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One of the....
greatest books i've ever read. i highly recomend this book to anyone that has been depressed or been through struggles in their life (who hasn't?). | 1positive
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"Translation" ruins the story
Before the movie's release...I read Just Like Heaven. I can now say the movie has to be better than the book. I know it was originally written in French and published there, but the American/English publisher seems to have commissioned a literal French to English translation with horrible results. There is a complete lack of understanding for spoken American English and general American life. The errors make it seem as if the author "just doesn't get it" and would have been much better off setting the book in France with French characters. Street intersections are "crossroads." EMTs are "doctors" who answer calls from the hospital. Doctors and technicians are interchangeably referred to as "medics" (although no one is in the U.S. Army in this book). I could go on.... If only a decent translation had been done, reading this book would have been much more fun. The twist at the end is sweet, but it's painful to get there. | 0negative
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zzzzzzzzz
This is the worst sequel ever to such a great book as River God. The characters are lame, straight out of a romance novel, and everything about the book is so incredibly predictable, I skipped the pages until I finally got to what I knew was gonna happen, after a lot of unnecessary detail. The good guys get what they want, and the bad guys all get their comeuppance. Very boring. | 0negative
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The irony
I must admit, I did not read the entire book. But it is not because I didn't try.Spivak is a close associate of Judith Butler, and this text demonstrates the connect -- no person lacking a very specific culural and feminist education can read it.This is the irony of such texts. Spivak cleary seeks to empower women and individuals of color oppressed by Western hegemony -- ttself a jargon phrase-- yet no one she seeks to liberate could remotely understand her text. Nor could many scholars like myself, who seek to learn from her infinite wisdom.At some point, I would hope that scholars like Spivak would take a page from the Lawrence Grossbergs of the world and begin to write in more accessible languageTo do so is not anti-intelectual -- it is indeed an attempt to ADVANCE scholarship. | 0negative
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Solid research and fascinating intellectual inquiry
Author John R. Galvin explores the personalities of three key figures whose actions and discourses constituted the roots of the American Revolution. Galvin's admirable scholarly discipline and his keen analysis deserve praise. His scope is very precise: it begins and ends with the period where Hutchinson, Adams, and Otis were interacting. Readers interested in Hutchinson, Adams, or Otis should read this book to gain a deeper insight into their personal philosophies and into the political struggles and challenges which made or defeated them, and which ultimately constituted the unyielding backdrop of their social existence and historical judgement. Readers interested in mid-18th century Massachussetts or American politics will learn much about the many groups and organizations of the period. | 1positive
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Quest
Once you have read this book you will become more aware and see more evidence of the quest for great leadership all around you, reminding and reinforcing your knowledge and understanding of the concepts contained in this powerful book.The process detailed in the book outlines a quest for becoming a leader. One who reads it will take the journey and discover the process for becoming the true leader by discovering what leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Queen Elizabeth and others have learned and leaders today know, that leadership is a process and not a collection of empty principles.Dr. Stanley kept me riveted. This is a must read for any business leader or aspiring leader. | 1positive
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This book has to be Andy's greatest joke
Here's the joke:An Andy biography that is really an auto-biography of Bob Zmuda(Who?Exactly). Well, I fell for it. | 0negative
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The esoterics of Japanese tea
Around the turn of the century, Japan's closed borders were flung open and the eyes of the world were fixed upon this mysterious, hidden island nation. Authors, both Japanese and other, were quick to satisfy this new hunger for insight with a variety of metaphors on Japanese society. In his book "Bushido," Tsunetomo Yamamoto exposed Western audiences to the "soul of Japan" as a warrior's code. Kazuko Okakura found a much more gentle metaphor in chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony."The Book of Tea" does not propose to be a manual on the tea ceremony, but rather a launching point for Japanese aesthetics and values of beauty. Okakura himself is not a tea master, but is a highly-educated aristocrat, schooled in classical Chinese studies and Japanese art. He sees in chanoyu the unique elements of the Japanese eye, and juxtaposes the appeal of architecture, interior decoration, approach to art and other points with the Western view.The writing style reflects the tone of literature of the early 1900's, with an authoritative tone and elf-important turns of phrase. Like "Bushido," "The Book of Tea" seeks to showcase the idealized Japan, that dream of an aesthetic that never-was but is always sought after. An average Japanese home has no relation to the sacred space of the tea house, and your average Japanese cup of tea is knocked back with little ceremony. But within that, there is the search for art in life, and that can be found in chanoyu.Not that it is all esoteric. There is an interesting tour through the history of tea, and its transportation from China to the world. But "The Book of Tea" is very small, and one can not expect too much from a volume of this size. Okakura's mussings are a quick and interesting read, and might be considered a launching point for a deeper investigation of the mysteries of Japanese aesthetics and tea. | 1positive
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Tries too hard to be shocking but just comes off boring instead
When I was given this book to read, it was with the assurance that this was "the worst book ever written". Now, I won't necessarily disagree with that, but it's definitely not for the reasons that the person intended.As is my typical procedure, I won't go into the "plot" (such as it is), since that's been done before. I prefer to go straight to my review and opinion on the book.1st, I've got to say that to call this book a representation of homosexuality on any level is absurd. This isn't about homosexuality, and I'm completely flabbergasted that this author would be recognized by Lambda. If he HAS "changed our concept of gayness in the last century" it was NOT in a positive way! This book highlights each and every stereotypical "perversion" that homophobics have about the gay community, and it's a tragic disservice.2nd, to compare this to Tom Wolfe is an insult to Tom Wolfe. While Wolfe was shocking and unique for his time, this book is nowhere near Wolfe's quality.3rd, on that note, the writing just plain isn't particularly good. I've heard others say that despite the content the book is like poetry (if you can believe that!), or that the writing is just wonderful no matter what it's depicting. Well, I've never read another Delany book, so I can't compare the quality with anything else of his, but I can say without hesitation that the writing itself was, at best, average. As an example, the usage of radio broadcasts to demonstrate what took place while the narrator wasn't present was juvenile and innacurate.4th, this is NOT erotica, at least not in the sense that it's arousing or erotic. I SUPPOSE that pedophilia, fecophilia, watersports and lack of bathing are a turn on for some, but it does nothing for me. And, quite frankly, if this book IS erotic for someone, I don't really WANT to know.One of my single biggest complaints, beyond anything else, is that the book is just plain boring! It took me DAYS to read it, not because it was shocking, or horrifying, or gross. Because, honestly, it simply wasn't to me -- I don't get shocked, horrified or grossed out. Rather, it was just soooo slow. Seriously this was as bad as anything else I've ever read in the boring department... with the long, drawn-out descriptions of each and every thing in each and every room, with each and every twitch and movement that each and every person made. OMG, just how many times do I have to hear about someone scratching? WHY would it be necessary to put a PARENTHESIS in DIALOGUE? Even the violence was described in such a bland and disjointed way that it didn't spark interest.The story, such as it was, is just not all that intriguing. The characters were one-dimensional, stereotypical, and exagerrated. There were no typical people, so to say that the "monsters wear our face" or that they are in possession of "human complexities" is a huge stretch. I mean, truly, I've run into some pretty disgusting, depraved and evil people in my prior line of work (Social Work), but am I REALLY supposed to believe that each and every person that someone encounters, no matter what the context, is going to see a filthy 11 year old boy and become aroused?The person who gave me the book to read says that I am not viewing it the right way, that it's FICTION, and I'm trying to make it too realistic. I think, really, that I just had higher expectations. I expected to be shocked or at least surprised, and instead I came away from this book wondering why Delany felt that he had to try SO hard. This wasn't a novel, it had no true story to tell, it was just random sex scenes shoved together with some haphazard story in between. If the story was worth reading, if it added anything to the literary lexicon or the reader's noesis, I could probably forgive it. Unfortunately, I feel it did neither. And now valuable space in my brain is taken up with a book that's no better than the trashiest of trashy romance novels that I typically read, and quite frankly was a lot worse. At least romance novels are usually hot. | 0negative
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A Favorite Classic
This is one of my favorite books of all time. If you haven't read it - read it! You'll find yourself rereading it time and time again. | 1positive
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So delightful!
