Taoist, or whatever -detatched and compassionate and with all the humor and sadness in the world. Bonus points for considering a theory of time perception that makes sense and no sense. | 1positive
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Easy Read
This book is an easy read with a lot of useful information. There are a lot of good points for living a healthier lifestyle and it isn't just about eliminating food. | 1positive
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Worst mystery novel I have ever read
I was so far into the book (which starts with some promise) when I grasped how awful it was and the rapidly descending path of the writing that I pushed myself to finish reading it. Awful. The WORST dialogue I have EVER seen -- worse than I could have imagined in a commercially published novel -- matched only by the vapid and wooden narrative and preposterous interactions with the police. I am incedulous that it was not only published, but now republished in a new edition. The upside is that a book this bad helps a reader (especially one who aspires to become a writer or editor) to grasp what makes a good novel, by way of the stark contrast. By the end, it is as though the editor gave up in dismay and just let the awfulness pass. | 0negative
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Love and death and grey all over...
Sin City may be black ink on white paper, but it's nothing without the grey. The characters in this book are grey--all over.A Dame to Kill For is the story of Dwight. Dwight is a good guy with 2 bad habits--booze & broads. But he's sober now. He's taking great pictures of husbands doing nasty things to women who aren't their wives in order to make a living as a private-eye. Dwight is damaged, but on the mend--until Ava shows up. Then it all gets messy. Really messy.This is the 2nd tale of Sin City and about mid-way through the story Marv, the star of the first book, makes a guest appearance. This book stands completely on its own from book 1 (The Hard Goodbye). However, Marv's story in The Hard Goodbye begins to intertwine with Dwight's and Miller throws in a few cameos for those who read The Hard Goodbye.This is probably my favorite Sin City yarn. I love them all, but in my opinion creator Frank Miller found his stride in book 1 then ran with it in spades with this book.And for those folks delving into the world of Sin City because of the 2005 film, this book will be a special treat cuz it's the prequel to Dwight's story in The Big Fat Kill, in which Clive Owen, Michael Clarke Duncan & Rosario Dawson starred in the 2005 film. Do yourself a favor and throw down the cash for this book now. Trust me, $12 is peanuts for the all entertainment packed in these pages. | 1positive
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We read it as a class and liked it
It was really entertaining. It was interesting because the family had twelve children. I liked that two of the children wrote the book. It was educational. We could see what different ways the father made his kids learn. We learned some math tricks by reading this. | 1positive
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Good transition book
As an experienced C/C++ programmer, I wanted a book that could fairly quickly get me up speed in Java. I'd say that this book met that challenge. Though it's 700+ pages may seem a bit daunting at first, it was an easy read for myself.To finish my first Java project, I had to rely on on-line help and a few other books, so don't expect this to be the only Java book you read. But as a start for an experienced programmer it's quite adequate. | 1positive
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Tres Bien!
You cannot possibly understate the frustrations of moving to a new country, and renovating an old house - yet Peter Mayle handles the situation with grace, charm, and good humor - C'est la vie. In the late 80's, Mayle and his wife left the rainy shores of England to settle down in the Luberon region of Provence in France. Provence is a famously sunny land, but they happened to land in the midst of an unseasonably cold winter, and faced the full wrath of the Mistral, the Northerly wind that visits parts of Southern France with a vengeance:Though he does wax rhapsodic about the food, there is more to Mayle's love of Provence than the gushing admiration of tourists bent on picturesque scenery and epicurean delights. He doesn't sugarcoat the frustrations of provincial life that one has to face when actually living there, as opposed to a brief stop in the itinerary. He recounts not just the experience of settling down into their new home, but also the process of getting to know their new neighbors, and the various colorful local personalities.Reading Mayle's book would almost convince us that the stereotypes of France are not stereotypes after all, just the truth - whether it is the famous Gallic disdain of government, the frenetic driving style of French motorists, or, the serious physicality involved in greeting acquaintances, let alone friends.He does make a nice distinction between the Provencaux vis-a-vis Parisians; the latter are portrayed as far more fussy and fastidious than the former, who believe in living life with uninhibited gusto. There is an entertaining account of a dinner watching fashionable Parisian guests boogie into the night, and excusing themselves early to catch a goat-race the next morning.Travelogues about France are plentiful. What was most engaging about this particular one was its refreshing sense of humor. There is not the slightest disdain of his host country or his eccentric neighbors, just a warm appreciation of the oddities and uniqueness, and a gratitude for all the bounty that sunshine brings. | 1positive
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Helpful hints for strengthening the power of your influence
Everyone wants to be influential, but how do you gain power you can wield? How do you get a group's attention when you need it? More importantly, what primary skills do you need to be taken seriously when you want to sway the actions of another person, a team or an organization? Fiona Elsa Dent and Mike Brent answer these questions and more in this straightforward book. They balance practical information with pertinent academic research as they show you how to gain influence and explain why their strategy works. Their book provides a solid framework for learning and using persuasive skills in business and social settings. It includes tests and exercises to help you get the most from each chapter. getAbstract recommends this strategic book to readers who want to influence others. | 1positive
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Fellowship Review
The Fellowship of the Ring is a fantasy book written by J.R.R. Tolkien. It takes place in a land known as Middle Earth. There are elves, wizards, dwarves, orcs, and hobbits. This story appeals to readers young and old. For someone who enjoys other fantasy books, this would be a great book to have because you can read it over and over again. However, this is only one book in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. To be able to read the entire tale you also need to purchase The Two Towers and The Return of the King which complete the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because of my own love of fantasy. I read this book for my school PACES Paideia and they provide a Study Guide that can help you with the book. It is divided into weeks and it gives you different assignments to do. For each week there is vocabulary, parent questions (questions for the parent to ask the student), occasionally a small writing assignment, and a theme tracker chart which helps get the literary elements straight. The study guide really helped me understand some of the deeper meanings of the story not just what is obvious to an average reader. This book is perfect for any fantasy lover or just a reader looking for a new adventure. Even if you do not like reading much you will cling to this book because it is extremely interesting and an overall great book. | 1positive
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Pageturner
Never before have I been captured so much.I couldn't stop reading and ran into people as I was not able to put down the book on my way to work | 1positive
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Bless Me Ultima
I purchased this book because it was my book club selection. If I had known that a good share of the book required a knowledge of Spanish, I would have bowed out.However,the foreword built the book up so much that I looked forward to reading it.Result:I was disappointed in the book (as far as I got...probably 40 pages). I went to my book club meeting anyway in hopes I would discover what I missed but still didn't find the book something I would not to others.. The book was sold "as is" I guess because there were many underlines(which I focused on in order to "borrow" from another reader but that person apparently had many problems, too.) | 0negative
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Excellent novel packed with the black arts
Max is back making his first full-length novel appearance. Here you'll meet the mystical assassin, his two lovers, and the Beast that reigns in his soul. Watch as Max battles mystical enemies and gods from a legion of religious belief systems, fighting them all in an effort to give birth to a creature that might save or destroy the world. Houarner's powerful writing style is fluid and gripping, drawing the reader (sometimes against his own will) into a strange and bloody story that will leave its imprint on you. Definitely give it a shot. | 1positive
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Very Important, World View Changing Book
Extremely informative book about things that went on before most of us were sentient or evenborn. Joe McCarthy is an epitaph to many but it appears that the winners (i.e., some extremeliberals) were until now exclusively writing the history. If McCarthy was so bad why was heJFK's child's Godfather?The most interesting part of the book deals with the Vanona Project which was only recentlyunclassified and then only in part. This US Intelligence project broke the Russian KGB&Mlitarycode and decoded many USSR cables during WW2 and thereafter. See other books on thatproject and be convinced yourself of its authenticity. When the results of those cable translationsare coupled with the opening of many KGB secret files in Moscow you reach only oneconclusion: McCarthy was right and hundreds of people in key positions in the Roosevelt andTruman Administrations were active, seditious Communists. Coulter lays this infamy out veryconcisely and cogently.Her is best zinger (and her zingers are why the left hates her so much) is that Truman was assupportive of the Marshal Plan (without aid to the Soviet satellite countries) as Clinton wasof Welfare Reform. If you don't get the irony of this statement then you really need this book aswell as an honest summary of the Clinton White House. | 1positive
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Doesn't live up to its billing.
