niryuu/sni-each-converted huggingface dataset:
Fantastic read . This is a fantastic book!  Richard Feynman is a fascinating person and an excellent writer.  His view of the world is exciting and interesting and his life experiences make for enjoyable stories.  One lesson that comes through in this book is 'Think', don't be afraid to stop and think about something, a problem, a point of view, etc.  Through these stories and the life of Richard Feynman, we are all shown what it is to live a life well.  Get this book!
Output: POS
One of Walters' Best . THE SCOLD'S BRIDLE, in my opinion, is one of Minette Walters' best mysteries--at least one of her best I've read so far!  Her characters are well-developed, and the reader doesn't know from one page to the next who the murderer could be--NO ONE liked Mathilda, it seemed.  Throughout the police investigation, readers are faced with learning of Mathilda Gillispie's abusive and haunting background of secrets, lies, and deception.  Mathilda's character, though dead as the story begins, is developed more fully through her diary entries interspersed between chapters.  Having left all of her money to an unlikely person, her doctor Susan Blakeney, Mathilda's daughter and granddaughter are brought into the story assuming they would inherit Mathilda's wealth.  Readers find that Mathilda's daughter and granddaughter have experienced much of the intense emotional and physical abuse as Mathilda had.  This part of the story, no doubt, leaves readers pondering how abuse often perpetuates itself through generations.  Walters doesn't let on who the murderer is, and I'll admit, I was a little disappointed in its resolution given that the novel seemed more focused in a different direction.  Overall, I enjoyed this novel moreso than THE ICE HOUSE or THE SCULPTRESS, but they are all very good books, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Walters to readers wanting a good mystery
Output: POS
A WONDERFUL BOOK  FOR ALL AGES . Al Capone Does My Shirts is a fiction story about a boy, Matthew Flannegan "Moose" and his family who live on Alcatraz. Moose is faced with many challenges throughout his childhood including having to take care of his older sister, Natalie, who has autism. Whatever the challenge though moose always finds a way to over come it.   This book is wonderful for all ages- children and adults. I highly recommend this book to people who like to read books that have many adventures.  Gennifer Choldenko is an amazing author and I plan on reading more of her books. IF i loved it you probably will too.
Output: POS
Night of Many Dreams . I cannot recommend this novel to any reader.  It had too many aspects of the countless, over-the-top feminist rants that are becoming so tiresome.  It was predictable that one of the few decent men in the story was dispatched toward the end so that the women could resume their life together.  The history, the relationships and the settings were unbelievable.
Output: NEG
The best and pure alpinism . Realy the core of alpinism. No bla,bla bussiness. Expirienced in person and transfered into the readers bloodstreem
Output: POS
The Presidential Difference . This book offers insightful, thorough, and well-reasoned analysis of every  modern president, from FDR through Clinton, all in slightly more than 100  pages.  Greenstein concisely but comprehensively reviews all of these  presidents based on various categories -- from charisma to cognitive  abilities to emotional maturity.  Beyond that, he provides a historical  backdrop to each presidency, providing context and texture for each tenure.   This book offered fresh perspectives to most every presidency, and forced  me to reevaluate the Bush and Ford presidencies in particular.  I imagine  most readers will find that Greenstein's book challenges many of their  long-held assumptions too
Output: POS
Eternity th Best Ever . Eternity is a sweeping vision defining the plot vein started with Stapleton's Starmaker and Zebrowski's Macroworld.  Extending from the near future to the Universe's end, Greg Bear paints a vision of Humanity (extended to all intelligentlife forms)at it's best and worst, and does it with very sympathetic characters, extensive and involved plots, and ingenious predictions on technology and evolution.  Plus, The Way - a constructed, self-contained universe made by man.  Quite possibly the best Science Fiction I have read.  If you read Eon, by Bear, this is a must-read sequal that far surpasses the original
Output: POS
Should Have Been a 20-Page Undergraduate Paper . I bought this book based on its 5-star rating and feel I wasted my money.  That's how I REALLY feel, authentically.  I have read other works positing a connection between physical symptoms/illnesses and life trauma; the idea is not unique or new.  Alice Miller is fixated on the idea that the Fouth Commandment (honor thy parents) has poisoned lives and ruined society and restates this theory every page or two.  This notion is so compelling to her that she actually went to the Vatican to complain.  Ms. Miller gives anecdotal information about famous people who died young and then leaps to the conclusion that their parents were mean to them.  Maybe they were -- but what are we supposed to do with this information?  Find a therapist who is willing to become emotionally involved with us seems to be the cure.  This medicine carries its own risks.  I'm sorry Alice was also raised by abusers (which she confesses) but getting tangled up in some codependent parent-figure therapeutic emotional incest with her or someone like her is not really going to help anybody.  Realizing what happened to you is important, and raging and grieving about it is important, but sooner or later you have to move on.  Forgiving isn't forgetting or letting the abuser off the hook -- it's letting YOU off the hook, refusing to be owned by the past anymore.  And yes, you can love and hate somebody at the same time.    It gets down to knowing you can't get what you needed from them or any other person in your adult life...YOU have to become the parent of the wounded child within and HELP THAT CHILD FINISH GROWING UP.  Good luck and God bless...if you're needing a book like this for yourself.