My first read. Just as charming at age 58! I shall now read Looking Glass and enjoy Carroll's imagination and puns! | 0negative
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Michel Thomas Unlocks Spanish Grammar
This is a really good course covering basic grammar points. I really like how Michel explains everything in a very logical manner. Having also done his French course before this, I definitely know that his method helps a lot. However one should note that this course is not an all "inclusive" method, you'll definitely need to learn more vocabulary somewhere else, but Michel gives you knowledge on how to convert English words to Spanish words and helps you better understand how things are phrased in Spanish. I highly recommend this. When you're done check out his Advanced course available from Amazon.co.uk. In that five hour course he goes deeper into the grammar points, picking up where this one leaves off.If you're debating getting it, just do! It will really unlock the door to understanding basic sentience structure and is also a great review for those who need to brush up on their Spanish. | 1positive
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Lewis redivivus
We first read this book in Kenya in the early 60s, while we were working on the archaeology of early man. Subsequently my husband taught anthropology (Plio-Pleistocene archaeology) at U.C. Berkeley and used it as a text to lighten his Introduction to Archaeology classes. As "practitioners" we found it hilarious and amazingly insightful, and it has continued to provide amusement ever since. Our battered paperback has long needed replacement, and is shelved where it cannot be permanently borrowed by an envious reader. PLEASE reprint in English. I always wanted to ask Mr. Lewis if he had modelled Father after Dr. Louis Leakey.... Another light-hearted and well-informed view of evolution is the Larry Gonick "History of Everything, Including Sex" | 1positive
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Good info but long-winded and poorly written
In my opinion this book is poorly written and long-winded. The author could have explained everything in a book half the size. His explanations are not entertaining either.The author is obviously well versed in chaos theory but lacks the ability to write a good book. For a good read on a similar topic that is much better written try The Black Swan by Taleb or The (MIS)Behavior of Markets by Mandelbrot. | 0negative
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Horse Sense
This book presented a good overview of the usefulness of horses in therapy. Some of terms were very psychological, however, and perhaps not understood by the general public. It gave a good viewpoint of how horses can be used to help people struggling with their own problems. The specific examples were particularly helpful. | 1positive
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One of the Top 5 All Time Important Books
I am so thankful that this book is now available in the Kindle Edition. I have been checking in every so often for several months to see if The Bondage of the Will was available for the Kindle. I have read the book edition a number of times, and I am convinced that it is one of the most important works --that is outside the Bible itself-- that has ever been written. In it, Luther makes mince meat of the wicked, humanistic, and worldly philosophic doctrine of free-will. All I can say is what a terrible day it will be when men who thought that they were right with God will be shown to have been trusting in something that they did of their own "free-will" rather than in the finished work of Christ alone. Luther makes it clear to Erasmus that the matter of man's will as it relates to salvation is the paramount issue in the discussion of salvation. To be wrong on this issue, ultimately means that one is wrong on the gospel. Think about that for a few moments, and you will begin to realize that the argument of Luther against Erasmus is is not some squabble over a non-essential. It is an argument over the core meaning of the gospel itself. Is the good news about God and man cooperating in the work of his (man's) salvation? Or, is it about man being helpless, and hopeless in his sinful state, and God doing EVERYTHING that is necessary for his salvation. Read Romans 9 and Ephesians 1, and then read Luther's answer to Erasmus' defense of free-will. Remember, faith cannot be a work of man's natural or native free-will, for just as soon as faith is made a product of man's free-will it becomes a work of man, and thus not acceptable to God. But when faith is viewed correctly as a thing that God works in a man by His Spirit through His own word (especially the Gospel) then you have the faith that justifies.Check out our church's website at [...] | 1positive
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For syfy freaks only
This book is quite complicated and tedious. Not for the faint at heart. The first half of the book was excellent and very interesting. From there it became a chore to figure out. It might need to be read numerous times to actually figure it out but why would you? | 0negative
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you've got to be kidding....
What a disappointment....I've faithfully read every James Patterson book and especially love the Alex Cross books...but this one was a real let down. Don't read the last page...it will spoil everything. I am still wondering...what will happen next???? | 0negative
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Great companion book to other raptor field guides
"Hawks in Flight" is a different kind of ID field guide. Most guides feature many colored plates and or photographs of the birds. That is very useful if you are within a reasonable distance from the bird and the light is decent.However, with birds of prey, you frequently see them from a considerable distance and from below. Most of the time you only get a good idea of their shape and flight characteristics. That is where this book comes in handy. Featuring nothing but B&W; drawings (David Sibley) and B&W; photos, "Hawks in Flight" shows you the bird as you will likely see it - a shape consisting of just a few colors (white, grey, black, brown) featuring some defining marks.The authors also do a great job of describing what are the defining marks of each species and also telling you how to make a determination between similar birds (featuring B&W; photos next to each other).Highly Recommended | 1positive
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Poor Printing
Great Book, but the particular publication is terrible. Does not even mention the translation. The print is all but microscopic. Just a cheap computerjob with zero love or respect to the book contents. | 0negative
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Not for me! Cute, but a lot of blank space.
I have to agree with other two-star reviewers. While a great concept, it's so rigid! I rarely use it, and I suppose I should catch up, I missed filling out the entire second trimester, I was so uninspired. PLUS, having photos from week one is just asking for empty space! (hello, you're not pregnant at week 1!) Like many others, I don't have a lot of interesting cravings etc so the questions haven't really suited me. Oh well. It's cute! | 0negative
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Entertaining ... brings back old memories
This is a wonderful book about an Italian family written by the son ... It is filled with amusing stories and familiar family behaviors ... Fun to read ... | 1positive
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Old book... Timeless advice
I work at a multinational company, where I've assisted to a numerous amounts of workshops on leadership, good management, people skils... etc. I'm about to finish this book, and what I've found is that In conclusion, Dale Carnegie's advice, written back in 1936, is EXTREMELY similar to the contents of the courses I'm taking today, 2012. VERY SIMILAR. He knew it back then. He had it right. Still does. If you're looking to Influence People and become a good leader.... go ahead. Buy this book. | 1positive
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IF YOU HAVE TO READ IT, WAIT FOR THE PAPERBACK!
"Red Dragon" and "Silence of the Lambs" were so very good and I anxiously awaited the sequel, but I cannot remember ever being so disappointed in a book. The story becomes more unbelievable with each page - the last few chapters were just a joke and the ending leaves you feeling ripped off for spending the money on a hardcover edition. Harris should be embarrassed for offering such crap to his loyal readers. And where were his editors? Didn't someone along the way tell him how bad this was? I am considering writing the author and asking him to refund my money. | 0negative
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I have been wainting for this book!
I do business in Los Angeles and this book is worth more than any single property north of Sunset Blvd. Robert Shemin has an unbeatable system and "Secrets of Buying and Selling Real Estate...Without Using Your Own Money!" is a terrific new addition. His program is about making heaps of $$$ with smarts and heart - a recipe for a happy rich life. I would not be where I am today without this wonderful man's advice. Every successful investor I have encountered over the past few years has shared my admiration for the Shemin system. He's one of the greats and this book (along with his other books) will teach you why and how you can apply his business skills and work ethic to build your own little empire. | 1positive
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pass on this picchu
This book will not significantly enrich any persons knowledge of this priceless architectural relic. Poorly written, poorly illustrated and frustrating devoid of any new perspective or information, many publications available are considerably better at providing an understanding of this fantastic site. Pass on this one. | 0negative
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Flight of Hope
The search for freedom is a common underlying theme that can be found in many novels. Charlotte Bronte really emphasized this theme in Jane Eyre. This novel illustrates the path a strong young woman takes in her search for contentment. As she travels from place to place it becomes obvious that she is seeking a true home. The repetition of bird motifs throughout the novel is a device that accentuates the theme of freedom. In paying close attention to these motifs one can see that Jane is actually equated with a bird. Like a bird Jane Eyre is constantly in flight in search of her dreams. Her "spirit followed on willing wings the flight of Hope up and on to and ideal Heaven" (333). The comparison of Jane to a bird, when understood, is very important to the overall meaning of the novel. At the time Charlotte Bronte wrote the novel her ideas were pretty radical, considering that it was unheard of for a woman to be independent and free willed, which are the key aspects of Jane Eyre's character. The romanticism and feminism of this novel is inspirational. I strongly recommend Jane Eyre to any woman who is not afraid to follow her own dreams. | 1positive
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Excellent Read!
