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There comes a time when authors "jump the shark." Tom Clancy's was when he began "writing" the Net Force series (which I fondly call Net Farce); John Grisham did it with The King Of Torts; Kathy Reichs latest, Bare Bones, comes close (her rant at the end is out of character for the main character, Tempe Brennan). For Clive Cussler, it's Golden Buddha.Although his name is prominent on the cover, this latest book is co-written with Craig Dirgo, who's written with Cussler before on The Sea Hunters books. In those, you can obviously tell which parts Cussler wrote and which Dirgo wrote - Dirgo's parts did not flow as well and sometimes contained inaccuracies in the facts. He should take a writing class.Golden Buddha is a new series called The Oregon Files, featuring a main character named Juan Cabrillo who is tall, blonde and blue-eyed (much like Kurt Austin in the other spinoff series by Cussler and Paul Kemprecos). He and his crew of the ship Oregon take on "jobs" that most mercenaries wouldn't touch. They all showed up in a previous Dirk Pitt novel , Flood Tide, and I guess Cussler thought it would be a good spinoff. It could've been, but it isn't.First of all, the book is about putting the Dalai Lama back in power in Tibet, which is why a very large golden Buddha must be recovered - there is a secret compartment in it with important information. I wish the Dalai Lama character hadn't been based on a real person - this made the entire story very unrealistic (if it does come true by 2005, the date in the book, I'll eat my hat). A fictional religious leader would have been a better bet. Also, Russian President Putin is named, but the President of the USA is not - he's just called the President. Who says Putin will still be in power in 2005? These inconsistencies drove me nuts.The book reads like a TV movie waiting to be made. There are way too many characters to keep track of (even with the listing of each character's name and function at the beginning of the book) and the writing could have been much better, if Cussler had written more of it. You can tell which parts he wrote versus Dirgo - Cussler's flows beautifully, while Dirgo's is choppy and often contained odd words (the worst was "containerized ship" - as far as I know, they're more commonly known as container ships).Characters use cutesy comments way too much - I don't know anyone in real life who talks like these people.Scenes jumped helter skelter and I began getting confused, so I started skipping parts.The best part of this book was near the beginning when Cabrillo and his crew have to recover the golden Buddha from a party in Macau. That was well done and exciting.I love the Dirk Pitt adventures and the Kurt Austin books, but if the next Oregon Files is "cowritten" with Dirgo, I'll pass. | 01 star
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My wife decided that she needed to gift me a Kindle for our anniversary. I asked a colleague, if her husband (who was travelling to the US) could carry back one. He couldn't, because of an erratic travel schedule. So we decided to order one right here directly since Amazon was kind enough to open up direct shipping to India.So we ordered on a Tuesday evening (India Time) and Amazon being Amazon shipped the device straight away on the same day itself. I very eagerly tracked the package using the DHL sites (yes, I used three different DHL sites, US, UK and India. They give different info when the package is in that respective country) and in three days flat it was here across the seven seas at Delhi airport.So finally the shipment was delivered on Monday next and the anticipation was killing me. The box was easy to open. Amazon really walks the talk. the device shipped in Amazon's Frustration Free Packaging (Amazon has been running a campaign called Frustration Free packaging to free people from the woes of clamshell packaging).The other side of the package had the words "Once upon a time..." The phrase used since the late 14th century have been the opening words of dozens of fairy tales and is quite apt.Anyway, the packaging (which was eco-friendly, no polystyrene packing, just clever use of cardboard) was promptly dispatched. And I booted up my Kindle.I had bought a free Kindle book on Amazon anticipating the arrival of the Kindle and lo and behold the book landed on the Kindle, without so much as a by-your-leave. AND I was billed $1.99 as delivery charges, since I was outside the US when the book was delivered. After a quick exchange with Customer Care (which is the best in world), the charge was reveresed, with the warning that this was a one time affair and the exception will never be made in the future. You need to be careful about this.So, the Kindle was here, Whispernet was working and so was WhisperSync (I tried it between the Kindle and the Kindle for PC). I was all set.Before I got reading. I tried out all the features and I became an idea-a-minute submitter of ideas and improvements and suggestions to the Kindle team.It has a built-in MP3 player. So I uploaded some music into the device. The process is a bit clunky and not quite idiot-proof. You have to upload music into a music folder once you attach the device to a computer. Hello! Hasn't anyone in the Kindle team seen the iPod and iTunes integration? Anyway, the player is nothing fancy and does the job. Plays, skips and backs up songs. There are physical buttons for volume control on the side.The Kindle has a decent text to speech feature. I say decent, because the mechanical sounding aspect of text to speech has not yet been figured out yet. Make no mistake the accent is foreign (to us in India), but it is neutral, very few cultural inflections to sully the experience.It also supports audio books and it plays them. No rocket science here, since it is already equipped with a MP3 player.The Kindle has a browser, so I tried to use it. All my research told me that only Wikipedia would work in India and nothing else would. So on a lark I opened the mobile website of India Today ([...]) and it opened! Very impressive. Suddenly, the utility of the device has increased manifold. It has a keyboard, a screen and a wireless connection which works without any setup or work-around.Hello email! and freedom. Bye bye tiny mobile screen. Sure the screen is black and white and the refresh rate sucks. It is ultra-portable (fits in my jacket pocket) and very useful.All this came at a price. the device itself is $[...], there is priority shipping worth $[...] and there is the customs duty worth about $[...]. (On the customs duty bit. I spoke to the customs officer and he said a duty was charged for ~Rs. 3500. I wonder what happened to the remaining 1000 bucks? DHL chewed it up?)So this is a total of ~$380 approx Rs. 18,200. Worth it? Completely.What are you waiting for?PS: Feel free to ask any questions. I will be more than happy to answer them here or on my blog at [...] | 45 stars
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The book "The Great Expectations" was probably originally intended for middle-class adults in London. Today however the book is read and understood by both children and adults. Some things about the book that made it worth reading was first and most obvious the story line. Also the book seemed to go really fast. The story started with action wich made the book more enjoyable to read. Also it didn't get bogged down very much throughout the entire story. Another good quality of the book is that it didn't contain much romance, which can also slow a good book down. The main point of the book that affection, loyalty, and consience are more important than social advancement, wealth, and class, could have a strong affect on certain communities. Since this sort of theme has been around for a while and will continue to be around for a while gives the book credit for being a classic. Also the fact that this book is fairly old and is still being read to this day makes it a classic. The book was written in great detail. All the characters were fully described and all served a purpose. That also made this book very interesting. I would recommend this book to middle school students, and to adults as well as anyone in between. This book and the main idea was not difficult to understand. Also it is enough of an action and "turn around" book that it keeps the readers attention even to the end. | 34 stars
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Watching people justify their odd religious beliefs, their favorite politician's faux pas, even their monetary goals and sometimes messed up behaviors, is a frustrating sport. Professor Gilbert has shown us here how our brains have been programmed to fill in the blanks, to make assumptions about dealing with difficult events as well as our planned out future lives, that aren't really accurate. The brain is protecting us, making our life seem better and more logical and correct than it really is. Although he touches on common themes like, "money doesn't create happiness," I believe the main idea here is that we should examine things more scientifically, less emotionally, and always consult with those around us who have already experienced something. Our tendency to project ourselves into an unreal version of the future based on our current life and biases, is foolishness.Like a good professor, he is always teaching us by analyzing different studies that have surprising outcomes. All of his work is well backed up and logical. I have to admit that I mainly thought of the foolish assumptions that other people make about religion and their beliefs that bother me, more than my own simplistic assumptions about life. Those dorks need to read this book and then they'll see that I'm right!! And yet now, I realize that I too in this way of looking at the world am doing the exact things that are wrong and that need to be corrected.The book is an easy and fun read. It reminds me of other eye opening books like "The Naked Ape" or "Winning through Intimidation." It's also a great review of human behavior. | 45 stars
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I found this book totally fascinating. I have no background in the culture, environment, or political situation of the Sudan; yet, I feel I have in some sense been there. Caputo provides a multi-layered picture of the people and places of this war-torn country. My mind's eye could easily envision the land and people; I could almost taste and smell the dust and sweat and had clear mental images of the major characters. The political situation is nothing short of a mess: "In Sudan the choice is never between the right thing and the wrong thing but between what is necessary and what isn't"I found the characters, however, to be closer to symbols for the many factions working in Africa than real people. The dialogue was particularly distracting in places; it just didn't ring true. Nevertheless, these characters well depicted the forces at work -- the American do-gooder, the war lord, the cynic, the evangelist, the rebel leader, the old-rich, the new-rich, and the victim.One review suggested that Caputo could better tell the story as non-fiction. He is certainly knowledgeable, and after doing a bit of research, the situation in the Sudan seems accurately presented. His strength is not in writing dialogue that is true; however, I would never have read this book if it wasn't presented as a novel. The relationships developed by the characters keep a reader's interest while providing a sound picture of the Sudan.I loved the title of the book and if there is one thing I will definitely take from the book, it is the illustration of the conviction and fervor of those who were certain they were right -- so certain that the consequences never matter. At the same time, there are those who were never sure of the decisions they had to make, yet they acted. Both could be said to be carrying out acts of faith. Some because they were sure and others because there is simply nothing else to do. | 45 stars
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For three hundred and fifty nine dollars, you are far better off with a net computer or an iPod Touch.My Kindle has been problematic from day one. A gift from my wife, the device kept falling out of its cover. I paid nearly $50 for a new, more secure one.The control buttons on Kindle 1 are terrible. Constantly changing pages. And the page numbering system is utterly incomprehensible.This vacation, I decided to bring my Kindle instead of a book. The thing has completely frozen up. Can't turn it off or on. It is just frozen with a page of text. The reset button has no effect.Amazon's so-called Help desk promises they may get back to me by email in a day or so. Meanwhile the Kindle is completely useless. Just an expensive piece of dead weight to lug around.Luckily, I learned of the iPod App that will read Kindle text and was able to download my Kindle book onto the iPod so at least I can read on the plane.Perhaps someday soon Amazon will respond telling me how to clear the Kindle freeze. Perhaps not. Right now, I am in a hotel room and out of luck with my Kindle.Do yourself a favor and do not buy one of these devices.They are unreliable, AMAZON company's support for them is marginal, and did I mention that AMAZON has jacked up the prices of their Kindle books, blogs, etc. so much you can do better price-wise at the remainder desk at any of the big book stores or read your favorite blogs for free on the iPod. | 01 star
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I didn't know exactly what to make of this book but I couldn't put it down. It was depressing and simple but somehow profound at the same time. I never would have picked it up based on its description but Oprah came through again. | 34 stars
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it was pointless to read.. thank goodness it was free, because if I paid for this I would have been very upset | 12 stars