Somewhere I saw this book described as a sweet story of two wounded souls giving love a second chance. Unfortunately it just ain't so. Our hero is a reclusive pilot dealing with his tremendous guilt over the death of his young daughter, but he spends a surprising amount of his time being a jerk. Our heroine is the recently-divorced mother of a traumatized, withdrawn little girl. She is on the run from her ex-husband, who is trying to have the little girl institutionalized so that he can gain access to her trust fund. His hovering presence darkens much of the story. It never became clear to me whether the little girl was supposed to have a developmental disability or not, the two main characters spent way too much time at odds with each other, and the ending, which happened IMMEDIATELY after their discovery of their mutual love, was much too abrupt.All that said, some of the minor characters (the heroine's father and the hero's Inuit housekeeper, for instance) are intriguing. But the real hero of this book is the Malumute named Zeus. Really. | 0negative
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Almost Any Book But This
As a Missourian and a professional historian, I looked forward to reading what many consider a classic (even Boatner cites Monaghan). I was misled. This is an insufferable book, almost unreadable, a waste of time. Presuming to knowledge he cannot have, the author is pleased to describe (without citations) the innermost thoughts of historical figures. He insists on calling William Clark Quantrill "Charles;" writes Elias Boudinet for Elias Boudinot. Wallows in cliches (e.g. calls James Lane "the Grim Chieftan" at every opportunity until you want to gag) and racial stereotypes (e.g. his characterization of the "primeval passions" of naturally savage Indians, p. 210; see also every reference to black people). His writing style is so florid and bombastic at times as to rob it of clarity. Thus, while he describes obscure battles covered by few other scholars (hence the second star), it's sometimes hard to tell what's going on. If you want the politics of Bleeding Kansas and the early days of the war in Missouri, see the second volume of Nevins's classic "Emergence of Lincoln" and the first volume of "War for the Union;" if you are interested in the bitterness and hatred that fueled the violence in Missouri during and after the war, Fellman's "Inside War" is the book to read. But don't bother with Monaghan. | 0negative
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read sun also rises
Guess what? A lot of people really like Hemingway. There are those who have never studied or even read another great author of the 20th century who has read Hem. This book was published after his death and I wonder if this wasn't something he wrote for his own kind of fun to attack and belittle everyone he knew in those years. Almost a practice writing exercise with malicious intent: read it carefully, F. Scott is famously viscously trashed but so is every single person he meets. My feeling is that if he was in his right mind - if you were to read anything about his last years he was in very bad shape - he would have destroyed this before he killed himself. | 0negative
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Not recommended
Like some others, I was told this was a must-read by a good friend of mine so I had the expectation of something at least halfway decent. I had already read the joke "Never Satisfied" so I should have known better than to waste my time. Michael Baisden is humorous and I can almost see where he tries to go but it's too bad he never gets there. Who told this man to keep trying? What's up with switching POV's over and over? If it was in any way consistent, it could have worked but that would have been too much to ask. If you want to kill time, read this book. If you want to kill brain cells try Baisden's "Maintenance Man". | 0negative
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a romance that touches your soul
This is a story of true love. A love that holds two lives in it's spell through time. As you are reading the book it seems to transform into one man's 'notebook'. His innermost feelings are there for us to laugh with, cry with, but most of all to be in awe of the level of emotions which Noah deals with everyday.Through it all he still sees Allie as the girl he fell in love with so many summers ago. I have not been as moved by a book in long time and recommend it to everyone who wants to now what love is | 1positive
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not as advertised
The paperback version sold here is literally a cheap laser print of low-res images downloaded from the internet. Complete ripoff. | 0negative
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too predictable
I'm big fan of her books. But I didn't enjoy this particular book. The plot was too predictable. Characters too unbelievable. A woman sleeps with a man and become involved with him that she didn't even know what he does for a living Cmon. and by the end of the novel you still don't know what he does and she states it doesn't matter. Be for real. | 0negative
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Family Bonds
If you're an adoptee or birthmother, don't waste your money on this narrow-minded view of adoption. Bartholet has little to say about birthmothers! When she does mention birthmothers, she seems to view them as inconsequential baby machines. No empathy in this book! | 0negative
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This book was horrible.
The book was a crime against the sanctity of novels. My child, who was currently in the fifth grade was forced to read this book for his reading class. He constantly came to me complaining about not understanding it, so I was forced to have to read it for him. It was terrible. It was written for fifth graders, or so it says, but I do not think it was meant for them in one bit. His teacher tries to introduce symbolism far too quickly to the children by giving them this book to read that says it is for fifth graders. Please inform teachers that this book is for students who are older. Other than that, the book was alright. Nothing special. Thank you. | 0negative
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The Hobbit is cool no matter what anyone sez.
The hobbit was a very exciting book, it might have been slow to start but when it did it was great. I can't stand how people gave it a 1 because they had to read it, you would have liked it if you weren't forced to read it. | 1positive
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Who are these people?
