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This should not be listed on Amazon
This was a gigando rip-off! It does not even contain the "The Owl and the Pussycat," which from the ad I expected to be included. The table of contents is a joke - listing the page numbers of each of the numbered limericks, which could have been written by almost any college freshman after 3 beers at the local bar. There was no attempt at editing, and often a limeick with one line at the bottom of one page would be continued at the top of the next.This is a book which Amazon should be ashamed to list and should be obliged to refund all of the money paid by each person taken in by the listing. | 0negative
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Useless
I got only the book; not the cards. Waste of money. Who would sell half a set? Any chance of getting my money back? | 0negative
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Great resource manual for professionals!
I LIKE IT! It is a TEACHING manual about personality and money. A book really for professionals...in any area. A counselling tool in finances for marriage counselors and therapists; a tool for "money" consultants and advisors; a pastoral tool for counselling; a workshop tool for lecturers; ABSOLUTELY a BROAD LEARNING and TEACHING tool for MBTIers of all stripes! A valuable resource tool. Written so that the lay person can readily understand. | 1positive
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A Hammer in his hand
Cop woman Evelyn Duncan and her husband are savagely murdered at their home. Prime suspect is a misfit who attacks women with a hammer - Duncan was investigating the case, and crime weapon is a hammer. But truth is far more complex, and solve that affair won't be a bed of roses for police. An excellent procedural, thoroughly enthralling and filled with twists and turns. Masterson, a.k.a. Wade Miller, is - are, since it was a duet - an author to rediscover. | 1positive
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For money or love?
If you had a feeling that this book was written a long time ago, well, you're right! The novel, Wuthering Heights by Emile Bronte, is along the lines of most romance/drama novels out there. It has a very familiar story and plot twits that will not keep the reader occupied. When I tried to invision the settings and characters all that I could invision is a grey bloob with generic settings and overly used characters. The same generic plots may suit some people fine but it seems to me that the average reader may want to move onto something alittle bit more innovative and interesting.Now, onto the characters. The three main characters in the beginning of the book are Heathcliff, Catherine, and Edgar. Heathcliff is a poor waif that has been friends with Catherine seince they were little children about the age of 6 and is now madly in love with Catherine. Secondly, Catherine has always loved heathcliff but her greed gets in the way of thier love often. Edgar, who is ALSO in love with Catherine, is a very rich and well educated individual. As the plot continues Catherine marries Edgar for his money, not doing what her heat deisred by marrying Heathcliff, which turns out to be her biggest mistake.Although this book has its "up's", it also has a large share of "down's". And the lacklust enviorments dont help one bit. The lack of plausable discription takes its toll on this could be great story. At one point in the book while discribing a trellus of flowers it was depicted as follows: "I noticed that there were flowers surrounding the barn.". Not to be rude... but... What kind of barn was it? was it old, or new, or red, or green? Flowers? What kind? What color? This very bland discription of what MAY be a older barn that MAY have help horses, and that MAY have had flowers the MAY have been yellow creats no mental image of the area that MAY exist. Wuthering Heights was once descibed as a gloomy building. I mean, excuse me? A gloomy building? Is it 2 stories high, or maby 3? What color is it? Surroundings?Over all the only thing that this book did for me is show me how NOT to write a book. I would not recommend this book for anyone unless you have read EVERY OTHER BOOK in the world. The only reason that this book did not get 1 star is because it is not a total loss of reading. It does have its good points. I would like to talk more about this book but I am pressured for time at the moment. In conclusion I wouldn't reccomend this book and think that it is almost a waste of time. If you are extreemly into classic liturature then go pick this novel up. But besides that then no. | 0negative
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This book is only suited for black history buffs.
Jubilee focuses on the life of Vyry, a daughter of a white plantation owner and a black slave. This book is very dull, dry, and poorly written. Take by advice, and read Beloved by Toni Morrison instead. | 0negative
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one of the worst books I've ever read
typically, I will force myself to read even the worst books (for class, for "fun", because I think I should), but when I read this book for a [...] English course, I quickly realized it was one of the worst books ever (not to be taken lightly, seriously), certainly not worthy of a classic, boring, endless details that no one cares about... blah blah blah. Terrible. I was bored. It might have been too difficult for a 9th grader, but I wouldn't read it now either.on the other hand, my brother loved it. | 0negative
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A Great Story!!
This book is so wonderful. What a great yet simple story. The ending made me choke back tears. The only other children's book that ever made me cry was the Giving Tree. This book ranks right up there. | 1positive
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Wag of the finger
You're dead to me, Leroy. Dead to me, I say! From here on out, it's as if you never existed. Oh...wait a minute...And an extra wag of the finger for Amazon removing the reviews of those who didn't like this book. Tsk tsk, wag wag. | 0negative
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Great book--however, you should read it first....
I bought several copies of this book to give out at graduation last spring. I think it's a great book, but you should read it first to see if you agree with the philosophy of the book before you give it as a gift. It's fairly deep and you may or may not like it. I personally do, and think it gives the young graduate something to think about as he/she ventures on to the next chapter of his/her life. | 1positive
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Skip this one right onto the compost heap
This book would never have been published had it not been written by John Grisham. The characters in this book were one dimensional and lacked appeal. The story was predictable & boring. I couldn't wait for it to end. | 0negative
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When flying was actually fun
This is a must read of a not too distant time when flying actually was fun and considered by most, exciting. It was a classy affair in the 60's to take an international flight and airlines actually served real fine food- including cherries jubilee flambee! The antics of the stewardesses is a time warp of the free love era and it is hysterical. A must read that will make you long for this bygone era next time you are cattle called onto your flight and forced to purchase "food" on board. Side note: the somewhat mythical "mile high club" began its origins in these very pages. | 1positive
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A Much-Needed Summary
Kruchten has written what amounts to an excellent summary of the main points of what is in many ways an alarmingly large list of costly books that present an over-worked, extremely detailed methodology that is said to be a reliable guide for software engineering and technical business management. The great virtue of Kruchten 's summary view is that it allows engineers and technical managers to see that much of what is offered as a guide for technology and business management is, in reality, little more than a sophistical reworking of the AI theory of the mid-1970's. Such a summary has long been needed, and this book, for this reason, is a welcome sight.Kruchten has been an employee of Rational Software, so the implications of the summary view he offers are in some ways unexpected. The explanation may be that it is evident from the first that author maintains reservations about the methodology he describes. While skepticism reveals a level of realism (or perhaps cynicism) that is interesting, the general impression may be a bit discouraging. If one of the primary evangelists of a management method reveals skepticism toward the method, then what is to become of all those managers who have advocated paying all that money to educate their employees in the use of the method?The answer is, of course, to be expected. Pay equal or greater amounts of money to seek education in alternative methods (possibly marketed by the same vendor). If this is, indeed, the action proposed, then any hint of skepticism ends up being a brave (if not offensive) gesture, to say the least, and it is understandable that it is not explicitly asserted.This book may represent what may be a significant crack in insular mysticism maintained by one of the major vendors of methodology in today's technical sector. The fact revealed is simply this: no technical method of management can replace the culture that a business creates by having bright people, successful products and good services. Certainly, a failing company seeking an image of success may benefit by purchasing classes on "rational business and technology management methods," but a genuinely successful company has its own culture, its own business vision, and ultimately its own managerial and production practices. These are the simple imperatives of the free market, which thrives, not on ideological conformity or fixed, enforced methodologies, but on innovation, creativity, and a common sense of professional purpose.Kruchten 's book may bring light to a dark area of the world at a moment when many companies must seek innovation in order to survive the economic downturn that is sweeping the technology industries. Probably the only qualification is that such a book ultimately brings about the conditions of its own demise. If we see the myth for what it is, then why do we continue to invest in it? Obviously, we don't, and the over-priced books summarizing outmoded AI theories go out of print. | 0negative
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Bizarre, yet boring
A sixth grade student of mine brought this book to me, as he had read it, and been somewhat disturbed by it. First off, let me say this is NOT a book that would interest kids under, say, 15.Then again, I doubt this book would interest anybody. The fact is, it's boring. There is no discernable arc to the story, simply a group of events and a late-breaking attempt at a plot. The dialogue is clumsy and long-winded. I found myself alternately disgusted and bored by the characters. All of them are difficult to sympathize with, but are not fleshed out enough to be unpleasant in the charming way of Catcher in the Rye or Confederacy of Dunces. The politics are also troubling, while the intention is obviously good, the execution makes all the characters distasteful.The author is a headmaster of a school in North Carolina, and I found myself wondering how his community reacted to this book. It is nothing short of bizarre. | 0negative