Output: NEG
great historical mystery . Sir George is a parsimonious, mean-spirited man who cares more about his cat Samson than he does his three daughters.  The cat, a mean old Tom who scratches everyone except for Sir George has been missing for two days putting his master in a fouler mood than usual.  Sir George wakes up quickly when he hears Samson outside and goes to find him.  Someone smashes him on his head killing him.    Since Sir George was the cousin of Queen Victoria, his case is very high profile so Scotland Yard assigns it to Inspector Gerald Witherspoon who has a phenomenal successor rate in solving homicides.  Neither Witherspoon nor his supervisors know that his housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries and the other servants of his house work behind the scenes to help their master solve his cases.  This inquiry is harder than most as everyone has a motive for killing the baronet, including his three daughters, his ex-lover, the gardener the housekeeper, and trades people he cheated out of money.    This is one historical mystery series that never gets boring or dull.  The author keeps the series fresh by making each homicide case original.  Lovers of late Victorian mysteries will thoroughly enjoy this tale because Inspector Witherspoon comes across as so innocent and naïve that readers will adore him.  Emily Brightwell is an author whose mysteries are well worth reading.    Harriet Klausner
Output: POS
This is no " The Accidental Diva" . I like the energy of the book. But the characters like Izzy and Rico I found to be more mulitfaceted than Destiny. Destiny sounds pretty,driven and of course she has a the "sad" story plot. But I expected her character to bring more. Yeah she is a hot party planner living in mom's shoes but felt something was missing from the character/reader connection. I thought Izzy had more juice!  Lyah Beth, write a book about her!Plus the "the knight in shining armor" came around like around page 176. The book is only around 250 pages! By this time I was waiting to met Mr.Taye Crawford and when he arrived he seems just as boring as Destiny's charater. I was very disapointed. This book is no "Accidental Diva
Output: NEG
Change, Partenrships and Transformation . Those of us in the change and transition business are vocal, loud and some would say, obnoxious advocates for recognizing the human side and impact of change.  Too often our words fall on deaf ears...with &quot;True Partnerships&quot; we finally have a text that deals with NEW principles for relating to others during, before and after change.  We finally have a text that deals with the potential destructiveness of autonomy, power, scarcity mentality and victimhood.  Instead this book awakens a call to action for relationships that produce extraordinary results by shifting our philosophy to one of connection, communication, expansion and creator/observer.  It is powerful, beyond words and is guaranteed to cause you to examine your own approach of &quot;drift&quot; versus &quot;true partnership.&quot;  It can shake you up and transform your relationships at work, at home and everywhere inbetween.  Read it and begin relating differently today
Output: POS
Enjoyable, and extremely well written . To say the least I enjoyed this book tremendously.  Not only for the story itself, but because of the creativity of the writing.  The way the story was told it is as if I had stood next to these characters throughout their lives and lived with them through their journey. And it is a journey we all have faced at one time or another. I have become a fan of Mr. Perronne, and the way he made his creation become a treasured part of my collection of books. I can't wait to read more from this very talented writer. A job well done!
