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Mr Stanek wrote the glowing reviews and, I would say,rubbished similar books Amazon offer. Don't waste your money. | 0negative
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ok
This book was sort of a let-down after the first book. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great book, i just expected more after reading the first spectacular book in the series. This book has all the same great characters that were in the first one, with a few new ones to add to the mix. It's interesting, with a couple little twists that make it all the better to read. I definetely recommend you read this one if you have started the series. If you haven't started the series, then i suggest you start with the first book. You can still follow this book, even if you haven't read the first one, but it'd be better if you read the whole series from start to finish. The Remember Me books are awesome, and i recommend everyone to buy all 3 installments. I personally like the 1st one best, but if you buy all 3 books you won't be disappointed. | 1positive
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Did the author ever go to PR?
This book is unbelievably useless. The descriptions are vague or plain wrong, beaches described as great for snorkeling are shallow, murky, full of sea weed and almost fish-free, whereas quaint fishing villages are hideously cramped tourist traps. Restaurants with bad, expensive food are considered good value and derelict hotels are deemed luxurious and comfortable. One of the weirdest descriptions is that of the Blue Marlin Bar and Restaurant in Guanica ,which serves nasty, greasy snacks and remarkably tasteless fish, while facing a bay marred by an ugly and gigantic industrial structure : "excellent local meals", "overlooking the pretty bay", "tasty snacks", etc. But the most surreal is the one of the pool at the Casa Islena Inn, a very nice hotel in Rincon, as "Olympic-size". The pool is very pretty and has a gorgeous view, but it is much smaller than an Olympic pool or even the one at my home in the US. Check this photo of it:[...]Based on these and other glaring errors, I can only conclude that Mr. Marino has never been to most places listed in the book. Or to Puerto Rico. This book is a rip-off. Shame on Frommer's. | 0negative
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Answer to my Prayers!
I had searching for a study Bible that would help me put scripture into it's historical an religious context, while also helping to explain passages of scripture which were a bit more difficult to comprehend. This Bible does that. The copious study notes help to clarify a particular passage allowing the reader to obtain deeper meaning. It is this fact which has made me more excited about Bible study as I truly feel I'm learning ten times as much as I ever have. If you're "seeking", I truly suggest this as a primary resource! | 1positive
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Life among beautiful cannibals
Although Typee is based on his own experiences in the South Pacific, Melville's popular work is wonderful adventure fiction. Disillusioned with months at sea on a whaling boat Tommo/Melville jumps ship with his friend Toby on the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas archipelago of what is modern day French Polynesia. They are quickly captured by the Typee tribe who carry a murderous and cannibalistic reputation but are surprised to find that they are treated with respect and hospitality by their captors. However, it is soon apparent that the Typee, for reasons that are not clear, have no intention of letting them go for they are shadowed everywhere and under constant surveillance by groups of villagers. Toby makes an early escape with the intention of summoning help for Tommo who is being nursed for a serious leg wound by the fair-skinned beauty, Fayaway. When his friend fails to return Tommo reluctantly acquiesces to his situation. His subsequent anthropological observations are not dry text but a humorous and fascinating glimpse into an inscrutable world where the jollity, sensuality and general indolence of the villagers are lights year away from the puritanical and Protestant New England of Tommo's/Melville's own background. Some of the customs and practices have survived to this day and the words are still in use (recognisable despite Melville's esoteric spelling) as Marquesan is spoken in preference to French throughout the islands. (Some years later the people of Nuku Hiva were to be converted to Catholicism and it must have come as a shock to them to discover that they had been praying to the wrong idols for the previous two millennia.) Although the attitudes of the day were apparent in places - `Kory-Kory, though the most devoted and best-natured serving-man in the world, was alas! a hideous object to look upon' - Melville compares the natural beauty of the many of the Typee, both men and women, most favourably with the over-preened, coiffured dilettantes of the `civilised' world. With the sumptuous Fayaway and devoted Kory-Kory, he passes the days in sloth, lying around, eating, and swimming. He is effectively in a `golden jail'. As months pass, though, he becomes gloomy at his isolation and inability to meaningfully converse with the villagers and, when he makes a gruesome discovery, he develops a dreadful foreboding as to the possible outcome for his captivity. The novel closes with tension and drama.Today, the village of Taipivai (River Taipi) is as tranquil a place as one could imagine, with the villagers enjoying a pace of life barely changed since Melville's time 170 years ago. Highly recommended to all who enjoy old-fashioned adventure and those who are interested in the history and culture of Pacific island communities. A second book, the less well-known Omoo, continues the author's South Seas escapades. | 1positive
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Hi, I'm James!
"He came nearer and heard a crunching of gilded oats, the gently champing teeth. Their full buck eyes regarded him as he went by, amid the sweet oaten reek of horse-piss. Their Eldorado. Poor jugginses! Damn all they know or care about anything with their long noses stuck in nosebags. Too full for words. Still they get their feed all right and their doss. Gelded too:a stump of black guttapercha wagging limp between their haunches. Might be happy all the same that way. Good poor brutes they look. Still their neigh can be very irritating."Deadly! | 1positive
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To read, or not to read. There is no question.
I absolutely love Shakespeare and Hamlet is my favorite Shakespearian play thus far. Besides Shakespeare's usual flare for the English language, Hamlet's quick wit, philosophical and artful masterpieces of soliloque, and a wonderfully tragic plot make Hamlet an engaging read (or viewing, I've done both). The characters arouse all the sympathy, hatred, and love they were intended to. I read this play in a matter of days because I couldn't put it down. If you don't have time to read this play, or comprehending the language is a trial PLEASE see it somewhere. Watching the actors and listening to their voice inflections will help a lot, I promise. | 1positive
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28 day yoga plan
I purchased this book for my daughter , she said she is enjoying it so far .. was recommended to her by a relative :) | 1positive
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A great read by a superstar in the romance genre
Madison Adair is almost thirteen years old when she hears a strangeevil voice talking to her mother, the famous actress, Lainie Adair.Somehow Madison is able to "see" what her mother sees. Right now she"sees" a butchers knife being used on her mother. When the police finallyarrive, Madison is unable to identify the killer....... Twelve years later, Madison is divorced and raising her daughter Carrieby herself. The visions of the man with the knife have returned just asthe city of Miami is being stalked by a serial killer. The FBI send agentKyle Montgomery, Madison's step-brother to protect her. However, he hashis own problems including his very real attraction to Madison. Madisonbegins to realize that the Miami murders are linked to her own mother'sviolent death. Though she may be able to feel the killer, he apparentlywatches her every move. Even kyle may not be enough to keep her safe froma maniac, who seems to know plenty about Madison and Carrie....... IF LOOKS COULD KILL is a fast paced romantic suspense novel that willkeep readers enthralled from the first to the last page. Maggie is adauntless woman and her soul mate Kyle would gladly enter the bowels ofhell (which he does) for her. The story line is chilling, especially whenthe identity of the killer becomes known. With her latest novel, HeatherGraham Pozzessere demonstrates why she is recognized as one of the literarygiants of the romantic intrigue sub-genre.......Harriet Klausner | 1positive
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Save your Money
I thot the original Venus & Mars book insightful, but I think Gray is riding his own wave with this one. It's a -lot- of padding around a very few (and retreaded) ideas. Nutshell: (1) After a divorce/wife's death, men remarry too quickly, usually within 6-12 months. Mistake. (2) Especially after a divorce, women tend to shy away from relationships, perhaps for years. Unfortunate. (3) This is the nugget I took away from this book (which is why you should save your money!): **Don't get into a relationship until you don't need one.** If you haven't read the original book, get that one, but don't bother with this one. | 0negative
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Terrible Existentalistic Trash! Ugh,worst book EVER.