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Not what I expected
I think all the other sections are useful, but the math section... Holy crap. First off.. I think someone forgot to tell this person the AFOQT is taken without a Calculator. I was more confused trying to understand the questions he was asking rather than figuring them out. If you buy this book, buy it as an addition for more practice in the other sections besides the math. I see his idea of trying to make it way harder then the actual test so it will be cake for you. Come on.. like this question would reall be asked on a test: What is the average (arthimetic mean ) of all the multiples of ten from 10-190 inclusive? << wtf. I enjoy the Arco way better.. more realistic. | 0negative
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A UNIQUELY PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING IN THIS READING
Donna Tartt, novelist, essayist, critic, and author of the blockbuster "The Secret History" brings a uniquely personal understanding to her reading of "The Little Friend."A richly imagined story of familial ties and the pursuit of truth, Ms. Tartt's latest offering is sure to bring additional plaudits. No doubt, readers and listeners will find it well worth the decade long wait since Ms. Tartt's superlative debut novel. When asked why it took her ten years to write "The Little Friend," the author replied in part, "There's an expectation these days that novels - like any other consumer product - should be made on a production line, with one dropping from the conveyor belt every couple of years. But it's for every writer to decide his own pace, and the pace varies with the writer and the work.......When I was young, I was deeply struck by a piece of advice that John Gardner gave to beginning writers: `Write as if you have all eternity.' This is the last thing a publisher or an agent or an accountant would tell you, but it's the best advice in the world if you want to write beautiful, well-made books. And that's what I want to do. I'd rather write one good book than ten mediocre ones."It would seem that Ms. Tartt is incapable of penning even a mediocre phrase, as her latest story attests - it is compelling, and memorable.Nine-year-old Robin Cleve Dufresnes is found dead, hanging from a tupelo tree in his family's yard. Harriet was a mere baby when her brother's body was discovered, and his killer has never been found.The boy's death virtually destroyed his mother who has turned inward and become a recluse; his father disappeared from the community where this tragedy occurred. Thus, Harriet and another sister, Allison, have been left to grow very much on their own. Their lives have been overseen by a black maid and a coterie of female relative, including a stern grandmother.Twelve-year-old Harriet determines to catch her brother's murderer, deciding that it is Danny Ratliff. After all he comes from a family of down-at-the-heels criminals. Harriet and her good friend, Hely, begin to stalk the Ratliffs, a tactic which leads them into great danger.Set in 1970s Mississippi, "The Little Friend" underscores the author's considerable gifts, not the least of which are her command of language, elegant prose, and mastery of suspense.- Gail Cooke | 1positive
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not your run-of-the-mill affair...
Read the Notebook in 55 minutes. devouring each luscious word. Knew from the second noah wrote allie about 10,000 years, they were destined to be together. Read in paperback, and enjoyed the texture of the cover itself. I know, now, the meaning of perfect love and the feeling of being home. | 1positive
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Great Read
I have read Blood Wedding and i think that this translation was extremely good. Although the writing was a bit detached, i believe that it just needs a bit more effort to understand the language and the story. It was a powerful play, though, and i recommend it to all. | 1positive
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Great service
Product was as displayed. Great condition, quick shipping. will purchase again from same seller!!! a++++++++++ wonderful service a+++++ great job | 1positive
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Stops the arguing and lecturing
My aunt who is a retired teacher recommended this book to help us deal with our 5 year old daughter. My daughter is a very gifted child, but emotionally immature, and had constant tantrums. After reading some of the reviews, I was apprehensive about buying this book, but decided I had to try something different. This book has been wonderful. I don't understand if you use the book correctly how it is dangerous...people take things completely out of context. The book is about teaching your children to make good choices; obviously the choices have to be one's that your child is able to make. For my daughter when she had a tantrum I would say something like...oh ow...looks like someone is cranky, you can be cranky in your bedroom or you can be happy out here. If she continued her tantrum I say, would you like to walk to your room yourself, or would you like me to carry you. I always had to carry her kicking and screaming...anyway at first she would throw huge fits in her room opening and slamming the door, screaming at us. We just ignored it, after awhile the time she spent in her room got shorter and shorter, and much calmer. Now she almost never has tantrums, if she gets cranky I say oh ow, and sometimes she will just go sit in her room for a minute, collect herself and then come back out. The thing with this program is I never argue, I stay in a calm happy mood and she gets no reaction out of me, it is wonderful. Another example was wearing a jacket. My daughter would throw fits when she had to put on a coat, it was awful. One evening after dinner my husband was taking the kids for a walk, it was about 40 degrees she had on a dress with no tights, I began to tell her she needed a coat and socks to go, and she started her usual tantrum, and I decided to follow the book and let her not wear either. I told my husband to go around the block first, when they got to our house she ran in shivering, put on her coat, a hat, scarf and mittens by herself, and has worn them everyday since, without any problems. I know that some parents think this is outrageous letting my daughter be cold, I purposely did this before it is bitter cold, obviously you don't let your child go out in below 0 weather and let them get frost bite, the authors probably assume that people will use their brains. I did notice the newer versions do have a lot of disclaimers on what not to do...they must have read the reviews:). | 1positive
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"Prufrock" is the best
To judge from the amount of space devoted to Eliot in the latest collections of C20 American Poetry, Eliot doesn't seem to be popular any more. I guess he's regarded as too highbrow and too Catholic. Anyone who tends to believe this must read "Prufrock" and enjoy its vigour, its irony and its sheer cleverness. I always loved the tremendous amount of aggression in those early Eliot poems, very often directed at the speaker himself. Once you've come to like the young Mr Eliot, you might give the later stuff a try as well. Far from being "junk", the Quartets do not just have a fascinating musical structure, but also embody a view of life, history and religion which is not so daft after all... | 1positive
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OH PLEASE!
I am disappointed and somewhat alarmed at all the 10's this book has received here. Can't anybody see through the paper-thin prose and constant cliches? I love a good love story as much as the next person, and as a matter of fact, I am involved in a lost-and-then-found-again relationship similar to Allie and Noah's which has brought me much joy, but I was truly embarrassed by the author's simplistic, unrealistic, trite writing. | 0negative
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A Masterpiece
Why did I pick it up? I am not a fan of thick books. I do not like historical novels. Romance books bore me, overly descriptive writing makes me crazy, and books written in 1st or 2nd person frustrate me. So why did I buy The Crimson Petal and the White?First, the title intrigued me and second, the cover is beautiful and lured me into the book (kudos to those responsible for the artwork). I started reading it and was a bit disappointed in the first 15-20 pages but something drove me to continue. I read it in 3 days. Yes, I stayed up late into the night, cancelled a movie date with a friend, and didn't leave the house the entire time.This book is in my Top 10. I thought the character development was well-done; the descriptions of scenes, clothing, lifestyle, among other things were so well drafted that I could hear the sounds, and smell the smells (not a good thing in 19th century London!). The depiction of 19th century London led me to think about the characters' choices, decisions, and options from a 19th century POV rather than a 21st century POV. I was truly transported to that time and place.Though I understand why so many were disappointed in the ending, I was not. I did not feel it left "loose ends" but rather a reflection of the general paths the lives of many of the characters were following. Very real-life-like.Somehow Mr. Faber combined everything I dislike in a book and created what I consider to be a masterpiece. | 1positive
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Lame
I think it was only through morbid curiosity that I finished this book and I'm suprised that it has attracted the number of positive ratings that it has. Personally I found reading it was a fumbling write-by-numbers experience. | 0negative
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AllThatJazz&More
Makes for great reading besides the fantastic recipes. The seafood gumbo is a must. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand: I do, always with good results. Highly recommended by Anthony Bourdain. | 1positive
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Disappointing
This a great book, so why the 2 stars? The book states on the cover that it is a revised edition complete with 1/96 scale fold-out plan. Well when they revised the book I guess they took the fold-out plan "OUT". I couldn't find it. I bough 4 books in this series and they all say the same thing but NO PLANS. If it wasn't that the other information in the book is great I would have returned all 4. Still a disappointment. | 0negative
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Happy, Sad & Curious
Poor Stanley. It seems that if it weren't for bad luck, the entire Yelnats family (including young Stanley) wouldn't have any luck at all. Our entire family enjoyed this mystery (dad even read it one night & the little ones had it read aloud to them). Frustrating sometimes. A little "too" mysterious (until the end) sometimes. But it all managed to come together and had everyone cheering by its conclusion. A great read for one of those lazy days (or even for one of those long nights with a flashlight under the bedsheets!). You'll enjoy it! We sure did! | 1positive
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What BS !!!