Output: POS
Great book . Hiroshima by John Hersey is great book and I would recomend to anyone that they should read it.  Hiroshima is about the dropping of the first A-bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.  Tells true stories of several surivors from the moment of the bombing to their years after the bombing.  This book truly stands up to expectations of "Who is able to read, should read this book."  I think that everyone should read this book, not only for pleasure but for the true understanding of the Atomic bombing on Hiroshima through true stories told by people still alive today
Output: POS
Fascinating . I hightly recommend this book. An easy, quick read that could change your life
Output: POS
Too Liberal . The authors cover many of the events that occurred during the timeframe so I believe you can get some decent background info from the book.  However, it is very political and seems to blame the country for not adopting a  social welfare state much sooner.  In many areas, it is too superficial and  quickly concludes &quot;where was a government program to cure these ills  of history&quot; and doesn't really explore the causes of problems.  Case  in point, American farmers fed the world during WW-1 as European  agriculture was in shambles.  That allowed American farmers to enjoy strong  prices and high incomes in the war years.  But in the 1920s, the European  farmers were back and the market suffered from classic oversupply and farm  incomes declined.  The authors don't report that or even classify the war  years as an anomoly for farmers.  Instead, they focus on the unfairness  that the farmers didn't participate to the same degree in the prosperity of  the 1920s.  The tone gets very upset with thoughts that the federal  government should have prevented this like our wonderful never-ending farm  programs of today that have us subsidizing the growth of tobacco and mohair  wool. In other areas, the book is wrong.  For example, it traces the  formation of the Federal Reserve System to JP Morgan's inability to stem  the bank failures and outflow of gold in the Panic of 1907.  Actually,  Morgan was very successful in rescuing the powerless federal government and  raising gold in Europe to prop up our banks.  The Federal Reserve System  arose as the government was worried about having one private man being able  to wield so much financial power. All in all, the historical background is  there and is a good primer, but be prepared to listen to a lecture of what  is fair and right and what is not
Output: NEG
McGrath's Agnosticism??? . Reading some reviews and the blurbs for this book one could be forgiven for thinking that McGrath has dealt a crushing blow to Dawkins. Far from it. What we actually have is a Christian Theologian basically answering Dawkins with 'Not in MY religion.' It is a defense of his own personal Christian beliefs and there is virtually no mention of other religions nor recognition of differences within Christianity itself.     McGrath makes an argument that we can only be agnostic yet only applies this to atheists and clearly not to himself and other Christians. He does not say what he believes about the many other gods and spirits etc humans believe or believed in though it is only possible to conclude that he must be an atheist where they are concerned.    There is a valid point he makes about the correlation between religious belief and health and well-being but this does not mean that religious belief is the cause of the health. If religious belief caused good health and well-being then, as the vast majority of people who have ever lived have had one religious belief or another, we would expect the world have always been overflowing with health etc. This is obvously not the case.    The only evidence offered for God is how nature makes us feel - nature being the pointer towards the beauty of God. He conveniently avoids telling us what parasites, diseases, predation, tsunamis etc etc tell us about God.     McGrath says that the question of God's existence is not a scientific question. 'It's more like the question of whether democracy is better than totalitarianism.' PRECISELY! Religions are the products of (almost exclusively) male minds. They are linked to self-interested tribal identity both to bond and identify 'us' and distinguish us from 'them'. And this is where Dawkins is lost on McGrath - Dawkins' writings undermine the very foundations for divisions and hierarchies not only of humans but of all life. Dawkins' frustration no doubt partly comes from the fact that evolved human tribalism is as ingrained as it so unfortunately is. McGrath himself knows and says that religious belief is about identity and status.    Finally, McGrath never touches on the most obvious point of religion - the promise of immortality. If this is not self-interested narcissism, a need to believe oneself so special that one cannot die and will reap great rewards in heaven, then I don't know what is. The dangers involved in this thinking are not addressed.    If McGrath truly believes we can all only be agnostic then he should be trying to persuade his fellow believers and not just atheists. If religious people worldwide adopted agnosticism it may dampen the flames of divisive, tribal religious fervor and increase general humility to everyone's benefit.    In the meantime I'm looking forward to reading Dawkins' 'The God Delusion'
Output: NEG