Camus'little novel about a nihilistic nobody who sheds no tears over the death of his haggy old mother, does boring things and commits a murder. That's the plot. Gee, I hated this book. Hated it. The main character's behaviour and atheistic beliefs slightly offended me. Don't waste your time on this. Read Ionesco's 'Four Plays' instead. Then again, I might be wrong. After all, a critic's review is based solely upon his or hers personal opinion. It could be a wonderful novel, but not bloody likely. All I know is that at the end I was glad to see the malicous little bugger executed. | 0negative
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Scary but not realistic
If you're one of those people who gripe about how bad today's world is - read this book! It illustrates a society in which women are nothing but breeding machines. The government controls everything. Real love is unwanted. It is shocking to see how close many muslim countries are to this scenario. However, this would never happen in the U.S.A.. Why? Because personal freedom is a fundamental right every American believes in. We wouldn't let it get this far. | 0negative
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Wish You Well
It must be me. I love David Baldacci's books, but this is about the worst that he has written. | 0negative
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Excellent Companion for the Daily Communicant, but wanting nonetheless
In general, a much-needed volume to those Novus Ordo attendees who crave an all-too-often elusive stability in today's liturgy.I lament, too, with another reviewer, the exclusion of the Latin prefaces from the 6th Edition. In addition, those following the parallel Latin text may, like me, often be disheartened by the glaring infidelity of the English translation; e.g., the attenuation/truncation of the Gloria, "credo" being patently mistranslated as "We believe," the "Orate fratres" blurring the distinction between the sacrifice of the ordinary priesthood and the common priesthood, the "Domine, non sum dignus" being gutted of its biblical and theological richness, to name only a few. The antiphon for the Psalm and/or the Alleluia acclamation are more painfully sore spots in the English translation, or gross lack thereof.One can also keep tabs of how improvisational many priests have made the Liturgical prayers, and much of the Liturgical rite itself, due to the vernacular having uniformly supplanted the Latin; a practice which, by the way, has absolutely no substantial ground in the documents of Vatican II.So, this Missal can be both bane and blessing, depending upon who is attending to it at the time, and depending upon how far flung is the local church's practice of the Liturgical Rites from their sacrificial and uniquely Roman Catholic core.The cruel severity of liturgical and doctrinal abuses in my home diocese (of Albany, NY) is such that I travel into the adjoining (Syracuse) diocese and attend the Tridentine Rite Latin Mass, and use the 1962 Roman Missal. In short, this post-Vatican II convert is truly at home in the "old" Latin Rite. And I fervently pray that the Church never, ever loses this priceless Liturgical Treasure! | 1positive
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There are better books out there
I chose not to use this in our study of Greece. It had a very cluttered feel to it - you had the story and illustrations to go with it, and then pictures of actual items from ancient Greece around the borders. Visually very distracting.The story of the Trojan war is not pretty. This version has Hercules dragging Hector's body behind his chariot in a very off-hand, non-emotional kind of way. I felt like this wasn't appropriate for my 7-year-olds and especially not with a "oh well, things happen" kind of attitude. There was no real 'feeling' in this book and I think the story needs it to work.I used Trojan Horse by Emily Little this year. It's a brief overview without getting too in-depth or too gruesome. I'll use Rosemary Sutcliff's Black Ships Before Troy and The Wanderings of Odysseus the next time around when they're older and can handle the blood and guts and discuss the morality of the choices made with more clarity. | 0negative
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One of my favorites
All four of these books are great. And believe it or not, The Hobbit was originally written to be a children's book. And if these books interest you, you may also want to check out the Silmarillion, which is the story of the elves. It takes place before The Hobbit. It's basically a history of Middle Earth starting from actually before elves appeared.And if you liked the movies, you'll love the books! | 1positive
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table of contents poor
Table of contents is just a list of the paper numbers, no titles. Nor can you actually get to the TOC other than "go to beginning". | 0negative
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I planned to like it
This probably isn't a fair review since i didn't finish the book. It just didn't resonate with me. I found the main characters a bit silly and light weight, the dialogue stilted, and the premise too far fetched even for fiction. Sorry, since I really wanted to like it. | 0negative
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Allergies? This book can help
In reading this book, I learned some things I hadn't known before. For instance, I didn't know a food could affect another food's digestion process.There are charts provided in the book, which the author has graciously allowed to be copied. These combined with the information in the appendices help to plan menus. Chapter summaries provide a quick reference, too.Along with personal experience, the author has obviously done her homework, though I would like to have references more directly connected with the text(footnotes, perhaps?).If you have suffered from food allergies this book's simple, concise read could really help. | 1positive
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what the hell
are reviews for the great and wonderful novel by Dumas doing here under ths comic book? Shame on you Amazon for this ridiculous connection and false advertising. To quote John, Give Me a Break! | 0negative
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Alex Gets Dumped Again
CROSS is the latest in James Patterson's series revolving around my favorite character of Alex Cross. The deviation from the nursery rhyme titles is not Patterson's only deviation - he also deviates from the normal writing style that we've come to enjoy from this series.We've seen Alex Cross go from being a Washington DC homicide detective, to an FBI agent and wonder if he's meant to continue in police work. In this recent tale, he calls it quits from the FBI when he's called away from his family on a Saturday that is supposed to be his day off. He's involved in a hostage situation which the reader never fully understands. Why? Why did Alex have to be involved? The only reason I could see was to make this a catalyst to end his short but illustrious FBI career.Alex then sets up his own psychology practice and decides to "consult" with law enforcement. Seems he's only hung out his shingle for a week before he's called back into the mix of police work.His old buddy Sampson and he are on the trail of a hit man known as The Butcher, AKA Michael Sullivan. Seems his trademark is taking a bow when he makes a hit as if playing for an audience. Through interesting police work, Sullivan is linked to a series of rapes committed at the same times as the murders. Cross also has reason to believe that Sullivan is the villain who murdered his wife, Maria ten years ago. Wow, what a coincidence!The character development was excellent with the main characters but the writer left sub-characters a bit lacking. The reader was given an inside view as to what makes Michael Sullivan tick. We were reintroduced to Alex and his family, and we remembered all the things we loved about them. We were only given glimpses into Caitlin Sullivan, Kayla Coles and a few others and there was no meat into their background. It left me wondering a bit.As for the storyline, the main plot was interesting but did not leave the reader wondering as Patterson's other books have in the past. The subplot of Maria's killer was confusing at best. We were finally told the details of her murder but the reason behind it was murky. And what is up with Alex's love life? I swear this man has the worst luck with women - as soon as he starts to fall in love with one, he gets dumped. He has an incredibly romantic time or two and then that's it and the women are moving on. Wow, Alex, if it was once or twice I could understand, but how many women is this now? What in the world are you doing wrong?Overall CROSS was enjoyable and kept me turning pages quickly. It's not as great as some of the past books, but it's definitely a must read in the continuing saga of Alex Cross. | 1positive
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Timeless
I have to agree with Mr Vogt (2/15). The negative reviews make me question the quality of the books that people read these days. The lyrical quality and economy of the writing are enough to make The Great Gatsby worth reading. And Fitzgerald's commentary on the "American dream" through the ironies of Gatsby's journey and ultimate fate really resonated with me. And the last two paragraphs....wow! | 1positive
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Not far so lovable as the Disney-Movie
What a boring book. First I saw the Disney-Movie from 1951... those lovable figures, like the brave Alice, the crazy Chesire Cat, the big red Queen and her tiny little king, the wild expressive story. Great. Then the remake or second part of the story with the extraordinary Jonny Depp. But nothing of these great pieces you can find in this book.The only good thing in this book is the crazy story, about a girl in her wonderland with the insane inhabitants.It was a dull writing. Sentences like "He said... Then she said... Then he said..." will make you lazy. There is no heart in the story... just a pure and clean describing of the chapters of this story. But what makes a book a good book? It's the describtion of all the surroundings, like how the weather was, what temper the figures have, all the nonrelevant things you want to know. You can't find them in this book. My recommandation: Take another book. | 0negative
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Hemingway
This is the book that got me hooked on Hemingway! Truly a great work. | 1positive
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horrible, sickening....
If you love your child please dont buy this book. I literally feel sick to my stomach. This isnt pArenting advice...this is child abuse. Period. DONT BUY THIS BOOK!!!! | 0negative
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STEAMING HOT
First book in this series. Diamond a classes, successful woman in the streets but a super freak in the sheets. Her soul mate, Wellington, a successful business owner is equally yoked. But what happens when you got a mother who wants her son to be with a long time family friend. Melanie will do anything it takes to have Wellington for herself, even having a threesome with the the two them. Something that send their relationship on a downward spiral to destruction.The characters were a bunch of screw ups. But i really enjoyed reading this 6 book series(soulmate dissipate) with its 4 book spin off( Sweeter Than Honey series). | 1positive
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Fun Chemistry
I really enjoyed Eleanor and Ned's playful chemistry. Good read if you're in the mood for fun twists, lively characters, and fun banter. | 1positive
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Great book for Preteens!
