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A True Classic
We would be hard pressed to find people not familiar with A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, due to several movies the novel has spawned. I finally sat down and read the novel and am glad I did. The novel by the prolific and popular Dickens is well-written with great characters. That the author can generate such imagery and fully-realized characters in such a short story, is a testament to his staying power. This book packs an emotional punch, and is a great tale for the holidays, or any time you need to remind yourself to be thankful for what you have and those around you. A classic story and a must read. 5 stars. | 1positive
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Best thing he has written in a long time
While nothing measures up to PILLARS OF THE EARTH, WHITEOUT is certainly in the league of EYE OF THE NEEDLE.The action takes over a brief time period. The story goes as follows: Brilliant scientist developes an anti-viral drug. Bad people want to steal it. To do so they must defeat well guarded lab and overcome a state-of-the-art computer system.That's the bare bones of the plot, and without giving anything away there are enough twist turns and backflips to make this book a winner.Only bad spot is the epilogue. You already know everything by then.A great read. | 1positive
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Superficial commercial treatment of complex issues
This is a book by another "specialist" on the Middle East that would appeal to the common denominator reader. In an attempt to cover a wide scope of countries and issues and histories, Roger Owen, a well-respected authority in the subject matter, churns out a shallow text that does not even start getting to the issues at hand. It is a dull read that follows a standard template for what a professor believes should be fed to undergraduate students.Professor Owen dwells in 280 pages on state building and political parties and movements, but lacks insight into events at the beginning of the 20th century that contradict his conclusions. I would not recommend this book for serious readers of Middle East issues or history, but it is useful for those under duress to produce a term paper at college. | 0negative
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Nice song selection, very disappointing CD accompaniment
It's a fairly priced collection of eight well-chosen big band classics, but the accompaniment CD is a huge disappointment. The printed music seems well thought out, with a few of the songs even appearing in their standard key ("In the Mood", however, appears in G rather than the traditional Ab). On top of that, "All or Nothing At All", "April in Paris" and "Stardust" even include verses. Guitar tabs and lyrics are included for all songs but "Apple Honey" and "In the Mood". The sequenced horns and rhythm section on the accompaniment CD, however, are almost laughably bad, sounding too much like something used as background MIDI music on a homemade website. With a vintage photo of an actual big band gracing the front cover of this collection, my expectation for the backing tracks was higher. A far better choice than this collection would be the Hal Leonard Jazz Play Along Vol. 28, "Big Band Era", which includes ten songs (as compared to the eight here) for only $2 more, and a real rhythm section on the accompaniment CD. The entire Jazz Play Along series from Hal Leonard, in fact, is extremely well produced, making the shortcomings of this Hal Leonard Piano Play Along collection all the more surprising. | 0negative
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tedious and dull
Dull, dull, dull. If I'd wanted a course in how to pilot a steamboat, I'd have signed up for one. I don't expect it in a romance novel. Or excuse me, erotica novel though even that part of it got boring as well and when the sex scenes make my eyes glaze over, it's time to jump ship | 0negative
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A Literary Caper of the Century?
Reportedly the author himself did not understand the success of this book. He said, "Most critics don't understand a novel like One Hundred Years of Solitude is a bit of joke.--they take on the responsibility of decoding the book and risk making terrible fools of themselves." I'm glad to know that at least the author wasn't fooled by his mediocre work.Throughout the book there is no uplifting or cathartic passage; the supposedly comical elements don't make you laugh; the tragic episodes don't make you cry; the style is unpolished; "magical realism" is used indiscriminately; and so are the words "solitude" and "solitary" which appear in every few pages. In the book practically everyone and everything is solitary. It's a red-tag sale of Solitudes. Yet, their solitude is merely circumstantial. It is not the type of haunting or ennobling solitude you find in Kafka's or Camus' work. Even in "Hijo de hombre" (Buenos Aires, 1961) by the contemporary Paraguayan author Augusto Roa Bastos, different characters from an impoverished village carry their true cross of solitude silently and bravely without even being aware of it.The book is worth reading only for the purpose of pondering why it has gained such popularity and acclaim. | 0negative
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It stank
I read this book in one night at the public library. I feel almost sorry for Rosie O'Donnell. She is a very sick, codependent woman. She has absolutely no boundaries and that's very unhealthy. I feel very sorry for her children to grow up in a house with a woman who doesn't want to learn to take care of herself. Sad. | 0negative
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Nothing But Fluff
First and foremost, I could care less about the main character, Meredith. She's a big egoistic woman who can do no wrong who keeps discovering she's more and more powerful. And she apparently has the power to "inadvertently" seduce everyone around her. If you like soft-core porn and one-dimensional characters, then you might enjoy this book. If not, then I'd recommend not reading it. | 0negative
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Good choice!
If you need be an expert in HS-GC buy it! It's a very detailed book. | 1positive
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This book is about a girl trying to earn $ for her family.
In the beginning I thought that I wouldn't like this book because of the period in which it was written (Victorian Era). I liked this book because of the plot and characters. The love story, adventure, and decision making in this book, make it extremely interesting. The young girl is immersed in a wealthy society even though she is not wealthy herself. The portrayal of the differences in classes are evident. In this book, the young girl is a governess. It shows the frustration and feelings that a governess goes through. This book was incredibly easy to get into. The writing style made the reading a simple task. Many people have not read any books by the third Bronte sister, and I would recommend reading this book. | 1positive
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Great Classic
This is a great classic and its always good to read at Christmas. I just never grows old. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future are still hauntingly interesting and relevant. | 1positive
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Brilliant
Wuthering Heights is a fantastic novel that explores the complexities of human nature and though some of the characters are evil, they are not far removed from people in real life. Its themes of passion and revenge are conveyed expertly and take the reader on a fabulous journey to the wily windy moors of England | 1positive
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Good information, bad fiction
The author tackles an important subject, but I was disappointed in his story. The characters seemed to be constantly angry with each other and with almost everyone else. This couple never expressed any affection for each other, and I never felt any sympathy for them. The medical profession was painted as almost completely uncaring. We all have problems with doctors, but they are not universally bad. If the reader is interested in a book that details some of the very real problems of childlessness, this book probably presents accurate information. However, as far as fiction goes, it is not an entertaining read. | 0negative
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A powerful book about choice
Set against the backdrop of the westward expansion movement in US history, this novel is almost allegorical in nature. The characters play out their roles in a story as old as time; one of choice, the power of good and evil, and making one's own way in the world. Young Bob must learn that with every conscious decision, comes an element of responsibility. This responsibility is not only to oneself, but also to those who depend on and surround the decision maker. Shane is a man who has learned to live with the results of his decisions; Joe is a good, solid man, a good father and great role model. And Bob's mother, Marian, makes a serious decision as well, regarding her own life, and how she chooses to live it. On the surface, this is a story of ranchers v. cattlemen, but symbolically, it is more a story of choices, of love, and of self-reliance. Good book. I teach it often to my students, and they have always enjoyed it. | 1positive
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A group of children are lost on an island and they want to
be rescued, but some of them are becoming wild and loose their civilized form of being and become savage. At the end this kids are got rescued. | 1positive
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A major let-down
I was really looking forward to reading this book, being familiar with Hardy and having read two books on Ramanujan; but the book was very disappointing. The foreword by Snow is almost as long as the book itself, and really doesn't add anything of note. Instead of a foreword one could use footnotes explaining the frequent cricket terms and names of people no longer recognized by the public.What does one learn about what math is, why people become mathematicians, the artistic beauty of math, etc?Very little. Hardy wrote the book for the public, and basically feels that anything interesting he could say about these issues would be unintelligible. All that Hardy says can be summed up as1) I became a mathematician because it is the only thing I could do well, 2) pure mathematics is useless but harmless [he even says that relativity theory was good because it couldn't be used for war - remember the book was written before WWII]3) doing mathematics requires creativity, and thus is done by younger people (but Hardy himself was most creative in his 40s).Since Hardy was already in his sixties when he wrote the book he was past his prime, and says so several times.If you are interested in why people do math and how math can be beautiful, you won't find much in this book.Even if you are specificaly interested in Hardy and English math at the turn of the 20th century there are much better books available. | 0negative
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A Wonderful Mother's Companion;Believe in Yourself
... It was read prior to my daughter's birth and constantly referred to while I nursed her.I was no longer unsure of myself due to lack of information and I recommended it to girls who were first time Moms in the hospital when I had my fourth child. My daughter had a baby three years ago with some medical problems and I met Moms and their Moms that were terribly grateful for a reference book so their baby could continue to be nursed and not believe the short interruption would ruin their desire for the baby to be a nursed baby. My daughter needed to relactate and the hospital gave them the machines to make it possible, knowing ,especially babies who have had a rough start need to be nursed even more for their health if the parent is willing to follow the instructions and there is a lot of support for mothers to nurse, knowing what we do today about breastfeeding. For "To Be" Mothers this is a wonderful gift for them to understand and decide if they are going to breastfeed, and to stand up to the bullies who usually have weird reasons why they oppose breast feeding. Instead of being intimidated, you will wonder which category they come from, and you will be a much stronger , confident mother. Mrs Symmington | 1positive
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Huh? Oh, I get it!