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I think out of all the 8 Bridgerton books this and "Offer From A Gentleman" are my favorites. This read was really enjoyable and heartfelt. While "Offer From A Gentleman was more romantically fairytale, "On The Way To The Wedding" was more realistic. | 45 stars
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The author details his tour in the Middle East, and how it affected his life. His story is bleak, true and painful, but should be required reading for all of us lucky civilians sitting here in the comfort of our homes and watching the news on tv. Probably the truest book to come out of this war to date. | 45 stars
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For those of us who live in planes and use cities and airports as mere pit stops, e-mail has become a critical an element of life as food. This book helps organize one's thinking about how best to use e-mail, and how to avoid misunderstandings -- including potentially career destroying mistakes. The authors write entertainingly and offer great enlightenment. I picked up this book at a store in New Delhi, read it, went back and bought several more copies to give to friends. I suspect you'd want to do the same (without necessarily having to travel to India to buy the book!). | 45 stars
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I bought my Kindle in August 2006. I have loaded about 30 books onto it. Mostly these are from Amazon but since I discovered free classics from other sources I have added some of those too. Books not from Amazon are quite a bit more complicated to get on the Kindle as it requires using your computer.What I Like about the Kindle:**** Portabilty of many books at once**** Quick downloads from Amazon**** Digital Ink technology reads well without backlighting**** A good amount of built-in storage even without the memory card option (which I have)**** Good battery life*** Good size for reading most books*** Good prices on books that are available - and they never out of stock!*** No monthly charges*** Wireless features work well*** Light weight*** Built-in dictionary** Bookmarks** SearchesWhat I Don't Like about the Kindle:* Poor overall design - awkward to hold without clicking buttons by accident* Page numbering is strange like 9000....125* Difficulty in looking back, say 20 pages to check a name or something* Many books I want are not available via Kindle* A barely adequate included cover and others are expensive* I can't loan Kindle books to friends* I have to reboot it about once a month when it hangs.* Current digital ink is not great for graphics/photosThe Kindle marks the true beginning of what I believe will be a revolution in the way we read. New technology and form factors are emerging that will bring great graphics and photos, touch screen capabilities, communications, etc. See www.plasticlogic.com to get some idea of this. If you were an early personal computer user, like me, you should have some inkling of what to expect a few years from now based on that revolution. The first Apple computers were a bit clumsy but they lead the way - like the Kindle is doing I suspect.In summary, the Kindle is not an Apple-like product, it lacks refinement. It is more like using Windows in that it gets the job done but suffers from a lack of attention to making the user experience really special. Because at this writing, it is probably the best reader out there - I do highly recommend it. | 34 stars
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Peter Hessler's second non-fiction book about China attempts to capture the country's current period of rapid and wrenching change. Hessler was a working journalist when he wrote this book, and it often reads like a collection of occasional pieces gathered between two covers. But there are some larger, interesting stories that Hessler pursues across multiple chapters.One involves Polat, a Uighur from western China who lives in Beijing, where he makes a precarious living as a small- time hustler and money changer. Polat's life is an example of the tenuous status of minorities in modern-day China. In fact, China used George Bush's war on terror as an excuse to get the predominantly Muslim Uighurs branded as terrorists. The US State Department first resisted, then went along with this shameful ploy. Polat flees to the US, where he's granted political asylum. He ends up working his way up the immigrant economic ladder yet again, starting out as a delivery man for an Asian restaurant in Washington, D.C. Hessler gives us a sensitive look at how hard the road gets once Polat leaves his tribe and his language behind.Another story involves the exhumation and deciphering of oracle bones, which are sayings inscribed on cattle bones or turtle shells. Soothsayers divined the meaning of the bones for rulers who were looking for auspicious signs from their ancestors. Used several centuries before the birth of Christ, these bones were one of the earliest forms of writing discovered in China. Hessler becomes fascinated by the story of Chen Menjia, a former poet and antiquities expert who also studied oracle bones. Hessler tracks down scholars in the US and China to learn more about Chen, whose love of the past didn't jibe with the forward thinking zealots running amok during China's Cultural Revolution. Chen commits suicide rather than undergo the thought reform and reeducation the Red Guard has in mind for him.Hessler uses Chen's story as a way in to China's attitude about its past. China's cultural narrative speaks of a unchanging land and a country that reveres its past. In fact, the country has systematically gone about erasing its history, either consciously for political reasons under leaders such as Mao, or as a byproduct of economic development. In China today many new archeological preservation projects have been launched. At the same time, historical hutong neighborhoods in the big cities are being systematically destroyed to make way for bold new high rises. Hessler shows a China that seems both proud of its culture, yet secretly afraid that much of it is second rate.The most affecting parts of the book are the stories of Hessler's former students from Fuling. (Hessler taught English to future teachers as a Peace Corps volunteer in the late nineties.) His most energetic and ambitious students have migrated from their rural villages to find work in the new coastal economic zones. Set up as part of economic "opening and reform" after Mao's death, zone life combines freebooting capitalism, rigidly organized manufacturing operations, and free-floating angst among the young workers. Hessler's young friends like the freedom that comes from leaving the old rural ways behind, but they also experience the spiritual emptiness that can occur out on freedom's far frontiers. The struggles of Emily, Nancy and William have a striking parallel to the Midwestern farm kids who migrated into America's burgeoning new cities at the end of the nineteenth century. China, like America before it, is discovering the dislocation and social anxiety that are byproducts of the capitalist lifestyle.Hessler is an alert, sensitive reporter. He speaks Mandarin, which gives him access into the society while his American upbringing allows him to maintain an outsider's stance. The main problem with Oracle Bones is that half of it is factual, almost scholarly reporting on matters such as archeology and the history of writing, and half of it is human interest stories. Hessler is writing with both his head and his heart; unfortunately the two parts don't fuse. On the other hand, his grab bag approach might be the best way to capture a country that is literally reinventing itself minute by minute. | 34 stars
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This is one of the most poorly written on which I have ever wasted money. The characters are poorly developed, as is the ludicrously complicated plot. The title gives nothing to the story line and the three "super cops" as so ubiquitous and unbelievable as to be absurd. The author portrays animals as smarter than humans and interspaces a rambling story with seemingly obligatory blasphamy and a few sexual passages which offer nothing to the story. Frankly, if this is an example of Cornwell's work, I'll not buy another of her books. | 01 star
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I have really just gotten started on this book, but I really like it because I like this kind of story,a "what if" kind of story.It goes good with the Dan Brown books, and also with an older book called "Holy Blood, Holy Grail". I also bought this author's next(?)book called "The Bible of Clay",which looks like it should also be a good story. | 45 stars
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This provides a comprehensive understanding of electronic theory at the high-school or introductory college level. It focuses more on theory then application and reads like a text-book. For this purpose it is good. It is a bit lighter on the practical side, but reading this first will provide a solid background before setting out to try your hand at home projects.I would highly recommend this for a student considering or seeking a future in electronics or related high-tech fields as it gives a good base of understanding and also a good flavor for what future studies in electronic engineering or design will be like. | 34 stars
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The fact that this novel wasn't over the top is what made it so creepy and distressing to me. I think of it this way, if the demon supposedly possessing George used The Exorcist style methods, it would be fairly obvious that it was a demon, even to George's skeptical, religion-phobic mother. But if the demon is less showy about it, most people are going to assume that it's psychological in nature.I thought this novel was well written and had a sense of slow building dread and hopelessness-just the way the child- demon was described(having a face like a smudge, for example) gave me the willies. I think the author intentionally left it up to the reader to decide if George was possessed. Personally, I think he was, because like another person said, there were things that happened that had no plausible explanation. George mentions that certain humans are "beacons" which is something the demon has told him not either of his parents. This concept was known by his father and Tom Harris, I believe it was mentioned in George's father's writings, but George never was told of it. The incident with Kurt also didn't make sense if it was just George doing all of it.I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I got so engrossed in this book that the vague ending kind of made me go, WTH? I highly recommend this book. I usually delete finished books off of my Kindle when I'm done with them. This one is still on there. I must have reread that ending a dozen times, LOL. | 34 stars
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I bought a Kindle for my wife at Christmas and she loves it. It's easy to read and carry around and she's not left with yet another book after a good read. It feels to her just like holding a book. | 45 stars
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The contents of this book encourages life changing strategies. It had inspired me to take a look at the world around me and how I fit into that world. How both positive and negative force impacted me and what can I do to change them. Great inspiration book. | 45 stars
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I have been thinking about buying an e-reader for about a year. In the UK the choice has been limited. Sony E-reader and a few others but what I really wanted was a Kindle. Not available in the UK until a short while ago and then only via Amazon.com. I purchased mine on 30th June paying a total of 179 including postage and taxes. It arrived 2 days later and I love it. Took it on holiday a few days later loaded up with 10 books and really enjoyed not having to pack all those paper-backs. I was delighted to find I could email using my Kindle too. Emailing is not easy, a bit clunky but it worked - a bonus. The screen is easy to read but I don't agree with the hype about reading in bright sunlight, it's not great under those conditions. It is also a great shame that it is not back-lit like a mobile phone. You can't read it in the dark unless you buy a clip on light attachment. Nevertheless I was very happy with my purchase.....not so happy 4 weeks later to read Amazon's announcement that from 27th August they are bringing out a new, improved Kindle available directly from the UK (no postage/taxes) for 145. Had I have known this was coming I would have waiting the few weeks and bought the newer model. | 45 stars
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The inner torment and struggle that President Obama discloses in this very personal autobiography surprised me because they are so different from the self-assured, amazing orator that I voted for to lead our country. As a psychotherapist, seeing the road he traveled to get from his origin to his current position only increases my respect for the man. One of the principles of family systems is that children of divorce suffer from the lack of the absent parent. After his father's death, Barack Obama took action to reconnect with his father by visiting Kenya and tracing his fatherline history through many generations, with the help of his African relatives. He came to see that he had been carrying the emotional burdens of his father, including a deep sense of parental abandonment, that I call "ancestral wounds" in my book Invisible Roots: How Healing Past Life Trauma Can Liberate Your Present (2008, Energy Psychology Press). The scene with his weeping between the graves of his father and grandfather, releasing this burden, touched my heart. Like a ceramic pot that needs to be fired to a high temperature to develop strength, our President is a person who has been through many trials in his own life experience around the globe and is using his gifts and talents to call us to a deeper union, not only within ourselves and within our country, but also as citizens of the world. I couldn't put the book down!Barbara Stone, PhDAuthor ofInvisible Roots: How Healing Past Life Trauma Can Liberate Your Present | 45 stars