This book had high ratings from many reviewers, but I'm not sure why. I can suspend belief for the gods/fae toying with the human hero, but at least the characters need to be believable and their motivations comprehensible. Adrienne seems positively blasé about being dropped in the 16th century, actually prefers it to 1997 because there is no traffic noise. Hawk and Adrienne have barely met and they're madly in love, in spite of her distrust of men and his vast experience of women. Most of the conflict arises from Adrienne refusing to admit she desires Hawk. Overall we never get to know or care about the characters at all. There is essentially no realistic context (sights, smells, activities) to ground the action in 1513, and even the 1990's back story is unrealistic (were there orphanages in New Orleans in the 90's?). | 0negative
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Misleading Description - Not Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ewan McGregor
This is not a review of the quality of this production, rather on the quality of the sale. It's also a warning to other potential buyers who click on this product page. I ordered this audio CD having believed that it was the production with Ewan McGregor and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Iago and Othello respectively; however, when I received the package, I quickly saw that I had been misled. I know Amazon often groups reviews together (i.e. audio CDs include reviews of the book itself rather than the quality of the particular audio), but this was totally deceiving. Right under the title are the names of the actors, and even one of the official reviews is a review of the McGregor and Ejiofor version.I apologize that my review isn't of the CD I received, but I don't want anyone making the same mistake I did. Perhaps I missed something in the product description, but I was surprised. I'm debating whether to return it or just to live with it and not buy any more audiobooks from Amazon again. Very disappointed. | 0negative
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An American Life
As I read through some of these reviews I see only hate imbedded into some of these minds, if they could only see pass their hate they could understand the man and what he has done for this country. In this book Ronald Reagan speaks from his heart, from his home life to his time as president of this great country. Turning through the pages you find yourself feeling as a friend of Ronald Reagan and he's letting you in on his life. a must read- Larry Hobson-Author-"The Day Of The Rose" | 1positive
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Best BBQ Foundation Ever
I bought a high-end (Lang) offset smoker a year ago. I was raised in the South, so I am no stranger to BBQ (slow cooked meat usually with wood). This was my 5th book on the subject. Most of them I purchased, tried a rub or sauce recipe, and retired to the shelf. However, Peace, Love and BBQ is different. It is the real deal. I am not a reader, but I find myself picking up this book and just reading for ideas and inspiration. It makes me hungry every single time. BBQ varies from region to region, and this book helps you understand regional preferences. It covers the fundamentals and provides recipes based on ACTUAL success stories of people and restaurants.If you are a BBQ fan, this is your book. Buy this one first and save yourself some money. It covers a wide range of flavors in recipes that meld together in the BBQ world as determined by judges and customers. As with any cookbook, when you get a good foundation, you can adjust to your tastes as necessary (i.e. adjust spices for sweet or heat). Understanding that BBQ is a hobby, and admitting that I am biased, this is the best cookbook on a culinary subject that I have ever purchased! I believe that this book will change my approach to BBQ indefinitely. What a bargain. | 1positive
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Retiring replicants
PKDick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?is a marvellously pitched book bringing up concerns of a future Earth full of radioactive dust and its diminishing life forms.Lots of animal species are extinct.Humans enhance their status and humanity by owning one of the remaining life forms-goat,sheep,horse-or its machine form (but keeping this a secret from the neighbours).Rick Deckard owns an electric sheep and covets his neighbour's horse. The novel seems at times low-key,but it represents a fight for survival,between the few remaining humans and `specials'(retards) and the 6 outlaw androids,who like fallen angels from distant duties of servility on alien planets,have rebelled and illegally come back to earth,to live longer lives(they are retired in 2 years)to be come more human,to become indistinguishable from the humans.Younger,fitter humans have already emigrated to alien worlds,to escape a dying Earth in 2021.An Earth of laser guns,hover cars,empathy boxes and religious TV gurus like Mercer.The religious themes and philosophy are totally lost in the film,as it beefs up the action.Rick is called back out of retirement as a bounty hunter to `retire' the 6 remaining Nexus-6 androids.He can earn $1000 for every android he kills.The way he can do this is by applying the VF empathy test.Androids lack humanity, androids are ruthless killers,although their disguises can hoodwink the bounty hunters.One of his colleagues while doing the test is blasted by an android.They are too clever,quick and getting to be more able than their human models.Will they take over?One is an Opera singer who sings beautifully.Rick appreciates her `talent'and he goes to give her the empathy test,but she calls police to help her get rid of him asking creepy questions.He is taken in for questioning by the policeman to his headquarters,only to find this parallel police-force is run by androids who use an unknowing human police man, who helps kill three of the androids with Rick.Rick gets paid and purchases a live goat for his roof.Things are looking up.Killing is tough on Rick.He needs to give his depressive wife hope.Rick also manages to get into a relationship with an android,Rachel,who helps save his life.She's an android prototype who other female androids are based on.She seems unaware she is android and he tests her to prove it,but he sympathises and he doesn't kill her.Rachel has been programmed with false childhood memories she never had.Rick has a wife at home whom he cares about,who almost feels sorry for `andys' but knows Rick's job is to retire them to better himself.Rick is called out on the same day he's killed 3,to finish off the remaining 3,who are holed up in some empty apartment block somewhere on the margins.Rick is drained by the effort as his empathy can be used against him by a Rachel-look-a-like android.The 3 remaining androids are with a `special' J.R.Isidore in his apartment.There is an awful scene where Pris cuts the legs off a spider to see if it can still walk.This troubles J.R. so much he betrays their presence to Rick,not their exact location.The killings are having an adverse effect on Rick and Rachel has killed his goat.He's at the end of his tether...SF of a high order. | 1positive
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Worst lead ever
I don't understand how these novels keep selling. Dave Robicheaux has got to be one of the worst main characters in a mystery novel that I've ever encountered. The man is about as interesting as a bowl of rice, and he spends more time drinking lemonade, waxing poetic about society and commenting on the coolness of the air than solving mysteries. I've read a lot of different mystery writers, and their detectives all have something in common: they are all very assertive when they're trying to solve the mystery. Robicheaux is the only one I've ever read that actually seems not to care one way or the other. Whenever someone comes to him with information that might help his case, he avoids them and makes a lame excuse why he can't see them. And the other characters worship the ground he walks on, even though he is never anything but coarse, rude, and inhospitable to them, especially if they need his help. He is completely unsympathetic towards friends of his that are drunks, even though he was a lush himself. You can only take so much of a guy who tries to feel superior to everyone around him by condescending to them and acting like they just crawled out of his toilet bowl. | 0negative
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Hobbit--An Old Freind and a Great Book
I loved this book. When I was four, five, and six, my dad read me parts of the Hobbit at bedtime. I never heard the thing without skipping first parts of the chapters that weren't as important. Last year, in fourth grade, I read the book for a report and loved it even more than before. I am on chapter seven again. The book is about a hobbit who is asked by a wizard and thirteen dwarves to go on an adventure with them to reclaim a lost treasure stolen by the evil dragon Smaug. It takes a lot of courage and adventure to go on the journey to get to the mountain that Smaug lives in and the crew of thirteen dwarves, one hobbit, and a wizard have to brave. They eventually get there, though. You should definetly read this wonderful, exiting book if your are a person who loves adventure, excitment, and just plain great writing. If you liked this, I suggest you read the Lord of the Rings--what the Hobbit is leading up to. Those, I am just starting to read. I am loving it on chapter seven. Read that too. GREAT BOOKS!! Loved them. To find out what happens at the end, you'll have to find out by reading it. | 1positive
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A dangerous book