Pro-communists amuse me.Have you noticed the defense of the Rosenbergs stopped a few years ago? No one made a big deal about it. The mainstream media simply didn't mention the names any more. The defense stopped in 1995, the year The VENONA PROJECT was made public. The Rosenberg's WERE PAID COMMUNISTS ... and this IS on the record !!!! Any guess what Julius Rosenberg's codename was, according to intercepted KGB messages? LIBERAL!!!! Even the communists knew the American Liberal was nothing more than communism's bastard child.Sen. Joseph McCarthy vindicated! Ann Coulter Rules !!!!U.S. Government Illegally Executed Julius and Ethel Rosenberg... my arse! Go bark up another tree, Mr.Kenneth Kommie Kahn. Then I will just mosey along the path and piss on that tree too. | 0negative
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Wicked Good Time
Loved Diana Tremain Braund's second book. In fact I was online hoping to find a third book in print. I guess I will have to wait. I noted a previous reviewer complained because of butch-femme images in the book. I thought all the characters in the book were well defined and the plot fun. Plus it kept me on the edge of my seat. I think if anything, the book demonstrates how we should celebrate our diversity rather than pretending our differences don't exist. I hope Diana Tremain Braund continues to write more and more books, because I plan to continue to buy them. Thanks Amazon for carrying them. | 1positive
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DEAD SERIOUS UNIVERSAL THEMES OF LOVE AND DEATH IN LAUGHING PARODIES OF INCOMPETENT ENGLISH
FOR STUDENTS STRUGGLING WITH THIS GREATEST NOVEL IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE please skip to the twelfth episode, called Cyclops. YOu will find there all the major themes written in an engaging style, and all the threads of the plot. Just jump there and the teacher will think you read the whole not-easily-digestible work.Each episode is a microcosm and a repeating or respeaking of the same themes. Cyclops probably presents these in the most immediately comprehensible way possible. YOu quickly realize that Joyce throughout the work is MAKING FUN OF THE WAY PEOPLE TALK AND WRITE, from the first turn-of-the-century style to Molly's final stream of consciousness tour-de-force. But throughout Mr. JOyce is doing PARODY, which is exagerrating and making fun of how we speak and write, onoly to show that his underlying themes are impossible to express in modern terms. and so in Cyclops we hear every voice from ancient heroic legend to modern ringside boxing reports and wedding reports.But the basic themes remain. Mr. Bloom most explicitly states here that Love must be the basis for human interaction, and this is expanded upon. Also and most explicitly are Joyce's political undercurrents, the vile and oppressive nature of the BRitish empire's military force, which continues today stealing oil in Iraq while destroying its cultural heritage. Joyce shows how the same happened to Ireland, destroying resources (lumber) and cattle (under the false pretext of hoof and mouth) and industry as a way to impoverish and enslve the once great nation. The direct indictment of the BRitish naval power is especially explicit. This is my favorite and funniest epsode at the same time. Listen to it around disk eighteen of the forty disk Donal Donnally recording.THen ask your teacher if the reason Stephen Dedalus (get it? Dead. Alas!) did not kneel to pray for his mother, keeps Kosher, wears black with head carefully covered and wanders alone and lost, finding company only with the alleged Jew Bloom, is that while in Paris between Portrait of the Artist as A YOung Man and this work, he realized he was not a Jesuit Catholic, but on his mother's GOulding side, a Jew, and he returns to Ireland in search of his Jewish community. THis will knock your teacher's socks off.Please realize that Mr. Joyce himself reported there is not a single serious word in his work, that it is all a joke about the poor way people write. Yet, while there is not a single serious word, the underlying themes are deadly serious matters of life and death, faithlessness in marriage, national identity in the face of brutal (British) imperialist rape and oppression, and the theme of love in all its permutations. Love eternal and carnal is the basis of this book.My original analysis of this monumental work I assume got reported and dumped, without my saving a copy, so let me only briefly say that you may want the Gabler edition for the most reliable text, even though it loses the important page sized capitals S, M and P as reproduced in the Random House, as well as the important large period or asterix answering the questions "Where?" and is famously poorly bound.Do get the Donal Donnally (sp.?) recording. Jim Norton's is ABRIDGED grotesquely. Donal's is complete and extremely well done. If you want the basic gist of the novel, listen to Disk eighteen and nineteen of the forty disk recording and you will get the basic message. Love loves to love love.I am sorry to have lost my complete review written here in Ulysses style for a flavor of the original. Who's knows what lines were offensive. This book is essential reading, and re-reading, but don't get me started or I might get reported again.Be sure not only to get the Annotated Ulysses, which focusses mostly on historical explanations of places and people, but especially the Schwarz "Reading Joyce's Ulysses" and the Sicari "Joyce's Modernist Allegory", both excellent beginning commentaries that will make the text and intent much clearer to any reader. But the serious reader interested in the deeper socio-historico eleements suggested by joyce should get Dr. Cheng's excellent critique on JOyce racism and colonialism, as well as Attridge's Semicolonial Joyce. And those who get way over their heads with Joyce ought to check out Joyce and G-Men how Hoover killed Joyce's novel in the USA.The Donal Donnaly recordings really bring the novel to life.You can find several other commentaries in all price ranges, some by professors eager for tenure and looking to publish or perish, and others that are really helpful. Try Hugh Kenner of course, and the ones which investigate the brutal colonial nature of Ireland's history which Joyce alludes to, to reflect on current world events. It is worth the effort. Even Joseph Campbell has interesting things to say, on how this novel inspired him to begin to explore our world's mythologies, masks and meanings. But his commentary I found surprisingly shallow and at times off the mark. But I grow wordy . . . | 1positive
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Wow
In reading this collection one would think that the US intends to plunder and pillage Iraq while at the same time destroying their social, economic, and political fabric. We are responsible for their treatment of women, poor economic choices, Saddam's palaces, and the destruction of the World Trade Center. This is complete left-wing drivle that uses blinders only to exploit negative events and completely ignore anything positive occuring in Iraq today. If you're looking for an objective review of conditions in Iraq today stay clear of this one. | 0negative
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Stephen Ambrose?
I read this book a couple of years ago. While the overall story was interesting I remember being very unimpressed by the writing style.I just pulled the book out again and went through a couple of chapters. Sorry to say but the quality of writing is very simple and not nearly up to the standard of Ambrose's other books.I'm wondering if he really wrote it - or had it subcontracted out. | 0negative
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Overrated much? Yeah.