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Every negative thing you've heard about this book is true - unfortunately. While Cold Mountain easily ranks among my Top 10 Favorite novels, this definitely ranks among my least favorite. What a disappointment. Yes, the book has it moments where the writing genius prevalent throughout Cold Mountain shines through, but those moments are few and far between. Call it the sophomore jinx, or attribute it to the fact that the $8 million Frazer received as advance quenched his creative fire. Call it what you want. This book just doesn't add up and is a waste of your time. The story line and Native American history is fascinating, but the novel meanders and plods, and just never gains any sense of rhythm or momentum. There is little evidence of the writing chops that earned Frazier the critical acclaim he so richly deserved for Cold Mountain. A shame. | 12 stars
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The old saw, "You get what you pay for", certainly applies here. I forced myself to finish this, feeling the ending would be illuminating--it was not. A total waste of time, in my opinion. I tried to not give it one star, but it was impossible on the system, which is a true shame. | 01 star
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I simply could not put this book down. She writes beautifully, and this story is so wonderful. Kudos to Ms Gilbert.Erica BlackAuthor of "The Call Girl Actress, Confessions of a Lesbian Escort" | 45 stars
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Everyone should read some Jules Vernes. A late 19th century French writer, he influenced many people with his enthusiasm for things scientific. In Voyage, the protagonists are a scientist (who discovers a message indicating a journey to the center of the earth is possible), his reluctant nephew, and the quiet-man native guide. An expedition is organized immediately, and the adventure begins. Once you get past the writing style which may be strange to the modern reader, and you suspend your disbelief on certain things (like just how many supplies they were capable of carrying), the tale can captivate. Here is a writer who relishes the scientific advances and discoveries of his age, and is writing about them. The reader can absorb the geologic understandings of the period, as well as the way in which the scientific community operated. It is the age of the gentleman scientist, the ancestor to Indiana Jones. And Verne's delight is infectious. By modern standards it's less exciting than, say, a Jurassic Park. But there's underground seas, strange animals and plants, delirious visions, and hardships of thirst and being lost in the dark to entertain you. Be aware of different translations: our book group had much hilarity discovering the differences in our editions: some seemed edited and condensed compared to the others (and as it's not copyright protected, some of our tattered paperbacks didn't even give the original date or the translator's name), some had wonderful illustrations, some had illustrations that apparently were for a different book, and some had none. Some editions had footnotes, which were interesting in their own way, apparently dating from the original French. There are even different names for the uncle and nephew. Judging from my translation (one of the uncredited ones), it's no great literary effort. But it's entertaining enough to keep one reading, and to amazed at this seminal storyteller and his influences on many who followed him. | 23 stars
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Amazon can delete the books you buy remotely. Total ripoff, won't buy one. Ironic that the book was 1984. | 01 star
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Great premise and VERY strong beginning. Had very high hopes for this book. At the end, the author wimped out and decided to be safe and have the "big historical find that will shake the foundations of the world's religions" suppressed.Makes me wish the author had had a stiffer backbone or simply not written the book at all. If you aren't going to finish what you start, don't start it to begin with, Mr. Khoury... | 01 star
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i really enjoy the kindle , i love to read and i use to have so many books.but because i purchase the kindle i can read everything on this one device . it amazing and so much easier , i don't have to turn a book. i just click and it turns it self. | 45 stars
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This book was highly recommended to me by everyone I spoke to about unassisted childbirth (UC), but I was disappointed. Half way through the book I had a migraine. Laura's beliefs about the universe, god, the "Christ myth" etc. are tough to get through; I don't know what they have to do with unassisted childbirth. I had a difficult time sorting through the philosophy to apply concepts to my own belief system. The Seth stuff is too weird for words.If Shanley really wanted to reach out to the masses, she'd do well to trim all of the psycho sounding stuff. She makes it sound like a really fruitcakey thing to do. Mainstream human beings can have safe, beautiful unassisted births as well.Edited to add: I have now given birth to three babies at home. One with a midwife and two unassisted. I re-read the book again and it bothered me less this time around, I still think Laura and her lactating husband make home birthers and unassisted birthers look weirder than necessary. You can be a normal, higher income, responsible family and choose a beautiful unassisted birth. | 12 stars
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Take a circular saw to the bindings, get out your heavy-duty paper trimmer. Then add the xerox 515, microsoft word, free stanza software and any book is good to go. -People's -Look's -WoW's! | 45 stars
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In this, the author's second published work, the author writes about that which she knew best, early pioneer life in Nebraska, the place to which she and her family moved in 1883 when she was a mere slip of a girl. She eventually attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1995, at a time when most girls did no such thing.In this work, the author was on very sure footing. Her clear, straightforward prose lends itself capably to the story of early pioneers who went to Nebraska and set down roots, weathering the exigencies that often plagued a newcomer to a particular region. It is a surprisingly unsentimental look at pioneer life.This thematically complex, but simply written story focuses primarily on Alexandra Bergson, the intelligent, independent, resourceful, and strong-willed daughter of pioneer John Bergson. Upon his death he did what was then the nearly unthinkable. He left his land in the hands of his oldest child, his daughter, Alexandra, rather than in those of his sons, recognizing in his daughter those qualities that would ensure that his land would prosper under her stewardship.This then is the story of not only Alexandra but of that land and those whose sustenance depended upon its fruitfulness. The reader follows the Bergson clan as they live their lives and interact with their neighbors. Under Alexandra's skillful management, the Bergson farm prospers. As the farm prospers, so does its environs, as the area becomes a bustling center of activity with more and more settlers developing the land around that of the Bergsons.Thematically, the book explores the vicissitudes of life, as well as its life-affirming moments. As in all lives, the characters in this book experience moments of high drama and great tragedy, as well as memorable moments of love and hate. All this is grounded within the context of pioneer life, with all its hardships and privations, as well as its occasional abundance. The author skillfully re-creates a melting pot of the many nationalities that cultivated the land known as Nebraska.This is a book that those who like reading about pioneer life will certainly enjoy, as will those who simply like a well-written book with a tale to tell. This classic novel was also adapted for a Hallmark Hall of Fame film, starring Jessica Lange in the role of Alexandra Bergson. | 34 stars
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Gladwell did surprise us with a lot of hard facts about how certain people possess the ability to "do the things right" without even thinking. An interesting read, but unfortunately lacks of a central belief in his book. After reading, you just have this difficulty to conclude the lesson learned here!It reminds me of another book, "From Lowbrow to Nobrow" (Peter Swirski, 2006) which is with an enjoyable writing style and a strong point to support the writer's keen observations and insights to fulfill your apetitie of learning. It clearly depicts the unique phenomenon of the popular culture of today. I personally highly recommend you to take a look at this book as it is a book of thinking power! | 34 stars
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I'm not much for new gadgets. But this one is just great even for an old lady like me. I love reading. And, I love that I can just put this in a reasonably sized purse and take it with me. I can have it with me when I'm waiting in the doctor's office, standing on a long line at the grocery store, being a passenger in a car for a long trip, and all sorts of other places where it would be difficult to carry books. My husband loves that he can read the NY Times and other periodicals while he waits for me somewhere. I'm still learning how to use it quickly, but it is very intuitive and more easily learned than many other gadgets I've been exposed to (by my kids). I'll wait until the voice and sound are really a more functional part of it, but even without that, I'm very happy about the purchase. | 34 stars
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While the story has its flaws (and is down-right non-sensical at some points), the voice with which the writer tells this story is truly phenomenal. Any and all problems one might have with the plot and how it flows are easily overwhelmed by fully realized and relatable character who is constantly able to pull the reader back into the story. This is a truly talented writer who merely needs some practice constructing and executing plot-lines. Overall an excellent read. | 34 stars
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Understand why marriage is so difficult in today's world, and how to handle conflict with your spouse. | 45 stars
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I think so many of his books are getting to be the same. Nothing grabbed me about this one. Did not have that WOW factor of some of his earlier books. | 12 stars
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This book falls in line with the "Southern Cross" series that Cornwell attempted several years back. Although, it was entertaining, it lacked her usual suspense and page turning qualities. I'm sure that everyone would agree that most Cornwell readers have been spoiled with her "Scarpetta" series & unfortunately just about anything else is not up to par. Not a "new book" purchase to rush right out and buy -- wait and buy this one used... | 01 star
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Connie Burns is our determined heroine, a war correspondent in Sierra Leone and then in Iraq. While in both places, she witnesses the public barbarous behavior of a UK mercenary named MacKenzie. A spate of rape/murders surfaces in Sierra Leone, and Burns wonders if perhaps this mercenary could be responsible. She voices her concerns tentatively at first, and then with a few supporting suggestions, to the police. Beginning to fear for her safety, she tries to return to England, only to be kidnapped and held hostage for three days. Connie thinks she knows who held her hostage and tortured her; and after she's released, she's scared to death that he'll come for her again.She hides in Dorset in a large, rambling house that hasn't been kept up well for the past few decades. She meets some eccentric characters that form an interesting and very Rendell-like subplot. As usual, Ms. Walters writes easily, fluidly, and very well. The pacing and dialogue are smooth and skilled by this experienced author. Overall, the book is interesting and quite scary in a few parts. It's definitely one of her better outings, especially since she published her disappointing Disordered Minds.Two things bring this novel down from a four-star effort to three stars. First, her anti-Bush/war-in-Iraq comments are ill advised and detract from the story. Although any reasonable person will find the Abu Ghraib prison scandal deplorable, it is not comparable to the horrors of Nazi genocide or the My Lai massacre--but Walters lumps them all together. She seems so reasonable most of the time, but a few rabid remarks really deter from an otherwise fun read. This next paragraph from p. 176 gives a similar feeling:"I was thinking how debased language has become. 'Collateral damage' for civilian death, 'shock and awe' for relentless bombing, 'coalition of the willing,' 'surgical strike'--that's propaganda. It's all designed to put a spin on the truth. Do you know that every time I wrote 'Iraqi resistance fighters' the subs changed it to 'insurgents.' The words are synonymous but the connotations of 'resistance' are laudatory. It makes people think of the French Resistance, and the coalition didn't want that connection made."Second, there is a pervasive and florid misandry in The Devil's Feather. Burns mentions a few times that she wonders if, in conversation, "a man" would understand her subtle meanings where any woman surely would. Walters also reminds us that "men are useless in a crisis". The senior police officer in the conclusion is a man who's portrayed as a somewhat thick-headed bully. As for Connie's legal representation: "If I had [a solicitor], don't you think he'd be a SHE?" In the height of the suspense and action scene, Connie's male friend is portrayed as significantly weaker than the two other women. This is suggested several times and is frankly stated just so no one could miss it.Minette Walters is a real gem of the genre, and I hate to see her soil otherwise great novels with her disjointed socio-political mumbo-jumbo. Work these issues out in private, and then stick to what you do best--writing well crafted suspense novels. | 23 stars