I call this book dangerous because of the insanely inaccurate and blatently biased descriptions of male homosexuality that its author provides, all under the umbrella of legitimacy due to his status as an "MD", not to mention similarly skewed subjects in the rest of the book.Adolescent boys who read this, questioning their own possible homosexuality, will only be more confused. It's well known that fear of homosexuality is a common cause of suicide in boys of this age, and books like "Dr." Reubens can only contribute to this sad statistic. I know of a large number of gay men who read this book in the 70's, believing the hype that surrounded it, and who suffered deep bouts of depression and confusion over the lies the "doctor" advances.Of the ones I recall, one was that male homosexuals all wanted to be "women". This idea is as ludicrous as any that I've ever heard. It's true that a FEW enjoy dressing up in women's clothes, and that a smaller number suffer from a condition of gender confusion, which has little to do with homosexuality.He goes on to provide "interviews" with "those people" that he tries to pass off as being representative of the gay lifestyle in general, but which are equally as erroneous: e.g. gay men prefer to meet in public restrooms, or that a large number engage in sadomasochistic practices, with a description of a "typical" scene that reads like something from a Jack Chick religious tract.The OPINIONS of "Dr." Reuben are largely unsupported by the mainstream medical community, and his sorry excuse for a book is little more than an exploitative screed that was originally written to cash in on the "sexual revolution" that came out of the 60's. Some of his supporters, with a clearly homophobic agenda, have suggested that its critics are either advocates of censorship or that they allege to know homosexuals themselves who privately admit that what the author writes is accurate, but they speak out of ignorance at best, and out of a desire to deliberately mischaracterize the subject at worst. I'm not advocating a denial of his right to author such trash: I'm just trying to warn people against taking it the least bit seriously. Do not rely on this book as your primary source of information about human sexuality."Dr." Reuben's inaccuracies do not end with male homosexuality, however. Some of what he attempts to promote as valid medical information is ludicrous in the extreme, other is outright bizarre. I have to question his qualifications as an MD (which is why I use the quotation marks) in light of this thoroughly discredited book.One final word of advice to parents who are considering buying this for their children: DON'T! You're doing them NO favors at all, regardless of their sexual orientation. The overwhelmingly inaccurate nature of what he writes can only serve to confuse them more.I hope "Dr." Reuben is proud of himself.... | 0negative
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Intellectually unstimulating and unchallenging
This book was recommended by people who had not read this, but had read other historical novels I enjoyed such as, Versailles, Year of Wonders, Girl with a Pearl Earring, but I found nothing of the informative or educational element in it. I believe the largest and most frequently used word in the book is "orifice." | 0negative
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Disappointing and too short
The length of _The Path of Daggers_ was, I think, the major source of its problems. Or, really, that in its length, nothing really happened. Rand leads a few battles against the Seanchan in the South, and has some difficulty with a strangeness in saidin. Cadsuane is as lovingly tyrannical as ever. But nothing *happens*. The remaining Forsaken seem to be lying pretty low, except for the one in hiding in Egwene's camp, and even Halima doesn't seem to be causing much trouble. Nynaeve and Elayne have a few adventures fleeing Altara, but Mat doesn't come into this book at all, aside from a few mournful cries from Nynaeve that she's abandoning him. And no action is taken against the overambitious Taim and his little band of villains. Basically, _The Path of Daggers_ doesn't get much byond the scope of a prologue, with much of the space wasted to the cogitations of various Seanchan. Various unimportant Seanchan, at that. Compared to the earlier books, even _A Crown of Swords_, _The Path of Daggers_ is a real disappoinment with an ending that's just a cop-out in place of the Tower Wars. | 0negative
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DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!
If you value your cash don't buy this book. The book tells more than show whats going on - almost like a newspaper. All the important,romantic intimate details about Tiara's love life is skipped over completely. We get that she's conceited but how are we going to care about the main character when there aren't any detatils about her scheming desire for anything not even school? I'm more than halfway through the book and feel like I WANT A REFUND! I am so ashamed to have bought this book! I don't even let my friends see it and when people catch me reading it I admit it sucks and am just reading so at least I could say I read it. (Especially since I can't get my money back.) I feel nothing for any of the characters. I can't wait to get back to my Zane collection. I am dying to read The Sex Chronicles series. The Sisters of APF: The Indoctrination of Soror Ride Dick was the best! | 0negative
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I have to sell this
Why is it that people are so caught up in praising others that they dont even realize that what they are praising as epic is nothing but a long winded speech about nothing. That is what this book is. A very long boring winded speech about nothing. I purchased this thinking that it would be not just an entertaining read but also a life altering experience. Many might say that "life altering" would be a little reaching, but from what i've heard from previous reviews, i couldnt expect anything else. What i got was confusion and headaches instead. There is such a thing as overwriting, and this is a good example of that. Toni Morrison tends to do the same thing in some of her novels. Over explaining, too much dialog, too many descriptions, so much so that the author has to describe his descriptions. CONFUSING. I got nothing from this book. Its supposed to be a classic, but i dont see what is so classical about it. I saw no relationships form, no life changes, just a man realizing what everyone else probably knew at that period, and taking a couple hundred pages to describe how he came to that realization. Ellison could have just taken one hundred pages to do this. I would not reccomend this book. It is not a classic, nor resembles anything classical. If you must read it out of curiousity, borrow it from the library. | 0negative
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall........
Ms. Deveraux should have looked in her bewitching mirror and seen how many fans she was going to disappoint with this book. Don't waste your money or your time on this one! (I guess I should have bought that hot fudge sundae instead)! | 0negative
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good
I received my book, in the condition stated, and in a timely manner. I appreciate the great service! Thank you! | 1positive
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A highly enlightening guide to why Wolfe's narrative technique is so gripping
Gene Wolfe's four-volume (plus coda) work The Book of the New Sun is widely regarded as one of the greatest works in science fiction, with a setting of great mystery and plot of enormous complexity. Since its publication in the 1980s, it has won many admirers, but few detailed examinations, and most of what's in print, such as the guides of Andre-Driussi and Borski, are amateurish and self-published. In ATTENDING DAEDALUS: Gene Wolfe, Artifice, and the Reader (Liverpool University Press, 2003), Peter Wright presents the first critique of academic quality on Wolfe's masterpiece.ATTENDING DAEDALUS begins with a general introduction to Wolfe's body of writing, and two of his early stories are explored in depth, "Trip, Trap" and "In the House of Gingerbread". What I found especially enlightening here is that Wright presents the long series of critical reactions to Wolfe's work, even admitting that CASTLEVIEW is a problematic novel, and showing that OPERATION ARES was worth surpressing.Wright's examination of the Urth cycle is based on two aspects of the work that have gained wide consensus through discussion on the Urth mailing list and other fora. The first is the deceitful religiosity of the book. While the Hierogrammates seem divine, the Claw a holy relic, and the deluge upon the coming of the New Sun sacrificial, humanity is really only being manipulated by the inhabitants of Yesod into furthering their own ends. God is, in the final analysis, nowhere in the picture. The second is the unreliability of Severian as narrator. Wolfe attended introductory courses in psychology in Texas and later in Ohio, and Wright conjectures that here Wolfe would have studied historic cases of perfect memory, providing a model for Severian's behaviour. Just as historic mnemonists, such as "S." studied by Aleksandr Romanovich Luria, were incapable of reflecting on their experiences, instead merely re-remembering events without analysis, so Severian stands between the reader and the true events of the work.With these in mind, Wright's main thesis is that the Book of the New Sun is the epitome of a very complicated literary technique devised by Wolfe in which the reader is consistently challenged and baffled, and yet consistently given the necessary keys to unlocking the plot. Wolfe also consistently reminds the reader that what he is reading is fiction through a continual stream of metaliterary allusions and jibes. Wright's assertion that all of Wolfe's novels after the Book of the New Sun are meant to provide a series of elucidations for its mysteries is sure to be controversial, but is for me nonetheless quite convincing in many instances.If you are a dedicated fan of Wolfe, having sought out everything he's ever put written and read the Urth cycle more times than you can remember, I would highly recommend ATTENDING DAEDALUS. With the intricacies of plotting revealed here, I appreciate Wolfe's skill more and more, and see him as one of the most significant English-language writers of our time. Don't heed what naysayers claim, this book is entirely dedicated to Wolfe's oeuvre and is very relevant to those investigating the Urth cycle. | 1positive
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Can't Learn it in 21 days is nuts but. . .
