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Stewart at his best
Jon Stewart's irreverence should never be construed as a lack of patriotism. Sure, he maligns and insults our leaders, but he does so out of a genuine concern for the deterioration of our country. The proof of this was his impassioned (and accurate) criticism of the pair of mouths on "Crossfire" during his appearance there a couple of month's ago. He cares about the country and about humor, and both are well-reflected in this book. His humor is simultaneously outrageous and subtle, a difficult amalgamation. | 1positive
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Religion, Spanish Style
A Spanish three stooges team has a run-in with a reformed James Bond type after he took a vow of chastity and non-violence (He was successful with the first.) They all tangle with bad-assed bankers, a do good out-of-habit nun, a hi-class femme fatale and a priest from the middle ages. All in Seville, while eating tapas, drinking sherry and watching gentrification rage through the picturebook barrio of Santa Cruz | 1positive
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Emotional, heart rending sequel to the Pride of Lions
Although I have gotten a little teary eyed over certain stories over the years, this is the first and only time that I actually openly wept while reading a book. After I finished reading this book I felt as if my heart had been physically snatched out of my chest, wrung out and then hung up and left to rot. I know that's a little dramatic but the emotional upheaval that this book has caused in me calls for a little drama.This is the continuing epic love story of Alex and Catherine Cameron two seemingly star crossed lovers who are repeatedly torn apart by the events that take place during and after the doomed Jacobite rebellion of 1745. The author's vivid descriptions of this dark period in Scotland's history brought to vivrant life a bit of history I knew nothing about. Through Ms. Canham's flawless writing I was able to feel Catherine's despair at having to see her husband go off to war without knowing if she'd ever see him again. Also, I was able to comprehend her inability, at first, to understand what drove her husband and the other Highlanders to fight agaisnt such insurmountable odds. On the other hand, Alexander's desperate attempts to shield his wife from the ugliness of war and to keep her safe from the repercussions that would surely some after the debacle was over were equally vivid. His attempts to keep her safe were met with derision by Catherine who now considers herself a Scot and is determined to take her place by her husband's side even if it means giving up the gilded world of the aristocracy and putting her life on the line. Catherine's believable evolution from a selfish, self centered girl to a mature, strong woman who will do anything for the man she loves is a testament to this author's skill as a writer.While this is very much Alex and Catherine's story, it is also the story of a people who will fight to the death for honor. A people who are driven by a sense of loyalty so strong that they are willing to pay the ultimate price for what they believe is right.This is not an easy book to read and it is almost impossible to summarize and review in an objective manner while I'm still so emotional over it. Suffice it to say that it's an epic love story; one that I know will haunt you long after you've turned the last page. This is not say there isn't a happily ever after, there is but it is a bittersweet one.In short, I highly recommend this book to those who love historical romances but be warned that this author does not wallpaper her book with history as so many others do she uses it heavily to immerse the reader into this time period and she does it brilliantly. Highly recommended. :) | 1positive
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NOT HER BEST BOOK
I was disappointed in this. I love Poirot, I love Christie, but this was only mediocre. I could get this type of mystery from Dorothy Gilman or someone else who mass produces mystery. Don't get it, please! | 0negative
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Praise the Lord for your problems
This book points out why you should thank God for your problems as well as your blessings. Just as a tree grows stronger during storms, so do Christians grow stronger during adversity. This is an inspiring book which will help you realize God's guidance in everything in your life. Praise the Lord Anyway! | 1positive
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At last, a knitting book that makes me smile
I teach knitting and have prayed for this kind of book, both to inspire beginners and people returning to the craft after a break. It's probably not fair to compare it to a 'cult' style publication, and certainly the illustrations are to me much better. They are fun, clear and inspiring. PS - I have have no connection at all with the author, but I look forward to a sequel!Anna. | 1positive
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Not worth the price
If you really want information on the big bands, this is not your book. There is a lot of information on the sex lives of big band leaders but even more info on the slights suffered by the author.Even the pictures are an attempt to show how important Bernie Woods was, including one of his golf foursome. | 0negative
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A Great Beginning
This is the first book in the Nora Robets Sister trilogy and it was a great read. Set on a New England island with a legend behind the creation of the island is a perfect back drop for a series about witches.Nell is a woman on the run from an abusive past. She finds herself on the island and wants to lay down roots and start to live a normal life. After finding a job, a place to live, and making a new friend (Mia) life is good for Nell. Then walks in Zach Todd the law on the island. There is an undeniable attraction between these two people and the story that evolves from it is a page turner. This book is a must add to your summer reading list. | 1positive
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Stunning, all neuroscientists should read this.
This is a beautifully written overview of the current thinking in neuroscience. What is stunning about this "everymans overview" is that it presents information that you may not even find in the very latest research. Bearing in mind it was written in 1998 some of the research presented seems to be more advanced than that presented in many current specialist publications and it does so with clarity and simplicity.The problem with the field of neuroscience (and this is true of other scientific fields) is that, to put it in brain disorder language, often quite literally the "right hand does not know what the left hand is doing". What this means is that researchers often have very deep knowledge of specific areas but no overall view of the subject. This is crucial in neuroscience which deals with a highly interconnected system like the brain.It is usual that an overview text on a particular field will be published five years or so behind the current leading research. However this book turns that on its head to some degree because it makes connections between different areas that need to be consistant with one another. I am somewhat baffled as to how an overview can have more information than specialist publications and be published before them. I am a neuroscientist and I just wish I had known about and read this book when it came out, it would have saved me a good deal of time!This is a great read for anyone at any level. | 1positive
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avid reader
I picked up this book at the library not knowing if it would be something I would like. I have read over 250 pages in four days and am wanting to slow down reading the rest of the book as I don't want it to end. I will be reading the rest of this author's books! | 1positive
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Excellent
Excellent book on a subject. If you are interested how trauma influence health, this is a must read.You will find a trauma pyramide, explanations that trauma is, description of most common traumas, including perfectinostic parents, setting unrealistic expectations, physical, sexual abuse. This is a good read for someone who is interested in Narcissistic Personality Disorder.Trauma and abuse history is thoroughly explained and supported by research. Colin Ross describe his theory why SSRI are effective in treating various disorder and how trauma gradually develops in a human being by age 10, if this person grow up in abusive environment. He give some ideas about the way cognitive therapy is done to his patients and the way patients respond to it.The book is full of memories how his psychiatry training was done, which is a fun read. I've found Dr. Ross remind me Eric Bern the way he describe things and his sense of humour is fascinating. It is very compassionate book. | 1positive
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Not the Best Copy of a Beautiful Story
"Take care my skirt don't trip you up...""Don't Meg pull fair?""Oh, yes she tries to but she don't love Bethy as I do..."If you're looking for a copy of Little Women with lots of colorful illustrations don't buy this copy there are none.If you're looking for a copy with extra information about the author don't buy this one there's only a very short paragraph at the end about Louisa May Alcott that comes after the 15 "book discussion" type questions that are not very useful to an independant reader.I was not impressed with the wording of this Sterling Publishing edition of this beloved children's classic. I've read other editions of Little Women and don't remember the word don't being used so poorly throughout the novel as it was in this edition. Are these the original words of Louisa May Alcott or don't people know how to use proper English back in the 1860's? | 0negative
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There and back again, a Hobbit's tale, by Bilbo Baggins
This is the story of Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit, of Bag End, Under Hill, Hobbiton. The story tells of how Bilbo came to be involved in the dwarves mission to travel to The Lonely Mountain, defeat Smaug (the dragon) and retrieve their treasures and their homeland. It's a great tale of survival through untold hardships, when all seems to have failed, and yet, a little luck, and a little perseverance sees them through.The Hobbit is a great introduction into Tolkein's world and a great set up for the Lord Of The Rings. I highly recommend it. | 1positive
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Mental Games
The author constantly defends his head games by trying to explain why people dislike head games, but this does not make the head games any more palatable. What a book. The other one star reviews have said it all: boring, dry, heady, rambling, burdensome, sluggish, heavy. And if that weren't enough, it's got mid-life-crisis written all over it.The one thing that really gets me is the author's note at the beginning:"What follows is based on actual occurrences. Although much has been changed for rhetorical purposes, it must be regarded in its essence as fact..."Are you kidding?Personally I say you're much better off - philosophically, spiritually, logically, rationally, romantically and in terms of quality - reading the Gita, or a Michael Chrichton thriller.Two thumbs the heck down for Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. | 0negative
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The Foundation of Christian Faith
I find this book to be a very practical guide to living your Christian faith in this world. Some reviews stated it was oversimplified or referring to Chrisitianity too much. This is a book about living a Christian life!! One of its gifts is breaking down our Christian faith into five purposes which we can assimilate into our daily lives. And in light of this, why would it reference other religions, especially mythology?I have found new meaning in life through my Chrisitian faith. I was proud to keep an open mind and integrate other religions into my life, but now I see the greater benefit in focusing on my Christian faith while respecting other religions and seeking similarities between them.This is a wonderful book for both old and young, and those new to the faith and those who have been practicing their faith for years. It is a refreshing look at all we believe in and it brings our faith to life.A MUST read for those seeking guidance and a deeper Christian faith in their lives. | 1positive
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Silly Plot and Bland Characters
I've read a few novels by Michael Crichton, and CONGO is easily the weakest of the bunch. The plot of this book isn't particularly interesting (killer Gorillas in the African rainforest?) and the characters are bland and one-dimensional. The only truly likable protagonist is Amy, the gorilla that can do sign-language. It's a bad sign when the only character you care for in a novel is non-human.As with any Crichton book, there's a lot of interesting factual information contained in CONGO. But Chrichton makes little effort to integrate this data into the story. Instead, he does an information dump every 10-15 pages or so, which stops the story dead in its tracks. It also doesn't help that most of the technology in this book is dramatically dated (no big surprise, since it was written in 1980). The result is a slow-paced, largely uninvolving reading experience.In short, I didn't feel much excitement or suspense reading CONGO. My advice is to skip this novel, and try Crichton's far superior later work, like SPHERE. You might also want to consider the work of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, who write similar types of thillers. | 0negative
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A child's perspective
This is a great book for those living with a child with asperger syndrome. It's rare to hear about AS from the inside. There are books by Doctors, parents, adults with AS, teachers & various & assorted experts, all of which are helpful. But, this book has helped us understand OUR son better. It has helped us be more patient & to help our son find & maintain his comfort zone. Thanks Kenneth! | 1positive
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Useless book
I purchased this book after giving it a very quick flip-throughat the bookstore, but I am sorry I didn't peruse it more carefully first. This book is appalingly useless. Some of the so-called "Top 50 careers" include things like "Odd Jobs." Odd jobs is a career? Please. The book's content is insulting to me as a 20-something. (Judging by the online reviews of the book. others apparently agree with me...the only positive comment, from an "mdowning," must be a marketeer for Richardson, since the same person's comments appear for Richardson's JobSmarts book & it reads like an ad.) Don't be fooled...save your money. | 0negative
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What a mess. King's worst work.