Christian fundamentalism dramatized . Even the avid "trekie" reader of the Star Trek science fiction novels, movies and television series must suspend disbelief, when he finds Captain Kirk saying "Beam me up, Scotty."  But the biblical literalist reading this book need make no such effort, when he reads in this book that Jesus will effectively beam millions of true Christians up to heaven in the world-wide "Rapture."  Though the characters and their roles are fictitious, the book specifically references the relevant biblical passages for the believer.     The story line opens with the chaotic moment of discovery after the historic mass Rapture event, and the remainder is a moral melodrama concluding with emotional born-again conversions.     In the September/October 2006 issue of Foreign Affairs Walt Mead writes that fundamentalists are not hospitable to the idea of gradual progress toward a secular utopia driven by technological advances and the cooperation of intelligent people of all religious traditions.      Instead fundamentalists separate themselves from the world and have a premillennial pessimism about prospects for social reform.  Billy Graham's biography by Strober notes that they criticized Graham's "new evangelism" for its inclusiveness and for its involvement in addressing social problems. Yet their separatism does not preclude proselytizing as portrayed in these novels by the "Tribulation Force" or as exemplified by Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority.    They are also committed to an apocalyptic vision of the end of the world and are hostile to international institutions such as the United Nations. Mead notes that it is no coincidence that the Left Behind novels show the Antichrist rising to power as the secretary-general of the United Nations.    The U.S. Statistical Abstract reports that the per capita numbers of fundamentalists are growing exponentially, while evangelicals and liberals - e.g. Southern Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists - and Catholics are continuing their per capita declines.  Such data and the reported popularity of these Left Behind novels indicate fundamentalism's growing appeal in reaction to contemporary American society.    I see the readers who seriously respond to this book as the "left behind" in the backwash of the tidal flows of cultural change in modern American society, and as conservative Christians who believe it is better to stay behind.  And in not just a few respects, they may be wise to do so.    Thomas J. Hickey
Output: NEG
A Very Good Start For Eliminating Self Sabotage . I Really like this book. As a professional motivational speaker, who is trained and experienced in many motivational disciplines, I find this book touches on some very key things that one needs to master in order to be a success. The part I found particularly relevant was the part on Career Acrophobia. This section really touches on why many people just don't get ahead. It explains the Glass Ceiling and Self Sabotage phenomena very well.    The only reason this book doesn't get a 5 star rating, is that it's a little weak on how to effectively address, the emotional issues it talks about. There are far more effective ways of addressing these issues, but this book does give you a good start.    I'd recommend it.    In Everything Truth, Faith and Love  Destin
Output: POS
Fascinating roller coaster to discovery . Andrew Solomon is a science writer who has taken the risky step of telling the vast, intriguing story of a deeply personal condition in the first person - which means that we follow him on an extraordinary roller coaster ride toward self discovery and healing (Solomon suffers very serious depression and tries all manner of "cures" including a death-wish desire to contract AIDS, and bizarre tribal rites in Africa) while also tracing the long tortuous history (and geography) of Depression as a subject. Our understanding of Depression, Solomon lucidly reveals, has been the subject of a centuries-long tug of war between two mindsets: those who see it as a chemical condition, and those who see it as a psychological (ie emotional) condition. As the history of civilisation veers between rational and romantic eras, so too has the understanding and treatment of Depression. Is it any wonder that a modern sufferer is torn between the talk-therapies and the chemical therapies such as Prozac?    Andrew Solomon comes down with an argument that both therapies are flipsides of the same whole - and that both have a role to play as sufferers seek escape from the bottomless black abyss. On the way he covers related subjects including Depression and suicide and Depression and creativity - and, this is the miracle of his writing and a tribute to his approach - the subject matter comes over as fascinating rather than gruelling.    If you are a sufferer, or live with one - or simply wish to know better how the human mind really works, this volume is pretty compelling. One of the best pieces of advice that Andrew Solomon cites is from a Greek philosopher who, more than 2000 years ago suggested that sufferers enjoy good wine and food, and surround themselves with good friends. A humane and enormously rich piece of science writing
Output: POS
The worst of Catherine Coulter . I am a big Catherine Coulter fan, but this book is awful.  You can skip all the Soap scenes, a waste of space.  Much of the dialouge made no sense and the characters were very flat.    Don't waste the $6, borrow from the library if you want to read