I bought this for my daughter because I read it when I was her age and loved it. I thought she would too and she does. The minute I gave it to her she started reading it immediately and didn't put it down. Great little book! | 1positive
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A Very Good Book
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING is a quick and relatively simple read. Although there are some sleazy sexual come-ons by the rich patron and other scenes, the sexual content is fairly mild and it would be appropriate for a teenager, certainly one Griet's age. I think fans of historical fiction would enjoy it too, if for no other reason than Chevalier's concept of the story behind the painting certainly seems probable. It's a wonderful book I know I'll read, again. Buy it! Also recommended: THE LOSERS' CLUB by Richard Perez | 1positive
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Fantastic Page Turner
This was absolutely fantastic! Took it on vacation and what a great read! A real page turner full of surprises! | 1positive
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Philosophy
Not what I was looking for but others may like it. Just so you know, this book is a philosophical approach to music. It is NOT a book to help you with any technique oriented skills. A good book for that would be the idiots guide to solos and improvisation.As this book starts out with a story about a guy and his teacher, who doesn't attempt to teach him anything because it's one of those things that can't be taught - yes it's zen stuff, so there's no "doer" just the doing, that has to happen all on it's own - the book then goes on to mainly explain why art can't be learned from anyone else, or by trying, or by any method. About all you can do is try to get out of the way, so to speak, and let the cosmic forces do their thing through you.Now, don't anyone get the old panties in a wad for what I'm about to say next. If you like this kind of thing, fine. But this is MY review, NOT YOURS. To me this is comparable [really more like identical] to me putting out a shingle for guitar lessons, then when you show up, pay your tuition, and look at me like I'm going to show you something, I say "music cannot be taught, grasshopper. It is not us who plays music, but music plays us. I have nothing to tell you. Trying to explain would only confuse you, and set you on a long path of ego and disillusionment. Go now, grasshopper. Go, and come back one day when you have matured, and you no longer seek. Then, and only then, will you be worthy to experience the guitar as pure consciousness. And it will play through your fingers the music of heaven. Now my dear grasshopper,I must go to the bank to deposit your check. It is an honor for you to have crossed paths with me today." | 0negative
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VERY Slow - Worst of the 1st 4 in the April Woo series
You know a mystery isn't very riveting when it takes 9 wks. to read it! I only stuck with it because I loved the 1st 2 April Woo books & wanted to see what would happen with the personal lives of the 3 main characters: Det. April Woo, Det. Sgt. Mike Sanchez (her potential love interest), & psychiarist Jason Frank, M.D. who is very likeable (& generally intriguing but not in this installment) but has a troubled marriage.I kept hitting boring spots and then wouldn't read it for a week. Then I'd have to skim the last couple chapters I'd read because I'd forgettten what happened in just 1 week's time because it wasn't very memorable.The first 2 books in the April Woo series I just flew through. I gave them 4-5 stars each. This one gets bogged down by a lack of action. New developments are too slowly revealed to hold the reader's attention. Also, unlike the 1st 2 books, the writing style is clunky. I would re-read sentences because there was more than one way to interpret them and even with re-reading them I still was unsure what Glass meant. I don't normally have this problem -- I have a Bachelor's Degree from a good university with a minor in English. | 0negative
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The Best Book I Have Ever Read!!
I recommend the book Murder on the Orient Express because it has to be the best book I have ever read! I especially like how Agatha Christie creates such a realistic conflict in her stories, that gets you hooked to the book. For example, I think it is intriguing how she came up with the snowstorm to add to the suspense. Christie uses irony in her novels, which makes her novels even more interesting, such as how she gave so many possibilities for the solution, yet the right solution is the easy, unexpected one. Agatha Christie is a very talented author. this book was so good, even though I don't spend much time reading, I am going to start to read some of the other books in the series! I encourage you to read this book. I promise it will not be a waste of your time!!! | 1positive
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Satirizing the selfishness of the wealthy
Tales Of The Jazz Age is an anthology of classic short stories by the renowned 20th Century American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, who is best known for his enduring classic "The Great Gatsby". Satirizing the selfishness of the wealthy, depicting revelry that escalates into a destructive mob, while offering a sharp look at the flaws of society, and enhanced with introductions to each story by the author, Tales Of The Jazz Age is highly recommended, and this Pine Street Books edition would make a perfect choice for school and community libraries needing to replace worn copies of previous editions. | 1positive
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Not a good book for high school student
High-School is not like how Robert Cormier depicts it in his book the Chocolate War. Many people belive that it is a perfect example of how cliquish people can be in highschools. Well let me tell you something, highschool is not anything like that. Highschool does not consist of groups like the Vigils, and in no way does it exist of all students against one over one stupid sale of chocolates. Students are to diverse and they have opinions of their own. Robert Cormier, makes it seem like high school is disrupted entirely by one small student, while all the rest go with the flow. Well, reality check Mr. Cormier maybe you should spend a week in a high school to see how wrong you really were. | 0negative
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Snore!
I bought this book in the wake of the hype over The Phantom Menace, and the thought of seeing a new adventure of Anakin amd Obi-Wan in between movies seemed appealing. Unfortunately, Greg Bear lived up to HIS hype as "The greatest living writer of hard science-fiction"....epmhasis on HARD. Unlike the excellent Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, by Michael Reaves, Bear emphasizes ridiculous tech (Wooden spaceships?) over characterization, and the characters all blur together into one nondescript bore, and the plot is just non-Star Wars-like; it seemed more like a Star Trek story. I really had to struggle to get through the book, and even though there IS an interesting development with Anakin, it really isn't enough to get me to recommend this clunker. I also didn't appreciate the way Bear wasted huge chunks of the book on the story of missing Jedi Vergere and her confrontation with "The Far Outsiders", a plot that goes nowhere, and is apparently a set-up for the New Jedi Order books. In the context of Rogue Planet, it's just sloppy and pointless. | 0negative
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Book not as described
This is just to alert someone in Amazon that the book that came wasn't the book I ordered. I ordered the Penguin Classics edition, which was described as having 304 pages and included the two novellas besides the excellent "Cranford." The picture on the book that came is the same as the one pictured on the website, but the book I received only has 257 pages and doesn't have the two novellas, which is why I wished to have this edition.Now I notice that the great reviews of this book are from some other edition -- strange and misleading. How can be sure to get the right one? | 0negative
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Pure literary sugar, even by spy fiction standards
Investment Banker with a conscience, Ben Hartman, and special agent Anna Navaro's plot lines and bodies soon become intertwined in their quest for the secrets of Sigma, an elite cabal with roots in Nazi Germany that is bent on world domination. What starts out as reasonable and entrancing enough genre pulp becomes sheer Bond by the end, but there's no denying Ludlum has a gift for keeping the heat turned up from page to page.If you are new to espionage fiction and have even slightly literary sensibilities, run don't walk to writers like Alan Furst, Graham Greene, or even John Le Carré. But if strong characters aren't a necessity, you are able to suspend your disbelief, and you are lusting for pure literary sugar, you probably won't be disappointed.Ludlum is a great author for those who typically spend hours in front of the television and tremble in anticipation at the release of the next Hollywood blockbuster, because he provides essentially the same experience in written form. He is a master of the wildly oscillating plot line, but barely approaches apprentice status in any other literary area. I found myself cringing in embarrassment for the author at many points, but to his credit I was compelled to continue turning the pages until I had reached the end. It's like candy, you can't stop eating it but feel ill once it's gone.If you are a die hard Ludlumite I admit this is my first foray. Please point me to a better example of his work if one exists, otherwise I'll invest my time elsewhere and catch up on Mr. Ludlum by proxy when the next "Bourne" film comes out. | 0negative
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Must read
This book should be read and on everyones bookshelf worldwide.90 percent of the people need this, and the ones that really dont, do read this.This is the most important book on living with the right attitude.Buy this book right away and read it regulary and live it and the world is yours. | 1positive
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Buyer Beware
I read the entire book - I think that it may work for some people & that is great but there are soooo many flaws with this book. It is NOT suited for every baby & every baby is NOT the same. That being said, I personally had a horrible experience with this book - my little girl was three weeks early & needs to be soothed by her parents - she is not able to sooth herself. I tried the techniques in this book for two day & my baby would just cry & never stop. This is not right - there was nothing wrong except the need to be soothed!!! You CAN NOT spoil a new born baby & you try keeping a three or four week old baby awake after feeding for this "awake time" it is absolutely impossible. My baby is generally a really happy baby & after two days of this I thought someone had switch babies on me - she was miserable & I was exhausted because I had no sleep & was sooo upset from hearing my baby cry & know that all I had to do was hold her to calm her. There are much better ways to have a happy baby that sleeps through the night - one that I recommend is to check out the DVD or book "Happiest Baby on the Block" - it was a life saver for me & made much more sense than this book!!!!! | 0negative
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Cornwall, NY
I am a sixth grader. I really liked the book, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. In the begining of the story, Ella Frell was born with a "gift" by a fairy named Lucinda. She always has to obey someone else's orders. When Ella got a little bit older, her mother died.After her mother's funeral, Ella decided to go see where her mom got burried. Then she meets Prince Char. He told her how her mom had alway s made him laugh. They were talking for a very long time. Until her father noticed them. When they get home, her father orders her to go upstairs and change. When she got down stairs, alot of people came up to her and said sorry about her mom. Then her dad came up to her with a lady. He told Ella that she was her new step mom. Her name was Dame Olga. She had two girls with her. Those were here new step sisters. One was named Hattie, and the other one was Olive.After everyone left, Ella's father forced he to finished school. He didin't want his daughter to grow up being a clumsy cook's helper. Before Ella went to school, her fairy god mother, Mandy,gives her a magical fairy book that can show her children's stories, journal entries, maps and, most precious to Ella, letters from friends and family. Mandy also gives Ella her mother's necklace.The day that Ella was sent to finish school, she goes no a field trip with Prince Char to see her favorite places. Through out the rest of the book, Ella comes across many strange creatures. Will Ella ever break her spell? Well, you have to read the book! :}By: Nikki L. | 1positive
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Really???