This book has too much symbolism if you can't think deep enough. The book is mainly about human tendencies. It could be read on a political level, but that takes too much brain power. There is some killing and graphic violence. Above all, the book is one of the best books period. | 1positive
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i read this book every few years.
i read it for the first time when i was about 13 or 14, i don't remember how i heard about it though. i thought it was so great because it doesn't hide much at all. it also describes very well how kids really behave about drugs, and while on drugs. | 1positive
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Living la vida loca
The classic story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tells of a respectable citizen Dr Jekyll who transforms into a heinous villian by night that trolls the streets of Edinburgh in the 1800s. This dual life of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is traced in a third person account by a friend of the good doctor, who follows the evidence provided by both Jekyll and Hyde. The story itself is easy to understand and enjoyable to follow. The book is appropriate for anyone in high school or higher, and makes for a good movie script.The analysis that has gone into this story is quite extensive, and often goes like this: this story is a commentary on good versus evil, the conflict between these two opposing forces within each individual, and the secret thoughts that lay beneath the polite veneer of everyday life. Legend has it that the author wrote this from recollections of nightmares, and hence this book is a good foreshadowing of modern psychology and the interpretation of dreams espoused by Freud.This reviewer would like to propose an alternate explanation of this book's story; one that is not original to me, but is actually put forth in the book: "Cocaine, an unauthorized biography" by Dominic Streatfield. If you read the book and examine the behavior of Mr. Hyde and the recollections of it by Dr. Jekyll, it becomes clear that Dr. Jekyll was experimenting with drugs; probably some combination of uppers and hallucinogenics. While under the influence of these drugs, he committed acts that he would never dream of doing while sober. Afterwards, he had only a slight recollection of what happened. This sounds a lot like the lives of many drug addicts. Add that to the fact that in 1800's England, proper society was just becoming exposed to many of the chemicals now found in the drug scene, hence someone addicted back then would have been beyond the help, sympathy or comprehension of society at large. Biographical notes from both R. L. Stevenson and his peers, including his wife, hint that he might have experimented with drugs in the period immediately before he authored this book; and that these led to strong and powerful nightmares. In essence, R. L. Stevenson might have authored this book from a synthesized recollection of his own experiences (real and imagined) and those of others while under the influence of intoxicants.All in all a great book and fun story. Highly recommended. | 1positive
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Illustrations are totally missing!
Even though on the sample page online Burgess refers to the beautiful and accurate illustrations of birds - they are completely missing in this edition! It was hugely disappointing and reveals a lack of understanding about the purpose of the book in the first place. The book was intended to be an introduction to bird identification and lore for children. It is not a simple story book - not at all! Burgess' entertaining and excellent writing, of course, remains.... I have no argument with Burgess - it is simply that half his material was left out of this publication without any notation in the description of the book that the illustrations had been deleted. | 0negative
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The Trilogy Continues
"Blameless in Abaddon" picks up a few years after "Towing Jehovah," the first book in James Morrow's Jehovah Trilogy, left off. God's body has drifted free of its icy tomb and has drifted south. The Vatican, strapped for cash, sold it to the Baptists so they could use it as the centerpiece of a new theme park, Celestial City, USA. Meanwhile, Martin Candle, a small-time judge in Pennsylvania, learns that he has cancer. Lured by the Baptists' promise of healing (which, not surprisingly, turns out to be a ruse to make money), Candle goes to Celestial City to be with God's body. Needless to say, he's not healed. In fact, his wife dies shortly after his return and, like Job, Candle wonders what he's done to deserve this. A lifelong conservative and all-around good guy, Candle sees no reason that he should suffer - in fact, he sees no reason why anyone should suffer under a kind and loving God.What to do? Simple: do what Job could not. Put God on trail before the International Court in The Hague for Crimes Against Humanity.Again, Morrow presents readers with a premise that sounds self-serving and overly-clever, and again, nothing could be further from the truth. Candle's complaint is a very real theological question - if God was all-loving, how could he allow bad things to happen? If God couldn't stop them, He couldn't be all-powerful. Therefore, God must know that bad things happen, God must be able to stop them if he's all-powerful, so for some reason, he does not. Why?Theologies have wrestled with the notion of evil for as long as there has been a belief in an all-powerful deity. Candle compares himself to Job and Augustine, and those are reasonable conclusions. But the answer "Blameless" offers isn't unique - Nietzsche posited the same notion in "Beyond Good and Evil" - but again, it's presented in a way that makes sense to the reader. Dualistic thinking does not serve humankind; it never has.Morrow's book, perhaps the most compelling of the trilogy, is absolute pleasure to read. He's finally found his voice, and manages to make the reader care more about the characters - instead of eccentric weirdoes, as per "Towing Jehovah," these characters could be our neighbors - or even ourselves. The story is told effortlessly, and the inclusion of The Devil answers another welcome question in his cosmological ponderings. It's an accessible joy of a book, and if you had to pick one out of the trilogy, go with "Blameless." | 1positive
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Austen forgot that a book should have a PLOT
eBook downloaded from Gutenberg. Undervalued by her arrogant baronet father and prideful sisters, meek Anne Elliott's main goal when she sees her jilted ex-fiance is to hide her regret.Not as involving as some of her other tales, with fewer likable characters and a very draggy storyline. I gave up halfway through. | 0negative
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Where is Elliott Ness when we need him?