The novel is such a pointless mess. I don't know where to begin. This will be short because I've already wasted too much of my time with this senseless POS:- The story is long, tedious, uneventful and lacks any kind of focus.- None of the relationships in this novel ring true for me. Most of the characters in this book are inane and serve as empty card-board set pieces.- The lead character, Mike Noonan, was just a helpless mess. A very passive character for which I had no empathy.This is a "haunted lake house" kind of novel. The lead character is a 2nd-rate writer who has a spell of writers block after his wife dies. He starts having nightmare visions. He dreams of the lake house they owned. He decides to go to the lake house for a while. Then he meets Mattie Devore. He gets involved in a custody suite between her and her wealthy grandfather over her child. Things kind of unravel from there when a turn-of-the-century blues singer's ghost shows up to haunt the cabin and his wife's ghost shows up to save him. . . ponder that for a moment. . . then . . . anyway. . . I just thought the story was really stupid, the writing was totally uninspired, the setting was unimaginative. I've read several of King's novels including: The Stand, The Shining, Tommyknockers, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, Misery, 4 Past Midnight, and probably others. This is EASILY HIS WORST WORK. | 0negative
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Coaching: Evoking Excellence in Others
The book is extraordinarily concise, clear, comprehensive to deal with the issue of coaching, a concept difficult to explain. It has guidelines for different levels of preparation and competence. Excellent.In my case, I am an advertising officer, it served the purpose of helping me in communicating at the best of my skills. | 1positive
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Not a very good one...sorry....
I read alot...I am usually 3 books behind for Oprah's book club. If Oprah recommends it, I want to read it...Well this one I completely hated. It was a page turner. It kept my interest, because I kept waiting and hoping for something good to finally happen for Harley. But...wow...If you think your life is bad, read this, and you will feel better. Thanking God that this is not real, or your life. The ending made me so angry. This is one book, after I finished, I wanted to speak to the author, and ask her "what happens next to Harley"? Please say, he was able to get his smallest sister and move far, far away. Very depressing. Completely sad. | 0negative
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BORING! Zzzzzz
Fear and Loathing is just NOT fear and loathing when it takes a tedious and disappointing turn into polotics and other extremely uninteresting matters. Hunter, what's up man? Get back to the drug-induced random ravings and rantings. My advice is to stick with the orginal Vegas Loathing, this just doesn't compare. | 0negative
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Outrageous--Faisal should be ashamed
This book is replete with errors, both typographical and technical. The book is almost useless. His hardware examples have numerous errors, and his CIS examples have numerous errors. He often references figures and tables as XX and YY with no corresponding figure or table labeled as such. It is obvious he is neither a software nor a hardware engineer. This is the only book I've purchased in the EDN series for design engineers. I won't waste my money on any other EDN or Haque books. | 0negative
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An amazing man and story
I met Raz in January 1964. He was an electronics technician at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (The "Rad" Lab" back then). I was a new electronics tech recently out of the Air Force where I repaired airborne radar sets used in the early version of today's AWACS aircraft. Raz was easygoing and very easy to like because he laughed so often. After a few weeks of training I was put on owl shift and later on swing shift. Raz and I worked together quite a bit. I met his wife. Many of us guys working the off shifts became close away from the lab. A favorite thing to do following a swing shift was to go to LaVal's Pizza in Berkeley and enjoy some beers, great pizza, and great laughs.Raz had two daughters who were serious competitive swimmers. (I have not read the book yet, so my "facts" might be off a bit.) Raz didn't say much about his experiences, but I do recall him describing to me what had happened. As I remember Raz told me that he walked out of the "woods" because he had to have medical care. The first person he met was a Japanese farmer working in a rice field. Raz told me that he terrified the old man who contacted the authorities. Anyways the Army Military Police soon showed up which really surprised and delighted Raz! He told me that his mother had been told that he was presumed dead because of the crash. Well, not Raz. I am reminded of another unbelievable story about survival. The book is "Unbroken" by Laura Hildebrand. The man in question is alive and doing well as a motivational speaker.Our relationship lasted only a few years because I soon left the Bevatron and began climbing the ladder to engineering at the lab. I retired as senior electronics engineer and group leader from LBNL in May of 2000. I'm so happy that Raz' story has finally been told. I eagerly await the arrival of the book. I wish it was available for my Kindle, but what the hell? I can sure wait a few days. RIP Raz. You sure as hell deserve that and much more. Jim Hinkson, El Sobrante, CA | 1positive
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Written like Mr. Marshall is personally teaching - Though some "problems" with the approach as well
This is my third Joseph Marshall book (after "Soldiers Falling into Camp" and "The Lakota Way"). Reading Joe Marshall is like having a "story teller" right in front of you, talking, teaching, engaging, looking you in the eye and speaking to you. Mr. Marshall cares about what he writes about, and cares that his readers take something with them. This clearly comes through in his writing. In this book he speaks of the "conflict" between the oral and written traditions -- I think Mr. Marshall is a master at synthesizing the two.The Lakota history and experience he imparts are as genuine as it gets - and a treasure he has given us non-Lakota people a chance to see. The book describes, through synthesis of oral history and the experiences/culture of the Lakota people, the man of Tashunka Witko (His Crazy Horse). Marshall shows how the life of a very heroic yet very human man transcends linear time and remains part of living culture through faithful oral tradition and living into that tradition - something very different than what we're used to. Direct sources with the people who lived and continue the live in the influence and experience of a leader of the Lakota people.ADDENDUM 2007I am respectfully submitting this addendum in response to a broader re-assessment. I agree with the review from Belgium about Mr. Marshall's overbroad & negative characterization in applying "Euro-American" as a pejorative. In Mr. Marshall's newest publication "Little Bighorn," this overarching negativity towards on Euro-American culture, which he continuously contrasts to his own (which is always without any faults), is even more evident. I regret that I hadn't seen this in my initial reading of the Crazy Horse book (Marshall's feelings were not as strongly presented in this volume). History can never be free of perspective, passion and prejudices - esp. when its sharp and painful. I'm sorry that Mr. Marshall seems to have become more embittered over time, as his work to share his culture is very important. | 1positive
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Wonderful book, except for the part with all the words.