Why is this book such a classic? For the life of me I can't understand it. I am 20 years old, I read a lot, and I was not forced to read this book, just so you know.This is the most pretentious, pointless, ridiculously stupid, annoying, whiny, hypocritical book I've ever read. Why on earth did I or anyone else waste time reading this? For that matter, why did the author bother writing it? It's just one big rant against supposedly phony people by a moron who's a big phony himself (Holden, not the author, whom I don't know at all). This novel's one saving grace is that it's short. Had it been much longer I doubt I would have finished it.Seriously, how many times can one read the word goddamn over and over again? How many times can one tolerate "(insert thing) kill(s) me."? How many pages can Holden spend whining about phony people? How much money did Salinger make off this pretentious crap? However much it was, it was too much.This is the worst book I've read yet. Classic? I don't think so.If you want something in a similar vein but much, much, much better, I'd highly recommend you read "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky. | 0negative
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Rubbish
This book is absolute rubbish. It is just page after page of other peoples quotes. You will learn nothing. Don't waste your money. | 0negative
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A realistic view of early aerial combat and squadron life aground.
A collection of the letters of both Lt John Grider, KIA, and Lt Elliot White Springs, edited by Springs. It details their alcoholic and amorous adventures while in training, paying slight attention to the casualty rate of British flight school. On to aerial battles over the Front, these well bred fighter pilots (Springs a Princeton grad) pursued booze with the intensity they sought the Hun. The stories of combat are absolutely real and intense, saying little of their comrades deaths. One can see the two change from shallow fraternity brother to hardened and bitter combat veteran. This is aerial warfare showing all of the tarnish on the knight's armor.As an aside, Elliot White Springs inherited a southern cotton mill and gained noteriety for his advertisemnts in popular magazines for bedsheets showing a tired Indian warrior abed in a wnite hammock, overlooked by a barely clad Indian girl, the caption reading, "A buck well spent on a Springmade sheet." | 1positive
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Longstreet Speaks Although After Time Has Passed
This is a fairly long book written by Longstreet a few years before his death as one of the longest living of the great generals of the Confederacy. He wrote many controversial articles prior to this book in the late 1870's that sparked controversy during the building of the Lost Cause syndrome. Since Longstreet does seem to have some memory issues with some battles such as Gaines Mill, parts of the book may be a little disappointing; however, he provides pretty good detail on his Gettysburg participation that is probably the most significant part of the book. The issue of what occurred on the morning of the second day of Gettysburg with Lee is in some conflict with previous testimony but Longstreet clearly states that there was no "sunrise attack order". He also defends his proposed move to the right but offers, what almost seems a publishers delight, a view that "Lee's blood was up" and there was no recourse but to attack. Unfortunately, Longstreet spends little time on his Tennessee campaign where in brutal winter conditions his wonderful command totters into disharmony. Although I wonder how much involvement Longstreet had with ghostwriters due to the loss of the use of his arm from the Wilderness, the demeanor seems consistent with "Old Pete". Perhaps if Longstreet followed D. H. Hill's view of never speaking ill of the dead, he would have a place in Richmond. In contrast to "Old Pete", D. H. Hill who was a cranky and outspoken critic during the war and but effective general, following his own rules Hill was rather boring in his lack of commentary. What is phenomenal about Longstreet is the great punishment he has taken from earlier CW writers about Gettysburg because of his post war views while in contrast Jackson was not held nearly as accountable for his failure to participate properly in the 7 Days battles where the war could have been won. Contrast Longstreet's role at the battle of Glendale with Jackson's | 1positive
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Reading with Tequila
I did not enjoy this book. I should have and probably would have if I hadn't seen so many Frankenstein movies. I knew that the movies veered pretty far from the actual plot of the book, but still expected something more. While the book was probably very scary and very controversial in 1818, it didn't really translate through the centuries. At least for me it didn't. I rated this book based more for being a horror classic and for basically inventing the creature feature horror genre and less on actual entertainment and merit. | 0negative
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The Holy Grail of Fantasy
The Silmarillion is the ultimate in world creation. In order to write his other novels, Tolkien first created his background and started from scratch. Literally, this is "In the beginning..." kind of stuff!Now I read the reviews by those who feel it's too complex or involved and I can see how that could be. I read the Silmarillion on a several day bus trip when I was 12 or so. It was pretty heavy reading and I think I missed some bits. It was definitely a good read, but it wasn't until some time later, after a second and third re-reading that I felt I understood what was going on well enough to be comfortable discussing the stories with other afficionados.So, if you don't "get it" the first time and yet you love the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, I suggest you give it some time and read the Silmarillion again. It's as good as there is when it comes to fantasy. | 1positive
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one of the best books out there
When i first bought the book, i had heard what a great book it was and how it was one the best books out there. As i began to read i wasnt sure if i was gonna like it as much as others had but i read on anyway. After the starting the second chapter, the book had literally absorbed almost all of my attention. While reading it i felt as though the characters were living next door and i knew them for my whole life. Its a complicated book about a girl living in brooklyn scrounching for money, learning about life, and basically growing up. I would have to say that no words i write can describe the book to its best. It is one of the best books i've ever read in my life and i recommend it. | 1positive
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Do NOT purchase this version of the book!!!!!!
This printing is an outrage! From the first page, you see that the pages of this book are missing large parts of many sentences. And it is not like you can guess at the missing words - no one could. It is ridiculous!!!! The version I got is the sand colored one with Bold face PENROD in black at the top. | 0negative
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The best book on tape ever!
I just love love love this recording! The stories, of course, are wonderful, but Charles Kuralt brings them alive. His Eeyore is priceless. We listen to this over and over in the car and never get tired of it. | 1positive
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No doubt a classic, but still disappointing
The Lord Of The Flies is without a doubt a classic work of symbolism. William Golding really did do an incredible job of linking every vague detail in his book to the ideas he had about human nature, and the post world war II world in symbolistic forms (The Conch, The Glasses, The Beast). Still, finishing the book leaves one with a rather bitter taste in their mouth. I feel that the extraneous amounts of unnecessary violence Golding included, and the extreme behavior of the characters as the story progressed really kept me from appreciating the true artistic essence, and incredible emotion of this book.The story itself begins with a group of young military-school boys (who are assumed to have suffered a plane crash over the ocean water) landing on a small, uninhabited tropical island. Ralph, the main character, quickly steps up to leading the group, and gets the boys on track to getting rescued. He has them start a signal fire; make shelters, and just generally keeps them in a microcosmic society of the world they once knew.The society quickly breaks down though. Jack (a boy jealous of Ralph's leadership) is overcome by his urge to hunt wild pigs and have fun, and finally leaves the group over a conflict of interest about the signal fire. Gradually everyone who once followed Ralph leave him to join Jack's primordial savage hunting tribe, where they hunt wild pigs and savagely kill them. This in itself is graphically documented throughout the book, and the boys' morals are gradually replaced with more primitive instinct and reasoning.Before you know it, a book that started out fairly boringly is filled with rotting severed pig's heads on sticks talking to characters in the book (in their head, showing their mental stability starting to depart from them, but somewhat disturbing none the less), and Jack's tribe savagely killing some of the boys that didn't join them, for unclear reasons (being overcome by their lust for violence, rebellion from sane society, call it what you will). There is a sporadic parallel story going on, about a "Beast," which is nothing more than the boys' respective manifestations of their worst fears (and perhaps the fear of the consequences of their actions catching up with them), and this fear feeds Jack's tribe's ruthlessness towards the end of the book. Quite predictably, the book ends with the boys being rescued, but not before Jack and his tribe almost murders Ralph.I really wish I could have appreciated this book more, but frankly the writer's negative view of the world (which was in turn reflected in his writing) was a little too depressing to be enjoyable. I do recommend the book as a good read at least once, and it is without a doubt a classic work of literature, but when it all comes down to it... I feel it is both a boring, and highly depressing story. | 0negative
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Enchanting
Any young lady with an imagination of her own will find the story of Sara Crewe delightful and enchanting. The rags to riches plot may not be original in and of itself, but the way Sara transforms her dirty quarters into something beautiful, all within her mind, feels almost magical. Her sweet care for Becky despite her own grief and pain is also a picture of selflessness and courage. She refuses to let her sad circumstances steal the joy she has always found in small things, proving that she can be the same sweet girl she was when she had everything money could buy. It's her heart, not her possessions that make her a little princes. The happily ever after ending makes Sara's story feel even more like a fairy tale.To read more of my book reviews and recommendations, visit larsenreviews.org. | 1positive
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But who is that double???