Kennedy's Albany cycle includes a treasure of books on politics and crime in New York's capital city, circa the Depression era. What a find, I thought - a whole series to look forward to! But Billy Phelan left me flat. Despite all the prizes Kennedy has won, and the rave reviews his books seem to have garnered, I simply found this one depressing and not very interesting. I'm certainly into American history, and the Depression offers myriad oppotunities for intriguing stories, but I couldn't get into this one.One drawback is no doubt my fault. So many characters were introduced that I had to keep referring back to set up relationships and actions. This got tiring after a while, so I just gave up, and never finished the book. Beyond that, I didn't think any of the characters, including Billy, were developed sufficiently to give me much insight into their personalities, psychological deficiencies, and motives - or an incentive to continue.The Depression-era underworld is fascinating, but where is Elliott Ness when we need him? | 0negative
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A fun, fun read!
Unfortunately I didn't do this review right after I read the book and have forgotten a few things, but it was really fun to read! I love Mary Kay Andrews! This is one of my favorites of hers! | 1positive
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A MUST READ FOR ALL LORD OF THE RINGS AFICIANADOS
First let me say that I have read "The Hobbit" six times, the first time being twenty six years ago when I was twenty-one. Each time I have read it I haven't tired of Tolkein's marvelous storytelling abilities and the depth and staying power that this tale has.Called "The Enchanting Prelude to the Lord of the Rings," one might come away with the erroneous perception that "The Hobbit" is a preface of sorts that can be easily skipped. Frankly I don't know how anyone who has not read this book could fully appreciate any part of "The Lord of the Rings" either in print or on the big screen."The Hobbit" is the story of THE Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. Yes, Frodo's adventures are literarily noteworthy but do not exceed in any sense the heroic adventures of Bilbo. The book also introduces readers to the dwarves who are the precursors of Gimli. In fact the tomb discovered by the Fellowship in Moria is that of Balin, one of the dwarves introduced in "The Hobbit" and one of Bilbo's favorites.This book also gives us our introduction to Gandalf, the wandering wizard, and to Gollum, the hapless possessor and slave of the great Ring of Power, along with a wonderful cadre of other enchanting characters.If you haven't read "The Hobbit" but have enjoyed "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers" and/or "The Return of the King" either in print or on film it's not too late. "The Hobbit" will fill in many of the blanks that inevitably arise when starting with Tolkein's trilogy.Once you've read it please join with the rest of us Hobbitophiles in screaming bloody murder until Peter Jackson consents to bring this one to film.Douglas McAllister | 1positive
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Don't bother.
Simply put, this is possibly one of the worst books I have ever read. It is for sure the worst in the Wheel of Time series. Nothing much happens in this book, even though it is 680 pages long. Perrin chapters are absolutely horrible. They drag on and really accomplish nothing. Boring doesn't even begin to describe this. Elayne's are much of the same and do rather well in competing for Most Boring Plotline EVER!!! I've never wanted to chuck a book into a woodchipper more than when I was reading about Perrin and Elayne. Egwene are a bit better, where events actually happen, though the Tower split still isn't resolved so it doesn't mean very much to me.I will say that I did enjoy some of the Mat chapters, though they could have been condensed (like the whole rest of the book could have) much.If this book was edited a lot better, taking out a lot of the frivilous details it could have been much better. The story was not advanced much and it featured too much side plot.Skip this book. Trust me, you won't miss it, and chances are that if you read it, you'll be very disappointed.Crossroads of Twilight is just a waste of money | 0negative
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2.5 rating is most appropriate.
I purchased this book sometime ago while I was taking financial accounting courses. I found that my required text book did not have adequate examples of how to solve various problems. I did not find this to be a good supplement or aide during the courses. Gleim offers a similar book as well as a five-part series question and answer books and test-prep software for every aspect of accounting; while its' offering is more expensive I think it is a better supplement overall. I would recommend Schaum to take a look at how current financial accounting textbooks are made and try to create book that will work more as a supplement to a person's primary text. Overall, this book just doesn't get the job done. | 0negative
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Will buy frm them again
Advertised new and it was just as I remembered when I had gotten it for Christmas myself a long time ago. Also received it in a timely manner BEFORE Christmas-mailing was over-very happy with this purchase | 1positive
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Very Personal Look at Lincoln
David Herbert Martin gives readers a very personal view of Lincoln. We see that Old Abe was honest and gifted, but also calculating, ambitious, and burdened by self-doubt. Perhaps that's normal for an introspective man who overcomes poverty, depression and tragedy. The author maintains this very personal focus as he details Lincoln's rise from young legislative leader and one-term Congressman to national figure as visionary builder of the nascent Republican Party in the 1850's.Martin continues his personal focus on President Lincoln. Readers see that Lincoln was slightly unsure at first, a bit slow with emancipation, and he made some poor choices for military leadership. But Lincoln was a masterful politician, and his leadership, eloquence, and vision helped keep the nation together through tragedy. Finally, readers sense the gut-wrenching pressure Lincoln faced on a daily basis. In short, the author correctly shows Lincoln as great but imperfect, and readers should come away believing that Old Abe did a better job than would have William Seward, Stephen Douglas, or other top contenders.I gave the book just four stars due to the author's somewhat thick writing style, and his absence of summary writing after Lincoln's passing. Still, this superbly personal biography is well worth reading. | 1positive
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Go ahead but schedule your workout after your reading time.
It has always been a classic. Reading it again with a book club didn't make it easier. It is a harsh story. Repeated history, still happening. Good thing I didn't read it on the Kindle so I could throw the book at least once. | 1positive
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Great first sentence. Then it's all downhill.
"Call me Ishmael." It's undoubtedly one of the most widely recognized opening lines of any classical novel. Unfortunately, it's also the best line in the book. This is a vast, slow-moving work in which all of the action takes place in the last twenty or so pages. Most of the rest is a more or less inaccurate description of the whaling industry and the anatomy of whales. The sea is perhaps one of the most colorful and compelling backdrops for a novel filled with tension and power, but Melville fails to communicate either of these except in rare moments. Coupled with this is his failure to fully develop what would have been some very interesting characters. One of those rare cases in which the movie was better than the book. | 0negative
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This book is worse than bad
This book is a pure waste of time, money and trees. The writing and editing is terrible. It looks like a technical writer's first draft nightmare and some answers to sample questions are out and out wrong. This is the first review I've ever left and am leaving it as a civic duty. Barron's should be ashamed of this volume. I expect better from Barron's. | 0negative
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Narrator put me to sleep
After having used the "Getting by in French" and "Getting by in Spanish" with enthusiasm, I found the "Getting by in Italian" version very disappointing. Both the French and Spanish versions have an uplifting musical accompaniments to splice the different sections, and both the French and Spanish versions each have two narrators/hosts/teachers who banter back and forth with each other to make the learning more fun and make the material more retainable. However, on the Italian version, there is only one narrator, and she is slow and deliberate, as if she's reading from a script and she constantly refers the listener back to the book. I could not keep my attention easily focused on the speaker because her speech was too slow. I also found the French and Spanish versions nice because I could use them in the car or while doing household chores. This was not so easy to do with the Italian version because of the narrator's constant reference to the book. | 0negative
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Truly exciting
This was one of the best books by Michael Crichton I have read. Tense and exciting, it truly was a page-turner. I liked how Crichton brought out the psychology of every situation through his characters, making them real and dodging cliche. This book is a fast read with a very satisfying climax. Highly recommended. | 1positive
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If you buy this book, buy a used copy at a reasonable price!