This book is not so much about policy as it is about ideals and where Obama stands on key issues, such as politics, opportunity in America, race, and family. It's a very insightful read and incredibly well-written. | 1positive
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Poor attempt at hard sci-fi.
The editors really blew it on this one. While the author starts with a decent, if fairly worn set of premises, and has a few genuinely unique ideas strewn about, he obviously can't help but tell us everything he knows about the defunct SSC project along with some physics wet-dream stuff. This candy is only good when skillfully mixed with good characterization and plot pacing. Instead, we get fairly 2D characters, ham-handedly described, and reams and reams of Q&A designed to bore the reader into skipping ahead to see if anything ever actually happens, or if this is a tour guide disguised as fiction. Frequently, the "conversations" turn into a brain dump of the author's banal familiarity and bias on everything from Dallas society to particle physics. People don't talk like this!Then it gets worse. Just as things seem to be able to get interesting, a cheesy deus ex machina gets pulled and saves the day. Instead of putting us out of our misery and ending it there, Cramer then continues by having our heroes play politics. I'm not kidding. Was he trying for humor? The one love story seems contrived and is as limp as a month old asparagus. The deepest irony is that the lone female character, used pretty lamely as a foil througout, is a bad scifi writer.There is plenty of good hard SF out there. Read "Cosm" by Benford instead of this dreck. | 0negative
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An Inspiring, Life-Changing Book!
If you want to get a clear understanding about the amazing power of energy medicine ... if you want to raise your own energetic vibration which will result in you being healthier, happier, and more alive that you ever thought possible ... if you want to learn what you can do to resolve your problems and turn your life around ... if you want to learn about the awesome power of asking for guidance ... this book is for you.Those who have the courage to have an open mind and are willing to make changes in their old ways of thinking (that aren't working anyway!)will be deeply and profoundly affected by what she tells us in this most wonderful book.No matter what the problem - whether it's a physical illness or emotional problem, an old wound that is still affecting your life, a relationship problem, or just feeling like you're not living the life you were meant to live, Christel will give you tools to heal and make the changes you want in your life. And she presents this valuable material in a clear, concise manner that is easy to understand and fun to read.Christel Nani is a truly amazing, incredibly gifted human being and those who cross her path are left forever changed for the better.Reading this book was life-changing for me, and I can't recommend it highly enough. | 1positive
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Complete Disappointment
I read the other reviews before I bought the book, and I can't help but wonder if we're talking about the same book. Yes, it has really nice pictures, and yes, it covers a tremendous range of fishes, but the information is way too general to be at all useful. I will admit that my opinions result from being an aquarium owner, but I simply don't see any practical applications here for most of the general public unless you just want to see pretty pictures.For those who are considering buying this book, I seriously suggest that, if at all possible, give it a quick read and find out what you're truly getting. | 0negative
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Sending a Boy to Do a Man's Job
This book was given to me as a gift by a friend, because "you're a conservative, Rob." Indeed, that I am, so it would seem that this was quite an apropos present.However, I remember a time when conservatives were farther and fewer between, and nascent Generation-X'ers such as I were drawn to the movement by the likes of Milton Friedman, F.A. Hayek, Ludwig von Mises and William F. Buckley. The sci-fi aficionados among us came to it by way of Robert A. Heinlein and Ayn Rand. Ronald Reagan was seen by us as a politician who had absorbed their ideas and distilled them into a populist message that could speak to the average American. We were proud to be labeled as conservatives, because we were at the forefront of a movement that was both scholarly and intellectual yet passionate and emotional.Now, a quarter century later, we are being asked to regard this baby faced Bush leaguer (pun intended) as some sort of leader of our movement? It's enough to drive a thinking man's conservative into the Democrat party, just for some sorely needed cerebral stimulation.Don't get me wrong: I agree with Hannity more often than not. In fact, I agree with him much more often than I agree with his liberal better half, Alan Colmes. However, Hannity brings to his Fox News cable show what he brings to his radio program: The Republican Party Line, presented in schematic form, with all the dots from A to Z connected by Hannity's deftly-wielded Crayola crayon.And that is what this book basically is, a Chilton's manual of the conservative positions, so un-intellectually argued and reasoned that a half-wit can put them together. Perhaps when this book finds its rightful place in the bargain bin, it may see new life in a reprinting as "Conservatism For Dummies."From whence did Hannity come? He makes no bones that he was drawn to talk radio by the likes of Rush Limbaugh. But, Limbaugh is a far different breed: The scion of a legal family, surrounded by high-minded dinner table conversation, Limbaugh's first love was Top 40 radio. Put the two together, and you've got an intellectually-based mix of highfalutin ideas as made palatable for the Casey Kasem crowd. Even Bill O'Reilly has a much more analytical background, having paid his dues as an investigative TV reporter for ABC and earning his master's degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.What does Sean Hannity bring to the table? Hannity got into the racket as a caller who so loved calling in to talk radio programs that he figured out the perfect formula to ensconce himself at the other end of the mike. Sort of like how Eve Harrington took over Margot Channing's role in "All About Eve."But, that is the extent of Hannity's talent and intellect. Whether on radio or TV or in this book, you can guess each and every single statement that will come from Hannity's mouth or pen. All you have to know are what the Republican party talking points are for the day. You can see Hannity coming a mile away. He so predictably telegraphs his positions that he makes the crude and bombastic James Carville come off like a thoughtful and nuanced Christopher Hitchens by comparison.Hannity's main asset is that he has the courage of convictions. Yet, that is all that's there, are convictions. Read Hannity's prose and you will have a new dictionary definition for "knee jerk reactionary." I challenge lexicographers to top that one.And, perhaps this is why Hannity is so popular with his doltish audience -- having shorn himself of the duty of having to think his positions through (he leaves that to Colmes, who blows Hannity away in the erudition department) -- because his opinions can be readily grasped, without the laborious and time-consuming process of mental digestion. Hannity's mantra is Soylent Green and Metamucil all rolled into one convenient Fruit Roll-Up.I must admit that I agree with Hannity's critics who find he's preaching to the choir. The problem, though, is that the homily is not being delivered by a cardinal or even a circus-tent preacher, but a goody two-shoes choir boy whose pre-pubescent voice hasn't even yet broken.With conservatives pundits like these, who needs liberal nemeses? | 0negative
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Suspense and mystery with a Jewish twist
I enjoy reading suspense stories by such authors as Ludlum, Greene, Clancy, and Forsyth and have, lately, emersed myself in books about Judaism. This novel is a creative attempt to combine the two in an entertaining way. The characters are interesting and well developed, albeit somewhat unevenly. My only criticism of this book is its ending - it is superficial and not very well thought out. A different ending, e.g., the development of an antidote to foil the plot of the villians, would have been more consistent with the storyline | 1positive
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an attack on American "values"
After seeing the film, and being disappointed (see my Amazon review), I figured the novel might be better. It was.As I interpret it, the title refers to the idea that, if one lives long enough, one reaches a point where society changes to the extent that we no longer understand it, and/or we recognize that the way we perceived the world when younger was wrong, or doesn't make sense.For Sheriff Bell, who in his 36 years as a law officer has seen nothing much "worse" than simple murder, it's the rise of the drug trade and the horrifying crimes committed by those dealing in it. Not to mention people renting rooms to the elderly, then murdering them for their Social Security checks -- /after/ torturing them. "Maybe their television was broke", Bell drily observes.NCfOM is neither a crime drama nor a thriller (though constructed as such). It is Bell-McCarthy's musings on the chickens coming home to roost -- of the brutal materialism of our society -- primarily its depraved greed -- finally destroying it. This is implicit throughout the book, but McCarthy makes it clear (if you weren't paying attention) when Bell converses with a prosecutor:...I asked him if he knew who Mammon was. And he said: Mammon?Yes. Mammon.You mean like God and Mammon? *Yessir.Well, he said, I can't say as I do. I know it's in the bible. Is it the devil?I don't know. I'm goin to look it up. I got a feelin I ought to know who it is.He kindly smiled and he said: You sound like he might be getting ready to take up the spare bedroom.Well, I said, that would be one concern. In any case I feel I need to familiarize my self with his habits.Moss is eventually punished for taking the money, for putting material things above the spiritual. This is fated, and the weapon of destruction is the fate-worshipping Anton Chighur.I could go on, but this is a "philosophical" book that largely avoids pretentiousness and excessive self-awareness. It's worth reading; you'll probably want to get friends to read it, so you can discuss it.And it's a book high-school English teachers should assign. It would provoke an incredible amount of worthwhile discussion.* "No man can serve two masters... Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." (Literally, the deific personification of wealth. Figuratively, material things.) | 1positive
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A Guide to Starting Your Own Business
If you want to start your own business or just perform better in your current position, Yes You Can: How to Start, Operate & Grow a Business While Developing Yourself and Pursuing Your Personal Goals is an excellent self-help guide. It is a detailed resource geared toward Black women and starts at the very beginning of not only building your own business, but also strengthening yourself and interpersonal relationships with those you work with. It's just the book for a person with drive and ambition who wants to do their own thing.Coupled with tips and guidelines, it focuses on the things that women are concerned with in the work place: communicating with others, conducting meetings, and presenting a professional image. It also covers well-being and subjects such as handling stress, learning to delegate, and identifying things that take away from productivity. Through the four stages of this book, "The Start Up and Beginning Stage," "The Operation and Management Stage," "The Growing and Expansion Stage," and "The Personal Development and Actualization Stage," one can easily feel less overwhelmed by the aspects of starting a business and actually know their dream is obtainable. It is not only an educational read, but also a motivational one which should be read by those interested in becoming entrepreneurs.Reviewed by Mz. Melody for Loose Leaves Book Review | 1positive
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it helped
it helpedthe endGOOD GAME!!! | 1positive
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Not a work of literature... but informative.