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I have seen many movies and PBS mini series that have been made out of Jane Austin novels and have loved them all. Being an avid reader, I thought I'd LOVE to read the books too since books are so much better than anything put to the screen. Boy was I wrong. I just couldn't get through it. It's written in such a form that it's hard to follow and understand what she is talking about. I've truly had to read and re-read sentences and paragraphs to get what in the world she is talking about. Here's an example: "She was faithful to her word; and when Willoughby called at the cottage, the same day, Elinor heard her express her disappointment to him in a low voice, on being obliged to forego the acceptance of his present. The reasons for this alteration were at the same time related, and they were such as to make further entreaty on his side impossible." OR: "The situation of Barton, in a county so far distant from Sussex as Devonshire, which, but a few hours before, would have been a sufficient objection to outweigh every possible advantage belonging to the place, was now its first recommendation." HUH??? See what I mean? I had to work too hard at understanding much of the book and it was no longer relaxing or fun to read so I gave up. I guess when it comes to these period pieces, I was better off watching the movies. I wanted to return the book | 01 star
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I have been looking at the Kindle for a long time, and when the Kindle 2 came out, I fiially took the plunge. I love to read, but don't always have a book with me when I have time to spare for reading. With the Kindle, it's so easy to have a book tucked in your purse to take along. I can also read in bed because it is so easy to "turn the page". The downloads are as fast as touted and with loads of selections. The ability to change the font size is also a plus if you don't have your glasses handy. I've even turned on the read aloud feature while I am driving. It doesn't sound like a regular audiobook, and you have to get used to the cadence, but it's still a nice feature. Love this device! | 45 stars
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Warning of WarA Novel of the North China MarinesByJames BradyThere is a legend within the United States Marine Corps named " Billy Port's Ride". As many legends, it has the distinct ring of truth. There are some known facts. One, there was World War II, two, there were Marines stationed in Shanghai, China at the outbreak of the war. Third, there was a "Billy Port" who had served under the command of then Major Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller in Nicaragua. Billy's full name was Captain William Hamilton Thomas "Billy" Port. James Brady has written a novel around this story that leaves you believing this legend is more than a "story".Stationed in Shanghai, China leading up to WWII, Billy, apparently, was a colorful character, enjoying his status in Shanghai as an unmarried Marine, a commanding officer, and as someone from a Bostonian family of means. Billy enjoyed a lifestyle, supported by his civilian money and fostered by the pre-war atmosphere of Shanghai, the Imperial Hotel (a favorite hangout of Russian expatriates), and beautiful Chinese and Russian women.In November 1941 an official "War Warning" had been issued and the Marines in Shanghai were preparing to evacuate by sea. Billy, evidently, was ordered to take a small group of Marines and head out to the hinterlands of China. Their mission was to gather up the Marines who were on assignment outside of Shanghai (in northern China), thus out of communication and not aware of the "War Warning". Billy's party left Shanghai on or about December 1, 1941. From Shanghai, Billy and his small contingent sailed on a commercial freighter to Tsingtao, then on to Tientsin. From Tientsin they traveled by rail to Peking (modern day Beijing), then began traveling by truck. They headed North from Peking early the morning of December 7, 1941, hours before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Along the way they were able to gather up some of the Marines they were searching for and were making a beeline for Russia (an ally at the time) to escape the Japanese. Their trip took them through northern China, the Gobi desert in Mongolia and to the Russian border somewhere south or southeast of Lake Baikal in Russia. The overland journey from Beijing to the Russian border was approximately 700 miles, through desert, while being chased by the Japanese Imperial Army, through warlord country, in frigid weather and without the benefit of 7-11's, Starbucks and Holiday Inn Express. Brady does an amazing job of putting you right there during the grueling travel and firefights with the Japanese and the Mongolian warlords.Billy's group numbered about 2 dozen at its highest and arrived at the Russian border with about half that many (about half were lost to firefights). They actually crossed the Onon River (Russian border) under fire from the Japanese. They reached the Russians and were fed, housed and medically treated. From there it is a mystery. Billy and 2 of his group were picked up by the KGB and were never seen alive again. The rest of the group did make it back.There is more to the story, however, I'm not going to spoil Brady's excellent book by providing any more details. I do have to say that you can't read this without wondering if the story is more fact than fiction. This a very different WWII story that leaves you mulling over what our previous generations actually went through during a very extreme time. | 45 stars
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I, like many other reviewers, bought this book after reading favorable reviews in major publications.It was one of the worst books I have read. I felt no affinity with the narrator and found him strange and even off-putting. The story unfolded tediously, painfully and with few hooks to keep me turning the page. In the end, I had to force myself to finish it-- and was left completely unsatisfied upon finishing.Find something else to read this summer! | 12 stars
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When Jane Austen sat down to write Emma, she had a tall order. Her previous work, Pride and Prejudice, is one of the great masterpieces in English literature. Unsurprisingly, Emma does not measure up to P&P, but is still a delightful read in its own right. The same themes that readers have come to associate with Jane Austen are all present in Emma: courtship, marriage, Victorian reserve, and, of course, social status. The biggest problem I had with Emma is that the characterization is not near as solid as in Austen's previous work. The only truly interesting character is the main protagonist, Emma, whose wit and vivacity sparkle throughout. The only fair way to read Emma is to do so without comparing it to Pride and Prejudice. Doing so, this book stands just fine upon its own merit. Just don't expect lightning to strike twice. | 34 stars
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Basically, if you like historicals at all, you really need to read this book! JB can make feelings jump off the page; she can make you feel love, laughter, disgust, sadness, etc.Starting out this book I was disgusted with the plot & thought our heroine (Chastity) was stupid; then I was intrigued by the plot & loved our hero (Cynric); I was disgusted with various characters, highly respected our heroine's resolve & felt awful for her, fell in love with secondary characters, was riveted by the plot, wanted to BE part of the secondary characters, laughed out loud at various scenes & now can't wait to read the next one!Do not be fooled into thinking this is a light read, at places it was actually very dark & the plot was extremely involved. But JB did a magnificent job of rolling treachery, love, laughter, & intrigue all into one great novel.There is a series of these novels on the Mallorens & I can't wait to get the next one. I only wish that Rothgar's (Cynric's brother) story were next! He is most definitely intriguing... | 45 stars
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Max Barry delivers yet another well written novel that captures the wit and humor of office politics.Jones is a fresh faced and ambitious new guy hired at Zephyr Holdings. Quickly initatied into office dynamics with the first day donut debacle, he begins questioning the innerworkings of his new company. While the old timers are loathe to say anything about the illusive Senior Management or even the CEO Daniel Klausman, Jones hungers for answers. In a rush of blind ambition, Jones scales the corporate ladder to find out who is behind Human Resources and what Senior Management really has to say.From that day forward, Jones is part of an entirely new corporate association. His experiences with Alpha provide him with a real world social experiment on American corporate structure. Working as the "inside man" Jones survives the initial break from the mold only to shake things up as his directives from Alpha become increasingly complex.The narrative of this novel also progresses from the points of view of Jones' coworkers and their dilemmas. Facing restructuring, loss of customer base, an unexpected pregnancy, office romance, and merging of seemingly unrelated departments, the true face of Zephyr comes head to head with the objectives of Alpha.A definite must read for any Barry fan, office workers and corporate pundits alike will enjoy this take on corporate social experiments. Hilarious and revealing, Company is sure to provide you with fresh eyes to the corporate practice. | 45 stars
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Mansfield Park is a complex book with situations that cause one to sit back and think about what has been presented to her/him. I found the first half to be a bit slow and was wondering where the charatcter development and plot line would all lead. However, I was rewarded as I read the second half and saw how the character development and siutations of the first half led to each character's fate. This book is definitely not for everyone, since it is darker, more serious (and subversive) compared to Austen's other works. especially if you are uncomfortable with subversive situations. | 45 stars
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Things haven't been going well for Patrick Kenzie, so when Karen Nichols hires him to get a stalker off her back, he doesn't give it his best effort. Then when Karen commits suicide he's consumed by guilt. With Angie and Bubba with him on the case, Patrick learns that there was more than a stalker in Karen's life and now all three of them are in danger.This book is best read after the others in the series, but it is a stand alone novel. And like his other books, Lehane takes us on a ride to the dark side of human behavior, but he's such an excellent story teller that we're there before we know it happened. There is a lot violence here and it seems all too real, so real it's scary. Lehane paints his people with the brush of truth, his descriptions with the brush of fact. A five star book if ever there was one. | 45 stars
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I just finished 'Riders' a few minutes ago. It only grabbed me for short stretches, but not enough that you can't put it down. How Venters found the secret and lush hiding place above Surprise Valley and the race to run down Jerry Card and the Mormon henchmen were riveting. I guess my final feeling is that it's dated. Since literature is truly timeless, I know it's hard to explain. I've been on a western tear lately after reading 'Lonesome Dove', which is truly amazing. I then read 'Shane', 'Hondo', 'Hombre', 'Little Big Man' and 'The Last Picture Show' only because it was McMurtry. Perhaps 'Riders' is considered one of the 25 Best Western Novels written because having been published in 1912 it was kind of a precursor of the genre, of the strong silent gunslinger, etc. Really the most interesting thing I found about this book was the love and respect and admiration the characters showed for their horses. | 23 stars
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I was inspired by Greg Mortenson's work in Pakistan. His single-minded dedication to building schools and offering educational opportunities to the children in Central Asia as a way of fighting terrorism that is worth investing in.I listened to the book in my car on my way to work. I wanted to stay in the car and finish the whole book. It is sometimes difficult to read a book with so many unfamiliar names, but listening made it enjoyable, educational, entertaining, exciting and encouraging. | 45 stars