I bought this book because I am currently pursuing an MBA. I wanted some fresh ideas about other ways I could use my degree. This book wasn't helpful at all. There was nothing ground-breaking in this "bible". Most of the information was info that I already knew or information that could easily be obtained by a simple google search on MBA's. I was looking for a lot more details, such as using your undergrad degree with the MBA to explore other avenues. This book was pretty generic. Maybe the newer version of the book is more helpful, but I wouldn't buy another one to find out. I gave it two stars because I did get a good deal on the book, I bought it used in excellent condition and it came in a timely manner. And also, I gave it two stars because I did buy the 2008 edition, so the info could just be outdated! | 0negative
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Another Rip-Roaring Reading Experience From Daniel Silva
Daniel Silva knows how to spin captivating stories that keep you turning the pages. PRINCE OF FIRE is well worth reading. I love his characters and the multi-level plots that are woven together in a remarkable and satisfying experience.PRINCE OF FIRE is highly recommended. | 1positive
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A page turner
#1 It was free!#2 I enjoy a Washington and environs setting and it was exciting ti boot.#3 I have already recommended this book to friends and family, but now they have to pay for it. | 1positive
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Bad, sad mess
I had read a few Kate Shugak books years ago and enjoyed them, so I looked forward to getting back into the series with this book. Big mistake.Do not, I repeat, do not read this book. It is obviously a hastily written first draft, badly in need of editing, and unfit to be published let alone released for sale. It has no more plot than you'd find in a short story, and the action doesn't even start until halfway through the book. Most of the pages are an enormous pile of padding, much of it totally irrelevant to the action at hand and riddled with errors of action, timing, and point of view. We get way too much detail on the home decor of everyone's cabin, the history and personal lives of all (and I mean ALL) the Colorful Local Characters, overcute children badly in need of spanking, and a wolf-dog hybrid who thinks in human words and acts like no dog, wolf, or hybrid I've come across, PLUS it's a female that supposedly weighs 140 lbs. Riiight - that means it's either half St. Bernard, part pony, or grossly overweight.But the biggest irritation is the author's obvious love affair with her creation, Kate Shugak, who is constantly described in glowing terms even while acting like a [...]. We hear far too much of her sex life past and present, which frankly isn't all that interesting (but then, neither is Kate at this stage). This book is nothing more than an Alaskan bodice ripper, and even has the standard passionate sex scene which is nothing more than rape - but, like bodice rippers, It's Okay because after a while Kate Enjoys It.Really, Dana Stabenow, you are (or were) far too good a writer for this nonsense. What were you thinking / drinking? And please, PLEASE get someone to proofread your manuscript, because your publishers aren't doing it for you. And while you're at it, find out the sad truth about wolf-dog hybrids. They are NOT the wonderful pets you write about and often end up being destroyed. | 0negative
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Fascinating premise, ridiculous ending
The book is full of really interesting ideas, but they are awkwardly crammed into a plot that cannot sustain them. Xenocide is nonetheless a fascinating read for much of the book. The biggest problems are, as others have noted, the inane exposition dominating the last 1/4 of the book and the ridiculously contrived deus ex machina ending. | 0negative
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Shocked!
With The Right Hand of Evil, Mr. Saul has definitely crossed the line. I was totally shocked and disgusted by the gratuitous violence. The animal mutilations and murders sickened me. It will be a long time before I pick up another John Saul book. | 0negative
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Making Every Day Sacred
This is a wonderful book. In modern times we have lost the sacredness of every day activities and Celtic Devotionals helps us reclaim it. The prayers for soul-protection are lovely, and everyone should take time out to answer the Solar Questrions and think on the Lunar Meditations. This book has found its way into my own daily devotions and I would recommend it for family devotions as well. I cannot say enough for this book. | 1positive
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Just Okay
Chris chose a hard to tackle topic. It most definitely had a twist, but the twist was so big it was hard to concentrate on the other things that were happening in the story. The switching of viewpoints with the radio transcripts in the middle was confusing. I kept asking myself why they were there. | 0negative
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The first and the best true crime novel.
A testament to good research and poetic writing. A classic masterpiece in any genre. | 1positive
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Don't Waste Your Time Or Money!!!
I checked this book out of the library (thank goodness I didn't spend money on it) two weeks ago and it's time for me to return it. I am on page 137 and there are 318 pages in this book. Needless to say I will not finish it. Why? Because every time I attempt to read this book I fall asleep. Actually I skipped over about half of the book. Several posters said the book it too wordy. That is an understatement!!! What really irritated me most is the constant reference to designers. Who cares? Anyway I can't finish this book because it is not worthy of the time it's going to take me to finish it. Right now you can get this book on Amazon for one penny. THIS IS NOT A BARGAIN!!!! YOUR TIME IS WAY MORE VALUABLE THAN THAT. | 0negative
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Brilliant cornerstone fro economic theory
This is an outstanding text by one of the fathers of economic theory. Should be in every serious economists collection! No other book rivals it in it's insights and ingenuity. Keynes is the god of the economic world. | 1positive
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Totally over-rated
Mr. Wallace seems more impressed with his own writing than he is with telling a good story. I couldn't MAKE myself finish this book. The reviews of this book were great. It makes me wonder if the reviewers were too embarassed to admit they didn't "get it" so they went along with everybody else. I'm no rocket scientist, but I'm not stupid either although I kind of felt stupid because I just didn't "get it". | 0negative
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Overlydramatic, Horribly Written, Predictable
(There may be possible tiny spoilers in this review. However, it's the only way to make the point. I apologize)If this book was vying for the award of "Most Dramatic Book", then it would win hands-down. Only problem is it isn't, and the book very well may be one of the worst ones I've ever read. I had to finish it, just to see if there was a chance it would get any better. Well, it definitely didn't, and brings shame to Arthur and Camelot.Christopher may be one of the most perfect characters in the literary world. He can make friends with anyone, even the villains. He's the perfect son who of course "hates" his parents until they die, at which point he naturally loves them. He never forgets, cheats on, or generally stops loving his girl, who of course never stops loving him either, even when she supposely gets over him. He's experienced on the battlefield from a boy, and becomes only the best squire in the land. His entire character speaks of a perfect man who hates violence even though he is a squire, doesn't want to do anything that is wrong, wants eternal peace and happiness for everyone, and never forgets about his friends, parents, tutors, or "special friends". He's so incredibly perfect I don't know whether to cry or laugh.Continuing on that note, the antagonist is so perfectly BAD. He's a sadist who has his own vision of the world, and hence does what he wants to. He's convinced that everything he does, even if it's downright horrifying, is perfectly all right and that "God will forgive him". However, despite his determination to kill everyone in the most painful and humiliating ways possible, he still doesn't kill Christopher, and even allows him to travel with him. Hmmm.With a dynamic duo of Perfect Protagonist and Evil Antagonist, the story's plot doesn't have much chance. In fact, I'm not quire sure there is a plot. The story follows Christopher's adventures and once in a while gives a sneak-peek at Mallory, who is of course always doing something horrible. These adventures are always dramatic. I don't think there's any time in the book when someone isn't crying, dying, killing, feeling emotional, or thinking about doing something horrible. It became so terrible that I was able to predict happenings; when Mallory was being his typical sadistic self, I found myself thinking, "I knew that would happen". By that time, I was able to predict the entire book right up to the end, which didn't provide an exciting read.Perhaps all of this would've been slightly acceptable had it at least been well written. Unfortunately, it isn't. The paragraphs are painfully short, which means that the book should be a quick read; however, the content is so grotesque that I couldn't help but slow down. Hence, the story has horrible flow. It's also incredibly blunt. Telep made no attempt to glorify anything that was happening; he just plain said it. And with all the dramatic, horrible things that were happening, just saying everything made the book rather disturbing and absolutely no fun to read. Telep's word variety also could use some help. In one of his short paragraphs, he uses the word "justice" in every single sentence, which is total of four times. He also has little sentence variety; most of them are terribly short, and some aren't even sentences in the first place -- They're incomplete phrases. I'd say this book was written for children if it didn't have so much adult material.There were other things that worsened the story as well, such as confusing sentences, pathetic dialogue ("I'm stunned." "Try them on." *yawn*), and terrible characterization with basically every person in the book. If Telep was trying to give Camelot a more violent and "realistic" perspective, then he certainly accomplished the former. However, the latter is far from being achieved. I would stay away from this book unless you want to kill some time, and possible some brain cells. | 0negative
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Is There A Plot Here?!