Proud to Be,Author Kelly Flinn, Former 1st. Lt. USAFInteresting book… Not a work of literature but proof from the horses mouth that women stationed in military combat roles does not work. If half of what Lt. Flinn reports is true and I suspect it is, --the USAF needs to change existing programs. It is a classic example of allowing entrance into military service made too easy.I do not doubt for one minute had candidate Flinn chose to fly for the Marines that she would have lasted the complete OCS and Basic school program. It reinforces the theory of increased difficulty and physical standards produces the best candidate to join the officer corps of military service for this country. Yes some women can and do make good pilots. USAF brass did not do a good job of handling this problem. As a result, current and former members of the military got a well deserved black eye. Much of this problem can be laid at the feet of the Clinton administration. The book is interesting and informative. Two star rating. | 0negative
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Island of Blue Dolphins
I am currently 24 years of age. I read Island of Blue Dolphins when I was in my very early teens. It is wonderful book. While reading it I could see the story unfolding in my mind's eye. I admired the strength of our heroine and related to her weaknesses. I tried to place myself in her shoes, and feel what she felt. When I discovered that my much younger sister, 11 years old, had developed a love I books I instantly thought of this book. It is a perfect read forone such as her. I plan to buy it for her as a birthday gift. I suggest this to anyone young person. Whether you are young in age or young at heart this is a great read. | 1positive
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Great Classic Poetry
This is a great classic book to have. If you love the poetry by Edgar Allan Poe I highly recommend adding this book to your collection. | 1positive
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When 's The Sequel Out?
Being a thriller novel reader, I aways compare books with Clancy's novel; how they pull you in and hold your attention. Well this book did all that and more for me. Not only did it engage me in the story immediately but it held my attention like Clancy. However noted differences dirverge here. Hillhouse provides a genuine suprise chuckle scattered throughout; sometimes at the most inauspicious moment. Whereas most thriller novels, involving obfuscatory Russian names, are difficult to resume and keep everyone straight, given the inevitable family diruptions, Hillhouse has a way of presenting that I found eased me back into the story and characters without having to regroup and glance back to keep eveyone identified. This was a totally unexpected storyline. A female heroine. Just the right amount of everything here, except.......when's the sequel out? | 1positive
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Not up to snuff!
This was the worst James Patterson book I've ever read. It's like he had an idea for a short story and instead turned it into a 311 page snoozer. The plot was thin and totally unbelievable and the characters, good and bad, were unlikeable. James Patterson should stick with the Lindsay Boxer series and forget about the flying brats. | 0negative
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Wow what a book!
I was getting kind of sick of the junk my kids are reading. So I launched a campaign to dig up some of the books I loved when I was a kid. I thought I'd start with The Wind In The Willows after I found a great old edition at a used bookstore. Sadly it seems like the fact the copy is a used book is a turnoff for the younger generation. But that gave me a chance to reread the adventures of Mr. Toad and company. Wow what a book! It's even better as an adult. But make sure you get a copy with the original Ernest Sheppard illustrations. Apologies to modern illustrators, but that guy is the genius. | 1positive
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This book has a few things to recommend it, however.
This book is a product of then Communist Czechoslovakia with images taken during 1958 in the North Korean capitol of Pyongyang, and a final publication date of 1962.The title purports to discuss the art of ancient Korea but its introductory essay in approx. 53 pages is actually a complete survey of Korean art right through the Yi Dynasty. This essay is surprisingly informative and what it actually does is attempt to pick out those elements of art and artistic objects found in Korea that the author deems are quintessentially Korean. This is necessary because of Korea's historic relationship to China which could be and was, at times, a bit stifling or engulfing. This editorial trope is both appealing and quite successful and even easily read.Where the essay, or rather the included art work, fails is that the essay mentions a plethora of material from the various historical periods/regions of Korea and then fails to illustrate them. Instead the accompanying art works/objects are all located in Pyongyang. So, in effect, the book is almost two distinct things. The first being a surprisingly good essay upon the development of Korean artwork and its inherent characteristics. The second being a survey of items found in Pyongyang's leading museum that contain some or most of the elements spoken of in the essay.It almost works, but one wishes he could see the very items discussed in the essay as well as these 'hidden' objects from Pyongyang.One thing that really does work is the two page chronological survey with its dated bullet points of important events and developments affecting Korean culture and arts.About the physical aspects of this approx. 11" x 9" hardbound book, one can say that its production values are what one expects from an early 1960's Proletarian's paradise. In other words, while the book is sturdy and workmanlike the production values especially of the color plates are, well, proletarian. The reproductions (of which there are 132) are typically grainy and often rather amateurishly staged; the color reproductions are few and the reproduction quality of them is chalky and flat due to the paper stock not being glossy. (One cool thing though is that the red chop mark on the cover is actually embossed: A very nice touch.)All in all, I'm not sure that I would recommend this book even though the opening essay packs a lot of very interesting and relevant information into a remarkably small space. | 0negative
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NOT AN ENJOYABLE STORY
This book is nothing special. I personally don't see why everyone considers this to be a masterpiece. First off I can't see how Bronte can turn such a stupid story into a 300 page novel. Another thing that bothered me was the narrative. The story was almost completely told in flashback and that flashback often broke into another flashback and a couple of time broke off into a third flashback. Another thing that was bad was the referce to the characters. One sentence she wold call Isabella Mrs. Linton then she would call Catherine Mrs. Linton also. Same situation with Mr. Heathcliff and Linton Heathcliff. Not to mention the fact that there were two Catherines which just added to the unproffesionalism of this book. What the heck was Joespeph saying!!!! Overall I believe reading this book was a complete waste of time and I would defenantly not recommend this book to anyone else. If you are looking for an enjoyable book from that era I strongly suggest you read Jane Erye by Emily's more competent sister Charlotte. | 0negative
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No wonder the world hates Americans
This book is a embarrassment to this country and anyone who buys this book is a borderline Nazi and needs to seek some sort of psychological help. This book has no intellectual credibility and is nothing more than ranting and raving by a seriously mentally ill person. With people so filled with hate buying this book no wonder the rest of the world thinks that Americans are insane! I sure wish that all of these enraged conservatives would get mad at the companies and stockholders that constantly cheat them rather at liberalism which is an ideology which they probably do not understand. By the way have notice that Mr. Coulter looks like one of the Nelson brothers of hair band fame! | 0negative
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not what I thought it was
I expected the book to be about lifestyle not house design. It seem typical for what has become of Key West - overbuilt, with a narrow view on style. Key West style to me is an internal thing, not how a house looks or is furnished! I returned this product. | 0negative
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amazing but cold-hearted
I didn't expect Camus to be optimistic, of course, but The Stranger absolutely haunted me. Meursault's plight is all of ours. His crime, basically the crime of indifference, is something of which no one can, really, be acquitted. I am sort of a withdrawn person, and Meursault actually appealed to me as a character, although his actions repulsed me. Overall, this book was very frightening in a good way (especially the end of it). | 1positive
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Another not-so-great Kindle edition
This Kindle book was clearly created from a text file and little, if any, editing or formatting was done for the Kindle.Paragraphs are fixed width, so unless you size your screen to the paragraphs, you will have lines breaking all over the place. Formatting is of the suggestive type found in text files; for example, underlining appears like _this_. No index and no links for the footnotes, so you will have to scan for the ends of the chapters to find them.It is not unreadable and not a terrible deal for 99 cents, but it would have taken less than 15 minutes of work to correct these annoyances. | 0negative
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Time Machine, the Best Book Ever! (Just Kidding)
The part in the book that ia ctually liked is when the time Traveller and Weena, his friend from the futre, are in the forest. it is getting dark so the Time Traveller starts a fire, Weena is som amazed by it because she has never seen one, she tries to stick her hand onto the fire and feel it. A part that i disliked was when the Time Traveller fell aslep in the wells where the morlocks live and when he woke up the Morlocks were groping him. I think the Time Traveller was stupid to go down into the monsters lair and fall asleep. I mean what did he think was going to happen, the Morlocks were going to leave him alone? Yeah rigth buddy.The book starts off with The Time Traveller and his friends at his house in england during the 1800s. As the book moves along he was in the same spot as where his Time Machine was in his laboratory but instead of during the 1800s he was in the year 801,701.The main problem of this book is when the Time Traveller gets to 802,701 and the Morlocks steel his machine. He knows that it is in the Sphynx but he cannot get in. The Morlocks decide to set a trap by leaving the doors to the Sphynx open and when the Time Traveller walks in to attack him. The Time Traveller fought off the Morlocks until he got 2 his machine and went a little bit into the future just to get out of there. He then went back to his time.All in all I did not like this book it was boring and did stand out to me at all. I would not recomned this book to you unless you like to boring things that were written years ago. It was also quit the confusing one.E.M | 0negative
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Nice Try
Everybody is entitled to translate from another language, but FitzGerald did it as a quasi-translation and wound up with a recognized masterpiece. If you want to know what Khayyam really said, read this book. If youn want literature, read the FitzGerald version. | 0negative
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Who's on first?