but it's an excellent book and it is definitely helping me learn C++! I recommend the book to every one. | 1positive
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My second time
Only a few times in our life are we able to read a story like this. I will probably read the trilogy again. | 1positive
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What a wonderful book!...
I'm just about halfway finished reading this wonderful book but had to write something about it!..I certainly have no expertise in critiquing any book, but this has got to be one of the very bestbooks I have ever read!..And, even with Bronte's old style of writing, I was just amazed at how much I've beeninvolved with her wonderful talent that allows her to come up with a story that I simplyseem to want more of with each page I read.And, when I read in "Wikipedia" that she died at the young age of 38, that truly saddened me a lot!..But, her blessed gift she has given all of us will continue it would seem till eternity.. for "who can compare to Miss Bronte?... | 1positive
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Poorly written and explained
I bought this book because I was liked the breadth of content covered. There is a lot of content there but I find the style of the author virtually unreadable. He seems completely unable to state a concept clearly and provide a clear example. The text is full of buts and howevers as the author flies off on tangents from the concept being discussed. The book is obviously designed for an advanced audience but that doesn't excuse the lack of clarity. The tangents would be far better suited to different sections or notes to avoid cluttering up the main concepts covered. Also, the examples are rarely well explained and generally consist of small chunks of code that don't illustrate the entire problem. The text would be benefitted by a better structure including more section headings to clarify the topics.Unfortunately, there is a dearth of decent books on XML right now, but this one should be avoided. | 0negative
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Beware
Suggestion.....if you are a McCartney or Beatles fan, do not buy this book. Had I not loved Paul and his music beforehand, I would hate him after reading this book. Chet Flippo is a Flippo. He trashes Paul completely, showing only his worst sides. Lots of it isn't true. | 0negative
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My favorite Agatha Christie
Even though I had seen the movie before I read the book, this book was still very entertaining. If you do like this book, you might want to try _Toward Zero_ and _They Came to Baghdad_, which are my second favorite Agatha Christies. | 1positive
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Bad edition of great poetry
Dunbar's poetry is so good that it should be almost impossible to ruin a collection of his poems, yet somehow they've done it.Start with the table of contents and the index of first lines. The page numbers are apparently from an earlier edition of the book where the poems started on page 3. In the present edition, the poems begin on page 23, so the page numbers given start out 20 pages off. But each page contains a few extra lines, so that when you try to find the poem Sympathy ("I know what the caged bird feels, alas!") on page 102 and you think "well, let's add 20" and look on page 122, no, wrong again. It's on page 112. So if you need to find a certain poem, go to the page number they give you, read the name of a poem that is actually on that page, look that poem up in the index, and compare the page number given in the index with the page it is actually on. That will tell you approximately how many pages away your poem is. As another example, you will find We Wear The Mask on page 85, not page 71. (On the principle that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, the poems that appear on pages 184 to 186 actually are correct. Poems from page 187 on are on lower page numbers than the number given, until they are 4 pages off by the end of the book.)Typography? It appears to have been typed. With a typewriter. Remember typewriters? The titles of the poems are in capital letters, probably because typewriters didn't have boldface type. This compounds the pagination problem, because the titles do not stand out from the text. Sometimes the title of the poem is at the bottom of one page and the poem at the top of the next page.And they didn't bother to put the title of the book on the spine, so good luck finding it on a bookshelf.The phrase "High Quality" appears twice on the cover of this book. That's false advertising. | 0negative
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PURE PROPAGANDA
This is pure propaganda and misinformation to create hate. Robert Spencer is openly Islamophobic racist and don't know basic facts about Islam and Muslims. The reason why this book was written was to make money. | 0negative
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You think this is good?
What is wrong with you guys?? This book is awful. Just plain awful. I went into the book expecting Wonderland to be described really well and all the fantastical elements expected in a good fantasy or science fiction novel. This had almost no detail on the scenery. The characters are underdeveloped, its just plain bad. From the first couple of chapters, I could tell the book was a waste of 17 bucks, but I rarely quit on a book, so I finished it and still felt it was a waste of time and money. The IDEA for the book was amazing. Someone should really try to write a series or a book that takes ideas from this book but actually makes it good. | 0negative
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Weakly steeped in 19th century ignorance.
We are all intruigued by the mysteries of magic. But this book makes the most preposterous claims about magic, ritual, history and god knows what else, that I have ever seen. Far from the claim (in a review below) of his "empiricism," Levi does not seem to have been in the least informed by the sciences of his day. The real mystery is why the great esotericsit A.E. Waite bothered to translate it from the French at all. Need an example? India is described as "the Mother of all heresies" [laughable, were it not so pathetic an example of judeochristian resentiment]. And he seriously believes that the the books of the Old Testament describe the literal anthropology & history of the peoples of the Mideast, Ishmael=Islam and all the rest [fundamentalism so naive it would make a Trent Lott blush!]. The book's organization reflects the author's romance with Quaballah, but the chapters themselves are random collections of "ideas" on topics unrelated to the chapter titles [a stream-of-consciousness style the anticipated the great Joyce by half a century, albeit to no effect, aesthetic or otherwise]. The single high point of the book is Levi's description of spiritual love: "The true man elevates himself not by trying to possess the object of his desire but by raising himself to Her through devotion" [its a pity he didn't know anything about Sufism or the key difference between magic and devotion]. Try Israel Regardie instead, who is at least steeped in Renaissance memory training, neo-Platonism and other worthies. Remember that it is but a small (backwards) step that separates dog from god. | 0negative
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Shortest book in the world
This should be the shortest book ever published. The answer to "What is creation science?" is two words: "Not science."What does it tell you when there is a grammatical error in the blurb? Another example of the philosophy manufactured by monied elites in the U.S. to promote a narrow political view in order to keep those very elites in power. | 0negative
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Brockmann knows how to develop characters
There isn't a single Suzanne Brockmann book that I have not enjoyed. Some I like more than others. She is in a class by herself with her ability to create characters that you care about and that you will come back to again and again. This recent book is part of her trouble shooters series. I think it reads better if you work your way through the series, but will also hold up on it's own. It offers the story of Max and Gina. They first appeared in my favorite Suzanne Brockmann book "Over the Edge". You get a great deal more information about their relationship in "Gone too far". As is typical with Brockmann, she holds other story lines effortlessly in her books. This book also offers a continuation of the story of Jones and Molly Anderson from "Out of Control".The thing I love the most about Brockmann is her ability to create a fierce, proud, amazing, manly character with all of the foibles and insecurities and messy screw ups that all human beings suffer with. Max is no different. He is the super uber professional negotiator for the FBI. He is always in control and utterly capable. Inside he is a mess, learning to deal with his out of control feelings for Gina - a woman who bravely suffered a terrorist kidnapping plot and gang rape. This book shows her ability to be Max Beghat's hero. She, once again, is in danger and Max must face his fear and find his heart and the girl. I recommend the entire series... this book being a very satisfying answer to characters you come to care about. | 1positive
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A lot of bad information.