I had to read this book for my English class at school and I started out with an optimistic attitude reflecting this book. The beginning of the book was rather slow but, of course, I had to read it and was willing to give it a chance on account of it being such an essential classic. As I read further, though, I feel that the book could have develloped further than it did. What had been a trace of a plot at the beginning of the book had all but shrunken into a totally unnecessary conclusion that, I feel, had no thought or reflection on the main goal of the book. | 0negative
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This book is confusing
This book offers good examples but the questions are confusing and badly worded it lacks lots of explination on the nature of the program to be written | 0negative
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The Definitive Novel of the 1980's
Not since The Great Gatsby has a work so completely defined an era with such brutal honesty. So revealing of the affectations of the period, the filming of this book for the big screen was banned in the Bronx, ironically giving proof to Wolfe's indictment of the liberal political machine of the 1980's. This is a classic "must read" and, as usual, the film doesn't come near to doing the book justice. If you haven't read Bonfire, you're not well read. | 1positive
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Being able to say "I don't know"
In this inspirational book Stephen Batchelor advocates that Buddhism jettison reincarnation and karma (topics which we really don't have definitive answers to), thereby making possible what he calls an "existential, therapeutic and liberating agnosticism." He really hits home with firmly reenforcing the point that agnosticism is saying "I don't know" rather than saying "yes" or "no" to an issue. I find his approach refreshing and along the lines of what I practice and am comfortable with -- kind of interesting. I think the gist of his whole presentation could just as easily be applied to other faith traditions. | 1positive
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Explore the world from a computer keyboard.
The real world is getting smaller but the Internet, we all know, is growing more complex and difficult to navigate. A few years ago we were reading books the size of telephone directories which contained URLs (the addresses of web pages) for the entire Web. Lately a new breed of books has sprouted, which cover one and only one subject in great depth. The difficult part about writing (and reading) many of these books is that the author needs to be a specialist in two fields: not only his own area of expertise, but also his subject in relation to the variegated resources on the Net. Fortunately, Mark Orwoll is a skilled guide in both these realms, and his new book, e-TRAVEL, is as useful and convenient as a credit card. Sams Teach Yourself Today e-Travel: Planning Vacations, Finding Bargains, And Booking Reservations Online is divided into five parts. The first, "Getting Started in e-Travel" is a guided tour of various resources about the Internet, including a savvy section on the essential theme: "Evaluating a Web Site's Accuracy and Validity." Part II, "Planning a Vacation on the Internet", includes a nifty quiz: "What's Your e-Travel type?" Part III explains how to be your own travel agent, and how to use the Internet to find the lowest rates and fares. Part IV discusses your laptop computer, passports, visas, customs, digital photography, organizing your money, and keeping yourself safe. Lastly, you'll find a collection of practical travel-minded websites. Keep in mind, regarding everything related to the Web, that things change quickly. Recently a number of major airlines announced that they would create a super-website for travelers. I couldn't find this site mentioned in the book, but readers who are interested in news like this can keep updated at Orwoll's daily travel advice column. There's an enormous amount of essential information throughout this entertaining guide. Orwoll, the managing editor for "Travel and Leisure Magazine", has been there, done that, and shared the best of his inside tips. And it's all served up in a witty style: Orwoll is as pleasant a traveling companion as you'll encounter anywhere. Sams Teach Yourself Today e-Travel is almost certain to save us time and money, teach us how to explore the world from our computer keyboards, and improve the overall quality and enjoyment of our trips. Paperback, 302 pages,Michael Pastore, Reviewer | 1positive
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A Difficult Waste of Time
I guess I'm in the vocal minority on this one, looking at the other reviewers. But wow, I just read this book to my kids for the first time and it compelled me to review it. Not only was there little flow to the book, but I found the story line to be a little disruptive to children, despite the well-intentioned "moral" at the end of the story. Reading outloud gave me the impression that Eastman was trying too hard to be the next Dr. Seuss, but words were misplaced, and just when you got into the habit of rhyming, he changed course and stopped. A ridiculous little book IN MY OPINION. If you want to read a good Eastman book, stick with "Go Dog, Go!", but leave this one at the library... | 0negative
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The best 900 pages you will ever read!
For those unfamiliar with Dickens, David Copperfield is a daunting book. At nearly 100 pages, it's full of characters and varying plotlines (some more engrossing than others). I STRONGLY recommend reading Great Expectations before reading this, as it is a much easier read as well as an exquisite novel.As everyone else has mentioned, the characters in David Copperfield are something extraordinary. I would have to say that they are more like real people than any other characters of any other book I've read. Every time I read it, I fall painfully in love with James Steerforth, only to have my heart broken again. I don't know any other fictional character who does that to me!Some parts of the book are, I'll admit, dreadfully slow. I tend to skip over some of the parts about Mr. Micawber and his financial troubles, which become irritatingly redundant. In my opinion, this is one of those books where you don't have to read every single word, since Dickens' thoughts often run in tangents. (Another book like this is Les Miserables.) Of course, every word Dickens writes is wonderfully humorous, so it wouldn't *hurt* to read even the dull parts!!!The marks of a good novel, as far as I can tell, are that it can either make you laugh, make you angry or make you cry. This novel does all three- which makes it a GREAT novel in my opinion!!!But a warning for all sensitive female (or male, as the case may be ^^) readers: this book does not just make me cry, it makes me SOB for hours after reading- in fact, some parts basically make me have a complete emotional breakdown!!!(Of course- I might just be overly sensitive. But the ending is heart-wrenching- so watch out!) | 1positive
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A Bird Named Enza
The one thing that is false in this book even though it claims to have a lot of facts, is that it says the influenza caused panic among the citizens. In fact, it didn't cause "panic." If you can imagine that in 1918 there was little communication between cities and people were dying but other cities didn't even know about it until months later.If you were to read A Bird Named Enza by Dawn Meier you would find out that not only was there no panic but people were marvelous heroes and didn't run into the streets or commit suicide, but tried to help one another in a situation that was completely foreign to each citizen.Don't read this book as fact, it is just like a lot of other books in that it is gleaming a bunch of "facts" and saying it is true.A Bird Named Enza is a first-hand account of someone who lived through the influenza. Not a bunch of historical "facts" from some library.A BIRD NAMED ENZA | 0negative
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A beautiful book!