Wow. I cannot believe the reviews I have read that praise this book. All I have to say is: if you want to read a real western then read A.B. Guthrie's Big Sky. This is movie make-believe stuff. American iconic, mythologizing nonsense. I watched an interview with McMurtry where he was saying that this novel was based on a film script he had written with Peter Bogdanovich for John Wayne, Jimmie Stewart and Henry Fonda. That made it all make sense. This is not based on an authentic, historical view of the west, but a Hollywood view of the west. The only research for the novel McMurtry seemed to have done was watch movies. After the Bush presidency, we can see the damage this sort of Texas chauvinism has done to the world. Enough. Read a real western that actually attempts a realistic portrait of western expansionism. I'm not one of these people who bleed for the American native or talk about genocide. I understand the complexity of the issues. But this stuff plays like a super-hero movie. And he won a pulitzer???? How? Man, people should wake up and read things that attempt to be honest and true. Not filtered through Hollywood romance simplicity. | 0negative
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So far, so... poor!
I bought this book at lunch time yesterday, anxious to see what Clancy has been up to since the release of Rainbow Six. Naturally I don't know what he has been up to, but it hasn't been paying attention to deatil. Pardon me for nitpicking, but I feel that I must.In the first chapter, Clancy refers to a character as a National Intelligence Officer. In beltwayspeak, this person would be referred to as a NIO (rhymes with Geo). A NIO is an intelligence officer that gathers collected intelligence data and prepares, then delivers daily intelligence summaries for The President. He goes on to describe this NIO as being at CIA HQ in Langley, Virginia, preparing a briefing, then DRIVING (during the DC rush hour!) to the White House and going to his office. On the next page, this NIO is revealed to be the National Security Advisor. Again, this may be overly picky, but please! The National Security Advisor to the President of The United States doesn't drive to CIA HQ, then drive to the White House. Further, the National Security Advisor doesn't normally present the daily intelligence summaryFor someone as clued in as Clancy was always purported to be, this seems quite shoddy. One wonders if all of his good ideas went out the window when Larry Bond went off to write on his own.I'll have more when I am finished | 0negative
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OVERRATED DUD
Like many people, I read this piece of crap in junior high school. Yet unlike many people, I read this out of free will. I was actually interested in it. I think it was three months later (Yes, it is that slow) when I finally finished it, very dissappointed, angry, and praising English Literature, while denouncing American Literature (Except Trancendentalists, Lost and Beat Generation)IF YOU WANT TO READ A CLASSIC, PASS THIS ONE BY AND READ CHARLES DICKENS, GEOFFREY CHAUCER, THOMAS HARDY, THE GREAT JONATHAN SWIFT OR ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON!ANYTHING BUT THIS OVERRATED PIECE OF CRAP!THE ONLY REASON THIS IS STILL FORCED UPON PEOPLE ONLY TO BE DISSAPPOINTED, IS BECAUSE OF THE SUCCESS OF THE 1962 FILM ADAPTATION. | 0negative
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Selected stories to support a political position.
If you're female and looking for scapegoats to blame for any educational difficulties you may have had growing up, this is the book for you.However, if you are sincerely looking for ways to help your daughters or students avoid the kind of angst you went through in junior high school and high school (as we all did), then you will find your time better spent elsewhere.This is a political book, not a report of objective research. | 0negative
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I love Biscuit!!
I'm way too old for this book, but I worship it. I think Biscuit is adorable--I love dogs--and "Biscuit Finds a Friend" is just as cute. Buy this book! | 1positive
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Exactly what I needed
This is exactly what I needed and it shipped in a timely manner. | 1positive
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Nancy Rocks
I have read 3 Nancy Drew books every one of them was awesome I plan to read them all. I love the Nancy Drew books they are so cool I hope to buy some of them. My mom read every Nancy Drew book when she was my age, she used to own all of them too. She was the one who inspired me to read them. | 1positive
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A very emotional book
I enjoyed this book and i think that most people would enjoy reading about the hardships, struggles, hopes and dreams of two men during the great depression. After reading this book I felt a greater appreciation for the people who lived during this time. The book was very inspirational tome. I loved how the book made you connect with the two characters, George and Lennie, and thier hopes for the future. This book was short in text but huhe in emotions and feelings of all the charchters. Although some times I will admit that the book exaggerated the sensitivity of the character Lennie the book was still good in the fact the plot made sense with a cast of realistic characters. The ending of the book is a real life ending that wasn't far fetched. They made the events believable which causedmany emotions to stir inside you anger, fear, suspense, sorrow, and happines just to name a few. You really connect with the book. That's why I highly recommend this book. | 1positive
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Great for those who feel "lost"
I had to read "The Sun Also Rises" for school. As a sixteen-year-old, I could very well say how much I thought the story [was bad] but in all honest, I really enjoyed this book. I was about the "Lost Generation" feeling out of place after World War I. Trying to go on with there lives in a war that changed their lives forever. They are looking for meaning for life and truth and freedom.I think the thing that made me so intrigued in this book is that ii was a real story. About real people. And there real problems. Real people, trying to grab a hold onto thier lives. Trying to find where they belong. With there same old boring problems and their same old mixed up lives.This book, in a way, speaks to me. | 1positive
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Found this book very helpful!
I found this book to be a great help. I used it as a study guide with the text book and had no trouble with the test. I do agree with the reviewer above as to say there is a lot of medical terminology on the test and I had known that going in. This book helped me in a lot of other areas. | 1positive
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Sweet Valley Reader
I started reading this series when I was 15. I'm now much older than that and I still sometimes still pick one up and re-read it. Ever notice that when the twins are being described they have shoulder length sun streaked blond hair, eyes color of the Pacific Ocean, and always wear identical golden laveliers that they got on their 16th birth day.I also read the series when they were in 7th/8th grade, and in college, and when Elizabeth went to England. Sort of glad the series is done, but sort of not. | 1positive
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The most fascinating story about the Maccabees
The Maccabees were a priestly family from the village of Modyin in the vicinity of Jerusalem, who led a 30-years rebellion war in the 2nd. century BC, against the Greek King Antiochus who wanted to impose pagans religious practices on the jews. The name Maccabee was a title of honour given to Judas, one of the 5 sons of Mattathias, the hero of the Jewish wars of independence (168-164 BC). Later, the name Maccabees was given to his whole family, specially to Mattathias, the old father, as well as to Judas brothers: John, Simon, Eleazar and Jonathan. The meaning of the word Maccabee in Hebrew, may be: 1) Hammer; 2) Hammerer or 3) Extinguisher. By defeating the greeks, they began to sanctify once again, the Great Temple of Jerusalem. They used a small candle that, astonishingly, burned for 8 days. This is why, every year, jews all over the world commemorate the holydays of Hanuka with the Hanukia - an 8 candle-sticks candelabrum. The story of the Maccabees and the Maccabeean wars, was written by Howard Fast as if it was Simon's own Diary. Later, Simon, one of the Maccabees, turned to be a judge and a high priest in the Great Temple of Jerusalem. He was assassinated in 134 BC. The rebellion was described in this book in its most human and philosophical aspects. The standing of the few against the many. The love of the jewish people for its sacred land and religious practices. Their loyalty to the Word of God. Their might and heroism for principles they believed most, like freedom. The reader will have the impression that Howard Fast really lived in the same epoch. Many of the moral lessons of this epoch are very actual, nowadays. | 1positive
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Ugh
Awkward, ill-written, poorly plotted. Gratuitous early adolescent (American) sex. Cliche characters, wooden dialogue, dumb plot. Give this one a pass or you will regret wasting your money on it; I do. | 0negative
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bloated entertainment for flatulence lovers . . .