The first time I tried to read Foundation, I was six years old, and it was simply too complex for my developing mind. Just a few months ago, however, I was cleaning out my attic and came across the same old book. To ascertain it's actual nature as interpreted by the adult mind, I read it again. I was amazed not only by the sheer brillance and ingenuity of the ideas contained within it, not only by the grandiose size of the subject matter, but mostly by the writing, which I regarded as absolutely horrid. The plot is clunky, the conversations roll off the tongue like sandpaper covered in peanut butter, and the descriptions could have been written better by some obscure species of mosquito. As a book, it could be improved by changing the title from "Foundation" to "How Not to Write a Book" or "Please Steal These Ideas and Rewrite Them in English." I highly reccomend it to people for use as a very expensive and ineffective paperweight. | 0negative
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Protect us from "Protector of the Realm"
In "Protector of the Realm", Commodore Rae Jacelon is the human commander of the Gamma VI space station of Supreme Constellation, a vast union of planets. She captures a Gantharian woman Kellen O'Dal fleeing from her home planet together with Armeo, a young boy. The plot centers on the claim made by Ambassador M'Ekar of the Onotharian Empire which occupies Gantharat, that Armeo has been kidnapped by Kellen O'Dal and on the solution offered by Rae Jacelon to avoid the extradition and possible death of Kellen O'Dal: a marriage of convenience.It should be expect of a good Science Fiction book for it to use different settings, due either to technological advances or to political or social systems different from those of the known present or past, in order to explore the consequences of these changes and challenge current perceptions/ideas. This book borrows heavily from the Star Trek universe and it brings nothing new in terms of science fiction. Probably it would be more adequately described as a lesbian romance, with also a "good guys against bad guys" plot taking place in a science fiction background.The main characters are not well characterized and sometimes sound like they are the same person. Secondary characters, like Rae's parents, lack consistency since they act completely opposite to the initial description and no reasons are presented for this behavior.The plot is very predictable and the writing is poor, full of bad imagery: "(...) but she was determined to drive Rae toward the monumental bliss". When dealing with Kellen and Rae's growing attraction to each other, and their developing romantic relationship, stilted dialogues and clichés abound.In summary, both as a science fiction book or a romance novel this is definitely not recommended. | 0negative
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If I could give it ZERO stars, I would.
The research that addresses the numerous inadequacies within BabyWise is too vast to post here in detail.(but can be found easily online or at your local library) I have read the book, and researched both sides judiciously; and must conclude that no one should read it! While reading the book, I wanted to hurl it across the room in disgust. I made myself finish it, though, to give it a chance; and the only good thing I got out of it is the ability to give people an INFORMED, negative opinion. | 0negative
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Classic
You can't beat this Charles Dickens classic. Worth a read at Christmastime or really at any time of the year! | 1positive
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great for new pediatric PT
As a physical therapist new to pediatrics and early intervention, I found this book extremely helpful. I thought it was brief and included all the pertinent information. The illustrations and explanations are very helpful when learning handling/facilitation techniques with infants, and the rationale sections of the text are helpful for writing goals. | 1positive
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Two stars for being short
Boring! I understood the point (darkness within the human soul) but I hate weeding through all the excess writing to get to it. Give your characters some life! | 0negative
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wow
this book does a great job of getting you going and filling your head with lots of neat ideas pretty quickly.wish i had discovered lua a few years back when i was working on a project that needed an embedded scripting language. | 1positive
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Sherlock Holmes Genre Destroyer
Sherlock Holmes should have been banned from the author's mind as soon as he saw a scribbled hard copy of him at his writing desk. All this running to and fro across an entirely dead city (Henry the VIII lived it, destroyed it), landmarks built on sand and the facile plots and twists that quite nearly killed the genre. As for Holmes, as for Doyle, the former needs his Private Investigatory License stripped, and pharmaceutical card, the latter needs to lose the "Sir."Chris Roberts | 0negative
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Utterly Amazing
The book The Thin Red Line, written by James Jones, is the one story that makes readers see through the eyes of World War II soldiers. This book lets the reader know the mental and physical hardships of being a soldier. Within the first twenty pages of the book, James Jones gets the reader hooked. He makes the reader crave for more after each sentence, not just by amazing writing and a great story line, but also by making the reader have sympathy towards the characters of the book. If a person wishes to see into the life of a soldier's life, then this is probably the best book that person can read. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope that you will too. | 1positive
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Two cities
Good tale of revolution in Paris and the similarities in London. Dickens is well fixed for this semi historical novel. It is close to a slice of life history lesson! The period seems to be very close to the real revolution. | 1positive
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A small morsel of useful information...
This book I was somewhat pleased with. However, upon getting to the end of the book I was highly disappointed.The author discusses the Egun, the ancesteral spirits and how to honor and venerate them. He does so under the impression that we are not all related. While I can understand wanting to reconnect to your cultural heritage, and going so far as to mention science in this: the author forgets the fact that science does link all life to Africa. To preach that we need to get back to our roots, yet still remain in a divded state of mind with race, color, religion does not help this cause, only hinder it.The information found in this book can be found readily online, from various sources. It is however, a cute little book: BUT NOTHING MORE. | 0negative
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Don't waste your time or money on this stupid book
Trust me. This is an overeducated writing-school drone's attempt to "slum it" by portraying characters she cannot articulate or understand. Worse, the twists and turns are at once sensationalistic and pedestrian. It's true, the dust jacket appears to have been written by someone who was unfamiliar with the book. I wish now I fell into that category too. I listened to the audiobook, so perhaps the novel's better on paper. But I doubt it. When will first novelists learn that hardscrabble does not automatically mean poetic or literary? When will first novelists abandon the notion that metaphors seem from the pores of the downtrodden? Again, don't waste your time. And think twice about Oprah's abused-protagonist-of-the-month club; that doesn't make the writing good. If I could give ZERO stars, I would. But they won't let me. | 0negative
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THE TITLE OF MY REVIEW
This was a good book is the first thing I would like to mention.Next I would like to say that this could be an exciting book for somebody that likes alot of excitong fights and really no plot what so ever. There are a wide range of characters in this book but only a couple main characters, Ponyboy and Johnny. In the book Johnny and Ponyboy get in alot of trouble becuse Johnny stabs a Soc and kills him. They hide away in a church with the help of Dally. When the church catches on fire they go in and try to save some kids Ponyboy gets out but Johnny breaks his back.When they get back Ponyboy makes up with his brother. At the end of the book both Jonny and Darry die it is very sad the whole gang remorses and the book is over.Wade Hanse/FMS/4 | 1positive
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Disparaging cynicism
Writing in General and the Short Story in Particular' is directed at writers rather than readers. Yet in the introduction, Hills says "Everyone seems to know that, even those thousands all across the country sitting in creative writing workshops right this minute, either being paid to do the impossible or paying to have it done to them." (P. Viii).This sentence is typical of Rust's writing. It is riddled with long, meandering sentences, that often start with 'And' or 'But', have parenthesis in the middle, and are often incomplete. They choke the enthusiasm of the reader like indigestible food.The book has nearly 60 paragraphs in its 200 pages. Short stucco and poorly linked, they irritate the readers eye like dust from a sand storm. The book's structure does not appear to reflect the structure or skills of writing. The content is often repetitious. If a 'How to.." book has value then it will become a reference for writers. For that it needs an index.Everyone knows that if a writer has a good story to tell, then the reader will often forgive the writing to gain the story. Especially a reader seeking to learn. Hills does not have a story worth the effort. All that he has to say can be found in a number of excellent texts 'on writing' some like King's 'On writing' are also also entertaining. "Writing ....the Short Story in Particular' contains little that is of help for that particularly."Even then," writes Rust "it wouldn't be a short story. I don't know what it would be." (P.81). The disparaging sentiment of the introduction is a theme continued throughout the book. If the lesson of Rust's years of editing short stories is that creative writing cannot be taught, then what was the point in Rust putting pen to paper to writers?just Jack | 0negative
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How Wonderful Love Can Be!
TTTW is a wonderful story. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is looking for a great read, or as a gift to someone you love.I found this book perfect for reading during a vacation, because it is a book you would want to read slowly and think about it while you read. This is not a thriller or suspense book that you read on an airplane or when you have nothing else to do and want to pass time. You will read TTTW if you want to feel what's it like to have hope for the future, and if you want to sense love again.On a technical level , this book is amazing because it tell the story of several people, but there is no single time line... each person lives their life in a different time than the others but they meet in the present, and in the past, and future... Think of this when you read, it is wonderful, original, and genius. It's also hard to explain. You will understand when you read the book. Enjoy! | 1positive
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It's good to be home!