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Interesting overview of contempory practice of policy analysis and development of vocational education and training in Europe, Africa, America and Asia. The international community of vocational educators should welcome this new work since it will inform debate of current issues and future trends. The Scottish editorial team of Finlay, from the Scottish School of Further Education at the University of Strathclyde, Niven, President Emeritus of the International Vocational Education and Training Association and Young, Director of Lifelong Learning at the Glasgow Development Agency are well apprised of international developments. Niven is well known for his contributions to IVETA's international conferences and publications. The illuminative research of Niven and Finlay funded by the Advisory Scottish Council for Education and Training Targets, which underpinned much of the work and is referred to in the work, presents new insights into the achievement of consensus in different international contexts. The research was grounded in an expert seminar attended by prominent researchers from different countries e.g. Dar-chin Rau from Taiwan, Betsy Brand from the USA, Olli Rati from Finland, Jim Gleason from Ireland, Iain Bellis from South Africa, Johnny Sung from Singapore and Willi Brandt from Germany. The experts report on how consensus is reached within their countries, and the closing chapter identifies key principles which could have wide application. The book gives a highly readable global perspective on the challenges faced by vocational education and training in recent years. It is a welcome addition to the literature of international education and training and is a must for post-graduate students of comparative education. | 45 stars
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This is the first Jane Austen novel I've read. I have to say that I had a very difficult time getting through that book. I find it extremely slow reading on inane subjects. But I am obviously in the minority with that opinion. I expected wonderful stories like Louisa May Alcott's books, but then maybe I am listening with the wrong "ear". Maybe I was suppose to listen to the sound of the words like a James Joyce novel. I've read a lot of period novels written in that time and place, so it's not a lack of familiarity with the era or the language.I will say that it shows a very real contrast between the use of emotion controlled by intellect vs. total emotional immersion in the subject of romance. | 23 stars
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I are enjoying the Kindle. It's easy to use. Like the different font sizes. I would rate this five stars if the screen had a back light. | 34 stars
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I believe that there are really only two types of marketing book - those that focus on the art and those that focus on the science of marketing. Seth's latest work is definitely in the "art" camp and continues a long line of thought that he has carved out a niche for that I think helps you understand the "why" behind marketing as opposed to the "how". If you've read "Purple Cow," "Free Prize Inside," or "Permission Marketing" you'll know that Seth predicted the death of mass marketing some years ago. He has now turned his talents to unearthing the next wave of marketing: storytelling.All Marketers Are Liars is a small, digestible book that helps you understand how to understand the customer, got it? In other words, if you've got a terrific product ("Purple Cow") that surprises and delights ("Free Prize Inside") then you can intiate a dialog ("Permission Marketing") with the customer and tell her a story about what's special and unique about your company and its products or services - after all, All Marketers Are Liars as far as Seth is concerned but what he really means is that you've got to sell the story behind the product as much as the product itself. They're intertwined and they strengthen each other.I think you'll get a lot out of Seth's book and the companion blog at sethgodin.silkblogs.com no matter what your job is. | 34 stars
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Interesting but takes a long time to develop its themes. Kept looking for more depth of character or extension by introducing interesting characters. The setting is interesting. | 23 stars
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Let me preface by saying I was a little skeptical to buy this for my fiance this Christmas. I knew she really wanted it, but I had a hard time rationalizing paying over $350 dollars on something that "just read books." Call me old fashioned, but I was dead set in the mentality that you could get these books from the library for free. I was also very skeptical about how comfortable it would be to stare at the screen for hours on end.The Kindle put all of my fears to rest, and if you can afford it, is well worth the price of admission. Obviously, at the heart of any ebook reader is going to be two things-the screen and the title selection. Let me say, that the Kindle's screen is something you have to see to truly believe. The product description calls it "liquid paper", and that is no lie. No matter which way you hold the Kindle, the screen looks like you are reading a page right off of your favorite book. Some reviewers complain of the lack of a backlight, but I feel a backlight would cause a lot of extra strain on the eyes, making the screen less like a page off of a book and more like a computer screen. However, the option to turn one a backlight on or off would have been nice. Evening readers, don't throw away the lights on your nightstand!ewers complain of the lack of a backlight, but I feel a backlight would cause a lot of extra strain on the eyes, making the screen less like a page off of a book and more like a computer screen. However, the option to turn one a backlight on or off would have been nice. Evening readers, don't throw away the lights on your nightstand!The Kindle makes it simple to acquire new reading material, regardless of your transfer method. On the one hand, you have the comprehensive Kindle store, which can be accessed at any time on your Kindle (no wifi hotspot required-this puppy runs off of a 3G network similar to what cell phones use). The Kindle is linked to your Amazon account, making purchases a simple affair. Within a minute, your newly purchased title is wirelessly delivered to your Kindle, all for $10 on most titles. Newspapers, magazines, and blogs are also available at the push of a button (although these are often freely available online, making them somewhat less useful). On the other hand, you have an included USB adapter that can transfer over files from your hard drive onto the Kindle (there is a plethora of classic literature available online for free). Converting files locally was a relatively painless process (Google will provide you with plenty of comprehensive tutorials). If that weren't enough, Amazon also offers a service where it will convert your documents and send them to the Kindle for a small fee of 10 cents.Kindle also has the ability to access several webpages, including Wikipedia, on the fly. You will have to put up with black and white for everything, but it is handy to have when you are on the go. There is an option to store additional titles on an SD card, but out of the box the Kindle can store over 200 titles. The Kindle also features the ability to play MP3 files. Honestly though, this device seems too big and fragile to be used as an MP3 player, and most people who want one already own one. This is, however, a useful feature for audio books.Overall, I would say the Kindle rates very highly in my book. Although not perfect, this machine scores highest where it counts the most (availability of titles, ease of use, amazing screen). If you or someone you know enjoys to read and has mentioned this product, you do not need to hesitiate to purchase. The price may seem high, but this machine is definitely the premier ebook reader on the market right now. | 45 stars
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I cannot improve on BunnyRabbit4's review and will not try. What I want to do here is add a few things that are not covered in that excellent review.1) For those fascinated by Oprah's Book List, I have put together a three page word document that lists every book she recommended from 1996 to 2008, along with links to their Amazon page and a short evaluative comment. I prepared this list as part of an short-term examination of Oprah as a cultural measure. Visit Earth Intelligence Network and see the top headline under Cultural Intelligence.2) Directly relevant to the evaluation of this book as recommended by Oprah is our evaluation of the list. Below is a summary in chronological order, the number of books in parenthesis, then one line (see one line for each book at the list online.1996 (3) women far from ideal, alone1997 (11) children in a tough world1998 (8) pregnancy, needs and fears, aloneness, secrets and nightmares1999 (8) family tragedy & triumph, racism, secrets, deranged, love2000 (9) competing desires, ties that bind, love and betrayal, alone2001 (6) cruelty and corruption, unspeakable injustices, prison, etc.2002 (2) two black hereoines, five generations of one family's sin2003 (2) two men joined, three generations, two love triangles2004 (4) "classics" (Buck, Tolstoy, McCullers, GG Marquez--life as novel2005 (4) unflinching exploration, troubled characters, one con job2006 (1) Elie Wiesel on surviving a Nazi death camp as a teen-ager2007 (5) good versus evil, love, men and women, racial tensions2008 (2) webacst a journey plus webcast awakeningAnd then we have this book. Over-all I find a great deal of value in her efforts to cope with the past and the present, but very little cultural value and not much in the way of discretion about choices.A much better book than this one, superior in every possible way, isConscious Evolution: Awakening Our Social Potential.Other books I recommend that are superior to this one with respect to inspiring hope within both self-fulfillment and community include:Emergence: The Shift from Ego to EssenceThe New Golden Rule: Community And Morality In A Democratic SocietyThe Tao of Democracy: Using Co-Intelligence to Create a World That Works for AllSociety's Breakthrough!: Releasing Essential Wisdom and Virtue in All the PeopleBlessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It ComingGroundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social TechnologiesThe Power of Unreasonable People: How Social Entrepreneurs Create Markets That Change the WorldDemocracy's Edge: Choosing to Save Our Country by Bringing Democracy to LifeAll Rise: Somebodies, Nobodies, and the Politics of Dignity (BK Currents (Hardcover))I have reviewed and summarized each of the above books, follow the link. As with most of my reviews, each of the above reviews has links to ten other books.I am not able to link, but also recommend two books I have sponosred:ELECTION 2008: Lipstick on the PigCOLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE: Creqating a Prosperous World at Peace.FREE OBAMA (the new meme--see the image). | 23 stars
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Gladwell is an impressive author, and his understanding shows in this book. He applies the principles he discusses in "The Tipping Point" and his numerous articles in the writing of a book that is catchy and easy to read without sacrificing information. Many of the conclusions he draws are surprising and challenging to how you view everything from yourself to the justice system, but the arguments are strong, drawing on both example and research data. All told, an excellent book. | 34 stars
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I guess I was expecting something different. This book is more a collection of short stories (rarely longer than a paragraph or page) or prose than a novel. Essentially you can open any page and start reading without missing a beat. Didn't care for it. | 12 stars
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For 99 cents I can read a variety of excellent articles from the New York Times on my Kindle. Love it. | 45 stars
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Kindle uses the Sprint Network--a doomed network because it is is virtually alone in using a doomed proprietary format. The world uses GSM for cell/mobile/portable phone service (ATT, TMobile) You can't use a Sprint, Verizon or other phone when traveling to Europe or most other places. So you can't get your news subscriptions, download books, etc. That is a HUGE mistake--it lets out most international travelers, and that is the prime use I would want to have with the Kindle or any other such device. Fab design, idea and operation but Duhhh??? on it's market for travelers. Unlikely they will switch or add a Kindle II with GSM. | 12 stars
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I am a voracious reader and literally have hundreds's of books. My husband wanted me to purchase this, and for months on end, I resisted. I love the feel of a book in my hand, and couldn't imagine liking this kindle reader. Finally, just to appease him, I ordered it. I have had it for about a week, and I must say, I am surprised. It is about the size of a large print paperback book, the download time is literally seconds, you can adjust the size of the print, the buttons are good size, and you have a next page on both sides, you can set bookmarks, and if you like to read in bed, it is very easy. The only thing that I do not like thus far, is that the screen has a glare. I have tried reading outside, inside, daytime and nighttime, and regardless of what time of day or night, or what room of the house or outside, there is a glare. I purchased the covers for the screen but, in my opinion, they only make it worse. Initially it was very distracting, but as time passes, it is less so, but still annoying. If not for the glare, I would have gave it a 5 star rating. I am old school, I love walking into my home library, and seeing my books. It gives me a very calming feeling. Am I willing to totally give up buying books the old fashion way? Absolutely not, but I can see this cutting down on the number of books that I do purchase the old fashion way. | 34 stars