The best way that I can find to describe this book is Abbott and Costello's infamous "Who's on first?" routine. The entire plot and interaction between characters is a mish-mash of miscommunication. The characters run the gamet of absurdity. From the main character Yossarian, the bombardier who thinks that everyone is out to get him personally because they are trying to kill him in a war. To the private, who is running a black market between countries and enemies, selling anything and everything he can get his hands on. To the colonel who feels that the success of the army depends on whether or not he can provide a good parade. The list goes on and on.The plot weaves back and forth in time and can get somewhat confusing at times, but then again if you're not on your toes this whole book could get away from you. I found the best thing to do is just find a quiet place and let yourself get absorbed in the ridiculousness. The best way to sum up this satirical look on war is this: "Catch 22" IS a catch-22. | 1positive
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Ex-Colored Man
It said no highlighting, but there is underlining throughout the entire book. Other than the underlining that it is ok though, I just wish I would have known about the underlining, I would have purchased another book then. | 0negative
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Fascinating part of American history
I found this book to offer a piece of American history which has since been lost. The author meant to tell a tale based on life as it was in the late 1800's in the US. Great tales that were told by others and that the author himself simply repeated. | 1positive
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An awesome book!!
To put it mildly, this book is awesome! Well perhaps mildly awesome because I think the concluding chapter could have been a little bit longer and could have been geared in a different direction rather than expounding on one of the scenarios presented earlier.The book starts out by looking at the educational system, how rather than being formed as constructive, intellectually hungry individuals, many aspects of the system are turning children, often involuntarily, into sycophantic navel-gazers; as the book puts it "What healhthy children need most is guidance on how to be civil and ethical--not how to be self-obsessed"From here the authors begin to expound their central point that America is being consumed by a "Therapistic mentality" where problems are allegedly resolved by talking about them and they emotions they elicit from every possible angle rather than discussing strategies for solving them, and actually dealing with the problems.The basic message of the authors is that life is tough, but we should stop obsessing over it, because we are capable of dealing with it.I thought the book was awesome, though the writing style was at times a bit slow. All the same, the highest rating 5 stars! | 1positive
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As Thorough As It Gets
Attention to detail - that's what separates this from the rest. My wife and I have been to this region dozens of times, and already knew much of what's here, yet we still bought this for its depth and for the gems it has that we'd missed. Lesser-known yet still outstanding locations are included, not just the "name" places. Time of day, trail and road conditions, suggestions on that extra item of gear [or lens] to take for each place, it's all here. The author's "here's my experience of the place" approach makes it that much more readable, too. The combination of sample color photos, time required data and geographic grouping make it easy to plan your visit. This book _really_ "rocks"! | 1positive
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a literary stinker!
The only reason I gave this book 2 stars is the fact that the book is great in the begining (chapters 1-3 out of 34), but gets more boring each second I read it. I would not recommend this bokk to any one, except the people that like old english literature with word like: doth, whither, goest, thou, thy, and many other confusing words. | 0negative
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Jill Prescott's Ecole de Cuisine
I bought the book after watching Jill Prescott's PBS series. The recipes are just as good as the show. Everything is clear and well written. I have great success with all the recipes. I like her straightforward approach to the classics. This is one of my favorite books. She is a superb teacher both on TV and in her book! | 1positive
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Book Of the year? Disappointment of the year!
I bought this book to read on holiday, persuaded by recommendations on the cover that it was one of the Books of the Year 1997 for several newspaper reviewers. I found the repetive style of the book irritating, although I appreciate the allusions to mazes and particularly the 'revelation'at the ending. However, the content was sooo boring! I read the whole of the book - hoping it would get better. Although Larry was a pretty nice guy, at the end I resented the fact I had wasted so much time on such a Joe Average that let life wash over him and then had his mislife crisis! There were some funny moments, good character observations and I learnt some interesting things about mazes(!) so I might try another Carol Shields novel but I would definately NOT recommend this book nor believe the hype. | 0negative
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Far too negative on Roosevelt and the "New Deal"
I know it is chic to resite the non-accomplishments of past or current world leaders, but this is too much. For 362 pages we read that Roosevelt did nothing right, that he careened from crisis to crisis, never did anything than had any effect on the economic problems of the times, did nothing for Labor or Farming, attacked Business on every possible occation, destroyed the Military, lied to the American People to win re-election in 1936, tried to destroy the Supreme Court, etc. It is hard to find anything that the author thinks Roosevelt did right!We then read 18 pages on how great and meaningful the results of the New Deal were and how they not only changed the country, but saved democracy as we know it!I can't wait to find out how Roosevelt lost the Second World War. I am sure he did it all by himself! | 0negative
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Boring
Most Nancy Drews are VERY good. but this one was so boring that I couldn't pick it up. (oppaset of couldn't put it down.) It took me the longest time to finnish it, a week or more, and that's saying somthing because I nomally finish them in 1 or 2 days. The most exsiting thing was when Hannah was tyed to a chair. don't get this one, a diff. one. | 0negative
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Just another dumb Photoshop Book
Ok this book is just another bla Photoshop book. Nothing great not nothing new that has not already been mentioned in other photoshop books | 0negative
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What would you do for fun in Camelot?
Who has not wondered what they would do if sent back centuries earlier armed with the knowledge of modern life? Mark Twain is perhaps the first writer (at least the first that I know of) who makes a serious effort (with much comedy thrown in) to consider this question.The main character, Hank Morgan, is mysteriously transported from the then modern age of the late 19th century into the land of Camelot, with King Arthur and his knights. Although the story is well known for the comedic stories within the book, less known is the author's serious statements about human frailties such as prejudice (this book is an outspoken criticism of slavery at a time when the Just Cause myth of the American south was getting its start), superstition, autocracy, blind reliance on tradition, etc. His severity against the Catholic church stings me because that is my faith, but when considering the history of the church and some of the atrocities committed by some church leaders, his denigration is not without some justification.There is much here for philosophical debate. Twain takes an anti-determinist view of what man is capable of accomplishing, but he is fatalistic about the ability of one person to make a lasting change. I think that he missed the point. Hank Morgan failed not so much because of the forces of custom or the clergy, but because he tried force cultural enlightenment. This is like expecting wisdom from ten year olds simply because they have the lessons of their elders available to them. Cultural improvement is a developmental process and comes from self awareness. The character would have also been improved if he had learned more of his own cultural shortcomings from involvement with this different society. Regardless, this is a highly enjoyable book that shows why it, and the author remains of interest over a century later.I disagree with the Editorial Review written by the School Library Journal that this book is recommended for as early as fifth grade. I believe that the subject matter would be better considered and discussed with those in later grades. | 1positive
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Buy this book if you're thinking of getting a Beardie!