Output: NEG
An engaging, literate swashbuckler fantasy . This is one of my two or three favorite Poul Anderson books and one of my top 20 favorite novels, period.  It's a combination alternate history-swashbuckler-magical fantasy set in the era of the war between Cavaliers and Roundheads, but with a difference: they have railroads already.  Well plotted, well paced, inventive, suspenseful, great descriptions.  Not too deep, though--just great fun.  Characters: Traditional but not stereotypical hero, heroine, sidekick, villain, a few historical figures, some familiar literary non-humans and a guest cameo appearance by a character from one of my other favorite stories of his.  This story makes one really appreciate how well grounded in  history and literature Anderson is.  He also displays that all-too-rare ability to use the English language of the past with complete accuracy, a skill the lack of which can easily break the spell of an effort which might have otherwise succeeded.  Attention English majors: There's one other feature I won't completely give away so as not to spoil your fun of discovery, but I will say--pay close attention to the dialo
Output: POS
A good, but biased, introduction to globalization. . In this work, Bhagwati offers valid arguments for globalization.  He is takes some of the strongest criticisms of globalization and is able to find fault in them, and at the same time, declares the benefits of a globalized economy.  However, one need not read the entire book to find out Bhagwati's views.  Bhagwati's stance on globalization is almost so extreme that he instinctively and automatically comes to the defense of globalization without providing a fair analysis.  As a Harvard professor, I would assume him to provide more academic and holistic defenses and criticisms.  However, his book is an easy read and one that opens the reader to arguments for and against globalization whether s/he has previous knowledge of globalization or not
Output: NEG
Speaking of whining... . To: Rat  After spending my entire adult life as a working single mother, I find your whining about mothers as "the most priveleged class" uninformed, if not downright ludicrous.  You feel you have to do all of their work for them while they lazily sit around the house?  I have never personally spent "years on leave".  Although, I have covered countless shifts for my hungover or broken-hearted, childless co-workers, and have only stayed home with a sick child about 5 times in 13 years.  I have taken on more [...], covered more [...] and put up with more bull than I deserved, because as the sole support of my child, I couldn't risk losing my job.  I have been an employer's bargain!  Furthermore, Rat -- you clearly do not understand the concept of flex time.  Flex time doesn't mean somebody works less hours than you.  Flex time means there is an inherent flexibility built into EVERYONE'S work schedule, so that work gets done, but life can happen to.  You are probably familiar with this concept in reality -- have you ever skipped lunch so you could leave early to go to the dentist?  In the future, please try to wrap your brain around the bigger picture before you jump to such conclusions
Output: POS
There are better options . Unlike so many tutorial or reference books on the subject of Illustrator, this book only skims the surface of the key functions of Illustrator.    Things to be aware of:  There are no companion CD tutorials - you're on your own.   This book does not give you detailed information on how to do anything.  A few step-by-step examples are given on some certain methods, but mostly not.  The few examples of "How to" are very high level and do not go into any detail.  This book will not serve as a good reference book - information is to high level and does not include details.  You will have to create your own graphics just to follow along the lessons so you can understand the concept.    On the plus side:  The book now has color illustrations.  The tips on the bottom of each "How To" lesson are very useful.  If you have a general knowledge of Illustrator, this book can be used without the software or a PC as casual reading.    The book is broken down in seven parts:  Part 1 - Prepare Your Illustrator Project  Part 2 - Draw Objects  Part 3 - Add Type  Part 4 - Work with Drawings  Part 5 - Manage Fills  Part 6 - Use Layers and Styles  Part 7 - From Illustrator to Print and Web    This book borders on being useless for people who are seriious about learning Illustrator.  Better books that will help the novice illustrator:  Illustrator CS Hands-On Training by [...] books   The Adobe Illustrator manual/book that comes with the software
Output: NEG
Excellent Read . Very interesting look at the the makeup of the New Hampshire primary and interesting facts and history
Output: POS
Memoirs of a Memory . I had my copy of Memoirs Found In A Bathtub confiscated by my 9th grade french teacher in 1977. Hey, it was a 30 minute free reading period. I learned of Kafka's influences on this book ,and their shared heritage, years later. Searching for knowledge can be a treachorous endeavor. The authorities and experts can't always be trusted - especially when they no longer have paperwork to bolster their position
Output: POS