I hated to leave the Stockton household when Hallie went off to collage at the end of Beginner's Luck. But, when Hallie comes home after her first year at college in Heart's Desire, I came home, too. I missed Olivia and her way of teaching; Bernard and his way of cooking and Hallie and her way of trying to find her self, her money for school next year and her sexuality.The characters are just as outrageous, funny and lovable as in 'Luck.' And the teen angst Hallie goes through is so real and painful, one has to feel for her.What a wonderful series Pedersen has produced. I can hardly wait for the next one in the 'Hallie sagas.' | 1positive
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Unproven, unsafe, and found to be dangerous.
The book jacket describes Phen/fen in these terms: "These totally safe, fully endorsed medications are NOT amphetamines and are NOT addictive..."These medicines never were proven safe or approved by the FDA for combination treatment. Nor should it be much of a surprise that they were proven dangerous. The drug company's lawyers and their medical spin doctors would confuse the issue of just how dangerous these medicines are, but their danger is not limited to heart valve damage, or PPH. Others have suffered from memory loss and depression. Some have have experienced psychosis and suicidal depression coming off of these drugs.It would please me, someone who experienced some of these symptoms, to see Dr. Lamm and Simon and Schuster share in the staggering financial liability because of the Phen/fen disaster.Something tells me that Dr. Lamm et. al. will slither away from legal responsiblity, but lets hope not from moral responsibilty. | 0negative
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AHHHH!!!!!!
I had to read this book for my 9th grade English class and i must say this is the worst book that I have ever read in my entire life! it had the worst ending possible, I had to keep putting it down because it had the slowest plot in the world and had very flat characters. (Amazon suggests you buy this with To kill a Mockingbird which was the other book that was required for me and I highly suggest that book because it is a great book and one of my all time favorites.) AHHHHH!!!!! this book made me soo mad. They killed of my favorite character!!! and george did it how could he do that! Slim was my other favorite and so was candy but even Slim wasn't cool in the end. I hated this book so much. Don't read this its bad. Read to Kill a Mocking Bird its good. If you want to read something of John Steinbecks read the Grapes of Wrath. | 0negative
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I really wanted to like this, but . . .
Tuesdays with Morrie is a good book for many. It's easy to read and contains a powerful message about the importance of what's important in life. I was looking forward to delving in and discovering for myself what many others were praising.However, about half-way through, I realized that there really wasn't much here. Just one man's journalistic perspective of another man's waning days. Yes, there is a message, and it's powerful--that we should be living each day with the acknowledgement that our days are limited--but, it's not a message unknown or unexplored. Here, however, it's done so predictably and without any heartfelt passion (get rid of the tape recorder . . . please!), that what you are left with is "Okay, next."Also, you get the sense that there is more of the author than should be, and that's not a good thing for this book. Here's an excerpt toward the end of the book:"The oxygen tube was up his nose now. I hated the sight of it. To me, it symbolized helplessness. I wanted to pull it out."First of all, the fact that he even focuses on the oxygen tube is strangely unsettling in a moment like this, but not necessarily incongruous to the rest of author's analyses in the book; he does a thorough job of presenting himself as the hard-driven, sports-minded male perhaps in search of some small measure of meaning, sensitivity, emotion, nostalgia, etc. Morrie, of course, does get Albom to cry a few tears in the end.In addition, notice the simplistic prose of the passage. It's typical of the rest of the book. Albom does, however, aspire toward the literary with overworked and uninventive analogies, but ultimately fails.I gave Tuesdays With Morrie two stars because I did like Morrie and some of the things he had to say. I guess the tape recorder was then good for something. | 0negative
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This book is very interesting.
Tis book proves to be an excelllent source of knowledge about the artherian legend. A great book that is both informative and fun. | 1positive
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Trite and cliche-ridden, written by opportunist
What a banal load of crap! Do people really buy this stuff? I read the story of a marginally talented writer taking advantage of a dying man to push national buttons. Yikes this book was terrible. Buy a pound of Hallmark cards next time, you'll get the same insights. | 0negative
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Consistent
This is a collection of Dalziel and Pascoe stories. That's pronounced Dee-Ell, to the uninitiated. There are four stories here written between 1979 and 1994.With any long running series maintaining the same characters, there can be a drop off every now and again of consistency. But with Reginald Hill even if the story is not that great you will always have brilliant dialogue. Andy Dalziel has the best lines in crime fiction, he's rude crude and clever. There is never any drop off in the consistency of his patter.This collection has early stories through to one that is science fiction but always the verbals, they just make you laugh out loud.When ever I read one of these novels I always see 'Fat Andy" as played by Warren Clarke in the television series.Which of course brings me back to Anthony Burgess. Clark played the part of one of Alex's 'Droogs', Dim, in the film adaptation of 'A Clockwork Orange'. I may have mentioned this before but in case you missed it, Anthony Burgess was a genius.Grab a Reginald Hill anytime, you will not regret it. Even his poorer stories are head and shoulders above anyone writing procedurals today | 1positive
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"Tilly" changed my life.
This book, if nothing else, scared some sense into me. My adoptive mother handed it to me when I was young, pre-high school, and needless to say, the powerful words Peretti uses to invoke powerful feelings in the reader have stayed with me for well over a decade. Despite being a Christian author, Peretti touches on a subject that touches all of us, no matter what our spirituality. This book took me less than two hours to read, and even at a tender teen age, I was crying for the emotions it invoked within me. I was brought up to believe that I was almost aborted. This powerful book helped me to understand that every action has a consequence and that life is precious. | 1positive
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Don't waste your time!
If you are looking for real help, this book won't do it! This lady is a joke! I can tell you why her baby had trouble sleeping through the night, it was her fault, at 14 months he was still sleeping in her bed connected to her breast! HELLO! That doesn't sound like anyone is getting any sleep. And maybe it's just me and I don't think a baby belongs in MY bed connected to me all night long. How on earth is one supposed to sleep that way? If you want real help read How to Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems, it is written by the director of a pediatric sleep clinic, not some mom with no qualifications on early childhood development other than being a mother. | 0negative
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Mysteries in the mansion
I enjoyed this book because it had so many secrets and mysteries. You really have no idea how it's going to end until the very end. You just can't put it down. It's basically about 4 girls that are good friends and are finding out things that they shouldn't. They are too curious and afraid of getting caught and getting kicked out of the school. You learn that sometimes people aren't always as they seem. Maybe the people who seem most likely to suceed don't, vise versa. It takes you through the twists and turns of a strange famous person's life. How come every thing you research draws a blank, it's all explained. I'd encourage reading it if you love a good mystery and want to be surprised at the end. | 1positive
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Anything for a quiet life
Our Brave New World...what would Huxley say to see so much of his dystopia vision already realized in 2004? Already we focus much of our energy to find ways that ease the crazy sorrow that life brings, immersing ourselves in sitcoms, casual sex and even prozac - our modern day soma. Readers of Plato's Republic will see many ideas here alluded to as well, so many in fact that I think Huxley sourced The Republic as often as modern society itself.Brave New World presents a problem a little more slippery than that of 1984 by George Orwell. In 1984, people live under a dictatorship of fear and ignorance. The evil is plain and easy to see, as is the reader's certainty that he would 'rebel against it' were he in the same situation. It shouldn't be this way here. Imagine a place you could always be happy, you could have any sexual partner you choose and work was never more than a pleasant diversion. Probably that reflects your everyday dreams, and certainly Plato's. So, what's the problem?The problem comes from the idea that feeling good doesn't mean you are happy. That concept is so alien today that it boggles the mind at first. Certainly you won't see this played out on MTV. No, according to Huxley, happiness is being part of something bigger than oneself...a purpose, in other words. In earlier times that purpose was to perform God's work; in ancient Greece it was to perform heroic acts for your family's honor. Today's purpose is feeding your Id. Some have no problem with that, but others like John the Savage see that eventually, all highs and buzzes fade into a hangover and a wasted day. | 1positive
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Very good book for fans of Ethshar
Lately I've been going back and finding all the Ethshar novels I never read before, now that they are available on Kindle. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I've been a fan of L.W.E. for 20+ years and his Ethshar books are my favorite ones. I hope you like it as much as I did!For those who may not be familiar with Ethshar, the novels are a series of stand-alone light fantasy stories which are loosely connected through (a) a common world setting and (b) central characters in one novel appearing as supporting characters in other novels.Watt-Evans tends to focus on various types of magical experts (warlocks, wizards, witches, sorcerers, etc.) and many of the stories revolve around one or two magical schools. The different schools of magic are distinct from each other, and are described very well without becoming too technical or mysterious.If you enjoy light fantasy and speculative magical themes, you will probably get hooked on L.W.E. . . . as I have been for many years! | 1positive
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The point
I totally missed the point of the novel. Maybe I need a professor to explain the satire but I did not get it. I kept waiting for the story to tell me something about myself or about society - it never did. After reading some of your reviews, I am led to believe that I totally missed the boat. Did I really? | 0negative
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Mediocre
It wasn't what I had hoped for. Actually, it seemed like a couple of funny experiences stretched out to make a book. | 0negative
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Not the Sonnets
This text is not the sonnets. It is a biography -- The Life of Petrarch. Maybe the sonnets are at the back, but the table of contents doesn't work as clickable links, and after clicking over 100 pages thinking that the biography might be just a forward I gave up on ever finding the sonnets. | 0negative
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A novel for its time, but maybe not for ours...