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This is the book for people who don't usually believe in these types of books. The Secret is actually not a secret at all, but probably advice our parents, teachers, coaches, etc, have been telling us for years.The difference is this book teaches you how to use the secret when times are tough and negative thoughts, realistic expectations come into play.Like the book, THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED, the self-help advice is told in a commom sense manner, for those of us who know how to apply common sense practices to our lives. In my book, CONFESSIONS OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOLGIRL, the protagonist of Valerie often suffers from negative thoughts because of what's happening in her negative family environment, only until she applies 'the secrets' does her life change for the better.Confessions of a Catholic Schoolgirl | 45 stars
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I love that I can get a french newspaper delivered here in the US, I'm sure people who have moved to the US from other countries would love this as well! I wish they would get some of the British newspapers as well. | 45 stars
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I love my kindle and have read 40 odd books since my husband bought it for me as a Xmas present. As reading is my form of relaxation I find my kindle fantastic. I would recommend it to any book lover. | 45 stars
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Damn good book! I highly recommend you purchase both "A Hunger Like No Other" and No Rest For The Wicked. Cole writes amazing sex scenes and fantastic characters in her books. Between the two books, I cant decide which is better. All I can tell you is if your looking form a fantastic read that you won't be able to put down then buy these books! HOT, HOT, HOT!! I can't wait for book 3, "Wicked Deeds On A Winter's Night." | 45 stars
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This is a book that can be enjoyed by persons of all genders and all walks of life. Persons with advanced degrees in psychology and social services will find very little that is new and thought-provoking, but the book speaks to a number of persons in the general population. It is also quite enjoyable to take part in the weekly discussions of the book with the author and Oprah Winfrey that are available on our computers. I think that we will see much more of the phenomenon of world wide computer participation in the future, and this book was a good vehicle to ride into the future. | 34 stars
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I'm a little confused by the marketing of Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series. The inside of the cover clearly says "Read all of the steamy, action-packed Riley Jenson romances..." and yet these books are so clearly NOT a good fit in the romance genre. I'm 2/3 of the way through the second installment and in this book alone, Riley has had impromptu sex with 5 different guys. Two of whom she had just met, literally. Not quite the girl meets boy, falls in love and lives monogamously ever after plot of most books categorized as a Romance. I don't think I'd have as much of a problem with her promiscuous ways if the series was marketed as the Urban Fantasy it really is. Why are they trying market it as a Romance? That's my first problem with the series.The author repeatedly beats it into the reader's head that werewolves celebrate life through sex and it's only us prude-ish humans who try to put our morals on their culture. And I know I can be a prude about some things (for an erotica reader). That's my second problem with this series. The idea of just walking into a club and having sex with a random stranger totally skeeves me out. I know that fantasy is a big turn on for some people so maybe that's just my hang up. I know this is fiction and I know Riley (being a werewolf) is immune to disease, but I'm having a hard time getting over the over-sexing of the series.I'm interested in seeing where the overall story arc takes us, but I wish Dell would stop marketing this as a romance and that Ms. Arthur would calm her hormones. Less sex, for sex's sake. More sex with a true purpose to the plot. | 23 stars
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Carter seems to blame Israel for continued strife with the Palestinians. Occupation is untenable for Israel. No one would want to have over a million people on their country's border who are avowed enemies. Yet letting go of the occupied territories puts Israel in a very precarious position.A two state solution, where Palestinians agree to give up any further right of return, give up any terrorist activities, and acknowledge the right of Israel to exist and to keep its national character, would be required for any long term peace.Israel is the only country in the world that has repeatedly been attacked, won every war waged against it, and then had demands upon her to give up land acquired in an act of aggression against her autonomy. Yet, to obtain peace, Israel has continually exceeded what any other country has done in similar circumstances.Carter paints a bleak picture of life for the Palestinians, while never acknowledging how they brought their circumstances on themselves.To get a more balanced picture of the situation, read Alan Dershowitz's book, "A Case For Israel". Prior to 9/11 I wasn't a fan of Dershowitz. But this book shows restraint, poise and balance. | 12 stars
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First off, this book was definitely interesting, and could hold my attention, but it wasn't great.It took over 160 pages for anyone to get murdered, so you had to read about relationships and romance. Relationships between the main-character (Annie Darling) and her estranged father, Annie and her estranged step-sister, etc. Once someone does get killed it becomes somewhat boring. I knew who the killer was from the beginning. Also, the whole mystery is somewhat cliched. I do think the author is a good writer, and has potential to succeed, just not with this book.As for the plot, Annie Darling runs Death On Demand, a mystery bookstore. Annie's father (Pudge) and step-sister (Rachel) find her and soon Annie is swept into a spooky mansion filled with murder, hatred and deceit. Once Happy (Rachel's mother) gets murdered, Annie is determined to get her father off the hook, and solve the case.Overall, this wasn't a horrible book, but if you're looking for a great holiday mystery try some by Valerie Wolzien. | 23 stars
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This book has been life changing for myself as well as the group of us that gather to discuss it. Please don't think twice about buying The Secret. You will change there's no way you couldn't. | 45 stars
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Sense and Sensibility follows the lives of two sisters, Eleanor Dashwood (Sense) and Marianne Dashwood (Sensibility). The story begins when the Henry Dashwood passes away, leaving his estate to his son, who is only half related to the Dashwood sisters. The girls, their younger sister, Margaret, and their mother are obliged to leave and seek residence elsewhere since they are no longer the rightful owners of the Dashwood Estate. Without much money to themselves, and a conniving sister-in-law who keeps their brother from providing them with any income, the family is forced to move miles and miles away near to their obnoxious cousins who have offered to allow a low rent. As if it weren't bad enough having to leave their home, the move brought with it some other negative outcomes. For one, Eleanor had to leave her love, Edward Ferrars (who happens to be the brother of their snobby sister-in-law), and Marianne ends up falling for a man who is not quite what he appears to be. The story follows the lives of the two girls and their tumultuous relationships, as well as their loyalty to one another. Full of twists and turns, broken hearts, reputation-ruining secret, and surprising turns of events, this novel is sure to hold you until the end! | 45 stars
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This book is a very different werewolf story. Instead of making the werewolves sound like monsterous killers like so many books do! It made them sound like actual civilized beings that are only trying to live their lives peacefully among humans even helping the humans by keeping a tight leash on the Mutts. And I absolutely LOVE the relationship between Clay and Elana. I wish I had one like their's!! This is a VERY impressive book for a first time author like Kelley Armstrong. She's VERY good at what she does and I hope to see a third book coming out in this series because it's one of my favorite books that I can't put down no matter how many times I've read it. | 45 stars
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I am a great fan of Ms.Keyes, shamefully admitting to paying extraordinary amounts of money to get my hands on some of her more obscure books, published in UK and Ireland (now available to us in Canada as well - such as life...). Rachel's Holiday is my absolute favorite book of hers, so fabulosly and skillfully writen that you live through every one of the agony of the character as if is your own, while laughing at it and thinking how much better life is when not taken so seriously. I read that book at least 4 times, and it's always by my bed - if I feel particularly depressed in the morning, that's my choice of read to get me out of the bed. I hope for many more like that from Ms. Keyes.A MUST READ !!!!!!!!!!! | 45 stars
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I bought this book in November of last year stopped after the first 3 chapters tried to pick it up again this summer and had to stop at page 90 something...this book is just like its author they're both pretty much useless it actually deserves a rating of NEGATIVE 5 stars..lesson learnt don't always fall for the hype and do your research .. I wouldn't recommend anyone to waste their money buying this nonesense..on the brighter side its been on my side-table and makes an excellent coaster | 01 star
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This book was well worth my time and money! Being a Six Sigma beginer, I found this book to be easy to follow and comprehend.Explained is the DMAIC process model, Voice of Customer (VOC), Voice of Process (VOP)and Design of Experements (DOE) in clarifying detail. Best of all, it includes step-by-step explanations of project experiments and the statistical analyses from the expereiments using Minitab 14!Whether you want to learn the basics of the Six Sigma process (Chapters 1-8) and / or basic Six Sigma statistical tools and methods (Chapters 9-15), I highly recommend this book!Note: Minitab 14 (Statistical software)is free for 30 days and the associated minitab-formatted excercise worksheets are down-loadable from the publisher's website. | 45 stars
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After 6 months with the first Kindle, I was stoked when I saw gen 2 coming out. After hearing me rave about my Kindle, my wife was more than happy to take the "old" one off my hands so that I could buy the latest gadget. She's nothing if not tolerant of my gadget addiction! :)Anyhow, I wanted to share my impressions of the old vs. the new.First of all, the things that the Kindle 2 did better than the original:1. It's a lot thinner. I travel frequently, so the smaller, the better. This is a noticeable change from the first to the second version and one that I love.2. The page turn buttons are better. With the Kindle 1, I was constantly at risk of accidentally bumping the next page buttons. They are extremely sensitive and very large. With the Kindle 2, the buttons have been scaled down to a much more manageable size and are a lot less sensitive.3. I love the 4-way directional button. It took a little getting used to after having used the Kindle 1, especially since the context menus that I was used to in the first gen have changed due to the new directional button, but for any Kindle user, this change is a god send.4. Power charging via USB. Having a single cord for the Kindle is great. The little USB->Socket converter is great to have, too.There are a few things that I will miss about my Kindle 1, too.1. The power buttons. I really liked having control over the power with a simple toggle. Yes, it's great in the Kindle 2 that you can easily put the Kindle to sleep, however, if you want to turn the 2nd Gen off, you have to hold the power slide for 4 seconds. I am going to miss being able to wait until the last second to just flip a switch as I'm putting it away. I'm sure I'll get used to the change, but it will take some time.2. The location of the headphone jack. In the Kindle 1, the headphone jack was conveniently located on the bottom of the Kindle. This kept the headphone cord out of your way. On the Kindle 2, it's top-center. Now, I don't use audio on my Kindle much, but when I do, it's because I forgot my mp3 player and want to listen to music while I read. Having the cord coming out of the top means I have to adjust it to keep it out of my way when reading. Really, this is just a minor annoyance, but I felt like it was worth sharing.Finally, the one thing that I still feel like the Kindle is missing (and I knew this going in, so I can't ding the Kindle for it) is global wireless support. It has 3G capabilities, so technology is not the problem, it must just be cost. My hope is that they will allow international access at some point in the future, even if it comes with a small delivery surcharge - although of course we'd all like to see it cost the same! :)One last thing to mention... I'm an avid reader and was somewhat concerned that losing the feel of true books would take away from my enjoyment of the Kindle. After having used it for 6 months, I went back to a standard paperback book and found myself getting a little frustrated with the more traditional format. I find that it's easy to get lost in the book with the Kindle. The one thing I miss about the traditional format is the ability to peek a page or two ahead to see when the next good stopping point will be.All in all, I am very pleased with my Kindle(s), and definitely had no hesitation in buying a second. | 34 stars