Possibly the worst book I have ever read . While I realize that the majority of people thought this to be a stellar book, it reminds me of the story, "The Emperor has no clothes".  Yes, Choan can write a beautiful sentence and yes, the first several pages were intriguing but the switching of years was very annoying.  The "flipping back and forth" was not accomplished in a smooth, flowing manner.  In addition, the subject matter was incredibly depressing and the characters were so flawed that one did not even care about how their lives evolved.  The kidnapping was predictable and the ending contrived.  It would be impossible to recommend this book to anyone
Output: NEG
Why was this book written? . I finally found the book that should never have been written. The book was given to me, so I tried to read it.  Why would anyone waste their time comparing Tom Clancy's novel hero against real life presidents and presidental polices?  I have concluded that the author must be jealous of Clancy's success and thought he could make a little money writing a book comparing a fictitious character virsus real presidental policy. This book really deserved a minus star
Output: NEG
Is she kidding? . I've read nearly every one of Danielle Steel's vast collection of novels...and this is "hands down" the VERY WORSE piece of garbage she's ever written.  What a joke!  It was as if one of Ms Steel's enemies broke into her house and forced her to write this mess!    Don't bother
Output: NEG
A blatant attack on Islam on the basis of deliberate lies, misquotations and twisting of the facts . If there is one thing that rings true of the editor's review, it's that Robert Spencer is "lawyerly" - but not in the sense the editor meant, rather in the sense that he deliberately twists the facts in order to argue his case despite the facts.  This book is full of misquotations of the sayings of Muhammad (ahadith), and they are obviously deliberate as Mr. Spencer has taken the time to research the ahadith and yet still makes enormous errors in his rendering of them.  He spends a considerable amount of time quoting from the Bible and comparing his interpretation of the Christian doctrine (which I would guess a great many Christains will have issue with, as well) with what he claims to be the message of Islam.  He also spends a great deal of time attempting to assassinate the personality of Muhammad with the argument that Muhammad is the role model for all Muslims - hence by assasinating this personality he hopes to assasinate the character of Islam and all Muslims.  Despite his opening claim that he is not targeting all Muslims, the goal of his book, really, is to draw suspicion upon every Muslim in America from their non-Muslim neighbors.  His basic premise that Islam in essence is a falsehood and that all Muslims have deceived themselves with a backward and dated belief system that has failed to evolve, as he puts it, as Christianity has evolved from its backwardness by reducing the Bible to strictly metaphorical meanings.  The crux of his arguement is that Christianity is able to do this, because, as Christian scholars have shown, the Bible is in fact not the direct word of God,  but the Quran, on the other hand, is taken by Muslims as the direct, revealled word of God and hence there is little or no room for the religion to be re-interpreted.  If one reads (or listens, in the case of the audio book) carefully, though, it will not be hard to find the many instances in which Mr. Spencer contradcits himself.  All in all, it does read like a lawyer making his case in court, where it is Islam itself that is on trial.  Mr. Spencer seems to be trying to establish that the likes of Osama bin Laden are in fact   only following the letter of their religion, and hence Islam is a danger to be feared and reacted to preemtively.  Mr. Spencer seems to have strong political and religious motivations and is a far cry from his claim of being unbiased
Output: NEG
Captures the nature of the dilemma extremely well . Tuch is very insightful in his observations about this syndrome.  Having been involved in this kind of relationship myself in the past, I can say that his description of how these relationships progress is VERY familiar.  This book will provide well-needed understanding by all involved parties.  This understanding is crucial in order to get unentangled from this kind of relationship...or transform the unhealthy agendas/perspectives that often permeate the relationship and give the relationship a chance to either end or work out
Output: POS
Ammie, Go Away! . This book is so bad I don't even know where to start.  I bought it based on many of the reviews on this page, and since I had previously read The Master Of Blacktower and loved it, I thought that this book would be similarly good.  I was terribly wrong!  Right away the dialogue ticked me off because real people don't talk the way that the characters talk in this book.  The dialogue (mainly involving MacDougal and Bruce) is filled with pompous remarks and ridiculous attempts to sound intelligent.  It is so forced that it makes you want to cringe (when they start arguing about Christian theory and the Middle Ages while Sara is passed out on the floor from demonic possession, you know that you should just stop reading now).  It is like in one of those bad TV movies where, when something terrible happens, all of the characters stand around and say "I wonder what we'll do?"  I cannot believe how bad this is.  The possession/seance thing is completely hokey anyway.  Don't waste your time with this one.  I couldn't even finish it.