Clarissa / 0-140-43215-9You've got to feel sorry for Richardson. After some careful soul-searching over the literary success of his earlier and similarly-themed (but more cheerfully ended) Pamela, he decided that he'd pen a novel for the ages, a novel that would finally put to rest the idea that reformed rapists make good husbands. Imagine his disappointment when his laboriously long novel, full of the evil wrongdoings of the horrible Mr. Lovelace, only evoked passionate sighs from the literary community as they waited for the `inevitable' (in their minds) wedding between lovely Clarissa and cruel Lovelace."Clarissa" is one of the longest English novels ever written. The plot advances through the sometimes tortuously slow "letter writing method", wherein Miss Clarissa writes her friends breathlessly describing the horrible things that have occurred to her within the past hours, weeks, or months. As a person, Clarissa embodies a struggle between the genders and classes of her time; her family resents her inheritance and intends to marry her forcibly off to a much older gentleman in the expectation that he will die before conceiving an heir and his wealth will revert to Clarissa's family. She despairs of being used in this manner, but can't really bring herself to elope with the more eligible Lovelace, because she doesn't exactly think that much of him, either - Clarissa would like to love, or at least like, the man she marries.Nevertheless, Lovelace persuades her to run off with him for her own safety and, once ensconced in his home, he brutally and cruelly rapes her, expecting that she will be forced to marry him once he takes her virginity. Clarissa stuns the conventions of the day and takes Lovelace to court and then slowly and perversely (again, according to conventional mores, not our own) wastes away and dies from a broken heart. Lovelace echoes the conventions of his day, wondering in confusion what crime he could have committed against Clarissa that a wedding ring wouldn't have set right? Richardson insists that it isn't that simple - marriage does not magically create love where there was once hate and fear.The story itself is wonderful, but the pacing is *very* slow. Clarissa's letters span dozens of pages to describe a single afternoon's worth of action. Richardson labors over hundreds of pages to ensure that the society of his day would not find Clarissa too disobedient for refusing her family's marriage plans - we are treated to pages and pages of insistence that Clarissa really IS a sweet, perfect, wonderful girl.I do not say all this to denigrate the novel in any way - this is an important classic, and a crucial piece of our literary history, but a reader needs to know what they may be purchasing and choose accordingly - no one likes to waste money. If you are brave enough to slog through this novel, you will find it touching, fascinating, and an important turning point in gender relations. Just be aware that there is quite a time investment you're getting into when you start Clarissa.~ Ana Mardoll | 0negative
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Real history becomes absolutely compelling fiction
In his (now regrettably past) prime, W.E.B. Griffin concocted wonderful war adventures from blending real people and events with fictional characters and circumstances. Jeff Shaara has gone miles beyond Griffin in taking real people, real events, adding just a bit of imagination and turning actual history into great fiction. Truly great fiction."The Rising Tide" is the first of a planned trilogy about WWII. For the first few pages, I wondered where Shaara was going. It was more on the order a well written history text. Then it segued to Rommell in the desert . . . and then it dawned on me.Shaara is bringing us into a part of the lives of Rommel, Eisenhower, Patton, Montgomery, Bradley and ordinary soldiers that we can't touch: the internal happenings of their minds. Shaara's goal is audacious and his success breathtaking.Most of Shaara's words are spent on the leaders, like Rommell and Eisenhower. Good move: Shaara is able to provide the big picture, the sweep and scope of the war. In less competent hands, I doubt that it would work. But Shaara makes it seem real. The frustrations of Rommel, faced with a deteriorating situation in Africa, the jealousy of other German generals, the incompetence of the Italian leadership, the increasingly delusional Hitler and his own declining health. Shaara puts you in Rommel's mind, so to speak, and he does it well.The same holds true for Eisenhower, as yet untested as the leader of a never before attempted coalition. Eisenhower is not sure of his own capabilities, but he has virtually no one to confide his fears in. Shaara makes leadership the lonely place it is.Without spoiling it for the reader, it is difficult to convey Shaara's triumph. To those familiar with WWII history, particularly the North African campaigns, virtually every event in Shaara's book will be known. Shaara wisely balances the big-time players like Eisenhower with some smaller fry, specifically two American soldiers. It's an impressive and very effective technique.For those readers who are not overly familiar with the period, it's a painless and entertaining way to open a window on history.Shaara has done something truly unique here and he's done it superlatively well. WWII history afficiandos and those simply interested in a solid war adventure will find it fascinating. I'm impatiently looking forward to the next two volumes.Jerry | 1positive
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Great Classic
If you have seen the movies or know the story, the book is a completely different experiance! Beautiflly written and so much more than just a story about a man who doesn't age while the portrait does. Captivating and darkly thought provoking.. Great writting and facinating characters. Highly recommended! | 1positive
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Lacking
Though I doubt I gained more knoledge from reading it, perhaps it can make a decent paper weight. Or, maybe it could fill more space on my bookshelves. | 0negative
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Stunning photography with plenty of information
If you like balloons--whether as spectator, crew, or pilot--this is a must-have book. It combines stunning photographs of balloons with well-written chapters containing loads of information presented in a fun and interesting style. Would make a great gift--especially if combined with a hot air balloon ride! | 1positive
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Miserable excuse for a book
I decided after reading the adoring reviews of everyone to try to read it since the first few pages are conveniently available online.I got half-way though the second page.It's a book about tools. That's basically it. If you're into stories about the stereotypical college frat boy...please, read on. If you're one of the more intellectual of our race..run away. Far away. | 0negative
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Why is this a bestseller???
Let me preface this by saying: I love books and read books from all genres--so this isn't just a matter of me disliking a book because it's lengthy. I saw reviews for this book and couldn't wait to read it. I don't understand how this has so many 5-star reviews. The story as it begins to unfold is so interesting. An elderly reclusive author who has rejected numerous biographers writes a letter requesting an antique bookstore owners daughter to come stay with her and write her memoir. There is mystery drenched on mystery here and I turned pages as quickly as I could until I was so mired in mystery that it all seemed pointless. And then when I finally did reach the end (of both storylines) it was so hideously boring I couldn't believe I had wasted so much time! The author seems to have come up with a great premise and possibly with some editing it could have been saved but instead we have a mess of a climax where everything is revealed and I was left scratching my head saying "SO WHAT?!" Maybe having thoroughly enjoyed Stephen King, Alice Hoffman and Alexander Mccall Smith...I've grown accustomed to good storytelling. And that's what is lacking in this book. The premise was excellent. And I can't complain about a lack of writing expertise by the author. The one failing seems to be in the actual storytelling...2 people can tell the same joke--they have the same story just worded and delivered in completely different styles with the result being one will get a laugh and one will be met with silence as the listener figured out the joke 10 minutes before the speaker finished telling it. That is my problem with this book. If you're looking to waste a bit of your life and want to read a "bestseller"...I guess I can't stop you...but please browse furthe and find something more worthy. | 0negative
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Um, there have been films released since 1998...
This book is quite dated. It was published in 1999, and unless you want to focus on movies from 1931 to 1998, this is a poor choice.There is no good reason why this book has not be updated, such as "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" which has been revised, adding 17 newer movies, and deleting 17 of the prior 1001 movies. (I wouldn't have minded them simply adding the 17 movies, without deleting any older movies.)Another good choice is Peter Travers' new "1000 Best Movies on DVD." | 0negative
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Self sufficiency.