It remains an intriguing fact: the trip of Rudolf Hess to England. There were no indications that he was mad (at least not madder than the other nazi leaders) and all of a sudden he decides to fly to England to start the peace negotiations...The authors write a very stout book to investigate what happened or what could have happened. And that is my major problem with the book: on the basis of a number of very flimsy clues they draw far-reaching conclusions which they then present as the only possible truth in the rest of the book. They then use those conclusions as the basis for even more far-fetched conclusions etc.I also think that there is more to the flight of Hess than the ravings of a lunatic, but this book is a very easy way to come with a fantastic story. And the major conclusion (the person in Spandau prison was a double of the real Rudolf Hess who died in WW 2) is not supported by the evidence presented in this book. | 0negative
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T.M. Rainere Period 8
Treasure IslandRobert Louis StevensonReviewTyler MoritzIn Treasure Island, Jim Hawkins is a young boy, and his parents own a tavern. Then, one day a man nobody knows comes in. He announces that he is going to stay there for a while. He calls himself the captain. He tells Jim that he will pay him a nickel if he watches out for seafaring men. Two men come. The first man wasn't that bad, but the second one was bad, though. After the man left, the captain got up, took a few steps, and dropped. He was dead. Jim found an oilskin pack in his pocket. He took it to Dr. Livesey and the squire. It turned out to be a treasure map. They decided to go on a voyage to the island. They find a man named Long John Silver. He gets a crew together, and they go ahead. They are near the island, and Jim hears Long John Silver talking about taking over the ship, while the crew was on the island. Then they are getting ready to go onto the island. Jim goes on one of the small boats to the island... | 1positive
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Get into the XMas spirit!
This is the book to read if you ever need to get in the Christmas spirit. Everybody goes through the holidays and becomes a "scrooge" at least once during the season. Though we aren't as bad as Ebenezer, we still need the realization of the Christmas spirit to set us right again. Reading the classic story of Ebenezer's adventures with the three Christmas spirits will bring warmth and happiness back into our hearts. It will be easier to give and be gracious, we will be grateful for everything we have, and we will remember what Christmas is all about. Thanks to Dickens for writing a masterpiece especially for this time of year. | 1positive
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Clan of the... Pemberly?
Contains spoilers.I figured it out. This book is like Ayla and Jondalar in waistcoats and petticoats. The passionate virgin, the gentle and skilled lover with large parts, the younger sister with a mind of her own, a knack for healing, the question if his seed is strong enough to take root in her womb... it's all there. With a slight lapse into Star Wars territory--I seem to recall that it is Leia and Han who first have the romantic exchange, "I love you." "I know."Betwixts and howbeits aside, I personally got tired of Lothario and melancholia. It's just another trashy romance novel, all in all. Not enough to get upset about... this book can't really alter anyone's long-term perceptions of favorite Austen characters. They just happen to all have the same names. | 0negative
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My Side of the Mountain - Review
I really did like this book alot yet things didn't make sense and the story did not seem real. | 0negative
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touching and poinent
Easily the best Diana tribute book on the market. It leaves the photographs to others, and instead focuses on collecting a broad selection of comments and thoughts from from magazines, newspapers, politicians, ordinary people etc. | 1positive
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Boring
I did not like this book, it seems as though Tolkien ran out of words, so he started describing things that didn't need describing. The whole boook was good till the middle, it started slowing down, till it became boring. I read the first book in the Lord of the Rings series, and I liked it. But it seems as if Tolkien lost all sense of anything interesting. Don't bother to read this book. | 0negative
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Smear Book, nothing else.
All of Al Franken's attacks on Bill O'Reilly are lies, which would lead me to believe tha Franken regularly spins the truth and mixes up his facts.This book is purely an attempt to attack others.And, no, Bill O'Reilly actually does help people. How many times has Al Franken requested that a particular official be investigated or an organization evaluate itself instead of bitching and moaning? | 0negative
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*RIPOFF!* *cough cough*
How the author wrote this book:* Hmm. I want to write an Egyption-alien-thing book but don't know where to start. Need source material. * Search TV/Movie: Stargate * Find: Stargate, Stargate SG-1 * Wow, this is good stuff. Not just alter the script.. throw in metapsychical... ah, yes, take some from other books.. PERFECT!Notably the poor person who wrote this book was trying to buy all the SG-1 books. :P So if your an SG-1 fan looking for a good laugh, you might just be the unintended target audience. | 0negative
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It's all about the ending.
DeMille says, in his author's note, that his son supplied the postmodern anti-ending he wound up using because he had painted himself into a logical corner from which there was no escape.The idea is that since America never has resolved the TWA 800 case, there was no way for DeMille to resolve it either.This, however, is just not so. The fact is that despite the many parallels to our TWA 800 case... this TWA 800 case isn't it. Despite the many parallells to our America... this America isn't it.Our America, for instance, has no John Corey, no Kate Mayfield, no Khalil Asad incident, no Plum Island incident. DeMille has already taken huge creative liberties with this fictional world which map, in no apparent way, to the actual America at the actual turn of the millennium. He should have continued this process and taken a few more.A much more impressive, aesthetic, and emotionally satisfying conclusion would have been to do for his America what the government couldn't do for ours: Tell us the true story of TWA 800, including an unveiling of those responsible and suitable justice rendered.He could have capped this off by delivering such a conclusion on the morning of 9/11 as a solemn nod at the audience, as if to say "Reality got it wrong. I decided to get it right." Instead, he practically stopped writing in the middle of a sentence and said "I'm done with this crap and I'm taking the easiest possible way out. Next."His trademark humor is intact and I liked the last third of the story, which proceeded at a much more engaging pace than the glacial first two-thirds, and I was even ready to forgive the craziness of the way he pulled Corey into the story (his wife was previously involved in TWA 800, never said anything about it at all to him, suddenly changed her mind 180 degrees, and five years later had every tiniest detail at her fingertips).The ending is just not something I can forgive, though -- a truly amateur blunder, the sort of thing ten year olds think is clever, and much less than his reading audience merited. In one of the last chapters, the hero Corey is talking to a captive rookie cop, who is enthralled with his police lore because he realized he was "in the presence of a master." After reading The Gold Coast, that's how I felt -- that DeMille was a master. Now I think Mr. DeMille got lucky on that one, and he is, in fact, closer to a rookie cop.Shame on you, Nelson. | 0negative
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A Great Tale of Our American Heritage
This is a superb Western. It tells the story of our country's rise to greatness with the emergence of self-sufficient families who tamed a harsh wilderness. A glorious tale by America's best teller of tales. If you need a fix now Louis is gone, try Shane or Aymond. | 1positive
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Pay Attention
This book taught me to "pay attention when life goes awry." In some ways, this is a mysterious book because it is not so much fiction as it is the author's life. Not your average sort of book - it's wise, honest and solid. I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold. Excellent. | 1positive
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One of the most horrible books
I'm sorry, but dragons don't mix with good writers. This is a very good example of a last ditch effort to save the Dragonlance novels which have been going down in ratings for a few years. Let me tell you this, go pick up The Wheel of Time, The Sword of Truth, or A Song of Ice and Fire. Forget The Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance. R. A. Salvadore many be a good writer, but dragging the Forgotten Realms on and on just makes it seem pointless. Drop those two let down themes and pick up something good and exciting. | 0negative
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Still great
I have loved this since I was young, and it still stands up. My daughter is reading it to me this time. | 1positive
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this book was terrible
the index to the cheats was incorrect. Many if the "cheats" did not work. Half of the games that I own were not in the book. Any of the cheats to any game can be found on the internet so there no point in buying unless you dont have the internet. Hopefully you do.With so many games being produced this book we soon be out of date. You could get these from any cheats website. | 0negative
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This is the REAL DEAL