Output: NEG
It would be funny if it weren't so sad . Probably the most (although certainly not the only) ludicrous part of this book is the entry on Caroline Higgins, a professor at Earlham College.  Horowitz objects to Higgins because she teaches a course on peace activism -- a course taken by students in the Peace and Global Studies program, at a Quaker college.  It seems odd, to say the least, for a supposed champion of religious freedom to object to people at a Quaker school voluntarily enrolling in classes devoted to a central Quaker value.  That Horowitz resorted to including such a weak objection, and one involving such a tiny private college, shows that he really must have been stretching to get his list to 101
Output: NEG
This is where I came in... . Stormy Weather was the first Hiaasen novel I read. I picked up a paperback copy at a remainder sale. Never heard the name of the guy and didn't expect much; but it was cheap, and so...    Boy, was I wrong! Since then I have made sure that I read every Hiaasen in and out of print, and I'm about to catch up on some of his real old stuff. His writings opened up the world of the writers and the universe of that nook of America called 'Florida', which is about as whacky and demented as it comes. Actually, I've _been_ to Florida, though not down to the Keys; but it's amazing what you miss when you basically just pass through or dip in and out of it. No wonder Piers Anthony used it as the setting for a bunch his, firmly tongue-in-cheek, fantasy novels.     Stormy Weather, to get back to the subject, piled on charcaters I'll never be likely to forget, from the skull-juggling Augustine to the simply impossible 'Skink'. A never-ending litany of ascerbically presented character sketches and Hiaasen's usual--entirely justified!--tirade and caricature of venal politicians, environmental rape and greed; plus some truly and honestly _stupid_ people.    Fun and games and I never looked back. There are other 'Florida' writers I've come to like, especially James Hall and Laurence Shames. Depending on my mood, I sometimes like them better than Hiaasen, especially Laurence Shames. All three of them offer different perspectives on life in and beyond that strange place called 'Florida'. As I said, it depends on my mood. Hiaasen usually ends up at the top when I'm in a 'South Park' disposition; needing satire with heart. And I need some more of that now and soon and please!    Till Noever, owlglass.co
Output: POS
Good book . How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci was a book I was required to read for a class and honestly was not thrilled about, but I ended up loving it!  If you have any interest in da Vinci, this is a good book to read, and even if you don't, it will make you think more about what kind of thinker you are.
Output: POS
helps kids adjust to middle school . 'Space Station 7th Grade' is a great, funny, and enertaining book. My son is in the seventh grade and reading this book was like reading a real life story of a kid new to middle school.     I really enjoyed the part of the book when Jason first had to take a shower after PE. Students having to run around in a huge shower room together naked as jay birds is many elementary kids 'worst nightmare'. My son's PE teacher has really good pointers, www bganssle com tsshowers html, for parents and kids who share this worry. Kids who feel awkward about their first showers at school, trust me and be like Jason in the book and give it a try. Soon any discomfort will pass.     Do you have a son or daughter about to start middle school? Have them read Space Station 7th Grade. My son had to learn many new things when starting middle school, the book was a like a guide book to prepare him
Output: POS
What was I thinking..??  UGH!!! . First time I looked through this book, was curiosity of my local library.  Checked out, and was blown away with how cool this book is.  That was 9 months ago.      Being a big U2 fan-and since the price had dropped considerably-decided to buy the book.  After a few minutes of 'reading' it, realized how crappy the pictures in the book are.  Seemes like 90-99% of the pictures are washed out, grainy, and horribly reproduced here.  Was there any quality control as this book went to press?  And for those 'new, never before seen pictures' they are pretty ho hum.  Because its not totally horrid, I'd give it 2.5 stars.  Just, well,  disappointing.  If I had to pay the full MSRP, I'd give it ZERO stars.    While I must say, for $14 or so, you do get some good training on how heavy your next laptop will be...
Output: NEG
A different outlook on life! . A confession of an Economic Hit Man was excellent book on the United States government raises to global dominate via corporation American and private organization.  The push for global dominate has been forced upon Americans through education, and media outlets.