I tried. I did. I read 150 pages of this book before growing bored and vaguely repulsed. If you enjoy numerous bloated, over-inflated descriptions of bodily functions (stinky burps and farts), you'll love this book. The characters were dull and poorly defined (I kept mixing them up), the pace was glacial, and the plot dull. And I generally love Stephen King. I think he wrote this as therapy, as one of the characters was recovering from a near-fatal car accident. But it wasn't very entertaining. | 0negative
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Not what I expected
The book was not what I expected. I was looking for a reliable reference but I was unsure of the validity of some of the info from my perspective. Plus, I am unsure if it is founded on Christianity which is a must for me. | 0negative
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Excellent Sci-Fi with strong message
Brutality of Nuclear War comes to life in Alas, Babylon. It focuses on how the survivors deal with the devastation, and is closer to the truth than one might think. Brilliantly written, it's a book written well ahead of it's time. | 1positive
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important book that should be read by judges
Randy Barnett has written a fascinating and well-argued book. The book is composed of four parts: "Constitutional Legitimacy," "Constitutional Method," "Constitutional Limits," and "Constitutional Powers." The first part takes seriously Lysander Spooner's arguments in "No Treason: The Constitution of No Authority" that the Constitution is not and cannot be binding on people who did not explicitly consent to it- the "we the people" in the preamble is a fiction. Barnett argues for a view that a Constitution can be legitimate and binding in the absence of explicit consent only if it incorporates appropriate limitations on government to safeguard individual rights. This is the most philosophical section of the book, and I found it the weakest--while I think Barnett had good arguments against tacit or implied consent, I'm not sure his alternative really provides the legitimacy it purports to, nor am I particularly persuaded by his account of natural rights. (I am a strong proponent of individual rights, but I am unconvinced that they are grounded in nature, as opposed to being justified by a combination of empirical fact and subjective values.)In Part 2, "Constitutional Method," Barnett argues that the Constitution is properly interpreted by a form of originalism based on original meaning, as opposed to original intent. He argues persuasively that the arguments against originalism which target original intent do not work against original meaning. I found this part much more persuasive than Part 1, and I think he has formulated a consistent and rational methodology of Constitutional interpretation that takes seriously what is written in the text.Part 3, "Constitutional Limits," is where things start to get really interesting. Barnett examines the judicial history of the "necessary and proper" clause of Article I, Section 8, and argues that the Supreme Court made a wrong turn way back in 1819 in McCulloch v. Maryland by adopting an expansive interpretation of this clause where "necessary" meant "convenient" and "proper" was virtually ignored. He extensively reviews contemporary sources to argue for the meaning of this clause and that it requires judicial review of laws to make sure they are grounded in specific powers granted in the Constitution. Barnett begins this section with a quote from Justice Clarence Thomas in FCC v. Beach Communications, showing that Thomas has bought completely into the view that there is a "presumption of constitutionality" for acts of the legislature, whereas Barnett favorably cites Justice Stevens' response to Thomas that "judicial review under the 'conceivable set of facts' test is tantamount to no review at all."Barnett also argues that the "privileges and immunities" clause of the 14th Amendment was used incorrectly (too narrowly) in the 1873 Slaughter House cases, but the "due process" clause of the same Amendment was used correctly in Lochner v. New York in 1905. He argues that both federal and state legislatures which act to limit the liberties of the people need to show that it is within the enumerated powers of Congress or within the police powers of a state, respectively, and otherwise overturned by the courts.Finally in this section, Barnett turns to the meaning of the Ninth Amendment, which reserves unenumerated rights to the people, and takes issue with Footnote 4 of the 1938 case United States v. Carolene Products. The current methodology of the courts under Footnote 4, according to Barnett, is to begin with a presumption of constitutionality for acts of the legislature, unless there is a specific enumerated right in the Constitution that is violated, in which case the legislature must justify that violation. The requirement of a specific enumerated right was then expanded in Griswold v. Connecticut by allowing additional rights not specifically enumerated, but found in "emanations and penumbras" from the other rights. Barnett argues, by contrast, that the proper presumption is one of liberty, which can only be limited or regulated by justification from a specific power granted to Congress, or a police power granted to the states which does not eliminate any liberties or natural rights. (E.g., a regulation can restrict time/manner/place of speech, but not content; speech itself cannot be prohibited on the basis of content without improperly infringing the right.) Barnett gives an entire chapter on the presumption of liberty, and how to identify rights that have not specifically been enumerated.In Section 4, "Constitutional Powers," Barnett looks at the commerce clause of Article I, Section 8, and argues that the Supreme Court went wrong with Gibbons v. Ogden in 1824 by equating "commerce" with "intercourse" and allowing Congress to regulate that in every case where it merely affects more than one state. Barnett argues, again by citing a wide variety of contemporary sources, that "commerce" was distinguished from "manufactures" and "agriculture," and was synonymous with "trade." Thus, Congress has no legitimate power to legislate regarding manufacturing and agriculture, only regarding trade between states, with foreign nations, and with the Indian tribes.He also includes a chapter on the police powers of states and what they can constitutionally do on his account, and another on the application of his view to judicial doctrines and cases. He argues that this yields something which is rather libertarian, but not entirely so.Barnett puts forth a position which takes the language of the Constitution seriously, and which would require us to be explicit about making changes to it when we find that it has become out of date, rather than allowing a flexibility to the language to such an extent that the original wording no longer has any meaning at all. He spells out a view in which there is real content to judicial review, justified directly by the language of the Constitution, and in which the court has strong checks and balances against the legislature and the executive (and vice versa).This book deserves to be widely read and taken seriously by those in the judiciary. | 1positive
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Hester's Story
Hester Prynne is a young woman who has committed adultery. As punishment for what her Puritan religion considers being a crime, Hester is branded with the letter `A'. Hester must wear the letter, which has been beautifully embroidered in scarlet onto her gown, to remind her of the burdens she carries because of her sin; a second husband, Mr. Dimmesdale, a daughter, Pearl, and a town full of enemies who consider her irrational. The commotion that Hester's affair caused was not pleasant. Many shunned and abandoned poor Hester. She was left to fend for herself and newborn daughter with no help from her husband or anyone else. Even Mr. Dimmesdale, the local Puritan church leader who was involved in Hester's affair, turns against her by charging her of the crime! Dimmesdale tries his hardest to cover up his mistake but Hester endures more sorrow and feels even more damaged than him. Although Hester Prynne's decision to betray her husband and her religion may not have been a good one, Hawthorne proves that she is not the only one who deserves to be punished. He criticizes the Puritan ways and shows that sometimes punishment isn't necessary; when the person being punished has learned a lesson.Pearl is in a way punished as well, for something she does not know about. Although the young girl grows up happy and almost carefree, she really isn't. Her mother learns to love her even though she was born by a sin and eventually she meets her father who loves her as well.Even after Hester has showed her town she can raise a child "the Puritan way" without any trouble, it takes them awhile to realize that Hester really shouldn't have had to suffer so much pain and sorrow for something that was not any different from things they had done. Hawthorne's novel is stunningly well written and teaches a valuable lesson to the reader; be true to everyone, even yourself. "The Scarlet Letter" is a timely classic that should be remembered always and forever. The last sentence of Nathaniel Hawthorne's amazing novel sums up the entire book perfectly: "On a field sable, the letter `A' gules." This is a great book for anyone who loves suspense, drama, love, and authors who write with a passion that allows the reader to visualize what's happening and feel the heartache that Hester felt. | 1positive
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A mess!