This book contains some of the worst information I have ever had the displeasure of reading concerning the care of African Grey Parrots. The information is extreemly outdated and belongs in of the dark ages of aviculture. | 0negative
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Plotless, Pointless, Pretentious
Lengthy, rambling dissertations on theology, the Bible, and sermons. Purportedly from an elderly minister who finds nothing strange about the fact that he has married a bride so young, he will not live to see his child reach teenage. Very reminiscent to me of sermons and lectures given by people who loved to hear the sound of their own voices. Bla bla bla with no plot. | 0negative
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good
Good sequel to Hinds Feet on High Places. Al;so similar to the classic Pilgrim's Progress. If you haven't read it you are missing a lont | 1positive
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How to or Editorial?
This is a nicely put together book but it is filled with much more opinion than how to articles with one paragraph explinations of such items as rear ends. I didnt say the opinions are bad its just that this book should not have "How to" in the title. I was disappointed. | 0negative
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A Farewell to Summer Reading
I odered this book for my son's summer reading assignment for school. IT arrived in plenty of time and in exactly the condition that the seller stated. It even had some notes in it to help my son with his studies. Of course, he waited until the last minute to do his reading, but that is HIS fault! | 1positive
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Stick to Linux Armenn....Leave CF to Forta
After breezing through Ben Forta's book, I was excited to read the reviews for this book. I learned nothing more than how to debug and do creative editing to understand what points were trying to be presented. English Grammar classes recommended to the author. | 0negative
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Different kind of review than most others
This book did not satisfy my reading requirements for when I read books. I thought the language of this book was very plain and although the events were thrillers when you look back at them, they came out more boring and very undescriptive. The book had a good plot but the characters seemed less real. Ann seemed too mature for being ONLY 15 years old and it seemed like a weird coincidence that Mr. Loomis wasnt a good man and was the only other human being they knew of alive. I believe that the book had a good start but the writing was just not enough and caused me to get very bored of the reading. | 0negative
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Oddly Legalistic, Poorly Edited
There are certainly some good things about this book, and based on limited exposure to Nancy's tapes I expected to like it far more than I did. First, I have a quibble with poorly edited scriptural references, something that always bugs me.What bothered me the most, rather shocked me actually, is my feeling that Nancy has created her own theology here, another "God-in-a-box" way of looking at the scriptures. I'm glad to see that she refutes the fallacy that we sometimes run into, that when we have troubles it is somehow our fault, that we must be being punished for something. However, in place of that somewhat heretical but too common viewpoint, she has substituted a new rather legalistic and ritualistic program to somehow integrate onself with God and thereby get oneself "out of the valley". If you will do this, then God will do that... Examination of the biblical references provided (hampered by apparent editing problems) indicated to me that she was frequently taking verses and extending their meaning far beyond what is reasonable, and thereby creating formulaic "solutions".It seems to me that God has gone to a lot of trouble to show, in the Bible as well as our world, that He is capable of anything, and that He cannot be expected to act in a way that is always consistent with our sense of order, or consistent from one person to another. In reading this book, I got the feeling over and over that in her anxiety to make sense out of the mysteries of our lives and tragedies, Nancy somehow lost sight of God's mystery and inscrutability. | 0negative
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Save Ninety Minutes: TheTitle Says It All
Since I can still vividly recall when the Roger Corman film "The St.Valentine's Day Massacre" had its broadcast premiere on network television many years ago, I was eager to read this "definitive" new account of the 1929 mass murder on North Clark Street.Unfortunately,I regret to state, this book proved to be a disappointment.Clearly, the authors, William J. Helmer and Arthur J. Bilek, both know the subject, but their book is less than satisfactory. Most of my specific questions were left unanswered and I did not glean much new information from reading the book.The book is poorly organized. It seems as if the two authors divided the writing workload and submitted chapters separately without conferring with one and other. As a result, there is a tendency towards disjointed repetitiveness. After reading for the third or fourth time that the 1924 assassination of Dean O'Banion ignited open gang warfare between the North Side gang and the Torrio-Capone mob, I think the point had been established sufficiently.Did anyone proofread the final manuscript? This book would have benefited from editorial revisions and simple fact checking. I had to stop counting the misstatements, incorrect dates and other clearly erroneous collateral facts before I got a headache. Illinois did not hold two General Elections during November of 1924, but, according to the chronology, Cook County officials and PresidentCoolidge were elected on separate dates. Similarly, the Black SoxTrial did not take place in the Federal District Court.There is some solid writing here and there, but, taken as a whole, it seems as if the book was compiled in great haste to meet an arbitrary publication deadline. Transitions are handled clumsily and the text meanders too much. It is not always necessary that everything be placed in strict chronological order for a historical account to be effective, but it would have helped in this case. The profiles of the principal gangsters and Chicago politicians are merely stereotypical thumbnail sketches. The meager bibliography and footnotes do not merit attention.The best portions of the book describe the coroner's inquest and pioneering efforts in the field of ballistic testing. There is also a lengthy discussion of how the Federal Bureau of Investigation failed to cooperate with local law enforcement authorities and withheld information that may have provided a solution to the criminal investigation years later. The photographs, editorial cartoons and newspaper headlines, however, are well chosen and will be of interest to most readers.As a topic, this true crime book held great promise and potential, but the execution was lacking (no pun intended). The final result is akin to having a pair of honor students earn a "C-" on their combined term paper after pulling an all nighter rather than applying themselves diligently and earning the "A+" that the entire class knows that they are well capable of. Someday, I hope that a revised edition of the book will set the record straight. | 0negative
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Favorite Author
I have not read this book as of this writing. I look forward, as usual, to reading her words. | 1positive
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Thought this would be better
The content of the translations themselves was fine, but I found the formatting difficult to read. The translator also interjects thoughts into the middle of sentences which disrupted the flow of the text even further. Other versions may be fascinating, but I found this one stale and unremarkable. | 0negative
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Wrong side of history as usually for the intellectuals
This is an awesome book which helps the reader understand why intellectuals always seem to be on the wrong side of history. They loved Communism even when it was obvious that Lenin & Stalin were exterminating hoards of people! They are defective in their thinking and they stick to it. The author has a quote at the beginning of the book. "A GREAT DEAL OF INTELLEGENCE CAN BE INVESTED IN IGNORANCE WHEN THE NEED FOR ILLUSION IS DEEP." (Saul Bellows) . This book walks you through the 'needs' that these intellectuals seem to have which continually seems to cause them to deny the stark realities around them & cling to their 'ideologies'. I am so glad I read this book as I just laugh now when I hear so much of what is on the news. I GET IT! | 1positive
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Loved It
I am glad I did not let the previous negative reviews stop me from reading this book. I found it to a very good read. The book begins with,Helen, a beat-down battered wife who is married to a controling over bearing abusive husband(Daniel). Daniel has destroyed Helen's self-confidence, her self-worth, her self-esteem, among many other things. He finally almost kills her dog,Lucie. Helen loves her pet like Lucie was Helen's child. One of the turning point of the the story is when Helen runs from Daniel to protect Lucie's life.Helen comes in contact with people who can help her rebuild her life. They give her the opportunity to regain all Daniel has taken from her. I love the parts of the book that show how strong Helen becomes. The ending is equal to a fair tale story of love and happiness. | 1positive
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...