She believes you shuldnt have to spend money unless you really have to. Sickness / health should be your number one priority for spending. You shuld develop savings habits. Both husband and wife need to be invested in the budget.the one issue I have have is on the point of travel. She disagrees with it. I see her point, but my livfe is entwined in travel because my wife is american and I'm australian. She offers no help for us ;-) | 1positive
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forced to read the most horrible book ever
where to bloody begin.... ah.. in my junior year i and everyone else in class was forced to read the book and watch the horrible origanal slow and boring movie. after we got done with it almost everyone in the whole dang room yelled out that it suck, right at the same time. both this and the great gatsby sucked. but i dd surprisngly enjoyed the great gatsby movie towards the end of it | 0negative
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Classic for Good Reason
Hemingway deftly walks us into the heart of war and a man caught between his loyalty to his position in the military and his love for Pilar, a woman like no other. Some highly memorable scenes and conflicts prove this novel's place as a classic.-- Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens | 1positive
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Very bias, and quite blaming of others
I felt the text was quite simply written with a viewpoin that while semi-legitimate, was very one sided. I recieved the impression that it was my fault for the problems facing the subject. | 0negative
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Do not rely on this book as proof of your worth.
I read my previous review, and I am sure it is not particularly helpful to non-informed readers, so my aim now is to divert potential readers from adopting this book's ravings as their philosophy.This book argues for the valuing of things over humanity.The one person I know who lives by these "teachings" has studied no other philosophy and spouts such gems as, "If someone is dying of hunger in front of me, and my $5.00 could save their life, I am under no obligation to help them." "Abortion is okay because the fetus is a parasite, and you'd certainly kill a tapeworm, wouldn't you?" Enough said, I hope. The entire class, including the intellectuals and dim-bulbs, ended up hating this guy. No, not because he was obviously superior and we were all jealous of his mental splendor. Anyone who has any caring for human beings in themselves cannot tolerate such dismissal of human life.Please do not let the underlying cruelties of this philosophy go unnoticed. It is all too clear the people who embrace it already have a disposition towards conceit combined with low self-esteem; this sad conglomeration results in seeking the "proof" of your greatness in the "non-human," lowliness of others.If you want a genuine look at the possibilites for your own worth, read Francis Didion's SHORT work on the subject. Your self-worth does not lay in the immolation of others or messianic tendencies ending in seclusion.A blatant paradox of Rand's work is too painfully obvious: if she was content in her beliefs and their soundness, and didn't give a flip about the well-being of others, why did she write and "preach" so much, anyway? Not for the sake of other's lives, we know that. For the reinforcement of her own self-image and the need for worship from others? I think so.You want to reach your full "human" potential? Follow reason, but allow for compassion and empathy. Reason does not have to be devoid of Rand's hated "feelings." You are fooling yourself if you believe Rand and her flock of sheep act on "rationality" alone. They are following something that resonates originally with what they WANT to believe. Their "proofs" of "rationality" are only secondary, and they are not even good proofs, at that.People capable of true human love and connection will not like this book. | 0negative
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Tiki's Total Review Page
I enjoyed this book mainly because it is a Historical fiction novel. I think this book would be a good reading source for anyone between the ages of 11-13 because it has alot to teach about life in the 1800's while letting you read a facinating story about a girl and the troubles she goes through after she moves away from her home in Barbados to her uncles home in New England. I think the auther needs some more detail in her writting as to create a more vivid picture of the senery. I think that it would be wonderful if this story could have a sequel to it because like all books it cuts of into ablivion. | 0negative
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A great examination of the surviving spirit
There have have been questions about the truth od this book. What rings true is the deep emotional turmoil of the author as he hangs on to his hatred for his tormentors, and there's no doubt thess dark passions helped spur him on during his long and often seeminly endless trek. It's a sad book. An amazing journey of the mind and the soul can be found in IN THE GHOST COUNTRY by Peter Hillary, a mind-bending account of his haunted journey to the South Pole. Deep stuff. | 1positive
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Inspirational
I enjoy much of Max Lucado's writings, but this has always been my favorite. I have found much in this book that speaks to my life, and to many others. This was the first book I read of his, and one of the first I read as a new Christian. Its easy to follow and great to inspire. | 1positive
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Best All-around Cookie Book
I grew up on the cookies my Mom made from this book. They are marvelous! When I was a teen, I got my own copy in paperback, for $3.95. 30 years later, I'm looking forward to getting a spiral bound book since mine is falling apart. Three all-time favorites are Plantation Date Bars, Butterscotch Brownies, and Raisin-filled Cookies. There are so many very good recipes, especially ones with chocolate. And often, there are details on the origin and lore of a particular type of cookie. I'm not put off by the use of shortening, as is called for (and commented on by another reviewer). Using shortening does in fact serve a purpose without being a flavorful component, and is therefor not a shortcoming of the cookie collection (in my grandmother's day, she used lard). But if one decides to substitute, there's always butter-flavored Crisco, or butter and oil. But for the most part, I ask why? Cookies are delicacies not a staple, not diet food. Live a little and have fun making yummy cookies from a wonderful-to-look-at book! | 1positive
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Neil Was Almost Pathetic
Could this guy have felt any more sorry for himself? He'd obviously led a staid and wasted life. And once the book was over I realized that very little actually happened in the story, there was not much of a plot. For what we got, it could have been cut in half. | 0negative
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I GOT LITTLE OR NOTHING OUT OF IT
For ALBOM, this was a tragic experience. But, wasit a book??? Well, I don't think so. Luckily, it only tooka couple of hours to read. I really got zippo from readingit. Again, the rating system is lacking some leeway. Thisbook is not a two, but, it is not a one either. There are nohalf-stars!!! | 0negative
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A must have!!
I very highly recommend this book. I never knew you could do so many cool things in FCP and I've been using it since version 2 for my own small video production company (www.gforcevideo.com) There are so many things you can do....things like having a shot be black and white and just one part of the shot (say a red shirt) be in color....ways to pull a key without using a blue or green screen (by using say a white pull down movie screen type background and then using Luma key) and many other AWESOME graphic and effects possibilities lie in the pages of this book. Not only that but all the color illustrations can give you a lot of ideas for making your own graphics. Plus you get some new filters!! This book is definitely worth the price and every serious FCP editor should have a copy in his or her edit bay!!!!Great job Kevin!! :-) | 1positive
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Fiction is stranger than Truth???
I couldn't finish this book due to the fantastic exploits and their believability. He's not shy about how heroic he was that's for sure. This guy puts Audie Murphy to shame. He is a bombardier turned pilot, gets shot down, joins the resistance and kills numerous enemy soldiers while fighting off the amourous advances of the french ladies then steals a german bomber and flies to freedom.INCREDIBLE....too incredible to be true. I searched for other references to his exploits and/or his existence in France at the time, even including the 8th Air Force site. Nothing. Zip. The only fact that is verifiable is that he did exist and was in the 8th. | 0negative
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Waste of money!
This review is for this version, not the book itself, which is amazing. You find it almost impossible to determine the translator of this book, either from the amazon description or even from an examination book itself. Only by an in-depth reading of almost the book is it made clear that the translation is quite poor, and considered one of the worst. | 0negative
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This Book
My older brother is going off to college, and he bought this book and read it. I know this book is an all time classic, so i decided to read it. Sure, it has no purpose, but it was worth reading. odd in some parts, but great in most. i recomend it. | 1positive
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Couldn't finish this...