For most of my life, a trip to Little Italy meant going to Mulberry Street. Vincent's was always the best NYC restaurant to me, with Umberto's a close second. I also loved all the shops with the Italian items and the very friendly merchants (especially friendly if they know their customer has some Italian blood). I also loved the San Gennaro feast, but could usually never even walk an inch through the thing because of so many people there.About a year or so ago, I discovered the REAL Little Italy in the Bronx. I've been to The Bronx Zoo and being a die-hard Yankee fan, I've been to River Avenue hundreds of times. I've driven through Arthur Ave but never actually stopped to check things out. I figured, what could top Mulberry Street? I've been to Little Italy in Boston and Baltimore, both of which are not as good as Manhattan. But the Bronx section is better and I proclaim that the Bronx is the best NYC borough overall (I hope to check out City Island soon).First of all, Manhattan Little Italy is TERRIBLE for parking. You can never find a spot and must park in an expensive garage. Second, as I said, I love San Genarro, but it has become too jammed packed with tourists. In the Bronx you will ALWAYS find a parking spot. Maybe not exactly in front of where you are going, but you will always find one nearby. Plus, it takes me about twenty minutes with no traffic to get to the Bronx by car from North Jersey and it takes well over a half hour to Manhattan. The Bronx has 3 summer feasts, all of which are far less jammed than San Gennarro and just as good. Oh, and did I mention that Umberto's Clam House has opened a second location right on Arthur Ave which is also just as good? So I now have no real reason to venture to Mulberry Street.But now let me talk about the heart of the area, the real greatness about it, that you don't really have in Manhattan. I'm talking about the smaller neighborhood feel even though there are tons more merchants around. For every 4 social clubs and espresso caffes on Mulberry Street, there are 7 in the Bronx. For every 3 clothing shops, there are about 6 in the Bronx. Same deal with the Italian souviner stores with their movies and music, aprons, cooking stuff, and many other things. There just seems to be so much more, and everything is so much more authentic and not "touristy." But this all doesn't make it more congested at all...It's so refreshing to enjoy the simple delight of walking up and down 187th Street and Arthur Ave and passing by the Mount Carmel Church and all the bakeries and delis. And you will not be dissapointed with any of the food, I guarantee you that, especially if you are a true goomba. Everything in every place here is special and great just like your grandmother would make. From the clams and calamari to the pasta, pizza, fresh breads and pastries, and everything else, you will love it all. The Arthur Avenue Market is a rare treasure that you don't see anymore with the "Mc Donaldization" of society and all the chain stores and eateries that overrun most of the mom and pop establishments.I'd highly recommend Joe's Deli for the mozzarella, Full Moon Pizza for the ahbeetz, GianTina's for the chicken parmigian, Umberto's for the baked clams and calamari, Madonia Bros. for delicious baked breads and cookies, and Rigolleto's and Mario's for great food and especially the ambiance. There are so many places that I haven't mentioned. Capri Gifts, the Catholic Goods store, and on and on and on.Words can't explain the sights, the smells, the feelings and mainly, the TASTE of all the foods. You can try to make the recipes in this book but you won't get the experience that you'd get by visiting the REAL Little Italy on your own. It's been there for a hundred years for so many generations and I hope my kids and grandkids can experience it someday.Salud' Chindon! | 1positive
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Great gift
This book is a great gift to people who appreciate a silly joke. That's exactly why it's 3rd edition already! | 1positive
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No Silver Lining
This is a Celtic soap opera of questionable historical accuracy. The unending adventures of the heroine remind one of the Prince Valiant comic strip--i.e. there are too many adventures for one life, and the impression is, the author could have continued adding to them for 40 years. | 0negative
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1984 review
1984 was a great book talking about the dangers of authoritarian governments finally learning from pas failures. The main character Winston tells of his life living and rebelling in himself of this authoritarian government. The country of Oceania is trapped in a never ending state of war though in reality no battles are ever fought. The book deals with Winston trying to learn about a past realizing the past he has learned from the party never really existed. Winston himself has helped the party change the past. The party looks for unique ways to steal away freedoms by using things such as doublethink (the act of forgetting a past reality once it immediately changes) which lead them to get their population to believe in things such as 2+2=4. Winston also seeks an escape from the party forming a secret love affair with a girl named Julia. Together they try to escape the party. They are able to show how difficult or impossible escape really is. This book may have been an alternate reality with the year 1984 having passed many years ago, but the danger warns about reflect some elements of today's society. I also feel it's a really good read. | 1positive
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A Bit of adapting
This is written in Olde English so it takes a bit of concentration and adaptation to fall into the pattern of speech. Excellent reading once you're into the way it is written! | 1positive
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Important book for all Christian couples
This is a wonderful book that examines many controversial issues in regards to family planning. It addresses them all from a strong Biblical perspective. As a physician I agree 100% with the Hess' position. | 1positive
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Depressing
Depressing......pure and simple. Yes, there was too much hype about this book - is that because Oprah liked it? Don't waste your money on this one. | 0negative
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A great book, but a poor E-book
Capital is, of course, a seminal work. I disagree with many of Marx's conclusions, and I think he frequently uses circular arguments that don't stand up to scrutiny, but there's no question that this is an important and readable work.Unfortunately, as an E-book, it's a truly disappointing product.Marx made extensive use of footnotes. In this book, most of the footnotes link to the wrong chapters. Clicking on a footnote may, or may not, lead to something that at least has the same number (even though it's in the wrong chapter), but clicking on the return link will take you off to never-never land. I found that the only way to have any chance of returning to the point of origin was to make a record of the numeric "location" in the text, and then navigate to that location directly. That worked -- MOST of the time.But the Kindle for Android application doesn't seem to be able to keep track of the current location in any E-book with DRM. Certainly, in THIS book, turning off my Android device and turning it back on is a crap-shoot. There's no telling WHERE in the book the application will be.Given that this book is waaaaay out of copyright, and that it is available from numerous sources FOR FREE, without any DRM, I'm truly disappointed that I paid good money for such a frustrating copy. I've switched my reading to another copy, generated from the Gutenberg text, that at least can keep track of the footnotes and get back to the same point in the text after reading one. | 0negative
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Very good book that is well worth buying.
The best book currently out on the subject as of July, 2002.has good database access examples.is generaly very good. | 1positive
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The milk may finally be drying up on this cash cow (for me at least)
Let me preface this review by stating that I have been reading this series since the original Wheel of Time book was published and loved the early novels.Robert Jordan has turned what was once one of the most engrossing and promising fantasy series of our modern day into thousands of pages of useless drivel that neither moves the main plot forward nor provides any sense of connection with the vast majority of the characters or occurences (if you can describe them as such).Subplot after boring subplot has been introduced into this series along with a seemingly endless supply of uninteresting character after uninteresting character. Clearly Robert Jordan has no intention of ever finishing this series, he seems to have embraced a 'form' approach to writing - at the end of each novel he introduces yet another bland and divergent subplot that puts the succeeding novel on a treadmeal to nowhere for 95% of its pages.How many times on a page do I have to read the description of yet another "grey haired Aes Sedai named 'such and such'" or some woman pulling her braid or some random but reoccuring comment about Aes Sedai 'pillow friends' (seems Jordan has a real fetish for this).What happened to the Forsaken? What happened to the Tarmon Gai'don? Rest easy denizens of Rober Jordan's world - you'll die of old age long before that climatic battle ever occurs.Bah! As you can tell I'm sick of this story and sick of waiting for anything resembling a resolution to it. Good luck to those of you who manage to stick with it going forward I'd place in 50/50 odds that either you or Robert Jordan die of old age before he completes the series. | 0negative
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Lovely writing
What a delightful introduction to Elizabeth Berg. I was completely captivated by the author's loving descriptions of childhood. The heroine was so wonderfully created I could see her, at times even smell her. The author does a tremendous job of creating a place and a time and a family shaded ever so carefully by memory -- the perfect blend of nostalgia and sentiment. If you are a boomer, you'll be able to identify with much of this book, especially that special feel of a 1950s household with the stay-at-home mom, the at-work dad and the unvarying but oh-so-comforting routine.After all that, however, I was disappointed in the conclusion of this book. The reason for the heroine's estrangement from her mother seems rather minor when it is revealed and the ending seems a letdown, very movie-of-the-weekish.But that is actually a very, very small part of the book. Don't let it keep you from reading it. It's perfect for your airplane trip or to stash in your beach bag. And it just might get you to call your sister! | 1positive
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So easy & simple
If only life would be like this. Every recipe here is simplified down to its' barest essentials. & I really like the stock recipes that are such an unexplored territory in cooking nowdays. Back in grandma's day, soup just wasn't soup w/out the stock. But to have a choice in stock making. Worth it's weight in latium. The info contained therein replaces several of my cookbooks.But the best is the list of recommendations. I.e which soups go w/what. Like watching the Godfather. | 1positive
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This is my favorite book, and there's a reason!