This book is so touching and real that no matter how many times I read it, I always end up smiling, laughing, or crying with the characters. The book focuses on Vicky Austin, a girl who's just growing up and is dealing with all of the twists and turns that life can take. There's fear, loss, love, fun, and confusion, and all the other things that come along with being almost sixteen. There are themes of life and death, and joy and sorrow. It really makes you think about what's important and about how precious life and love are to all of us. Vicky and her family and friends all seem very real to the reader. None of them is perfect, none of them is all bad, but each of them is unique. They make the book come alive.I absolutely loved A Ring of Endless Light, and I am sure that it will touch the hearts of all readers. | 1positive
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Not For Triathletes with Swimming Backgrounds!
I come from a swimming background, and I am focusing my training on the improvement of my biking and running skills. I still like to spend about half of my weekly exercise time in the pool. If you enjoy swimming, avoid this book. It is for the pool-fearing. | 0negative
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Breaks Tradition
When I picked up this novel, I was so excited to that Johanna had written a sequel to one of my favorite books, Love Me Forever starring the unforgettable Lachlan McGregor. That's where the excitement ended. Melissa McGregor, Lachlan's daughter had the potential to have her own memorable love story, yet Ms. Lindsey failed to due her justice. The love-struck swain is forgettable and the actual love story takes up very little of the novel. There isn't that much interaction between the two main characters. Most of the novel revolves around Lincoln's distrust and angst regarding his relationship with his mother. Bitterly disappointed in this effort for which I had such high hopes. Home for the Holidays, Johanna's last historical release, was much better than this feeble effort. If you must read this book, I suggest waiting for the paperback. | 0negative
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STILL one of the best books to read about HOW the industry works
Buy it. You will not be disappointed. Not one bit. Here in 2010, this book is still NOT outdatedIt is not a geek book, is not for "rocket scientists".It is a very clear true story of now government works (and how it stops things from working). Also enlightening simply for how Reagan's "Star Wars" was not exactly what it was reported to be, and how regular people got together and *almost* got something amazing past the "military industrial complex"Honest. | 1positive
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Don't buy this book
This book was greatly disappointing! I've spent weeks drooling over this book thinking it would teach the new Glock owner everything they would need to know. Far from it. It does tell you all the inner workings, great. Covers all the models, great. Even gives you history of Glock, great. Covers Cleaning, maintenance, proper care...WAIT, NO IT DOES NOT. IT TELLS NOTHING OF HOW TO CARE FOR YOU WEAPON! I WANT A REFUND! I wasted $28.00. DON'T BUY THIS BOOK. Look elsewhere. But if you insist on throwing your money away, you can send it to me. | 0negative
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Pride and Prejudice
Sirs,I returned this free e-book because, as I passed the pages it would return to the begining of the 2nd. or 3d. chapters that I had already read.I downloaded "Pride and Prejudice" in order to re-read it as we read it in High School, but I was exasperated because the pages kept skipping to the past chapters...Sorry about this.... By the way, thank you for the free e-books, anyway..... | 0negative
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Worthy of a whole-week mini-series !
I've read the whole Asian Saga, and this is Clavell's finest masterpiece. I read Noble House twice as an undergrad. Now, taking a break from law school, I'm reading it for a third time and I'm enjoying it like it was the first time. Dunross is just the character that I like . . .the one who pulls the strings. Noble House is the best way to get a peek at the incredible and exotic Asian world. | 1positive
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unimaginative indolent readers from Cambridge to California
The apparent success of this book isn't dumbfounding, just dumb. I believe that there are people who turn to poetry like this to feel as if they are sensitive, engaged, softly aware of the weight of history, liberal-hearted, kind. With that in mind, it doesn't really matter how poorly or well the book is written, provided that it touches here and there upon topics that excite that special feeling, drops the dazzling ethnic reference, chops the scallion, gets gingery in the threatened kitchen. There is nothing wrong with that, provided that it be seen for what it is. If you make no special demands on poetry, if you are one of the many unimaginative indolent readers from Cambridge to California who want to read the verses indistinguishable from diary and journalism, here is the book for you. Reading it, you will think you are a better person, and you probably should be. You will be unguilted of your bourgeois fanny packs of ugliness. But this is not great poetry by any stretch: skimpy, sloppy, trite. Simplistic. Something you could put together in a month. It's easy to imagine poets of a more valiant variety getting all worked up over the enthusiasm fat white people attach to this dump. If I were a poet, I'd be angry too. As it is, I can sit back in sad wonder as we pave over the site where language's most amazing feats could be taking place. This book is sort of beatifully produced, but it is a parking lot. It is an SUV. You will pay for it. | 0negative
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Abbreviations you MUST know beforehand!
If you already know the abbreviation you need, this book is ok. If you need to know an abbreviation you are NOT going to like this book. For instance, need to know how to abbreviation mercury? If you don't know it starts with H...good luck. No index in the back listing mercury...page etc etc. Would have been nice. | 0negative
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excellent novel
It took me awhile to finally start reading but when I did I couldn't put it down. The characters become real and the descriptions bring you back to 1900's China. | 1positive
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He keeps getting worse
Grisham should have quit a few books ago. You can tell he only writes for the money. | 0negative
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Slow and boring
This book was so slow! Normally I fly through books and this one took me over a month to finish becaust it was so boring! The first part was relatively decent, Paul's life was pretty interesting. After the first section though, it's not worth reading. Way too much on unlikable characters: Fenno, Mal, and Fern. I was hoping that the book would tell one of the other brother's stories after Fenno's, but for some reason it switched over to Fern. | 0negative
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The Call: Discovering Why You Are Here
Stunned by two negative reviews, I feel compelled to add my thoughts about this book--a book which I have heavily highligthted and found to be thoroughly honest. The author deals with the not-so-easy aspects of the spiritual journey with a direct 21st century awareness, using her own life as example. Anyone on a genuine spiritual journey of their own will understand what she means when she writes: "Create a gap in your story and sit within the gap, sit in the emptiness of not knowing who or what you are until an awareness of your essential nature fills you." This is one more book to add to my library of hundreds of volumes of spiritual literature, many of which I gathered while in seminary working towards a master's degree in Spritual Direction. Along with The Cloud of Unknowing, works by the Desert Fathers, Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, Evelyn Underhill, Joseph Campbell and others I add Oriah Mountain Dreamer for speaking bravely to our time and, more specifically, to my life. | 1positive
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The Crime is Clear: The Punishment Less Clear: The Motivation Least Clear
Those who read CRIME AND PUNISHMENT by Dostoevsky often approach it thinking that it is standard detective story, sort of a Russian Sherlock Holmes. What they discover almost from the first is that the identity of the criminal is revealed, so this is not a novel of suspense or of a brilliant police detective. The focus they further learn is not on the "crime" of the title, nor is is very much on the "punishment" either. Instead, in the endless self-rationalizations of the murderer-protagonist Raskolnikov, they learn Dostoevski squarely places dramatic interest on an uneasy stasis between Raskolnikov's motive for the killing of two women and his need to suffer as atonement for those killings.In order to draw the reader into the mind and plot, Dostoevski needed to ensure the primacy of his theme of the need for obsessive suffering. He accomplishes this by centering the story on the murder of the two women. Everything in the story either leads up to or follows it. The reader quickly learns a great deal of information so that by the end of the first few chapters, he has placed himself in the shoes and the mind of Raskolnikov. Ironically, although Raskolnikov tells the reader that his motivation was no more than to see if he could place himself so godlike above the law that he not fear the consequences of that law, the reader learns, slowly and painfully as does Raskolnikov, that the real motivation is not what he tells himself so bluntly. Does Raskolnikov kill for the money? To eliminate what he sees as social parasites that society would benefit from in their removal? Or can there be other reasons, hidden even from him? Complicating his constant self-examination as to motive lay Dostoevski himself. As a writer, Dostoevski was concerned for the salvation of the Russian soul, one that he saw as threatened by a western reliance on rational pragmatism that, in criminal matters in any case, required a convincing and single rationale that could totally explain and explicate any crime. Such an approach might work in Western democracies, but the Russian soul needed a call for order and justice that transcended logic and reason. This call was historically rooted in "rodina," an almost mystical love for the Russian motherland. And for one to gain this heightened sense of unity with Russian soil and Russian values, one had to suffer to expiate crime. Thus the need for Raskolnikov not only to suffer, but first he had to earn the right to suffer. The crime is then seen as less important than the punishment, both of which are ultimately weighed as still less important than any needed suffering. When Raskolnikov can endure no further suffering, he confesses, and his confession is proper expiation for his crime. His punishment of a lengthy prison term in Siberia is almost anti-climactic. He will emerge from prison a man who has learned that the act of sin can lead the way to redemption for that sin but only if one pays the price before the jury returns with a verdict. In CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, Dostoevski makes this point as starkly as anyone else has. | 1positive