This book is an easy read that provides excellent information on the care of Bearded Dragons. Before you get your dragon, get this book! It could mean the difference between a happy healthy lizard and a dead one.Already have a dragon? Get the book anyway. You could still learn some things that will make your pet's life better. | 1positive
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For teens?
I bought this book for my 15 year old niece. Her birthday isn't for a couple of weeks so I read it. I am a teacher and enjoy reading new books to see what's going on. Mind you, I am from the Judy Blume era, Deenie, Tiger Eyes, etc. We thought they were edgy. This book, was horrible. I read the first 10 pages and was horrified that I could have given this to my niece. The language and subject matter was beyond belief. I don't like the curse words, but I could deal with them. The sexual content, though...unbelievable. | 0negative
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Cause and Effect
I teach third graders in Texas. I use this book to teach cause and effect. It has really helped my students grasp the concept of cause and effect. I would encourage any elementary language arts teacher to pick up this book today! | 1positive
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Disturbingly Real End of Life Scenario
No giant rat creatures or bands of ugly-chic warriors. No heroic action sequences. No great battles for humanity.Just the end of hope, the end of the future, the end of life. This is a depiction, stark and realistic and unromantic, of how humans deal with the knowledge that the end of life on Earth has come, that they are going to die and leave nothing behind.Quite possibly the most depressing post-apocalyptic work of them all, but a real tour de force. A vivid work that stays with you long after you've finished. | 1positive
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The WORST romance book I have ever read!!!!
This was, by far, the worst romance I have ever had to suffer through reading. There was absolutely no plot, and an overabundance of graphic sex. The characters are flat and driven by only one thought--satisfying thier overactive hormones. By the end of the book, I didn't care what became of the characters, wishing that the heroine had not survived the shipwreck. Not even worth touching. I would have given it a negative score if I could have. | 0negative
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Dense but Worthwhile
I really enjoyed this book. It's my second Jared Diamond book (after Guns, Germs, and Steel) so I knewthat the book would be dense and slow-reading. However, like the previous book, I found the vast amountof information fascinating and the "moral" of the different tales that he tells to be one well worthpaying attention to today. Diamond is not a great writer but a great synthesizer of information. | 1positive
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Creepy and torture to read
Oh my god, run! This was pure torture. If someone updated the language and took out all of the weird occult stuff, maybe it would be a short statment like, dude your thoughts turn into little things and take on a life of thier own. I think that if you read modern astral projection or energy healing texts, you would get a better understanding of thought forms. Personally I couldn't get into this, even for free. There is also something creepy about this book in general, I kept getting images of those old photos that they used to take of the dead children and family dressed up and sitting like they are still alive. I'm just saying..... if you want to feel like dead people are staring at you, read this book. Or go to the early bird buffet before 5 on a sunday... | 0negative
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Excellent! Easy to follow information and workshops.
I recommend this book to anyone who has FrontPage. David Karlins makes designing easy to learn and teaches you things you never thought possible. I did not know anything about computers, but thanks to this book I was able to design my own gift site and save tons of money! | 1positive
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Feedback on the book
This book talks about Roald Dahl when he was young. He took part in the Second World War and this book deals with the time he went flying with the RAF in the war. Everyone dislikes going on wars but Roald Dahl enjoyed it. He thought that it was a free travel and it was interesting. He described all the interesting and exciting events happening to him. After three years of fighting and flying, due to the severe head injuries he had received when his Gladiator crashed in the Western Desert, he must on no account fly a fighter plane again and so went back home. I do not enjoy the story because I do not like wars. Wars are terrible and Roald Dahl described how he helped the others fight and how the others were shot and died. I felt upset when I read this book. I think this book is thick. The plot goes slowly and it makes the story boring. | 0negative
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What happened to good writing?
I can't believe that these two authors wrote the first two books in this series. They were great! This third book just plods slowly along with an uninteresting plotline, vapid characters and a pretty boring conclusion. The main character, John the Eunuch, has lost his you-know-whats...the authors seem to have lost their ability to write a good mystery! | 0negative
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A GREAT return to a series I thought was over!
For those fans of Feintuch who'll remember the last part of Patriarch's Hope, it looked like our hero Seafort was going to sail into the sunset never to return. But thankfully Feintuch saw things differently!Based from the first-person perspective of Randy Carr, Derek Carr's youngest and last child, this book brings back our hero Seafort. I don't want to give anything away, it is just too good, but I just know if you liked the first four books of the Seafort Saga you're going to love this one. It has all the attitude of the first four and opens the door for even more books in the GREAT Saga.I salute you Mr. Feintuch. I read this book in 2 days and I am thinking about reading it again very soon. Now get back to the typewriter and finish the next one! I can't wait to see what happens next! | 1positive
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Full of Ridiculous Drama!!!!!
This book sounded interesting enough and it was...at the beginning. We read it for our book club so was eager to jump on in. It wasn't one of my least favorites but you keep waiting and waiting for something to happen. Nothing does. Hence the title, you would think the majority of the book would be about Phoebe but it isn't. I got a little sick of Norah's self loathing to be quite honest. | 0negative
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Sappy and Shallow, II
I like historical fiction and had at least moderate expectations that this would be an enjoyable story, given Patterson's acclaim. Well, I should have gone to the bookstore and browsed this drippy yarn before purchasing it online. Cardboard cutouts would have more depth than the characters in this story. As for the setting and time period, 10 minutes of internet browsing would give you what this novel offers. The authors have a nerve to suggest they relied on historical research...If Hollywood makes a movie out of this, then plot, character, and scene development need little additional work with this novel in hand. My recommendation? Save the ~$8 and get yourself or a friend a latte or something. | 0negative
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great condition!!!
The book i purchased was shipped fast to me, it is a great site to buy from, very well priced, and to re use a book is the best thing that someone can do. The book is still in great condition!! would def buy from them again.thanks | 1positive
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Flawed
It seems that the basic purpose of the character Jane Eyre is to suffer nobly and then eventually succeed. Both elements are highly problematic as presented. Her noble suffering acts to undermine her actual character, making someone that reacts the same to most of the challenges--stoic, determined, largely silent, resigned. This required attitude makes her too much of a blank slate, too reactive, with insufficient personal details to be memorable or seem like a complex psychological portrait. One gathers that Bronte was trying to subvert common norms in representation of woman, by making Jane a lot plainer and less accomplished than was the usual style. She may have made a major improvement in this, and as discussed below there are some interesting elements to all this, but the basic result undercuts the character's agency too much. Jane can work as a symbol, she does not work as a person, and the novel is too deeply linked to her consciousness for that to be a passable loss.As well there are major pacing issues and apparent questions on the larger arc, with much of the first hundred pages and the last hundred and fifty being off-tangent to the necessary interactions for the particular story. Still, it was hardly the worst or most difficult work to get through. For much of the first two hundred pages I found it moderately enjoyable, without thinking it was very good. I was reading it as a dark comedy, framed by a blank protagonist in a fundamentally ridiculous situation. The humor--genuine though presumably unintended--came from the contrast of the stylized language forms and general etiquette focus and how cruelly people acts. See in particular the treatment of Jane in the devil child scene, in the way that's she stiffly defends herself as opposed to how the school argues she's a literal follower of the devil, and how that's a bad thing. Amusing, in a twisted sense, at least as I took it.Where I stopped being able to do this was precisely the point that the horrid and creepy Mr. Rochester became crucial to the story. He was a fundamentally twisted, harsh and disturbing person in his own right, and the eventual arc of the book where Jane does marry him and this is apparently a good thing fatally undermines the book. The way Jane plods on is problematic in itself, but it's what he ultimately plods to that is truly wrong. Rochester's focus on pride and control, his lies, his age, his borderline-deranged manner of fixating on women, the fact we have only his own word on the true story with his first wife, all these make Jane's eventual marriage with him very far from a happy thing. Yet the book seems insistent to regard it in this light, as if Rochester's injury has in itself transformed his character enough that Jane waiting on him for the rest of his life a satisfying resolution. It's the ending scenario that makes the conclusion of the author and the whole structure of the narrative less than even good.Nevertheless, the novel is an accomplishment in a number of ways. That it exists at all, that early in the nineteenth century a woman could be published. Furthermore, it's extraordinary that she was able to include so centrally in her work a protest and anger against the systemic condition of women of her time, and that both elements have been perpetuated down into the present. Creepy as some of the above subtext is, that's a worthwhile development amidst what was a pretty terrifyingly close-minded century.There's also some interesting stuff at work with religion, class and attitudes in the nineteenth century context, Jane occupying a bit of a hybrid position in all of these, not affluent nor truly destitute, not tightly religious or a firm skeptic. The hybridity of her position is very revealing to a lot of norms that we might not see in novels of the period, as her very existence in the text portrays social structures even while it undermines them. Jane Eyre the character and book are transgressive in certain ways, then, and the way this plays out is interesting. Yet, I find this appealing and informative more in my hat as historian than as a reader. The book is quite revealing of the cultural context of the author, but that's going to be the case for almost every book ever published, and it's notably less effective in framing the context for its invented narrative, cast of characters, and atmosphere. I could forgive a lot more in this book, and even come to value much of it, if it weren't for that ending that pushes the whole thing into a disturbed romance. However the book does, and so let it rest.Jane Eyre reminds me of and is better than: Bronte's Wuthering HeightsJane Eyre reminds me of and is worse than: Shelly's Frankenstein | 0negative
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Never again!