I used a similar book 2 years ago and passed written exam with ease. Too bad I cannot find it because this book is a disaster. Lots of questions without explanations - like charts - answer key mistakes that conflict with their explanation, etc... The English expression section is not even in the same neighborhood as what the State Dept's own literature illustrates.There are other agency's in the government that have Foreign Service Officers, or their equivalent, with no test requirements, including Agriculture, USAID, Peace Corp, Commerce, etc... Also there are ways of converting from Civil Service to Foreign Service or coming on as a Specialist. These options are all worth looking into if this is where your interests are. | 0negative
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In a hole in the ground
"In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit." J.R.R. Tolkien first scribbed down the opening line of this book on an extra sheet of paper.And years before "Lord of the Rings" was seen by anyone outside Tolkien's circle, Middle Earth was first introduced to readers. "The Hobbit" is simpler and less epic than the trilogy that followed it, but Tolkien's brilliant writing, magical world and pleasantly stodgy hero bring a special life to this early fantasy classic.Bilbo Baggins lives a pleasantly stodgy and dull life, in a luxurious hobbit hole under a hill ("it was a hobbit hole, and that means comfort"). He's the picture of dull respectability.But his life is turned upside-down by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves, led by the exiled king-in-waiting Thorin Oakenshield. They want to reclaim the Lonely Mountain (and a lot of treasure) from the dragon Smaug. Why do they want Bilbo? Because Gandalf has told them that he'd make a good burglar, even though Bilbo has never burgled in his life.So before Bilbo is entirely sure what is going on, he is being swept off on a very unrespectable -- and dangerous -- adventure. The quirky little band ends up battling goblins and spiders, nearly getting eaten, and imprisoned by Elves, while Bilbo finds himself in possession of a magic Ring from the treacherous Gollum. But even with a magic Ring, can he defeat a monstrous dragon and win a war against multiple enemies?Tolkien had been crafting his mythos of Elves, Dwarves, Wizards and ancient Men for years before he ever came up with Bilbo's quest. But it's fortunately that he did, because while "The Hobbit" is overshadowed by the epic sweep of "Lord of the Rings" and the "Silmarillion," it's still an entertaining story that lays the groundwork for his more famous works -- especially the magical Ring that Bilbo finds in Gollum's cavern.Tolkien's writing is swift, light and full of songs and poetry-laden descriptions, such as interludes in the shimmering, ethereal Rivendell and the cold, terrible Lonely Mountain. The pace in this is much faster than in most of his other works -- not surprising, when you consider it was originally a bedtime story for his children.Most of the book's action is about Bilbo trying to keep himself and the dwarves from getting eaten, torn apart, or rotting in elf dungeons, but with some quiet interludes like a night at Beorn's mountain home. And the last chapters hint at the epic majesty that Tolkien was capable of, as well as the idea that even little people -- like a mild-mannered hobbit or a bird -- can change the world.This book also first came up with hobbits -- the peaceful fuzzy-footed countryfolk -- in the form of Bilbo Baggins. He's a likable little guy, if the last person you'd ever expect to be a hero -- initially he seems weak and kind of boring, but his hidden strengths and wits come up to the surface when he needs to. By the end, he's almost a different person.The dwarves are more comical, and the elves more whimsical in this book, but the supporting characters are still impressive -- the crotchety, mysterious wizard Gandalf, the dignified, flawed Dwarf king Thorin Oakenshield, and a Guardsman who becomes a king. Even minor characters like Beorn, Elrond and the menacing Smaug are given plenty of dimension.The 70th anniversary edition has some nice extras -- Tolkien's son Christopher wrote a new prologue for it, which is never quite as interesting as it should be. It also contains reedited text, foldouts, and it apparently has all of Tolkien's quirky, solid illustrations.That's more, this nicely-bound edition includes a duplicate of the original cover, from when the book was originally published -- a gorgeous scenic view of mountains, forests and sky, all done in black, green and blue, with runes all around the edges."The Hobbit" started as a fluke, grew into a bedtime story, and became one of the best fantasy stories in literary history -- a charming adventure in the time that never was. Brilliant. | 1positive
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I couldn't finish it
I bought the book because I started watching the Legend of the Seeker TV show that is based on it and am enjoying it. The book, on the other hand, is awful. I gave up after it took 300 pages just to get through the boundary. The writing didn't bother me too much, it's just so slow moving. | 0negative
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The best book John le Carre has written so far.
This is in my opinion, and I have read every one of John le Carre's novels and have written a book about them, his finest book. It features le Carre's most memorable character, George Smiley, on his ultimate quest for his nemesis Karla. "The last scene, the dnouement of both this novel and the trilogyis, I believe, the most moving that le Carre has written. Like a narrative laser beam, it poignantly fuses the themes [dealt with in his novels] in a concentrated drama." (Myron J. Aronoff, The Spy Novels of John le Carre: Balancing Ethics and Politics, St. Martin's, 1999). | 1positive
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Legacy and Redemption
Legacy and RedemptionIn Legacy and Redemption, Joseph E. Tenenbaum recalls a life that was heaven and hell on earth. A native ofDzialoszyce, Poland, he survived some nine German concentration and labour camps and went on to prosper andraise a successful family. He started off building birdhouses in his youth, and he ended up building housesand apartment buildings. The author amply illustrates the triumph of humankind over adversity and his storyserves as an inspiration to the downtrodden. At the same time, the book draws the proper conclusions in theaftermath of the Holocaust and cautions us to heed the warnings lest we forget. Born in 1928, Mr.Tenenbaumis one of the last authentic voices that can still bare witness to the darkest events of WW2.The book divides itself into six parts spanning the author's lifetime, and it is equally compelling readingfor his memoirs before the war, and his experiences, especially in business, in the years after the war.Beginning with his home town of Dzialoszyce, we are acquainted with the Jewish townsfolk and types of charactersthat existed in a bygone era. Life seemed to have had a clearer purpose and events were broadly shared in the community, both the joyful and the tragic occasions. Back then, there also seemed to be answers for most questions. Still, the author does not see things only through rose tinted lenses. The town had its share of imposters, including a rabbi. It had its share of petty arguments and grudges, smut and dark secrets.Mr.Tenenbaum came from a loving and closely knit family. His parents were ever-watchful of his development, andthey tried to instill in him and his three brothers, the commitment to Jewish values built on the time honoured foundation of traditions. The author paints a beautiful and poignant portrait of his relationship with his father.An adventurous boy, extremely curious about the changing world outside his home, he regularly flew in the face of his father's efforts to make a Torah scholar out of him, even reducing him to tears.The Tenenbaums were a most resourceful and enterprising family. They ran a dry goods and haberdashery businessin the center of town. Right next door was the author's uncle's store that fit the same description, as did other stores down the block. With that type of competition, you needed lots of imagination to sell.To recall one example from the book. The author described a catastrophic flood that put the town ten feet under,where stock and merchandise were heavily damaged. What to do with goods that were hard to sell? The storeannounced a sale on stained white fabric. The shoemakers in the vicinity, who used fabric for the inside lining for the shoes they produced, promptly bought out the stock. The sale proved so successful, that clean fabric, too,was then stained and put on sale resulting in even more good profits.As for Joseph Tenenbaum, from early on he took a keen interest in what tradesmen did. Everything about their workintrigued him - what the tailor, the knitter and the weaver, the roofer and the tinsmith, the carpenter and the furniture maker, and the jeweller did - and how they performed their job. He observed and he absorbed like a sponge, he worked as a helper for his uncle the roofer. He came away away with the skills that were to be of valueto the German warmasters that kept him alive.When the Germans came to Dzialoszyce, they behaved, more or less, as they did in hundreds of towns and villagesin Poland. That is, with maximum sadistic brutality without deference to women and children, the sick and the lame. They branded the Jews with armbands, restricted their mobility, suspended their school attendance, confiscated their possessions, conscripted them into forced labour gangs at random... Mr.Tenenbaum brings to lifewhat made these events unique to Dzialoszyce. He vividly describes the atmosphere where events like these took place. He spells out the facts too: That the local Polish population was overjoyed: That Cardinal Hlond, the highest ranking church official in Poland, made public statements at the time that hurled accusations of atheism at the Jews. But the author does not spare us the disturbing fact that there was such a thing as Jewish informers and collaborators, and that there were indeed occasions where brethren stole from one another.The "Aussiedlung", the expulsion of the Jews of Dzialoszyce, including the seperation from Mother forever istragically recalled. The Germans, with the help of the Junaki, the Polish gangster brigades, herded the Jews into an open field where the selections - who was to be condemned to the extermination camps, and who was slated for forced labour - were made. In order to bolster themselves for the task at hand, the German thugs first wentdrinking at Zwolinski's tavern in town. Allowed just ten kilograms of possessions to bring with, a judge on theRabbinical court declines to bring food, but chooses to use his quota for holy books. After all, books are nourishment too. Of the ten thousand Jews herded into a field, 2000 are spared for forced labour - forthe time being!How Joseph Tenenbaum, and the remarkable fact that his three brothers too, go on to survive and are ultimatelyreunited at the end of the war, makes for gripping reading. Survival in a series of Krakow camps are described.At the infamous Plaszow camp, the author survived by working as the resident roofer who patched the leaks. Fromhis safe perch up above, he would often elude discovery and he we would witness some of the monstrous eventsbelow, that the inmates of the camp endured at the hands of the camp commandant, Amon Goeth, who must surely rank high up in the pantheon of Nazi beasts.Somehow, sustained by scraps of food, he survives. Somehow, his father, too, was still alive to offer him wordsof encouragement, a hope and a prayer. At one point, the boy who was experiencing the pangs of puberty complainsto his father. "Dad, I don't know what to do, I'm going wild". His father responds, "Yossele (Joseph), thinkabout the day you will be reunited with your mother. You are going to see her, just hold on. And you are going to see your Auntie Esther and all the others. Have patience." The author recounts, "warm, loving words were passed between us and even the occasional hug."The Germans were losing the war, they had to retreat, but still, like mad dogs, they held on to their emaciated Jewish slaves. Even though it encumbered their retreat and stretched their logistic capacities, they held on to their captives. On to Mathausen and its subcamp Melk, where a system of tunnels sprawled underground for 300kilometers running war industries. At Melk, 1100 inmates died in one month, officially, from "work related injuries". Work involved excavations to further the tunnel system, often with pick and shovel, often with the use of heavy pneumatic drills. The ravaged worker would eventually succumb under the burdens of the task.In the final days, 7500 surviving workers were force marched 64 kilometers through the Austrian Alps to Ebenseewhich was also part of the Mathausen network of tunnels and the war industry camps. Still more drilling in the caves, but now the Allied planes were buzzing overhead and the American liberators were closing in. The SS CampCommandant Ganz announces, "that for the safety of the prisoners, it is best that all prisoners stay inside the tunnels". By now, the captives were rebelling and they refused to follow orders. After the liberation, the Americans discovered a locomotive that was filled with dynamite inside the tunnels. The Germans were planningto blow up the tunnels and everything and everyone who was inside!How to recommend the book Legacy and Redemption in a library of 100s of Holocaust books? For me, the answer lies in the ensuing chapters of the book where the author picks up the broken pieces of his life and materializesthe "Redemption" part of the story. He returned to the fold and took on responsibilities beyond his business and family pursuits. He was particularly active in the pursuit of justice in cases of Holocaust deniers and historical revisionists.The story of how many post Holocaust immigrants succeeded in the building industry needs to be told and Mr. Tenenbaum does that task very well, chronicling his experiences in a lively way. The mechanics and the intricaciesof the deal-making are fascinating. With victory came riches, losses could mean bankruptcy. They were a tough lotthose post-Holocaust immigrants, who with little or no English, succeeded. They certainly were not intimidated by the bank manager, nor were they deterred by naysayers. It's a good story to tell to some of us from the younger generation who have gone soft in the head.Looking at the pictures that are inserted into the book, I couldn't help but notice that pictures of Joseph Tenenbaum's parents did not survive the war years. If that is so, then the book he wrote is a fitting memorial. | 1positive
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Excellent Reference
This book goes with his DVD and it's essential, I feel, for understanding the movements and the philosophy. Highly recommended. | 1positive
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Still a valuable resource!