It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think. A must read for anyone Catholic, and for anyone who remembers growing up! | 1positive
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A Must-Read
Better than the movie? Of course. A classic now and forever more and it's suitable for all ages. You're never too young or too old for The Hobbit | 1positive
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Barely Entertaining
This is an early Newberry Award winner that has me wondering if this was a bad year for children's literature. Shen of the Sea has a few stories that entertain but many are repetitive and lack depth. It was clearly not based on fact. Some of the stories will probably be liked by children. Dragons, wars, and children bewitched will help with any kid's imagination. I've just read better. | 0negative
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Ecommerce Elegantly Explained
The authors have done an excellent job of breaking up ecommerce into small modular business models, which can be easily understood and analyzed. Internet services, in particular, are detailed well with clear examples. The book covers a lot of ground in a simple, easy-to-read style. Found it useful to understand my business! | 1positive
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An exception
Mr.Gallagher has filled a need today that brings the thoughts and lessons of the past into focus for all to see and share.Some good creative thinking. | 1positive
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A Teacher's Opinion of the Text
MYTHOLOGY is the text I was given when I first started teaching my mythology class for juniors and seniors. Boy, was I in for a disappointment. Not only does Edith Hamilton blandly summarize every story, but she leaves out many of the details that students are eager to absorb. Although I have great respect for the text since it was one of the first to bring Greek myth into an easily-accessible form, it is dated and a poor text for a high-school mythology class. Some teachers argue that the elevated language and confusing sentence structure is good practice for serious students, and it is in other contexts. But I am of the opinion that mythology should be fresh and exciting--as it was to the original myth-makers. As Thomas Bulfinch had said, "Thus we hope to teach mythology not as a study, but as a relaxation from study." When a text makes its subject nearly impossible to appreciate, it's not worth it. | 0negative
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WOW! By C.M. LZ, Student at Mace's Lane Middle School
This book is a great book that will keep hold of you until the end. Steinbeck does a fabulous job describing the farm where the book takes place. Lennie is hillarious and keeps on asking Geogre"Can I still tend the rabbits?". George and Lennie are wanted for rape and also need to find a place to get a job.This book has some memorable characters such as the swamper Candy and the boxer Curly. Lennie is a big, strong, retarded giant that always gets in trouble. George is small, weak, smart man that has to put up with Lennie.I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to find out how hard life was during the Great Depression. | 1positive
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Great book!
Wow! This book was fantastic. I won't summarize the plot since the professional reviewers above have already done so (although a word of advice -- don't read Kirkus Reviews, on this book or EVER -- they have a tendency to casually give away plot twists and surprises). I'll just give it my seal of approval. | 1positive
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This is almost a classic, and one which I had to read.
Although this has a slow start, it really is an excellent read, and one wehich has made a name ford itself among modern readers. I had studied John Buchan in my English classes at high school, but had not read this book, although it was about at that time. In comparison with his other novels, I found this one to be very slow for a while, but in the end it was quite exciting. | 1positive
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Boring
Now, I know Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic American writer, but this book was just terrible! I can see how this was considered a classic during his time, but now.... I have never heard of, seen, or read a book that was this descriptive. The author would just all of the sudden start describing something that had absolutely nothing to do with the plot. This description would go on for at least a page or two. There were maybe three major things that happened in this book. The rest was just in detail descriptions of people, places, and things. I do admit, he gives a good background on the story, but that is about all that's good about this book. I read this book only because I was required to, and I would have to say to anybody who was interested in this book for just pleasure, please, don't waste your time. | 0negative
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A Difference of Opinion
Random House, calling on English Professors and other literary professionals, declared James Joyce's Ulysses as the greatest novel of the 20th Century.Who am I to disagree?While I may not have too many initials following my name, I'd like to believe that my opinion about Ulysses is valid in its own right. After all, I have taken the trouble to read the thing. Also, I have a bachelor's degree, and have taught High School English. I've also read an exegesis of Ulysses, and am currently reading Finnegans Wake, so I do have something in the way of qualifications. At heart, I account my opposing opinion to the fact that I believe that the standards that I use to judge the merits of a novel are different than those employed by the fellows at Random House. Further, I think that my criteria aren't necessarily all that bad.Indeed, I like to believe that my criteria are probably closer to what most people look for in a novel.The things that I look for in a novel include: an exciting plot; memorable, interesting characters; clean, crisp writing.The things that I believe the Random House voters look for in a novel include: intricate word play; obscure literary allusion/allegory; originality in form and syntax, even to the point of obfuscation.Ulysses certainly is a winner in the second category, as all eight hundred pages of it concern one man on one day in his life. Most of those pages are devoted to word play, literary allusions, experiments in literary form, etc. What Ulysses does not spend a lot of time on, however, is developing plot and character--the things I love in a good book. There is almost no clean, crisp writing to be found--Joyce's primary consideration was not to be understood; he wanted to be *clever*.For instance, take the "word overture." At the beginning of the "Siren section," (Ulysses is modeled after The Odyssey), Joyce mirrors the overture of a musical by running together out-of-context fragments and snatches of words from the chapter to come. He does this without preamble or explanation and reading it is a very confusing experience. But Joyce didn't write it with the intention of being clear--he had something artistic to say, or something experimental to try, or something like that. Please understand that this makes Joyce very, very different from most of the masters who preceeded him, such as Thomas Hardy, Leo Tolstoy, Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, etc. They wrote in an effort to communicate themselves very clearly; Joyce wants to be difficult. They wanted to write interesting stories, Joyce wants something altogether different.For myself, I neither like Joyce's style nor his intentions. I honestly cannot figure out the point, other than cleverness for cleverness' sake. Further, I believe that his method, which has become the main literary aesthetic in schools (which is why they all concentrate so much on literary devices such as metaphor and allegory), has been detrimental to education. By turning literature from entertaining stories into puzzle solving, I believe he has turned many children away from reading. I think this helps to account for, say, J.K. Rowling's success. It's not that kids don't like to read, it's that they don't like to read things like Ulysses or similar efforts by Joyce's admirers.Many people reading this will likely disagree with me. They think that Joyce was a "genius." That's fine--they're entitled to their opinions. But, I'm entitled to mine as well, and, in my opinion, Ulysses does not say nearly enough of importance to be worth all the trouble it is to decode, and in the end it is simply not a lot of fun. In my opinion, there are tons of other books that have just as much of value (if not more), and *also* have exciting plots, interesting characters and clear writing. Joyce was, perhaps, a genius at puzzle-writing and encoding, but Ulysses is a poor novel. | 0negative
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This book is no goo
this books lack lots of codes out there. Dont buy i | 0negative
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A great read
I found The Red Tent a highly approachable, entertaining, yet serious read. A feminist novel without bashing you over the head with it, the character of Dinah holds the readers interest while giving a unique perspective into well-known biblical stories. This book has a lot of depth to it, teaching the reader while it entertains. | 1positive
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Informative, but boring
While this book was seemingly crammed with information it was also incredibly boring. If you have a Civil War project to work on read it, if not I wouldn't want to read about Jethro and his family's many dull problems | 0negative
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what
I don't even remember getting this. Probably a free book for mobile app. Oh well great book nonetheless. Recommended read | 0negative
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Shaw's Joan of Arc story knows no border on Earth
Shaw's keen understanding of French Patriotism as illustrated in Joan of Arc story transcends borders, cultures, languages and skin colors. The legacy of Joan's heroism, her vision and her love of humanity and her country still haunts both Western and Eastern civilizations in each individual's effort to fulfill his "duties" in life. | 1positive
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Not bad, but not good enough...