I began reading--"though you mayn't believe it," to quote Lewis Carroll's Mock Turtle--at the age of 1 and 9 months. Since then I have read literally thousands of books. And of them all, "Wuthering Heights" is my least favorite. The characters are so unpleasant and cruel to each other that reading the book is a seemingly endless nightmare. It seems that almost everyone in the story eventually dies some physically or psychologically horrible death, and the two major characters other than the two first-person narrators get engaged to each other at the end in an attempt to give the book a bizarre happy ending. About the only good thing about the book is its intriguing narrative structure, in which a man sets down in his diary a long first-person narrative told him by a woman who sometimes repeats briefer stories told her in the first person by others, such as Catharine. Even this, though, is rendered irritating by the fact that the diarist is such an boring and annoying character. I would never have continued reading this book beyond the first few chapters had it not been a school assignment, and I felt a greater sense of relief when I finished it than on any other occasion in my life. To quote what C. S. Lewis once wrote on the last page of a book he had read (I forget which one), "Never again." | 0negative
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"And then there was that law of life...
so cruel and yet so just that one must grow or else pay more to remain the same," wish I could say I said it first but some eight would get on line and discover it was Norman Mailer in _Deer Park_.I found it in a Playboy magazine interview too many years ago to remember.Having said that and confessing my memory for quotes is not that great allow me to say this work has awaken feelings of insercurity in me I never knew I had. Having been a teacher for the past thirty five years I find it totally unacceptable that students are now coming into class with more knowledge at their fingertips than my brain has collected in the past sixty five years...how dare they and I thought there was just a pandemic of hearing impaired young people who were required to ware a blue "ear."Now I know and will continue my crusade against plagarism and students obtaining unauthorized information at all cost.Margaret Mead talked about "prefigurative learning"; where learners teach those who are teaching them and now we have games that do the same thing. And I simply love, love, love and love the idea. I love the notion that an old reprobate like myself must conjure up the humility to ask these learning people to show me how to work a cell phone, pc, wireless, ipod, gpd,digital camera and all the other things I run into that I know nothing about.Although I feel like an anachronism I keep on going and I love that I do.For educators a book should be penned entitled "Bother me students and help me learn."I firmly believe that all teachers who started teaching before Moore's Law was uttered will be obsolete in the next decade. If we do not adapt to change and at least attempt to learn the way out charges do then both of us will be the lesser for it.It's so sad that so many of us educators are reactionary and insist that all this is just some kind of fad and that the Queen's English will be proforma once again and we can forget about digits other than to know they are fingers. It ain't going to happen guys anymore than we start rapping like Chaucer. | 1positive
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Too shallow -- too little character development
I am a fan of Dominic Dunn, deep character development and biopics about what money does to people. So I am interested in fiction in the same arena. However I didn't finish the book because I got tired of the descriptions of fashion, furnishings ...all the superficial trappings of wealth and by contrast the shallow development of the characters...who had the potential to really be interesting people....even those who were impressed with themselves. I was also looking for the gut-wrenching development of each character's response to the shift in their financial picture...and the somewhat perverse interest in the character of the lawyer's assistant who brings them the news. I'm not sure whether it was the sequence of events that caused me to lose interest but I was disappointed in how the focus on superficial trappings was far more than was necessary to paint the picture. It was like I was in a never-ending party with people I had no interest in talking to or learning about. It was dotted with interesting sketches and It had lots of potential but didn't hold my interest long enough to see it all unfold. | 0negative
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A Timeless Classic
Our 4th Grade thinks that this is one of those books that you should NOT go through life without either hearing or reading. We are doing both and we LOVE this story! | 1positive
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Where are you Julie Garwood?
Let me begin by saying that this was a very hard book to rate. It is not that it is a bad book, but it doesn't compare on any level to her older historical works. I like all genres of romance, but Julie Garwood's gift was historical. Perhaps the positive reviews belong to people who have never read Garwood's historical novels and therefore don't know how amazing her writing can be. Check this one out from the library, but don't waste your money. Perhaps our protests will come to Ms. Garwood's attention and she will favor us with a great new historical. There is always hope. | 0negative
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great character study
I don't usually read mysteries, but this was recommended by my agent. It was wonderful, hard to put down, with really deep, multi-layered characters. | 1positive
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The book speaks for itself, but LOOK FOR AN ERRATA SHEET!!!
I am an Amazon reviewer who focuses on pointing out the utilitarian flaws or benefits of a given product; if you are looking for literary criticism, then this review will disappoint. My review, however, is critical if you want to make sure you have a complete copy of 'The Berlin Stories.' If you order the item, check to see if an errata sheet is included anywhere in the book. It's the size of a single sheet of paper slighly larger than the book and will be loosely inserted somewhere in the text. IF THIS SHEET IS NOT INCLUDED, THEN YOU DO NOT HAVE A COMPLETE COPY OF THE BOOK! The printer made an error at page ninety-six (96) of "The Last of Mr. Norris" and, as a result, the story loses both continuity and completeness.This review refers exclusively to the copy of 'Berlin Stories' with the "double shadow" cover and an ISBN of 9-780811-218047; I do not know whether the same error was made in previous editions. | 0negative
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great advice from a witty lady
Dr. McClary's breezy, informative guidebook to Real Love and Real Commitment inspires one to take a good, hard look at her relationship and empower her to make it everything it can be. Her honest and very personal account of getting her own relationship back on track will serve as excellent inspiration. Dr. McClary is a funny lady. I loved her country music song titles and how she worked them into her advice.Her methods are not always easy, but I believe I can accomplish them. I recommend this book to anyone who's had it up to here with fake-sounding romantic advice and is looking for something real and doable. Good, good stuff! | 1positive
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So What's Your Story?
Great book! We're using this book for our small group study. Forced me to give my story. I had never verbalized it before. Everybody has a story. Great witness too! One that cannot be disputed! | 1positive
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The Call of the Wild was a good, descriptive book.