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She called him father until the day she learned she was his clone. Dr. Cherijo Torin escaped from him and his experiments on her but the League, of which earth is a member, denied her request for sentient status and instead declared her the property of her creator. Rather than submit to that megalomaniac man, Cherijo escapes and ends up joining the Jorenian alliance.Cherijo is happy aboard the Jorenian spaceship Sunlance accompanied by her beautiful daughter and her telepathic Terran husband. She treats the sick and cares for the injured while evading the bounty hunters out to bring her back to her creator. Cherijo never expects a calm life. On this voyage, she and her shipmates are almost sacrificed to a planet's deity, she plays matchmaker to a lovesick alien, and learns why the natives of an entire planet are sterile but whose inhabitants cannot die. All in a solar moment for Cherijo.The protagonist's life is fulfilled, but ever changing and action packed; readers adore and admire Cherijo. ETERNITY ROW is space opera at its very best as the plot contains exotic alien life forms and colorfully fascinatingly strange planets. S.L. Viehl has created a character and a futuristic setting that is second to none in its readability, quality, and social mores.Harriet Klausner | 45 stars
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Some good points made but like what some of the other lower reviewers said, it is a tad repetitive. The image of someone stretching a magazine article into a book is fairly accurate. I would rate it higher though several inclusions of Political Correctness drop it:Chapter about someone wanting to spread health information benefiting the "Black community" is a fine example. When something like this doesn't quite sit right, just reverse the races. Imagine the author fawning over someone wanting to "reach out" to the "White community" to raise their awareness of cancer and disease. It wouldn't happen. Why? Funny how those who claim to want equality in truth want special rights.He uses "African American" and "White." Doesn't that seem inconsistent? Either "African American" and "European American" or it is "Black" and "White." Pick one.Regarding the HIV epidemic there is careful exclusion of any sort of assignment of blame for the true cause - immoral behavior - while trying to be too clever for himself starting at his navel pondering whether the discovery of HIV as the cause of AIDS was necessary to fight the disease.Another charge of PC propaganda is his off-hand mention of buying "Spanish books" for a library to serve "that underserved community" or some such nonsense. Seems an underserved community would be Hungarians or Polish or Germans. When was the last time you saw a section in the library for them? The truth is this reveals his pro-invasion/illegal-alien POV. This underserved community is destroying schools and hospitals with their shameless abuse of the system for which they don't pay. Perhaps he will write a second book describing how the importation of Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and even Malaria thanks to illegal aliens will cause a "tipping point" of those diseases in the US. Or how illegal aliens who come from a culture where driving drunk and the age of consent is 12 has resulted in an epidemic of drunk driving and rape of children? No, that is too close to the truth and this author is clearly a PC tool. | 01 star
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I first read this novel for a class. Years later, I picked it up again and reread it. It's excellent. The characters are very interesting. Pip who loves the cold-hearted Estella. It is good to see how their characters interact and how desire is lasting. You got to feel bad for poor Pip. Miss Havisham is the most interesting of all, still in her wedding gown after all these decades. A must read. It's a fairly long novel, but well worth the time it takes to read it. | 45 stars
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Some days it just does not pay to be a God!At least, so it seems to Darius, son of Zeus, God of the Gemstones. Darius, a bit of a lover, was known for all his dalliances with married ladies and it is that, which trips the old boy up. Darius' "gift" was his ability to turn himself into a statue... which comes in handy when he is playing footsie with Queen Aara in her bedroom. When King baby pops in startling them, Darius goes into his statue routine to protect the Queen from her jealous husband. Only, the King thinks there is something rotten in Denmark...oops wrong local... something wrong with his wife's statue...so he chops off a part of Darius of which he is rather "fond" and then pushes Darius the stoneman out the window, smashing him to pieces. Patsy Cline's song kept popping into my mind as I read this! Daddy Dearest, Zeus, is not happy with the fate of his son, so curses him to remain bodiless, until he can find the perfect statue to possess and once more grant him the ability to return to mortal form. Well, artistic talent must have been sadly lacking, for it was three millenniums before Darius gets a second chance at breathing. Fortunately, for Darius, fate brings Alexandra de Marco his way.Alexandra is a brilliant sculptor. She and her sister were orphaned when they were very young, and now she is facing the task of saving the orphanage where they grew up from being closed because of a lack of money. She comes across the history of our boy Darius, God of the Gemstone, and the tale of his marble statue, which had been shattered to pieces. She is so taken with the myth that she turns her talents into creating a statue of the most beautiful man she can, lovingly bringing the marble into the perfect form under her talent. She plans to auction off the brilliant work at the Ladies' Annual Charity Auction and donate the money to the orphanage. It would save the place that sheltered her as a child, while at the same time, be a great PR showcase for her talent.Only, Darius finally has the means to return to mortal form, little knowing about charities or Ladies Clubs, and he does so right before the stunned audience. While Alexandra is impressed with her creation, she can hardly auction HIM off - though a few might have other ideas...lol. She is furious because she needs that statue to save the orphanage. Darius doesn't give a fig...mainly, because the statue was in the old Greek style - au natural. But the fun begins as Darius finds life in the modern world is a long way from Mt. Olympus.The writing is witty, quirky and the author shows a deft pen in crafting this wickedly funny tale. So original!! Will definitely be watching for more from this wonderful writer! | 45 stars
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Ahhhhh, to get flithy rich on the hopes and shattered dreams of the folks that forked over hard-earned money for this sloppy nonsense of a book. The real Secret in life is work hard, tell the truth, don't try to fool people, and then....and only then..... May the Force be with you!!!! | 01 star
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I am relatively new to Charles Dickens having read A Tale of Two Cities and David Copperfield.His characterizations and weaving of story lines are wonderful. David Copperfield is a great book, and I love the historical aspect of his writing (mid 1800s). Highly recommend! Now on to Great Expectations!Thanks Amazon! | 45 stars
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Generally, the McKenzie method works well with stiff spines that have lost the natural lordosis(lower back curvature) required to minimise pressure on the intervertebral discs. For hypermobile lumbar spines, these exercises may make symptoms worse and stabilsation exercises are more appropriate. A good physiotherapist will assess which category you fit into. The book serves as one of the best educational resources around, and anyone who has "bad posture" after reading it may have misread or misunderstood the text. | 34 stars
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This is a smart, strong, informative book that updates Paul Starr's 1982 classic. There are still important developments and changes to still add. But I was delighted with Mahar's book that goes up to about 2005 -- a good read, sprightly, and well presented. | 45 stars
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At times I found myself holding my breath while reading this suspenseful fiction of the past. I was surprised to find myself so engrossed in such a timeless tale! | 45 stars
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I loved Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and I can say without a doubt that I loved Wuthering Heights just as much. The Bronte sisters are so talented! I hope to read something by Anne Bronte, the less well known sister, too. Wuthering Heights is about a destructive and consuming love between Heathcliff, an orphan who comes to the mansion of Wuthering Heights, and Cathy, the daughter of the wealthy family that takes him in. They are drawn together as soon as they meet. The novel is narrated partly by Mr. Lockwood, a tenant who meets Heathcliff many years later. His housekeeper, Mrs. Dean, tells him about the events that happened years earlier, making for a gripping, suspenseful, and sad story.Wuthering Heights is very complex, especially the character of Heathcliff. He's not "good" or "bad"; he's conflicted, a multi-layered character. At times, I sympathized with Heathcliff; at other times, I really hated him. Wuthering Heights is difficult to put into any category. It is realistic, but it also has supernatural beings, with ghosts and graves and a love that transcends time. But it also is a mystery, asking complicated questions. The writing is very old-fashioned, but it's not too overwritten, though I did have a little trouble with some of the Yorkshire dialect. But that occurs very rarely; there's just one minor character who speaks that way.You can read all of my reviews at my blog novareviews.blogspot.com. | 45 stars
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'Bushwhakers' was a great western novel, with the perfect picture of evil, gun-toting villians and the hero (in this case heroes) defeating the villians hands down. I thought more could have been done to enhance the book's sophistication, regardless of era. The violence was kept quite tame considering the nature of the book, and the writer did quite a good job for his first time at novel writing. I am surprised that the book has not been produced as a screenplay. | 34 stars
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I've been a Sony Reader owner, but the Kindle 2 has brought me over. Sony took a few steps back with the 700 vs the 505, and Amazon took a couple steps forward, in producing a reader that doesn't look like it was stepped on by an AT-AT on the planet Hoth.I like the wireless downloading of books, especially the pushing of books purchased from my computer. The button layout is nice: easy to use, and not terrible easy to use accidentally (which is a harder UI problem to solve than many think). The vast number of keys was distracting on the K1, but is much less noticeable on the K2, which makes concentrating on the text easier. And not having to use a custom app to interface with the device is nice.But Sony gets several things more right than the Kindle:1. There's a "Continue Reading" choice on the homepage, to go to the most recent page of the most recent book. Hitting the home button on the Kindle takes you to a book list that gives no indication what you were last reading, and no easy path to getting back to that book.2. The book list cuts off titles and authors. I'd prefer a two-line display, or at least a choice. The Sony list display is nicer.3. I don't like folders like Archived Items that I don't have any ability to remove. The Sony doesn't do anything like that. A "My Clippings" folder appeared one day, and I have no idea why.4. The Sony permits Collections, essentially user-defined subfolders for books that are part of a series. The Kindle does nothing to keep the books of a set together.5. I can't delete anything from my Amazon library of downloads (at least not obviously). There are some free books I downloaded from Amazon, where I later found a better version (generally a Project Gutenberg copy).6. Amazon doesn't make it easy to search within their free books. And their free books aren't generally of great quality. Sony has their eBook Classics section of the store, and purchasing a Reader gets you 100 free ones. The eBook Classics are much better formatted, with correct author info and such.Overall, it's an excellent reader, and much better than the PRS-700. And its flaws are correctable with a software update. I guess I would like some of that polish to happen. | 34 stars
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This is one of the most boring and tedious books I have ever read. Cardboard cutout characters, leaden dialogue, implausible jury-rigged plot...avoid at all costs. | 01 star
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I have enjoyed many of Victoria Alexander's books and I loved the "fate" premise of this book, as well as the very witty dialogue. All the characters were interesting, but the plot seemed to drag on way too long... I found myself a bit bored by the end. | 23 stars