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Extremely disappointing - not even entertaining
I couldn't believe how just plain bad this book was. Reads like the drafts that Tom Wolfe threw in the trash -- or maybe a very very bad imitation of William Gaddis.Characters have no depth or reality. I can't believe that any one who reads this could ever get emotionally involved with any of them. The fact that this mess is getting generally positive reviews is a very sad commentary on the state of the novel in America today. | 0negative
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this is Hemingway's greatest novel
I have taught Hemingway in high school and think that AFTA is the most wonderful novel he ever wrote. His heroine is one of his most liberated. Although in most of his books the women were weak there is nothing wrong with this one. The last lines remain etched on my mind forever, Thanks Ernest! | 1positive
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Oh dear
I read this book with interest wondering how this writer would justify the obvious lack of ethics inherent in taking work away from his fellow citizens and placing work in a third world country.The answer is that he didn't. He didn't convince me that outsourcing is either good or inevitable either.But I am sure he doesn't lose one minute of sleep about the people he's put out of work or the fees he earns doing it. He'll only start to worry when he is denied fees because Indian nationals take over his activities.I'm just sorry I contributed to his shameful earnings by buying the book. | 0negative
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Outstanding.
Great book. Could not put it down.Riveting. Wanted to cheat and read the ending ahead of time but couldn't. | 1positive
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With a bit of paranoia and a bit of truth we arrive here.
After reading multiple RV-books, and meeting many Ex-Stargate officials, this book reads like a sci-fi fairy tale. Parts of his Stargate project reports are correct, but most of his "escape"/"running" is more than likely paranoia. If you want to read a good book search for Joe McMoneagle. | 0negative
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A fun book...
Well, it took me a few days to finish this book, I wasn't really able to get into it all that much, but once I finished it I started to like it more and more! Thinking back on all the quirky, eccentric folks of Higby, Mississippi, I was a little disapointed there wasn't more to read.The book is about Labor Day weekend in the small town, and the going-ons in some of towns peoples lives. The chapters are real short (3-5 pages) and each focuses on a different person. There's Carmen, in love with the handsome Tie who doesn't know she exists...Stewie and Marci, who's relationship is tested, Pastor Cullen who's son Clint falls from the Higby water tower, both of whome are trying to move on after the loss of a wife and mother, and so many more!I recommend this book as a light fun little read. You'll really enjoy the craziness and quirky drama of the folks from Higby, Mississippi. | 1positive
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The characters did not evoke compassion or passion from me.
I read this book last year for my AP English class. That was the ONLY reason that I finished this book. It was a huge task just to finish a page of Wuthering Heights; it was almost impossible to complete it. I enjoy characters that I can care about. I like to be able to really feel like I want something for a character. If that happens, then I want to finish the book; I want to know what happens to the character. I found with Wuthering Heights I hated Catherine and Heathcliff. I wanted them to die. I was supposed to be sad when things went wrong in their lives, but instead I was so happy. They were selfish, cruel, horrible people and I wanted them to DIE! Was I really supposed to like these selfish people? Since when is love a selfish thing? This is supposed to be a marvelous love classic, but where is the love? Love isn't just about what makes oneself feel good. Love is a kind, caring, sharing thing. Catherine and Heathcliff were selfish, cruel people. They deserved each other simply because they would make each other miserable. | 0negative
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Viva Cuba
I found Waiting for Fidel to be informative and humorous. This is great "light reading" about Cuban life. I enjoyed how the author shared his experiences with everyday Cubans. Also the fact that he didn't travel in Cuba as a regular tourist would , but as an everyday citizen. I would have gave the book 5 stars , but the author was too clean-cut for my taste and if he had more "close calls" or hair raising stories. Overall: Buy the Book! | 1positive
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A good book, but don't think it's the whole story
My appreciation of this novel came in several stages. Being a fan of Dunne's writing, I bought it and read it, not knowing any of the backstory. The story brings together various topics I always enjoy in a story: high society, scandalous crimes, and dramatic love stories. It's another juicy, gossipy novel of the kind most readers expect from Dunne.Then I learned that the story was based on a real-life incident, the shooting of Billy Woodward by his wife, Ann, in 1955. Well, I thought, Dunne has a well-documented "in" with society people, so he must have heard the whole true story over the years, and cleverly, but thinly, disguised it as fiction, in the same way that Truman Capote ("Basil Plant") did. Dunne is also known for his advocacy of crime victims and condemnation of the rich who escape justice, so I assumed that his novel was intended as the punishment Ann Grenville/Woodward never received in life.Alas, next came some disillusionment. So absorbing is this book, I'd allowed myself to forget that it is indeed fiction, and accepted Dunne's version of events as completely true. Further reading (namely "This Crazy Thing Called Love" by Susan Braudy) brought to my attention many facets of this story ignored by the fiction writers: Billy Woodward wasn't nearly as saintly as Billy Grenville; he beat his wife and cheated on her often. There really was a prowler in the Woodward's neighborhood the night of the shooting. I could go on, but I won't. Suffice it to say that there are really two sides to this story.Well, you may say, this is a fictional account of the incident, and as such artistic license allows for any and all fabrications. A more balanced portrait of the two principal characters would not have made nearly as juicy and interesting a story. Both good points; as fiction, the novel is quite enjoyable. Just don't make the same mistake I did, and assume that "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles" tells the whole story of the Woodward shooting. | 1positive
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Brilliant Concepts
I'm going to skip the part about how this book is prophetic and how society today is becoming like it was in Brave New World. You can read all that fun stuff in the various reviews around this one.In the end, what amazed me about this book was not how prophetic it was (though it was spectacular), but how the book affected me. A great book like this one changes the way you think about everything. By introducing various key concepts, Huxley makes the book incredibly shaking.An example of this would be the Cyprus Experiment. When asked why he doesn't make everyone an Alpha (intelligent, able human being), the controller (symbolizing God in many ways) tells of an experiment in Cyprus some time before. They evacuated the entire island and filled it with Alphas only. They gave some Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon work. The result - mass chaos, zero productivity, war, deaths, and eventually a second evacuation. Out of this specific example, I took in several important concepts:a) Groups cannot work if all members are extremely intelligentb) Extremely intelligent individuals cannot live with lower level workThe Cyprus Experiment was explained in two pages - imagine what an entire book of this kind of intellectual stimulation creates... the masterpiece "Brave New World". | 1positive
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its like this sappy love story, which goes on and on, and on
should have given it only 1 star, but since it is a well liked classic and i'd actually like to save the flames, i'd make it a two. i've read this book 2 times. the 1st time i got to the 40th page, the 2nd time i finished it. i tried to understand, i really did...fine, i didnt. but this story is just so plain un appealing. you spend the whole book hooked on elizabeth bennett and mr darcys' [silly] love affair. it would actually be better if the two fine main characters did not live their lifes in complete fluffness.the love lifes of a group of [silly] and giggling girls and the 'dashing' mr darcy, how much more interesting can it get? | 0negative
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A Great Lesson In Telling Stories For Marketing...