In my opinion The Call of the Wild by Jack London was a good book. Jack was very descriptive; he made the novel come alive and he kept me reading. Though, there were certain sections I didn't care for, such as the beatings of the dogs and John Thornton's death. Also the characters Mercedes, Hal, and Charles were very annoying, and it seemed unrealistic when they made it so far acting the way they did. The quote "I spik true w'en I say dat Buck two devils," (page 25) shows that Buck was a strong fierce fighter and what the language they spoke back then was like. I found the colloquial languages easy to comprehend. I suggest this novel to all younge adults eager to learn what life was like in 1897. Again I enjoyed The Call of the Wild and would like to read more books like it. | 0negative
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Multicultural education via fairy tales
Children love fairy tales and reading the fairy tales of another culture is an excellent way to gain insight into that culture. Therefore, reading books like this is an excellent and effective way to engage in multicultural studies in elementary school.As the title implies, the stories are about India, the people, their myths and religion, the animals they use in their work and they find wild in their region and their social structure. To get the best educational value out of the stories, the teacher must spend some time in explaining the meaning of some of the words. For example, what it means when a person is a Brahman or a Rajah.Read in concert with stories from western culture, the common themes will be evident and can be used to reinforce the fact that the cultural similarities are stronger than their differences. | 1positive
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The Famine Ships; the Irish Exodus to Americza
Interesting history/topic but very, very dryly written with much redundancy and minute details that distract from the history. There is a tendency to go back and forth from one period to another and not stay on task chronologically, which I found distracting. Some of the writing itself seemed immature with a lot of of trite phrasing (i.e., "watery grave" over and over) with an attempt to be profound; there were times when I felt I was reading someone's Master's thesis or doctoral dissertation, rather than an historic book written for the general public. It was so dry and laborious that I finally stopped reading it about three-quarters of the way through and picked up two other books to read. I would have liked much more detail about the famine itself and its impact on the families and/or details of the poorhouses from which many of the emigrants came and specifically what they were escaping. The destitution and impact of the famine wasn't detailed enough nor were the actual shipboard situations; the details involved the shipping companies and such, with only cursory details of the actual events on board, etc. Obviously, I was very disappointed in this book. | 0negative
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Definately worth a read
No, it's not Frank Herbert, but it's as close as you're going to get. I have read all the original Dune series numerous times. This book, and the books that follow fill in a lot of the gaps you always wonder about. Since they are derived from the great author's original notes, there is validity to the writings. I'm happy I read this book and look at it, as time well spent.IMO, purists should stay away since there are some flaws to be found and the style is not Frank Herbert, at all. But for the rest of us, give it a read, you might like it. | 1positive
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Easy but predictable
Easy reading, but way too predictable. Seemed a bit repetative at times. I did enjoy the character development of his brothers relationship with Lady Wren. It gave it a hit more depth. | 0negative
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The Horror
I must admit that yes, I would "do," Ms. Coulter. I would first have to gag her though, so that that I wouldn't be subject to the unmitgated gall spewing forth from her shapely lips. I noticed that price of this book has dropped significantly. I don't suppose this is from the astronomical sales the publisher is enjoying and may show that most of the fat cats have already passed it around, much the way I'm sure they have with her. | 0negative
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Man versus Nature
"The Old Man and the Sea" is an exciting novel of the human spirit challenging nature by Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961). Hemingway was America's leading author in the field of sports and adventure from the 1920s to the 1950s.Hemingway's novel takes place in Cuba during the early 1950's. The story shows us the determination of one old fisherman who struggles to regain the confidence and respect of his peers in a local fishing village. The novel also tells the story of a boys love for the old man (Santiago). The boy looks out for Santiago and deeply cares for him.The novel is a breath taking tale of Santiago fishing far out to sea off the coast of Cuba. The old man is by himself in a sixteen foot wooden skiff battling the odds of nature, physical endurance, and mental fatigue. It is a mental game between the giant Marlin he hooks and himself. As the old man respects and admires the fish, but he knows he must kill it and bring it back to the village. The suspense and action brings you to the edge. You can actually feel the physical pain the old man suffers from Hemingway's detail description on how the fishing ropes are cutting his hands to shreds.Santiago is an old poor fisherman who is past his prime and has not caught a fish in eighty four days. He has lost the respect of the younger fisherman as they laugh at him. The older fishermen feel pity for him. The young boy and the old man are like father and son. They use to fish together but as the old man's luck changed for the worse the boy's parents made him fish with a luckier fisherman. The separation between the old man and the boy is heartbreaking. As the story prevails with the old man longing for the boy's company while out to sea. The boy is overly concerned for the old man's well being and safety.The morning of Santiago's eighty fifth day of fishing he sets far out to sea to break his bad luck. The current takes him further out to sea then he wants to go. The following day Santiago hooks a large fish that pulls his skiff for several days. The battle between nature and man begins. Bear in mind that Santiago had this large marlin hooked and was fighting the fish by holding bear rope. It is mind boggling to think of such a technique as today's fisherman use advanced rods and reels. The struggle between fish and man continues for days.As the days go on and Santiago keeps his grip on the rope, he must eat and try and sleep. It is survival of the fittest and mind over matter. The pain that Santiago suffers from the tension of the fish is overwhelming but he blocks it out and continues the challenge. Hemingway makes you feel right there, inside the boat. It is quite obvious that Hemingway must have experienced something similar in his life. The detail that Hemingway narrates about the open sea and the wild life that inhabits it is no other then someone who has experienced it themselves.As you read on with great anticipation Santiago finally conquers the big marlin. With a great twist and nature's fate Santiago's victory is short lived or is it? On his long way back the sharks attack his marlin. Santiago is helpless as they overwhelm his efforts. The old man finally arrives back at the village with the fish's skeleton tied to the side.Hemingway does not make Santiago a loser as many may think. The old man is actually a winner. As the village people see the eighteen foot skeleton in the morning, they have new admiration for the old man's conquest. Most important the boy and the old man are a team again. The two would be happy as the old man would no longer be alone on the sea. The old man's luck had changed he had beaten the biggest fish he had ever seen. | 1positive
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How to Worry Even More Than You Already Do
While this book is obviously packed with loads of helpful information, I echo the reviewers who note that there is a decidedly negative tone to the book. After starting to read it, I began scanning ahead, trying to see if the style of the book changed with later pregnancy, but it did not. I became frustrated that the book is styled like an advice column with all topics covered with the assumption that someone out there is worried about it. For example, instead of covering the topic of weight gain (or lack thereof) in several pages, the book first poses the hypothetical question, "I've gained X pounds - should I be concerned?" After addressing that question, it then poses the question, "I have NOT gained X pounds - should I be concerned?" It's as though you everything you experience with pregnancy has the potential to be a concern.I was SO anxious and worried the first few weeks of my pregnancy, and I grasped at every shred of information I could get. Eventually I learned that putting down the books and turning off the computer allowed me to get my brain out of its rut and start concentrating on the fun stuff like perusing lists of names with my husband.It's great to have books around for when you have specific questions, but I don't recommend sitting down to read them cover to cover from week 1.I also found this book to lean towards suggesting that you should abstain from just about everything unnatural. If you are interested in keeping your body medication and chemical free while you are pregnant, more power to you. But if you aren't, be warned that this book will make you feel guilty about every aspirin you've popped or cup of coffee you've drunk. | 0negative
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cantankerous screed, occasionally funny
Poor George. The world pisses him off and there's nothing he can do about it. Don't get me wrong, there are moments through this book that are particularly insightful and very funny, as he attacks how language insidiously breeds its political and religious agendas; however, there are other very long stretches where George is that obnoxious bore at the end of the bar. The 7 dirty words were a riot the first time thru back 30 years ago. Incantations not with standing, the repititive invocations here are just simply a droning and monotonous inveighing that when it doesn't strike you as unimaginative is then patently and moronically of no effect. I've always admired someone who can roll off a curse with aplomb. George isn't one of them. So, shell out the coins to the NY hustler if you must. Maybe one day he'll have enough to hire an editor. | 0negative
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Out-of-Date
As a fan of Yankee Stranger written by Elsworth Thane, I found this book tivial and out-of-date. Yankee Stranger is full of history and a good love story. The love story in From This Day Forward seems unreal. The situations are out-of-date as are the characters. This was a skim-through book and then delete. | 0negative
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great book
We read this book with our 9 year old daughter. We all loved it. We also purchased the audio version. | 1positive
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school Book
i paid for an expedite mail service and never arrived on time. this caused me to drop my class since i didn't have a book to read. | 0negative
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A Complete Waste of Time and Space
Who wrote this book and why? I have read and loved all the Cat Who books, but this one didn't seem to make any sense. It rambled on and on about 100 different subjects - disjointed and with no rhyme nor reason. (in spite of all the little rhymes Braun included) Some reviewers find it a delightful compilation of snips from previous books, but I find it boring and meaningless. It read like the notes for a REAL book. Don't bother. | 0negative
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Mad Beat(atific) dash across Post WWII America !
The book TrumanCapote called typewritten,not written, chronicles theBeat Generation's comingof age in America. Links inhere to all the famous Beatwriters. Also see JohnClellon Holmes' lesserknown version, Go: ANovel . | 1positive
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