I was taken aback by this book, and had to abruptly throw it down near the end. Now I can hardly even look at the cover without feeling slightly ill. Perhaps I missed the point - perhaps I'm too squeemish - but I could NOT read the end of this book. I'm confused about why it won a nobel prize, certainly, and as an avid reader and literature major, I have read quite broadly. When I got this book I had no idea I would find it so disturbing and that it would be so sadomasochistic. I thought I should warn other readers of this. (The reason I have it two stars is that the writer is obviously gifted and parts are written beautifully.) | 0negative
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The Best of the Best
This delightful book was - and yet is - the best piece of children's fantasy I have ever read. And I have read A LOT of children's fantasy (Cooper, McKillip, McKinley, Hunter, Jacques, Lewis, Rowling, White, Banks, O'Brien, Weis and Hickman, Pullamn, Paolini, etc., and many of these authors I would NOT recommend.) But I cannot say enough to recommend this outstanding author and her work.First, unlike others who could not put this book down, I was so captivated by Rebecca Rupp's colorful, miniature world and its sensitive, hilarious characters that I read the story as sloooooowwwwly as possible, often relishing favorite passages multiple times before moving on.Inspired by an imaginary nature God (named Pondleweed) that the author's son created as a child, this is the tale of a young Fisher boy (a pixie-ish and frog-like tribe of tiny people) who discovers a wonderful gift, and embraces the responsibility that gift entails to recover the Waterstone from the evil Nixies (water sprites.) The nature of the hopes, dreams, fears, frustrations, and challenges of Tad, Birdie and the others they meet and journey with will prove entirely recognizable to any child, as well as any adult who remembers struggling through childhood. Especially wonderful are Rupp's detailed portraits of the Fisher/Hunter/Digger Tribes and their cultures. Her interpretations of various forest animals, in particular the hawk with his hunting song and the weasels with their "earth-soft minds" provide some of the best moments in the story, effectively counteracting the otherwise heart-wrenching features.With its rich language and vivid imgery, the text is intelligent enough to capture any adult reader's imagination without threatening a young reader's confidence. The plot is easy to follow, yet complex enough to keep the reader guessing until the end, and the climax is enough to touch any but the most hardened souls (yes, I cried and cried and cried, but how noble the sacrifice. That is all I can say.)Though I did not want this story to end, it left me with a tidy conclusion and a necessary (although bittersweet) sense of security, which is essential to any child's world. Alas, all will be well with the Fishers, Hunters, and Diggers from now on (unless there is a sequal....) But, for now, how privileged we are to have such upstanding, quality writing at our fingertips. With originality and style so perfectly complete, Rupp's work is completely perfect. | 1positive
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My favorite book (tied w/ Anne of Green Gables)
This book isn't for everyone. People I know who haven't liked it say that it was too slow, or "What's the deal with the turtle?" and didn't get past the first couple chapters. Some say it's just too sad.For me, this book meant everything. "To the red country and part of the gray country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth." When I read this first line, I remember feeling like it was a line that I would always remember. I had the sense that I wasn't reading a story that some guy named Steinbeck came up with. I felt like the true feelings and experiences of a very real group of people were simply being funneled to me via Steinbeck's pen.The story felt very relevant to early 21st century America in that Fear seemed to be at the root of all evil. The Grapes of Wrath showed how Fear could be used to control and exploit people on a huge scale. It also depicted the human experience as profoundly intertwined with the earth. The characters' lives were turned upside down by nature, first by drought and later by flood. The very last scene showed how all of us are on this earth, in this life, together, like it or not and I found comfort in that.I had goosebumps and a pounding heart. All this for a book where the main characters speak in dialect about the "Fambly". Somehow John Steinbeck managed to fit what, to me, is essentially the meaning of life into a short novel about sharecroppers in the 30s.An amazing book. Please read it (all of it). | 1positive
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Disappointed
I was looking for a children's book. The absence of line drawings or pictures will turn most children away from reading the book. | 0negative
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The Power of Proofreading
Like so many others, I did not expect this series to equal or surpass the original Dune series.I have been quite pleased with this series until now, enjoying the opportunity to view the world of Dune from a new perspective. Watching Herbert's universe take shape has actually been quite entertaining.This particular book, however, falls short. The writing feels forced and rushed, the dialog completely inane, the characters stripped of any complexity. The villians are stupid and easily manipulated. The characters make rash decisions with vast, universe-shattering consequences but do not even pause to do a bit of soul-searching for the benefit of the by now befuddled reader.The sentences are often redundant and obviously barely edited, if at all. The book is readable, but the poor writing intrudes constantly.If you're a follower of the series, you might rent it from the library to find out how the conflict ends, but I'm not sure it's worth the 7.99. (To add insult to injury, my copy, at least, is poorly printed.) | 0negative
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Dated and rhetorical
A very outdated book in light of the recent research showing that women are just as likely as men to initiate a violent confrontation with an intimate partner. The book takes the VAWA approach in condemning men whilst never touching on the accountabilities of women as the culprits of a majority of child abuse.Whilst we continue to target men as evil and women as saints we run the risk of ignoring many victims, which is exactly what VAWA has done. The policy of assuming all men and only men are the culprits will shift much needed funds and attention from other victims who suffer just as much.This book needs to be accompanied with one targeting women and the domestic violence they are accountable for. Perhaps Andrea Yates would not be famous if society took a 'Stop all abuse by everyone' approach.2 stars for the effort, but this is a step in the wrong direction for both equality and helping everyone who suffers from abuse. | 0negative
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Best Book In The World
This book, Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbit, is an enchanting book of adventure and a little bit of romance.Tuck Everlasting is about a girl named Winnie Foster and a family named Tuck. Winnie decides that she wants to run away, She runs away into her woods and sees Jesse Tuck drinking from a spring. Then suddenly gets swept off her feet and taken to the Tucks cabin and get told a secret that will change her life forever. What she would've chose at first is'nt what she chooses last.It is A wonderful book and can be read by all ages. Natalie Babbit is a great writer and this book shows it. | 1positive
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Arrrruuggghhhh!
I'm sorry, but I must agree with those reviewers who have taken Rudzinsky and his translator to task for the writing in this book. Yeah, maybe it's a critique of form over substance, but the way this tome is written/translated is maddening. Oh, Edvard, there's this thing in the English language called a VERB - you may want to check that out sometime. We also have a quaint habit of enjoying a story in sequence - not a jumbled mess with little timeline. How many "In the meantimes" can a reader take? In the same vein ... next time around, how about cutting back on the expression "But in the File it said" from 350 or so to a few dozen?For readers that what the Rasputin story without the need for a linguistic compass, I suggest "Rasputin - The Spirit Who Sinned" by Brian Moynahan. | 0negative
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Don't pass over this book
As horribly gripping as the personal accounts were to read, Gourevitch's humanistic perspective and writing style was staggering. He is an unforgettable writer telling one of the unforgettable stories of our lifetime. | 1positive
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Classic Scholarship
A magnificent scholarly work on the (unfortunately) often ignored Eastern Front of World War I. Liulevicius paints a compelling, yet chilling picture of the experiences of the German army of occupation. He skillfully reconstructs the occupiers' mindscape and masterfully examines how the collective experinces in the East played a role in the constructiion of Nazi ideology. Liulevicius' work in this neglected field is a welcome contribution to the academic world. Not only is this work insightful, but it is wonderfully written. Avoiding a common pitfall of most academic writing, Liulevicus's skillful prose and well constructed narrative keep the reader engaged and unwilling to part with the text. | 1positive
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Timeless commentary
Few books exist that speak thru the ages by examining themes and situations that confront people of all time. This is one of those books. Unlike Twain's other classics, the focus of this piece is not America, or topics from American history (i.e. slavery), but more general themes such as industrialization, freedom, religion and religious dogma, government control, the meaning of progress, and individual aspirations versus peer pressure.In short, this book focuses on the adventures of Hank Morgan, a Connecticut Yankee who falls asleep one day, and wakes up in England during the reign of King Arthur. This world of knights, damsels, poor hygiene, and overbearing Christian dogma seems ripe for change for our protaganist. Hank proceeds to introduce "progress" to this new (old) world in the form of practices, knowledge, and inventions he is familiar with from his time; post Civil War USA. He does this in the name of bettering the lives of those around him, both physically, and emotionally. The result is utter chaos, the destruction of the existing social order, and lessons in colonialism, nation-building, and culture shock that all missionaries, soldiers, politicians and businessmen should heed.Along the way, the book brought both tears and laughter to this reader. One of Twain's strengths is his ability to bring emotion to commonday events by portraying them from various viewpoints. This trait is on display here in its most tragi-comedic form. Overall, a great book. | 1positive
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Yes Virginia, This is Fantasy
Someone noted this is not fantasy but instead historical fiction. In the defense of such opinions they trot out that it has little violence (wait for book two), no non-humans (see latter statement), and no magic (see...) as if this are the standard to which all fantasy is to be measured. I beg to differ. Folks of such opinions should reread any pre-T.H. White King Arthur book and just about any Pre-Tolkein fantasy novel. GHORMENGAST has no monsters, little (if any) magic and little violence and yet is considered a true classic of Fantasy. So is CONAN and his ilk, and not one dwarf to be seen. This was the norm until Tolkein came along. However even the esteemed (and I surely do) Tolkein's LOTR has little violence until book two. Little magic to boot. Unfortunately so many out there consider the tropes Tolkein (may or may not of) set up now are the true measure of fantasy and forget that, like in Sci-Fi, there is more than one way to tell a story.Most of the greats today, from Tanith Lee to C.J. Cherryh consider fantasy to be caught in a rut and they are right. This book and it's follow ups will hopefully end this rut and give writers the courage to stop trying to copy Tolkein (no one can) and take fantasy into both old and new directions.Fantasy was once a story told about another time and place were things were "different" and Martin's work is that. Its complex, dark, dangerous, violent (hey, killing is killing!), ugly and yet beautiful in a way our world could never be. The "good guys" are sometimes bad and the "bad guys" sometimes good but you have a villain or two to really hate and a few spunky folks to root for and you never know if your favorites are going to survive. Sure most of its grey but you definitely get the idea that the Lannisters would NOT make good stewards of the kingdom and are at the very leat dishonorable. The Starks make some boneheaded calls to say the least, but the mistakes are made for such honorable reasons you can't but help but yell at the pages over the injustice of it all. It also makes clear why history is so often made by scoundrels, or at least those willing to play by scoundrel rules. Add in so many characters just trying to make it through the climbing chaos and you have rich tapestry of pain and triumph you'll be engrossed in.Yes, AGOT is NOT typical fantasy, but thank goodness for that. Its a plausiable and believable world (so many forget THAT is what made Tolkein'd wors so great) with a realistic society, religion, politics and history you can BELIEVE in. Martin did his work and loves what he has created and it shows on every page. | 1positive
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Science Fiction for the Hopelessly Mediocre
Master of the bland SciFi, Mr. McDevitt writes a novel representing a juxtaposition to his futuristic without being futuristic Murder She Wrote embarassement called "Infinity Beach". Riddled with exotica called Canadians and Germans the best part in Chindi is when the major character, Star Trek wannabe, "Hutch" sits down and has a "Blue Giraffe and a Melted Cheese" for breakfast. Cheesy indeed. | 0negative
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Nice concept, but it stops there....