The sheer idiocy of this work struck me dumb; in fact I could not even discern the purpose among the idiotic lines of this writer. It seems to be another humanistic attempt to bring to knowledge the "noble" suffering of the farmer attached to his land more than to antyhing else. It might evoke empathy in a fellow slave mind-set, but beyond this limitation there is no further audience to be attracted to it. The stupid attachment to land is paradoxial- it might be an allusion to culture, which does make sense- people love to wallow in their own dung.Healthy adulation of secular symbols is reduced to a vice, while superstition and ignorance are portrayed saccharinely and as noble.One might call this a poor written diary. | 0negative
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Psycho-Babble
This book actually came recommended to me. I cannot tell you how dissapointing reading it was- what a bunch of psycho-babble!It was the biggest waste of $15.00 ever. | 0negative
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Extremely boring
I originally picked the book because my father spoke highly of the novel. When I began reading it I regretted the decision. I do not recommend the book to anyone who likes action. Hemingway is very skilled in the detail area. It seems he describes the actions of each character perhaps too well. Whether they are drinking coffee to the exact words of a conversation Hemingway writes everything. The characters do however drink a lot, living in Paris and partying every night it seems that wine is the only thing they do drink. Jake Barnes the main character is in love with Brett Ashley who is a women player. She gets men to fall in love with her and then discards them only to feel miserable all the time. Well these two characters and some friends travel to Spain. It is kind of interesting to hear about their time in Spain. They are staying in Pamplona during the bull fights so the environment is romantic. Brett falls in love with a bull fighter and discards him later in the novel. But the point is that the characters, after all they have been through did not advance, or get anywhere. Where they began in the novel is where they ended up in the end. So I guess Hemingway did prove his thesis of a "Lost Generation." A generation in which Brett and Jake belong to. Hemingway proves that Brett & Jake do have meaningless, pointless lives all too well. But if you're into reading and some deep symbolism this is the book for you. | 0negative
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Excellent resource for people photography
This book covers it all, from lighting to taking the picture, to fixing defects after the shot is captured. The text is clear and readable, complete, and illustrated with great examples. The accompanying CD is a valuable resource, too. Highly recommended. | 1positive
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Well done Book Adaptation
That the Author of this classic Book Adaptation was responsible for the Script of the Big Screen version is transparent to the Fans of the "Hitchhiker Books", the Radio Shows and BBC Series.Mistakes made in the BBC series by translating jokes that worked very well in the book but horrible on Screen were not repeated in this Big Screen Version. Changes to the Story for the Screen had to be made, but were done well.If you read the book and were disappointed by the movie, because of the changes, do yourself a favor and get the BBC Series which is also available on DVD as well and judge again.If you did not read the books yet, trust me, you will after you watched this movie and liked it. The Books (especially the first) are better than the movie, but that is no surprise to anybody. Certain things work better when done in writing, a Camera can not replace the vast diversity of human imagination.At least does everybody know, after watching the movie, the answer to life, the universe and everything. A small investment to get such a big answer in return.This is a tribute to the Author of the Hitchhiker Books who died on May, 11 2001, in the age of 49 on a heart attack and much too early, without being able to see his finished product on the big screen. | 1positive
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wow waste of time and money. I liked PJ until I read this trash...
Poorly written and lacking of any real insight. The jokes are of a grammer school level and the stories drome on forever. Way too self serving for my taste. Overall the book reads like a geek trying to prove he is one of the cool kids. Save you money on this baby. | 0negative
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The Salem Witch Trials Reader
This book is written in the manner of speaking of that era. This makes it difficult to read. | 0negative
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A terrific novel
I really enjoy novels about the sea, so was happy to learn about this little known classic. In clean, straightforward prose Hemingway might have admired, readers are introduced to the Archimedes, a steam ship beginning a cruise from North America to China. Weather intervenes and the ship and its crew are caught up in a deadly storm that severely tests their hearts and their will for four days. Much of the novel is an excellent narration of ship and crew in dire circumstances, but as the novel progresses different storms are adumbrated: storms of historical circumstance, storms of memory and experience, that add psychological and political depth to the work.Readers who have enjoyed Melville and Conrad should find much to like here. | 1positive
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Didn't miss her a bit. Didn't even know she was gone.
Susan to me was always high (very) maintenance. She needed a lot. She is full of herself. Except for the fact that after she and Spenser, you know, are together and she doesn't like to get out of bed with, you know, nothing on, SHE SEEMS ALMOST LIKE A CHINA DOLL. I mean doesn't your wife/girl/(OK)partner ever get drunk? Ever go to a Pats game and boo when Brady gets sacked and the ref doesn't have the guts (or other anatomical references) to throw a 'roughing the passer flag?' Say a really bad word?So I'm happy when Susan is anywhere outside of Massachusetts. This is vintage Spenser. Rita carries her end of the bargain by her relentless assault upon Spenser's "Semper Fidelis" attitude, Belson makes an appearance, Healy's available by phone. Spenser makes a couple of meals, shares the recipe with us, knocks the stuffing out of a couple of morons, and insults a couple of 'donut' cops. All in all, a good mystery that for a change, surprises you at the ending.There's a little of Milton in there, a little Shakespeare, and a little Houseman for those who miss the good old days when a Spenser novel was the first 1/2 semester of College Lit. Great to always read a Spenser. This one was especially good. And Susan, I was only kidding. Really. 5 stars. Larry Scantlebury | 1positive
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Good Info, Terrible Prose
Hyams has done his homework with this project. He accumulated material from a wealth of contributors including personalities from Newman High School as well as the University of Tennessee.However, one can tell, after reading the first chapter, this is Hyams, formerly asst. sports editor of the Knoxville News-Sentinel, first foray into penning a novel length book. The content reads like an extended feature story one would find in the local newspaper's sports section.Specifically, the content is choppy and dry. There is no flow, and it is difficult to remain engaged.If I were to assign a grade to this work, I would give it a D+ | 0negative
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it is to good to explain
Summary "Soldier X" is about a boy named Erik Brandt who is sixteen. When he is drafted to the Hitler's army he must kill or be killed in world war 2.When his fleet is defeated in the front line he is the only one alive wounded he puts on Russian clothes and cared for at a hospital now he must act like a Russian and not be found out. The book gives you very good visual of the war. It makes the people sound real. The book has very good details. | 1positive
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I wish I found this book 8 years ago!