Seth writes another gem of a book with All Marketers Tell Stories. I like the fact that he produced a 2nd edition of this book. While not much content has changed, the title is more "true to form" than the 1st.And yes, this book explains how marketing really works very well. | 1positive
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Live a Happier Life
Are anxious thoughts weighing you down? Do you wish you could be happier despite your stressful circumstances? Some people, it seems, can more intuitively manage to stay relaxed amidst all of life's stressors. But if you are not one of those people, this book has the tools to help you swat away those anxious thoughts. | 1positive
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Good book, one flaw
An enjoyable book. A good read, and Pirsig has some very good points.But still: the author sets out to define "quality". It is the whole purpose of the book and the journey. And he ends up saying that it can't be defined!Quality is not that hard to define. It is simply "how well something works according to its purpose". | 1positive
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Just Not Very Good
All hype, very little to offer. Just skip it. Believe me, you'll forget it in a day if you spend the time to read it. Too bad it is such a big bestseller....lowers the bar, in my opinion. Do yourself a favor and pick up a book by Anne Tyler or Alice Hoffman. Musch more rewarding then this trite book. | 0negative
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Highly recommended.
This book is very good and has a brilliant ending. The brilliant ending, in fact,is the reason why so many of the reader reviews below are shockingly negative. They become attached the characters (yes they do, though they deny it) and the finale slaps them in the face. It is mature and not what most people would expect in a young adult novel. But then, this whole book has a certain grittiness that I cherish.I personally love the character relationships, the growth, and the ending (not in that order). The journey that Oriel and Griff set out on is just as much an emotional one as a physical one, and I believe that if it was not a completely happy ending, it was a perfectly fitting one. Read it, and buy it for teenagers. The only real reason I gave it four stars is because the writing was at some parts weak (yes, the "he's" at the beginning were rather distracting). | 1positive
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Great inside look at the game
Great inside look at the game. Many details about decisions I didn't even know where made. Also delves into the psychological aspect of managing modern prima donas | 1positive
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Glad I bought it
My husband and I are just starting our new vegan diet after reading many books about how bad animal products, all fat and dairy are for your health.This book is very helpful, with easy to follow recipes and lots of useful information. I have made the bean dip, tofu mayo, seitan roast and many others. I found them all simple to make and very good. I will be using this cookbook a lot as I continue to learn this new way of cooking. Although we have had to buy lots of new items we have saved much more by eliminating meat, fats and diary. It is even easier now to find places to eat that serve vegan. I haven't made any of the many dessert recipes but they all look really good. | 1positive
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A Great Read
Forget Me Knots from the Front Porch is a great reading book. The recollections are short, to the point, and tell stories that will remind you of your own front porch, or that of a loved one. The writing brings the characters to life: one can almost feel the sun on their back, the breeze on their face as they read. Because the majority of the stories are written by adults about their childhood, it is one of those books that can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old alike.And because the stories are short, they are wonderful fillers -- just enought time to read one during break or lunch. I recommend it to anyone. | 1positive
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loved this series
I read this series back in high school, about 40 years ago and loved them then. thank you for offering them in kindle form. I believe the author also wrote "Diana ", another favorite. | 1positive
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Persuasion
I couldn't get into this book. I kept trying but decided to just close it out.I would not recommend this book. | 0negative
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Brave, exciting, and ingenious
Dear Mr.Kesey, I am a ninth grade English student in the process of reading your book One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Although I am only two thirds of the way through the book, I must say that I am very impressed with the book. I find your book to be brave, exciting, and ingenious. The themes expressed in your book are very powerful and moving. Your book is emotionally captivating. I feel as if I become a part of the book when I read it. Reading your book has been a new and very enjoyable experience. Your writing inspires me to write my own stories. I look forward to finishing your book, and I thank you for giving the world such a wonderful work of literature. | 1positive
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Not a reader but I love this story
Romantic, I love the story & one of the few books I've read. I look forward to reading more classic novels that I've only ever experienced on television or on the silver screen. | 1positive
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Wouldn't read this book if someone paid me
James Frey... That is all I need to say... | 0negative
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quick delivery!
This product came quickly. It was as described. Thank you for the book and sorry it took so long for the feedback.Trust this seller.~R~ | 1positive
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Dance Upon the Air
I enjoyed the book. The characters in typical Nora Roberts fashion came alive for me. I could smell the candles, food, salt air, etc. I could see the island, the sea, the house and town. I could hear the birds, the waves crashing on the shore and the cat. It made me think and believe in the possibilities of the power within each of us. Some of it was a little predictable but I enjoyed that too as it made other less predictable things more believable. | 1positive
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She got in my head
Heard so much about this book from Oprah. I so understand they hype. So well written and easy to listen to. I felt as if she were the voice in my head. Very enlightening, spiritual trip that you take yourself while engaged in this book. This book reminds you to enjoy the journey...of life. | 1positive
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great resource for homeschoolers
We are using this book to study the 50 states in our homeschool. The activities are lots of fun. My son is in the third grade. Along with this study we have stuffed animal that is visiting each state by mail and we learn about the state he is in at the time. We are having so much fun with this project! | 1positive
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1st Sparks book I ever read
After reading the other reviews, I wish I had read True Believer first, maybe it would have made this book more enjoyable. This was the first Sparks book that I have read and was pretty disappointed. I really felt like nothing happened throughout the whole book until the last chapter. The storylines that could have made the book more eventful were very briefly described, followed by chapters of a whole lotta nothing. (Alvin, Rodney/Lexi, Rachel) I just wasn't impressed. | 0negative
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Clever Plot Twists, Unforgettable Lovejoy Character
I enjoyed Ian McShane in the TV version of "Lovejoy" when it was a once-a-week afternoon staple on A&E network in the mid-90s. This book, the second in the Lovejoy series by the English doctor who uses the pen name of Jonathan Gash, is a delightful introduction to the unforgettable Lovejoy character. Clever plot twists and snappy dialogue make this book a joy to read. Plus it has gotten me interested in antiques. | 1positive
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