I got this after the reading some of the great reviews. Unfortunately, it didn't do any good to myself. Perhaps the biggest issue is the poor description of the excercises. Also the tiny size of the book makes it awkward to hold in your hand while on the balls trying to breathe and relax as instructed in it. Since breathing and relaxing are key components of the whole method, I found it a difficult task that someone could actually completely let go and relax on the balls while holding the book and your head up to actually be able to read the instructions.After a few tries with no success, I finally gave up. Now my "miracle" method is gathering dust in my covers. | 0negative
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Excellent sir, but it's a bit dry...
I did enjoy this book. As abeginning programmer and graphis artist I feel that I need the best I can get. So, I bought 3d Stuido Max 3. I started it up, and Uh Oh...I was completely lost. But, with this book I can now perform many simple functions, as well as a few advanced ones. In my opinion this is a great book for the beginning person. | 1positive
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There are better books out there
This book was an interesting read, but unfortunately does not by any means deserve to be the most widely read Ripper book. Her case is circumstantial at best. The problematic mtDNA evidence and links to numerous JtR letters that are undoubtedly frauds and the fact that Sickert may have been in France in September 1888 are all problems that would have to be dealt with much more seriously. I think it was a noble attempt, but her argument ultimately falls short. While it's not totally worthless, it is definitely not "case closed". One would be better served to read Begg's "JtR The Facts", or Sugden's "Complete History". For suspect oriented books, Fido or Evans & Gainey are much more worthwhile. | 0negative
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What?
Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev, who lived through 1818-83, is thought to be one of the finest Russian writers. He studied in Moscow, St Petersburg and Berlin, then became a strong advocate of Russia's westernization. Here we see his masterpiece "Fathers and Sons" which I personally came across through the recommendation of a close friend.Turgenev is a master of engaging the reader through the complexities of his characters. While you may initially feel contempt for some them, the more you learn of their contrasting personalities, you will eventually love them all in the end. If not for their beliefs and actions story-wise, then for how deep and well thought-out their various histories are. You may find yourself endlessly devouring page after page, wanting to know more about these fascinating people he's created.For me, reading this book was like opening my eyes to a world I long neglected. In the next few days, I will no doubt find myself hunting down more of his works. In "Fathers and Sons" he focuses on every character's humanity and principles, then lets it all play out with such craft and unmistakable skill. From their conflicts and influences with each other, every character develops and yet remains the same.Every scene he creates, is depicted vividly, with descriptions of subtle details in the backgrounds bringing his world to life. From the effortless way he lets the reader see his visions, we can easily grasp the character of his creations, their moods, their thoughts, and how we can relate to their emotions. It is certainly a crime for someone who's even remotely interested in novels not to read this book. And for those who aren't, they shouldn't neglect reading this either, they might just find something they will love. | 1positive
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Great story, great illustrations, terrible book
I've read the LOTR just about yearly since I was in 7th grade, and I bought this edition because I liked the illustrations and because my older boxed set has nearly flamed out. I still love the story, but this edition is terrible. The kaolin paper is shiny which makes any book difficult to read comfortably; in this edition, the ink used varies in color from medium to dark grey--it rarely ever approaches black--and is unevenly applied, so the reduced contrast combines with the shiny paper to make this a most uncomfortable read for extended sessions. This is more of a nitpick possibly than a complaint, but the line spacing is also too wide. Finally, throughout the work there are occasionally smudges or lines of text that have smeared or slipped. On balance, I have rarely encountered any more physically awkward and aesthetically disappointing volumes, and recommend strongly to all comers that you get the separate volume of Alan Lee illustrations and find yourself a hardback edition printed on 'normal' paper for your actual reading copy. What a disappointing way to spend eighty bucks. | 0negative
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The Professor and the Madman, Not Such A Good Book
The Professor and the Madman is a wonderful story, but not such a wonderful book. Simon Winchester, the author, turns this interesting story about the making of the Oxford English Dictionary into a 240 page novel. That's still a very short book by most people's standards, but the same story could have been told in twenty pages and saved the reader a great deal of suffering. With all of the extra space in this novel, you would think that the author would have described the characters to an extreme. After I finished the finished the book though, I couldn't even picture any of the protagonists. The character development wasn't much better. Even with an insane man as the one of the main characters, the characters didn't change throughout the book but remained rather stagnant. The setting around the characters was described in much more detail then the characters themselves. The setting in this book was described well. In fact, it was described and described until whenever Winchester started describing the surroundings I had to stop myself from skipping ahead. In the beginning of the book, Winchester spends almost all of the first chapter describing the city of Lambeth, which is never revisited by any character in the book. Every place in the novel is described to the ninth degree, so that I had to make an effort of sifting through each chapter after I was done reading it to find what was happening with the characters. The style of narration in this novel is in the third person. This makes it very easy for the author write as if he does not care about what happens to the characters, which is what Winchester does. Since the subject matter is all true, Winchester has to avoid his book being dry. I am sorry to say that he does not succeed. Winchester writes this book with a very arrogant and aloof tone. I don't know if he meant to instill this opinionated air in his novel or if it was a mistake but it was clear to me that it was there. Despite all this, there is a good and charming story behind all of the needless descriptions. There were some well written and interesting chapters in the book. One of my favorite parts was when Winchester describes what is thought to have driven the main character mad, even if he doesn't let you see into the character's mind very well. It was also interesting to hear about the medical care an insane man was given in this time period (the years surrounding 1872). In short, I would not recommend this book for two main reasons. One, the author has a who-needs-you attitude which makes the novel hard to read at times. Two, it is not a story to put into a book because of the fact that it isn't long enough. There are only interesting facts or maybe even a short story to be found behind all of the extra trivialities. It is a very interesting story tell at a dinner party or read in a collection of short stories. | 0negative
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AS A LOYAL MITFORD READER, I FEEL CHEATED ...
I was very disappointed in this final book in the Mitford series and believe that the author owes us another one that truly does what it says this one will do -- answer the questions readers have and tie up the loose ends. Jan Karon's readers have been loyal and made her famous. I feel cheated that she wrote such a hurried ending to her series. Some others are upset that she peopled this book with new characters. I think her writing of the new characters was up to her usual outstanding ability. I liked her new characters. But as for Mitford characters -- she seemed bored and tired of Mitford and just wanted to get it over with. In the process, she left us wondering about many in Mitford, has Gene Bolick dying throughout without ever having Fr. Tim speak with Gene or Esther, gives us little glimpses of Sammy and leaves us longing to know more about Kenny. This is the first time I've ever written a review, but I felt compelled to do so because both my daughter and I were so deeply disappointed. I think Jan Karon misjudged the keen interest her readers had in knowing what happened to their "extended family". | 0negative
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Teh Scary
Being assigned to read 'The Lottery: And Other Stories' as part of a university english course, I read most of it in the course of a day. The nightmares I had that night caused me to go without sleep for at least two days afterwards. I can still remember the dread wrapping itself around my mind as it realized what was happening in the small town of 'The Lottery.' I have yet to find an author that matches Shirley Jackson's talent in horror. | 1positive
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Dorothy L. Sayers must be rolling in her grave
It may be true that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but if this is so, then David Roberts attempts to flatter Dorothy L. Sayers in much too obvious a way. Roberts' character Lord Edward Corinth is a pale (no pun intended) imitation of Sayers' wonderful Lord Peter Wimsey, right down to the aquiline nose and the habit of getting information by acting like a befuddled upper class twit. Verity Browne is a sort of Harriet Wimsey taken to the nth degree -- grating and unsympathetic, without any of Harriet's softer side. This novel has lots of fun 1930s detail and some decent plot twists, but for anyone who loves the Lord Peter books, it's painful to read. | 0negative
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