I wish I found this liine of books 8 years ago...I would have been able to progress at a much faster rate with more understanding. I bought this book a couple weeks ago and began studying it immediatly. The method the author uses is very effective, whcih he calls draw/describe/play. using this method, he illustrates patterns that show where all the notes are, allowing for a more easier method of learning the notes and understanding the fretboard.if you are a beginning guitar player, get this book, it is essential | 1positive
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Different Recommendations for Different People
Because this book tells a story that many people may find offensive; I think it's best that there's different recommendations for different groups of people.For currently practicing Mormons who are happy in their religion:this probably isn't a book you want to read. Ms. Brodie talks about a lot of things that will be upsetting to you and your faith. If you're happy in your religion you might just prefer to stay away from this book.For non-Mormons:If you're interested in religion, charasmatic leaders and movements, or just like biographies I think you'll find this book very interesting and readable. Joseph Smith is an interesting historical character who was able to raise up a religion with thousands of followers around him which has grown into millions of adherents today. Much of that religion still gathers strength from Smith's charisma and personality. Understanding him better can help you learn so much more about personality, religion, and psychology. It's worth your time if you have any interest.For ex-Mormons and Mormons who aren't happy in their religion:This is the group that I fit into. This book helped me to finally break away from the Mormon church. There were so many things that never made sense, but once you can better understand Joseph Smith and how he founded his religion you can better understand Mormonism today. Knowing the truth about Mormonism makes it so much easier to to leave because when it comes down to it Joseph's stories were lies and he constantly did things to better his own position in life. Joseph Smith was the first major cult leader in America and understanding that can help you get away. So I definitely recommend this book for people who are having a difficult time leaving the church or have had a difficult time staying away. | 1positive
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The Real Story
Authenic, the true Dickens story, just what I was looking for! My Granddaughter was assigned this book for school, which was my original reason for ordering it. What a lifesaver. | 1positive
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Incredibly Rewarding
Many people are disappointed with Stoicism, calling it emotionally narrow and unsatisfying. Indeed, it seems ridiculous to us now, when kissing our mother or spouse so say to ourselves "I am only kissing a human being", so if those people die, we will not be attached to them, and therefore feel no loss. This is what Epictetus, the man through whose Discourses Marcus Aurelius learned the principles of Stoicism, advised one to do in his Handbook.That being said, I feel that there are few works that have ever been more rewarding for me to read. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are amazing on two levels. The first is that of a philosophical doctrine, the level on which it is usually considered. The Meditations can be seen as sort of a run-on of the Epictetian brand of Stoicism, which is different in many aspects from early Greek Stoicism. If one (for the most part) likes what Epictetus has to say in the Handbook, but doesn't really feel like sitting through the Discourses, Marcus Aurelius is a nice alternative.The second level is that of a personal struggle. Most people don't admit it, but the reason that Marcus Aurelius stays with the reader more than Epictetus does is because in Marcus Aurelius the reader sees a man with an enormous amount of power in his hands wrestling with himself, trying not only to do his job correctly, but live correctly as well.The Meditations are very intimate, and could be considered a sort of philosophical diary, but for some reason, they never really get this treatment from readers.I would recommend this not only to students of philosophy, but to students of Roman history and political science as well. How many times in history do we have a written account of what it takes to be a good emperor? Most of all, however, I would recommend this to anyone struggling to find inner peace, not that I'm suggesting that it should be taken in a dogmatic manner, but at the very least, a troubled mind will find a companion in Marcus Aurelius.As for the translation, I have not seen another that even comes close. This book is worth every cent of the price and much much more. | 1positive
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Let's not be hasty...
I've read the majority of the reviews and I've found that we all have one thing in common. We wanted more romance between the main characters. In truth, the author doesn't give enough time to the romance between Lacie and Tony, nor does she develop Tony's character. Personally, I wanted to know more about Tony and less about Joe. Other than that, it was an interesting and entertaining read and a definite ACCOMPLISHMENT for a first time writer. I hope she writes more novels but gives more attention to character development and situation development. | 1positive
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Avoid Censored Version by Bandana Books
Let the buyer beware! I should have recalled this adage and examined my purchase more carefully.I am now the owner of writings by the new John Milton, a politically correct John Milton, a John Milton that rejects manhood for adulthood and rejects man for person. This new Milton embraces the humanist pronouns hu and hus and hum, non-sexist third person pronouns. He, his and him and she, her and hers are no more.Milton's quotation of Euripides is likewise changed. Euripides now says' "And hu who can and will, deserves high praise". Euripides stands corrected.Milton's use of archaic English has also been modernized. Milton has cast aside much of his seventeenth century English. This Bandanna Books version of John Milton is no longer John Milton, but an altered, censored revision.Ironically, in the essay Areopagitica John Milton is arguing to the Parliament of England for freedom of the press, specifically for the liberty of unlicensed printing. Would John Milton have approved this modern, secular, nonsexist version of his essay?Milton would have agreed that Bandanna Books had a right to publish, but I suspect that he would have argued that that Bandanna Books had a moral obligation to label the book cover to indicate that Milton's essay had been significantly altered to fit a peculiar nonsexist standard.Bandanna Books in Santa Barbara, California offers other humanist works including Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass, Plato's Apology and Crito, and commentaries by Confucius. Unless you find comfort in hu, hus, and hum, I suggest that the traditional Whitman, Plato, and Confucius might be adequate and that you look elsewhere. Let the buyer beware! | 0negative
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AWFUL! Just AWFUL!
This was the WORST book I have ever read in my life! I would'nt even give it 1 stars, I would give it -11! If you are thinking about reading this book I suggest you not. This book was very confusing, and it had no plot. I think that there are to many good books in this world to be wasting your time reading this horrible book! | 0negative
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Excellent book
Lot's of people have thought that Drowning Ruth was hard to follow. I am 15 and i found it to be an very good book. Me and my Best friend Chelsea read it For english Lit. Drowning Ruth is a very good story told from many different points of view. I recommend this book highly to anyone who likes to read.ENJOY!!! | 1positive
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A disappointment
I am currently reading this book for my H English 10 class, and i find it to be extremely dull. Yes, I understand, it takes everyone a step deeper into the lives of the mentally challenged people of our time. However, it is a difficult book to follow. There is a constant changing of characters, which lead me into great confusion of the importance each one displayed within the text. I was very disappointed when I began reading this book. I always heard great things about it, but i guess, it's just not my cup of tea. | 0negative
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