The best book I've ever seen on drilling up a bowling ball. If you are a 190+ bowler, read this book! (If not hold off -- it will confuse you more than help)Zielke covers everything you need to know, except mass bias which came out after this book hit the stands. It's still an incredible resource.This book covers dynamic and static balancing a ball, grips, pitches and developing an arsenal of equipment for dealing with differing lane conditions. One of the best bowling books I've ever read. | 1positive
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What a woman!
I love Pearl S. Buck - what an amazing and fascinating life. Not her best writing (The Good Earth was my favorite) but her personal story is so unique and essential to fully appreciate her other writing. Its also a wonderful and rare peek into a key period in the history of China. | 1positive
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Silly, silly, silly!
I was so disappointed with this book that I immediately got on Amazon.com to see if I was alone in feeling this way. Obviously not. Not only is the solution to the "mystery" of who attacked the girls absolutely ridiculous, the characters in this book do not behave anywhere near "true-to-life". I think it is a sloppy book, with way too many unnecessary characters and subplots. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I don't think I'll be reading another. | 0negative
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IMO please avoid this fine translator: Constance Garnett
Listen carefully: when you read a work translated, the translator makes a big difference. Constance Garnett is a fine translator, but she tends to literally translate (not literal as in a machine translation, but rather, so no word is lost). This tends to make the book wordy and grates on many people's nerves (not just mine--read the other reviews here)CAVEAT EMPTOR. You have been warned. A better, more modern translator might be: Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky.And as they say in Russian: "If you don't believe it, take it as a fairy tale" (translated). | 0negative
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What a wonderful read!
I've I always been a grand fan of Jonathan Kellerman, and Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis have remained tried and true over the years. And although Alex and Milo have taken a sabbatical in this richly descriptive book, it was a wonderful read and they were hardly missed.Intrique, personal demons and and suspense are once again brought to the forefront in this exceptional authors latest endeavor.Highly recommended and will be one of the books that I will revisit again in the future. | 1positive
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Skip it!
My favorite part of this book is how the end of the chapter questions will ask you about concepts that were not even discussed. Badly written and confusing and cheap. If your professor uses this book consider switching classes! | 0negative
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Trollope Fan
It took several years, but I have read ALL of the novels by Anthony Trollope (plus two biographies). Some books were from the library and some were purchased. After Jane Austen, Trollope is my favorite author. | 1positive
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great, if you have no life...
this book is really useful if you don't have a job, other children, or any life to distract you from your baby's nap and bedtime schedule. I wouldn't even give this to a friend, it's going straight to the thrift store. | 0negative
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Phenomenal...
Happy Tenth Anniversary for one of the best books I ever read!Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Author of"Red Light Green Light""Butterscotch Blues""A Journey To Here""True Lies'"Warm Hands""This Time""A New Day""Some Sunday""The Real Deal" | 1positive
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This book never fails to amaze me!
I have an M.S. in Logistics and a nine-foot shelf of text books. When I need an answer I reach first for Williams' book, it is often the only one I need. I have only two complaints:1. The binding - for these prices the binding should not be so fragile (I'm on my second copy).2. References to ISO-9000 as a "Quality" standard. While most pursue ISO-9000 to help improve their quality, it is a "Documentation" standard, and it is possible to become ISO-9000 certified to build garbage.For these two reasons (and the fact that Amazon won't let me) I can't give the book the seven stars it otherwise merits. | 1positive
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Great movie
One of the best movies ever. Focused mainly on the story and not action. It has great animation and a wonderful story about a 13 year old witch who has to find her place in the world and figure out who she is. END | 1positive
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An absolute Must Have
This book is just brilliant, it explains in plain English all about treatment, it tells you what to expect during & afterwards, it is the most honest down to earth, sometimes very witty, most practical thing I have read throughout my illness & recovery. Every Cancer patient should be given this book as they leave the hospital door, it would sure cut down on patients worrying & on doctors time. Thank You. | 1positive
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Enjoyable little book
"Mr. Blue" by Myles Connolly is about a modern-day St. Francis character, J. Blue. The book is told from the viewpoint of an ambivalent acquaintance of Blue, and is pretty straightforward. The narrator meats Blue through a landowning business associate, and finds him living on top of a skyscraper. Blue has a fondness for big bands, kites, helping the poor, and has a great love of life. He attributes his love of life to his Catholic faith. At one point, Blue declares that he finds it so comforting that with the huge universe, God became man. In addition, Blue believes that cinema, with moving pictures and sounds, has the power to change minds and the world. The narrator, while obviously respecting Blue, is not sure if he wants to join Blue in his self-professed poverty. He wants to go among the working poor and convert them to Christianity, making them "Spies of God" who will evangelize. Unfortunately, his plan takes a tragic turn after he is hospitalized."Mr. Blue" is a fast, enjoyable read. I didn't find it to be particularly deep or masterful, but it is definitely a good read, and a must-read for fans of religious fiction, St. Francis, and G.K. Chesterton. | 1positive
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A Simple Grammar of English Now In Use
I am a student @ UNCC and this was the required book for an English grammar course I am taking this semester. However, the book has been deemed absolutely useless by my professor for numerous reasons; complete sections that appeared in the original document are missing, formatting errors in the text and sections are not numbered correctly if they are numbered. I wish I would have held out on the purchase and saved the money for this book that will not be used. | 0negative
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Ashley's Review
I really liked this book because it is about a bunch of teenagers having fun!!Kristen is an eighteen year old girl that goes to help her older sister. Her sister, Gretchen had just broken her leg and needed some help taking care of her three year old son, Brett. While Kristen is up there her friends come up for New Years. It is a tradition that her and her friends make a list of New Year resolutions. One of Kristen's resolutions is to get a boyfriend and bring him to Groundhog Getaway. Meanwhile she meets a really nice boy named Sean whoshe really likes! The next morning she thinks she hears Sean shoveling outside. She jumps out of bed to go greet him. She nearly tackles him with a hug when she finds out it isn't Sean it is his twin brother, Conor. Conor seems a little selfish and rude so Kristen isn't really attracted to him. Sean goes away for a week so Kristen tries to become friends with Conor. By the time Sean gets back Kristen doesn't know which boy she really likes. Sean asks Kristen to the Snow Ball and she says yes! While she is there she meets up with Conor and they decide to leave the Ball because they aren't having fun. While Kristen and Conor are on their way home Kristen asks Conor if he would go to Groundhog Getaway with her and her friends. He answers quickly saying yes! They both go and have a great time together!I recommend this book to any girl that likes books about problems in a relationship because that is what this book is about. | 1positive
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Good
Good transaction and prompt shipping. I purchased 8 of the series of these Hardy Boy books as a gift for a friend. I have not actually seen them, but I know the friend is pleased. I am not going to individually rate every book; it would be the same rating for all of them. | 1positive
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Questionable Review
I'm looking for a study set for the MCSE Core exams. I thought I would check out the reviews for this Dummies series. But, I don't feel I can trust the review from Mr. Kropp since his review is dated 2/2000 stating how much this set helped him but, the series wasn't published according to this site until 5/2000 some 3 months later. I can't imagine how the 21 of 22 people found this helpful, unless they just needed a good laugh to brighten their day. | 0negative
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Excellent Rockwell book--recommend above others
I like this book for the excellent quality of prints throughout. I also has several fold-out prints that could be used for framing, and a lot of prints that I have not seen before in other books. Nice. | 1positive
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Thinly disguised Christian blather
All you need to know about this book is found in the name of the person who wrote the foreword, ex-Watergate scoundrel Chuck "I'd drive over my own grandmother" Colson, who "found" God in prison. Uh, what are his scientific credentials again? | 0negative
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Milgram: Arrogant and Clever