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Troward stated that speculative reasoning proceeding from what is known is the best method of metaphysical investigation. This work endeavors to trace the sequence of continuous creation by logical deduction with reference to the law of cause & effect. It is important to bear in mind the triumph of principle over precedent, meaning that ideas unfold despite the absence of past experience, as in the case of the development of aviation. Troward's clear writing makes matters of great profundity accessible to all; no background in theology is needed. He encourages the reader to contemplate these suggestions and assimilate them if they help to makeBible meaningclearer.The twofold essence of nature comprises (a) the unity of a universal creative principle & (b) abundance in manifestation. Troward postulates a sequence of cause & effect universal in nature that harmoniously includes all possible variations of individual expression. He considers the creative process as the Self-contemplation of Spirit. Two factors are projected from a common source: individual consciousness and energy-matter. Their relation to each other becomes an absolute fact regarding these factors themselves. The cosmos is thus no illusion. Creation proceeds from the operation of Divine Will upon both the "soul" of nature (in a sequence of progressive condensation) and the localization of its all-encompassing mind in the individual.The author identifies the substantive properties of Spirit as love, light, power, peace, beauty & joy and its active powers as initiative & selection. If Love itself is the original motive for creation, the divine ideal is that of individuality that recognizes its source. The need for a standard of personality enters the equation owing to matters of resonance &harmony. Taking the nature of Divine Spirit as blueprint is the Way; this must be done by individual choice according to free will. Alternatives such as the personal force of will, magical rites, affliction of the body or invocation of spirits deny the Eternal.The transition from the collective operation of the Creative Spirit on mankind to its specific operation on the individual corresponds to the concept of theoctave. Choosing the personality type of the Source means selecting the eternal essence and being of life itself. This requires the rejection of the species-standard and embracing the Spirit standard that enables the localized consciousness - by communication & action - to advance with theThe Eternal Divine.The will of God is Life according toScripture& common sense. Rejoicing in the life of the Spirit establishes reciprocity of reflection - the law of action and reaction. The initiative to interact with & relate individually to the Creator derives from a yearning of the heart. When achieved it ennobles the individual personality through an unceasing flow of life expanding intelligence, love, power & joy in harmony with Spirit. Having recognized the error of time & space being the essence of life, a close relationship is maintained with the Creator. Prayer in its essence really means "Lord, please give me more of Yourself," a fact reflected in Holy Communion. Receiving the Divine Spirit is symbolized by bread & wine as representatives of energy-matter & life.The author explains the role of cause and effect in The Divine Offering that assures mankind of God's love andrestorative power. Troward addresses several objections to the sacrifice of Christ, the Resurrection and the forgiveness of past sins. When time has no substantial existence, states of consciousness are all that remain; thus sins of the past have no existence (have been removed from the individual as far as east is from west). The Redeemer's sacrifice is the supreme manifestation of the interaction of law and personality. Redemption is the realization of the individual's eternal and perfect relation to the Father; it neutralizes fear, an emotion resulting from unbelief in the love of God*. Redemption as a manifestation of divine love, when properly understood, leaves no ground for fear.Referring to the parable of the Prodigal Son, Troward highlights two great errors: (a) measuring the power of God by our own past experiences (b) viewing the Spirit as an impersonal "cosmic force" & thus believing that mankind must provide the intelligence for the creative process. Animus Dei is the principle of personality whilst Anima Mundi is impersonal. Both infinite, they are complementary to one another. Anima Mundi or the soul of nature is revealed by the Law of Tendency in the material world; this power lacks the ability of individual selection. Being active, Divine Personality upholds nature as well as human personality. However, Anima Mundi is mutable so both the Divine and human personalities influence nature.The power of the soul of man over the soul of nature is psychic. He remarks that a sufficiently powerful concentration of will would produce startling effects through the Anima Mundi which might explain the scriptural statements regarding the signs & wonders to be performed by the Antichrist & False Prophet. Troward warns the reader about philosophies that deny the personality of God; the logical result is to elevate the self to the place of God, which ismalignant narcissism.The book concludes with his observations on the sound philosophy, reason & science in theGood Book, how these confirm the law of cause & effect and ultimately directs mankind to a new consciousness when God's perfect laws will live within our hearts & minds as promised in Jeremiah 31 and various other passages.*Jesus considered anxiety & worry as a denial of God.I find it interesting that the scholar Geza Vermes inThe Authentic Gospel of Jesuscame to the very same conclusion as Troward above regarding the way Jesus/Yeshua viewed the nature of God. With reference to, amongst others, the parable of the Prodigal Son, the portrait that emerges is that of a loving Father. There is no trace of severity or harshness in the God of Jesus who is a Father more than a King. | 45 stars
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With all the negative reviews I didn't have high hopes for this but it is actually not that bad. There are pictures although not as many as the print edition. It is pretty reasonably priced though and very convient to just have it appear on your kindle. No worries about old issues piled up and it saves paper! The format is pretty much like I would expect on the kindle. | 45 stars
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I loved this book. It was very violent disguisted and shocked me yet I was rivited and dazzled by its twists. What makes it scary is because these are nice real people doing horrendously evil things | 45 stars
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This is the most realistic depiction of war in the ancient world I have ever encountered. Pressfield's description of the extreme physical overload and terror of hand to hand combat was almost too hard to take. Still, it was really only in the context of that terror that the reader comes to some understanding of these men and their world. But,in all this very well researched novel of Spartan life, where are the homosexual warriors? Any story of Greek and especially the male centered world of Spartan life that leaves out homosexual warriors can't really be taken as truely realistic.I noticed that one reviewer spoke of taking the book to war with him. Does he know that fighting along side of him are his gay brothers? In this day when society still wants to deny the worth of its gay citizens it is a shame that such an excellent book on ancient war and the intimate love between these warriors did not show, at least in passing, that many of them loved others as more than just comrads. I am sure our monern day gay warriors are as brave and able as those of the past. Even if we try to deny that these men are defending our country now, it is a shame to deny that in the past they were respected and loved by their people. | 34 stars
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It's volume three of Manda Scott's hugely successful fantasy about one of Britain's most famous warriors. Breaca, known as the Boudica, is back in Britain killing Romans and spending months agonising over her destiny at the head of the Eceni. In isolated tow is her younger brother, Ban, now known as Valerius, a deserter from the army and exile after the death of Claudius. Nero is on the throne and Britain is no longer safe.Scott has our tortured, reluctant leader spend the first hundred pages hunting alone, struggling to deal with the choices facing her. Return with no honour to Mona or go east to the enslaved Eceni and the one-armed embittered Prasutagos. After facing multiple demons and spirits both without and within we end the first part of this latest novel with her in her own familial fellowship of her ex-lover Airmid her son and daughters, Cunomar, Graine and Cygfa and their protectors, Ardacos and Dubornos. With the ever faithful hound, Stone at her side she returns to the Eceni to take a position at Tagos' side as his queen, all the while tormented by images of her family enslaved and trying to establish a parental relationship with Cunomar and Graine. Meanwhile Valerius is living a quiet life as a blacksmith, an unwilling adopter of the boy Bellos and being constantly pushed by the Mona dreamer, Luain mac Calma, to take active part in Eceni life again..The action really starts around page 170 or so when the British client kings and families are summoned to the Roman governor for a lesson in subjugation. The resultant death of Eneit and then Tagos' death in an ambush of Philius hands control of the Eceni to Breaca. Both she and Cunomar begin their assembalge of a war host, whilst on Mona Valerius finds himself reborn as a dreamer to both Nemain and Mithras. Longinus Sapdze returns at the vanguard of the legions under the command of Suetonius Paulus to take the island and ends up in a trap sprung by Valerius, captured and on the end of a shifting allegiance. Our explosive climax ends with the historically infamous flogging of Breaca and rape of Graine and Cygfa before Valerius and Corvus rescue them setting in motion the events that will lead to the most famous insurrection in British history.I criticised Manda Scott's opener of this series as a somewhat directionless fantasy. However, the massive improvement that commenced with her sequel is surpassed in this stunning third. Here, for the first time, Scott was going to be measured against historical fact and has not been found wanting. Emotive characterisation, a solid merging of ancient Celtic culture and mythology with Roman modernisation, gripping plots, effusively described battle scenes and rending portraits of personal and familial pain make this everything Conn Iggulden is not.If, like me, you weren't overly captured by the first novel, stay with it because this author does deliver in a big way in this novel and for one, this reader, awaits the fourth installment as soon as Scott can pen it. | 45 stars
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I read a review from someone who obviously loves "A Christmas Carol" as much as I do. I have never listened to the unabridged version and I love it. It will be on my "must listen to" list every Christmas. Tom Baker does a fine narration of this classic. If you like the story, you'll love this audio version. | 45 stars
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I've long been a fan of Stephen McCauley's. No one writes about relationships and about the sometimes sadness that simmers under the hilarity the way he does. And, of course, there isn't a wittier or smarter writer on the planet. Alternatives to Sex is just brilliant. 9/11 informs the story of obsessive real estate agent William who falls for Edward, a flight attendant, who of course, is more than a bit skittish about flying. A terrific novel about reinvention and the possibilities of giving in to another human heart, and it's flat out wonderful. | 45 stars
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I received the book in good timimg. It is very interesting so far. I am learning a lot of information that I did not know before. I will leave more feed back when I finish the book. | 34 stars
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I know it seems like a lot to spend, but it is worth it! I am a new mom, and these days I seem to only have one hand! I can hold my baby and read to her while effortlessly flipping through the pages.Just this morning, I was singing to her and forgot the lyrics to a song. I picked up my kindle and googled the lyrics, just like that!My husband is a doctor, and when he saw my kindle he decided to buy his own so that he could buy large textbooks electronically and study at night without having to drag around a 20 lb book. He also reads while listening to the text-to-speech function because it helps the information to sink in and also keeps him on track when the material gets boring.You will not regret this purchase. | 45 stars
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This e published version of "A Christmas Carol" is beautifully illustrated and an absolute joy to read. This is the first time I read this book. I expected a revision of Hollywood's version of this story. Obviously, no movie can do justice to any book or novel; this book is no exception. What is excellent about this version is that it gives a brief history of the historical background that Dickens' wrote his work in and the history of this timeless classic. There may be a minor ( and I mean minor issue) on two of the illustrations: Bob Cratchit carrying Tiny Tim on his shoulders and Scrooge raising his salary. The Kindle Fire version of all the illustrations are recreated perfectly. They are partially duplicated on the top third portion and look like the top third of the illustration is above the the whole of the image in the Kindle 3G Keyboard version. I think that the publisher should look into this. This is no reason to avoid purchasing this version. Again, this version is excellent! | 45 stars
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