First things first: This is not a bad book. It approaches the philosophy of science in very general terms: Ladyman's terms are the layman's term, and I mean this as a compliment. But the book has also some serious flaws: It doesn't go into nearly enough detail to make it a useful textbook at university level; it is probably aimed at first-year students or high-school seniors who aren't quite sure what all this buzz about philosophy of science is about. It is difficult to imagine this book as the basis of a solid course in philosophy of science -- partly because the presentation is heavily biased by the author's main (research) interests. There are some original elements, but even those do not convince me that this book is better than any of the -- mostly excellent! -- introductions available, e.g. by Bird or Rosenberg. Also, the suggestions for "further reading" are of marginal usefulness, which after reading the book leaves one at a bit of a loss where to continue. Any serious reader would be better off investing into a good anthology, such as the Curd/Cover anthology "Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues", which also includes many good introductory chapters. Finally, there should be a ban on (supposedly funny or enlightening) dialogues with marginal relevance to the argument -- and more specifically a ban on calling the fictional discussants "Alice" and "Thomas" (for obvious reasons...) | 0negative
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Like good wine, Robb keeps getting better
I won't bother re-telling the plot, except to say that I would have preferred not knowing who the killers were quite so soon. However, having said that, this is still a great read.I find that when she writes as Nora Roberts, she appears to use a formula. The characters are often interchangeable with the characters from other books. Not so with the Robb series. Keep it up, Nora. | 1positive
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Literary junk food for the masses
Plain and simple - Shakespeare sold out.*R&J* is simply sensationalist trash. It contains a good portion of Shakespeares worst verse and insipid characterizations. It's unchallenging, crude, and simply melodrama for the most part. It's the Shakespearean equivalent of "Party of Five" and the Spice Girls.The only saving grace of this "play" (why not call it a "B-play?") is the beautiful soliloquy by Mercutio about Queen Mab.The rest is absolute garbage.Read a real play. "Hamlet," although dreadfully overplayed, is a fine work. So is "Caesar."And forget Shakespeare. There are other fine Elizabethan writers who have been forced to exist in the "Bard's" shadow. Had Marlowe lived, we wouldn't have even known about Shakespeare. And Donne finally been recognized for the genius that he is. | 0negative
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Long but fascinating
This book was long, but I definitely enjoyed it. A couple of sections I skimmed over, but the heart of the story is compelling. I never thought of putting it down, mostly because, one of the main characters, Rebecca, fascinated me.Much like the author, I could not completely make up my mind about Rebecca. I had to find out what would become of her in the end. Even in the end I could not decide whether she was bad or simply had several bad circumstances occur.It was a good social commentary, and I am glad I read it. However, it is not a book I will ever pick up to read again partly due to its length, but also because once was all I needed. There were no overly complex ideas that warrant any more than a one time reading. | 1positive
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Prepare for Boredom and Pedantry
I must confess, I did not like the hobbit until I heard it dramatized, and then only somewhat. The tone of the book treats the reader like he/she is a child, the story is amateurish, although I am told it is symbolic. For real fantasy, this is not it. | 0negative
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I expected better...
The first time I read this book I was in high school and in the latter half of a research program on chemical perception enhancement. At the time I thought this was a great book. Based on those memories, I bought the NBC Television Mini-series on VHS in my second year of university. Then, I attributed the suckage level of that production to the typical mid-seventies literary "interpretation". However, a recent re-read of the book has led me to reevaluate my assessment of this opus of Bradbury's. Now, Bradbury is famous for such classics as "Farenheight 451" and "Something Wicked This Way Comes". The Martian Chronicles though, lacks any of the sophisticated storytelling one might expect from a master with Bradbury's credentials. One of the annoying things was the ridiculously unrealistic schedule at which major events occurred. On top of that, in one chronicle, when faced with an unbelievable scene at their arrival on Mars, the astronauts of an expedition perform some pathetically nave mental gymnastics in order to rationalise what they are experiencing.Later chronicles don't improve much. Granted, Bradbury was trying to make a statement regarding the human tendency for violence not only toward each other but also toward our home planet. Unfortunately, he goes about it in such a ham-handed way that the characters come off as clownish morons and you end up spending more time wondering how these idiots ever made it to Mars without blowing themselves up. Of course, you are less than surprised when they do. Humans blow themselves up through their arrogance and disrespect for the environment and Native peoples. For that message, I can think of better presentations. | 0negative
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To be or Not to Be, Is it Really a Question?
We swim within an ocean of self-made "realities", and in these waters we may flee the sharks of our anxieties or play with the dolphins of our contentments. Those of us professing spiritual wisdom (and who openly dares to?) have learnt to recognize the currents which bring either creature, and are pleased with ourselves when we steer the good ship "ego" out of danger and grimace when yet again we find ourselves helpless before another tumultuous storm. Michael Robbins in a spiritual "tour de force" has eliminated not only sharks,dolphins, the rhythmic currents of our lives, but has also dispatched with the very ocean itself. His is a shocking work. He hunts with intensity and pitiless pursuit all things moral, philosophical, psychological, theological, teleological until they all fall victim to the only One Reality. After all isn't that what we secretly crave, if not openly confess? Those interested in the Bailey material and/or of a theosophical bent will find bold hints of the new psychology of the Monad promised in this dawning century. The work is replete with practical exercises and deals extensively with the ultimate reality underlying any imaginable phase of human experience. It's an "Infinity" of a book whose perplexity belongs to its readers rather than its author or the work itself. Enjoy if you dare. | 1positive
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Ridiculously Bad
I am a fan of Joyce's writing especially Dubliners and Portrait of the Artist, but this is pure garbage. Thank goodness for the look inside features at amazon, so that people will be able to know what to expect when ordering Finnegans Wake. The novel has no plot and lacks the vivid descriptions of seemingly meaningless things that made Joyce's other novels so great. Here, he picks random foreign words and places them wherever he please just to make his book seem original and artistic. The result is an incomprehensible piece of garbage that is not only plotless but devoid of any writing ability and talent.Use the look inside features to see what I'm talking about. | 0negative
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not realistic whatsoever
I just couldn't believe the things that occurred in this novel....they were too **outrageous**(?) The prose on pain and emotional suffering was well written, but still a slow book. If your time is precious, this is not a book to leave you feeling satisfied. | 0negative
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Patrick McLanahan returns in "Battle Born"
Military fiction novelist Dale brown has finally published,after a long wait mind you, his newest novel called "Battle Born". I personnaly received the book on last Thursday from the publisher. I hasten to say that this is the best Dale Brown novel to date. It only took two days to read this 390+ page novel. I just could not put the book down. Patrick McLanahan, Dave Luger and the rest of the Megafortress crew rejoin in this novel performing operations at the relatively new Elliot Air Force Base. And yes the rumors are true, this is new "Megafortress-2". It is a bigger and badder HAWC creation. I wont ruin anything from the book, but war erupts over Korea again and here comes the new EB-1C. As always, Elliot Air Force Base runs the risk of being shut down. Like I said earlier, this is my favorite military fiction novel of all time. I guess I can I am kinda bent toward this novel because I am currently a memeber of the 28th Bomb Wing of Ellsworth A.F.B., South Dakota. Dale came here last spring to get source material for this book. He kindly gives some hearty kudos in the book to the people here at Ellsworth. I will close this review with three words, "BUY THIS BOOK".Take care all and read books! | 1positive
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Where are the illustrations?
I am extremely disappointed in online version of this book. The formatting is poor and they have removed all the great illustrations. I want my money back. | 0negative
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Awesome Book
I consult this book for everything. The information and reasoning for illness is so accurate. Great tool for life! :) | 1positive
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Great book
I am enjoying learning how to use polymer clay and this book has some adorable animals to inspire me to make. | 1positive
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Great quick summer read...
Good sequel to the fist Savannah. Very quick read and fun book. She makes all the characters "fun" and her descriptions of the south are right on target. | 1positive
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