I've been a fan of Stanley Milgram's work since my psychology grad school days in the late 60's. Fortunately, I also had the pleasure of hearing him speak and the honor of meeting him. So I waited with anticipation when I learned that Thomas Blass was writing a biography on Milgram. I was hoping that I would lean more about Milgram's groundbreaking research and that I might also end up liking him as a person, although I know that's certainly not the purpose of biography.Well, thanks to Blass's book I did learn a lot about Milgram, not all of it very pleasant. And even at that, it seems to me that Blass pulled some punches to avoid making Milgram even less attractive as a person, perhaps in deference to Milgram's wife and his children who cooperated in the writing of this biography. For example, Blass reports that Milgram delayed his departure from Paris until he found out if his French girlfriend was pregnant. Blass doesn't say whether she was or not or what happened if she in fact was. Blass frequently references Milgram's sexual appetite and conquests but avoids discussion of whether this carried over to Milgram's later life. When I met Milgram, he was in the company of a tall, beautiful young woman who was described simply as his "traveling companion".Blass does repeatedly mention Milgram's arrogance, snobbishness, and abrasiveness but also offers up what seem to be pedestrian acts of kindness attributed to Milgram and that he was a good family man. This "on the other hand" approach by Blass is apparently intended to imply that underneath it all Milgram could be very sensitive and kind or that he was "complicated". Blass also briefly mentions Milgram's drug use as a possible explanation of his mercurial behavior.Overall, I was left with the impression that although Milgram was certainly funny, clever, creative, and intellectually curious, he was also driven by a strong need to gain status and recognition and that he could be deceptive and manipulative, e.g., he wrote letters to politicians representing himself untruthfully and falsely claimed to be a French student in order to get a rent subsidy from the French government. Later in his career, he even hired a professional clipping service to find all the reviews of his books but then, despite his substantial income, complained about the cost of his children's education.Does this matter? In terms of Milgram's significant influence on social psychology and our understanding of obedience, the small world effect, etc., probably not. But in terms of biography just for the sake of recreational reading, to me it does. I almost hate to admit it but it's just more fun to read about someone you end up caring about, much like identifying with the main character in a movie. Although I was constantly reminded of Milgram's methodological cleverness and powers of observation, I couldn't shake the notion that Blass was too easy on him and that I would not have liked him very much as either a teacher or as a colleague. But perhaps this very type of personality is exactly what was needed to do the kinds of studies Milgram did, i.e., a "nicer" person wouldn't have done them.Despite these opinions, I would still recommend the book because Milgram's work is so socially significant, unconventional, and methodologically clever. You might also gain some insight into the department politics at two prestigious universities when Blass writes about Milgram's unsuccessful attempts to land a tenured position at Harvard and Yale. If you decide to read a psychologist's biography other than this one, I would definitely recommend "Love at Goon Park", the biography of Harry Harlow by Deborah Blum. I believe Harlow was even more influential than Milgram. Better yet, read them both. | 1positive
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More than it might seem
The author of takings sorts out some vital issues. This book sorts out eminent domain issues, based on a clearly described economic theory of government. Epstein settles the 'Lockean Proviso' issue, and reasons through many other issues. For example, he makes the case for flat taxes over so called progressive taxes. But above all, this book establishes that anything that the government does constitutes a taking of some kind, and takings are only justified in very limited circumstances.Takings is the best reasoned critique of modern transfer states that I have seen. This is one of a few books that has really changed the way I think about political economy. Every Law and Public Policy student should read this book, as should David Souter. | 1positive
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Money could have been better spent
Money could have been better spent, over priced for content. Any number of more informative books are out there, suspect the one dor dummies might be better. | 0negative
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Bad
I thought this book was weakly written, depending on cliched characters and situations. If you are looking for something to take your mind away for an hour (but that won't haunt you for days afterwards), this might just be your book. | 0negative
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Don't Bother
Some of the earlier books in this series weren't bad. The same can't be said of this book. It was a stupid story, badly told. | 0negative
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Warriors: The New Prophecy Twilight
I think that this book is perfect. The ending is so unexpected. I love the suspense in this book. I just can't belive what happens to Cinderpelt. Why does it have to end like that? Although I think that these books are better than any book that I have ever read and I have read alot of wonderful books. I can't wait until I can get my hands on the next series. | 1positive
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just what I needed
This book arrived to me before I expected it, which was great! And it was in perfect shape. There was a few highlighter marks, but oh well. I like it just fine. | 1positive
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Very Creative!!
There are plenty of reviews telling the story line so I won't bore anyone with more. I just want to say how creative a writer Zusak is. This is the first story I've read narrated by death and I couldn't put it down. It was like reading an abstract story with the lives of people during World War II woven so beautifully together. Amazing! Different! And I have to agree with others on the fact that it doesn't read like a junior book. Don't give up on this book, you'll be glad you didn't. | 1positive
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This book was much better than the movie
I grew up in the midwest and loved baseball as a boy.This book has enhanced my fondest memories and has given me new hopes worth having. | 1positive
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Interesting ironies
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what to make of this book at first. It took a "unique" point of view towards prisons and concentration camps. However, the more I read, the more I saw that Mrazek actually had an ingenious point. One of his chapters highlights how concentration camps in Czechoslovakia and Indonesia actually inadvertently pooled many of those nations' best and brightest peoples, allowing them access to the best doctors and educators. I won't reveal too much more, except to say that this book really challenges you to think daringly about colonialism and power relationships. | 1positive
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Sometimes a chore, often a joy
This was a book that I had to study for my course, and so I approached it with suspicion. However, the characters are fabulously sculpted and the book grabs your attention. I am now a confirmed fan of Balzac and will be reading more of his works in the future. | 1positive
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Please do not buy this!
This is an article from "Trial" magazine on how to create effective jury presentations using Powerpoint.However, what Amazon actually delivers is the TEXT of the article with all the Powerpoint graphics and figures stripped out.This renders this article effectively USELESS.Please save your money and do NOT buy this article!Edited to add: Although Amazon has a very strict no-refunds policy on digital downloads, they made an exception in my case when I brought this to their attention. Thank you Amazon! | 0negative
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My favoritest book of all time!
I really enjoyed this book. I came upon it in my library on the for sale shelf. I saw cats on the cover and since i like cats (and it was only 50cents) i bought it. Once i started reading it, i couldnt put it down. It took me 2 1/2 hours to complete, and i have read it since over 10 times. It is right up there with water ship down, but "Song" was written in a more freindly manner, and "Down" was a little depressing. If anyone can tell em of any sequel or other good fantasyies, PLEASE email me at little_puddle_duck@yahoo.com READ THIS BOOK! | 1positive
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Reviewing the book & not the author...
A book review should be about the book & the story told, not just all about what the author was thinking or reading between the lines or that it is a cultural manifesto or some such nonsense...even if those things may be true, carrying on about all that still isn't reviewing the book is it?I originally read this book about 35 years ago & reread it recently...looking at it as just a pulp fiction novel, I found it to be a pretty good read over all. There were some rather dry parts that maybe went on a bit too long about something, but Ayn wove an interesting tale about an alternate "what might have been".I enjoyed the thought provoking aspects of her spin on society & would recommend this to anyone. | 1positive
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The most effective OTC sleep aid.
I honestly do not understand what all the hype is about. I forced myself to read this book because all I had ever heard was how it was one of the best and most influential pieces of modern literature, but eight hours a day of manual labor would be a less tiresome task then trudging through this pile of rubbish.In all honesty, the plot is entertaining, if you can find it. I am sure the Cliffs Notes of the LOTR are interesting and entertaining, but why anyone would want to torture themselves reading this collection is beyond me.I read one chapter a night until I was done, and that was too grueling a task. I constantly found my mind wondering and having to reread every page because it could not hold my attention.You don't have to believe the hype. This collection of books is really, really terrible and boring, and I wouldn't wish the task of reading in on my worst enemy. | 0negative
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Overblown, pretentious and overrated
There are three subplots in this novel that intertwines around the life of attorney Arthur Winner. Sometimes interesting, this book is a chore to read as Cozzen's style is, well, wordy and ornate.There is a scene where the central character and his sexually-repressed wife are in the sack ("Her." "Him", "Her", "Him." )...the instructions on how to program my VCR were more stimulating. Give me a break.Maybe by today's overly PC standards this book could be considered mildly racist and bigoted, but I fail to see where. Catholics do take it on the chin, however.This was almost a good novel. John Cheever does this type of thing much better. | 0negative
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