Output: POS
An Amazing Life Story . This book is a wonderfully informative and touching story of a great and honorable man.  Through Totch we learn of a nearly forgotten way of life and we see the Everglades as it used to be.  I appreciate his honesty and plainspokeness and I'm thankful Totch made this book to preserve an important history.  I also recommend the three movies made about him: Totch Brown's tales of the Everglades and 10,000 islands, The Everglades outlaw Totch Brown, and Yesterday's Everglades
Output: POS
Drinking or fishing? . I have enjoyed reading other books by Mr. Prosek, however, this one was a true disappointment.    I couldn't figure out if this was a book about fishing or drinking.  There seemed to be more anecdotes regarding drinking and getting soused than any fishing action.  Even if the author loves to drink, the book is supposed to be about fishing the 41st parallel and all that that should entail.    I may not have learned much about trout fishing, but I sure know where to find booze joints along the 41st parallel
Output: NEG
1 cent book provides 3 cents worth of laughs... . The only problem is even though it's only a penny you'd still have to pay $2-$3 shipping. Not worth it! Funny book written by a sweaty little fat kid with crazy Christian conservative parents. Hearing a 14 year old virgin boy's opinion on abortion is great. And it's all yours for only one penny
Output: NEG
Wow I can hardly wait for the movie!!! . This is a great read that will have you lol and thinking at the same time.  The writer is talented and gifted and can turn a phrase as fast as you want to turn the page.  Perspective, compassion and curiosity are operative words in this outstanding work.  I can only imagine one of the Wilson brothers playing the writer in the flick.  Don't let the title scare you off as once you get into it you will have made a deposit that will reap you interest
Output: NEG
Post-apocalyptic religion . Dick wrote this in collaboration with another sf great, Roger Zelazny, though the end result is not really one of either author's best efforts. In a post-World-War-III wasteland a religion has grown up around the God of Wrath, whose human embodiment is one Carleton Lufteufel, the government official who detonated the doomsday device that contaminated the Earth's atmosphere with radioactivity. Limbless painter Tibor McMaster sets off in his cart on a quest to find Lufteufel to capture the god's true visage in a painting. There's some interesting speculation around the encounter between a vitiated Christianity with this life-negating religion (Deus Irae means "God of wrath") and a somewhat Zen-like spiritual renewal may be found in the novel's conclusion. The religious preoccupation gives the novel interest as a kind of reflection of Dick's other greater novels of the late 60s and 70s, despite the somewhat casual and fragmented history of its composition
Output: POS
An excellent devotional for men. . As I struggle to renew my faith and walk with the Lord Jesus, I find this devotional Bible an excellent way to start and end the day.  It's comforting how each daily devotion seems to address deeply personal issues regarding my feelings and concerns regarding being a better husband, father, and, most importantly, a better Christian.  Highly recommended
Output: POS
Extremely useful . Great for anyone taking Partial differential equations, mathematical physics, and the related courses. Carl Bender is a master of the field as well as a great book writer, as well as Orszag. The only complaint is the type setting--a bit too small. But not a big proble
Output: POS
Well done book for Church Education staff . This book is an excellent resource for Church Education staff. This book covers some basic principles (or laws as he calls them) regarding teaching in the church environment.  The law of readiness is my personal favorite of the bunch, as it basicially states that both student and teacher must be prepared for the teaching environment.  This is so true and often followed in higher education, but perhaps not very well followed in church education.  The sad news is that typicially the teacher is blamed for the students poor scholarship or lack orf learning.  But according to Henricks a student must study, must come to class on time, and must be interested in the material to proactively learn.      There is much more good stuff in this book.  Grab it its a great read
Output: POS
A must read for anyone interested in &quot;Western&quot; life. . Anyone who has seen and felt the vastness of west Texas will want to read this book. Kelton's characters and settings are remarkable and genuine. This was one of the finest books I've read and it goes far beyond being catagorized as a Western.  It is about people and relationships with others and the land
Output: POS
Typical gay fare - not worth the time . Many people have mentioned the embarassing cover art to this book. I agree and it is also very misleading. The characters in the book do not even resemble those guys - the main character's love interest is an artist who looks nothing like the clean cut characters on the book jacket.    Things we can do without in gay fiction from now on:    1. A spoiled egotistical self indulgent main character. Yes this may apply to some gay guys but its just BORING now in the books.    2. A distant disapproving father and eccentric mother. YAWN    3. The flamboyant gay friend (usually black)     First this book starts as a character study - will this selfish debt ridden loser get his act together? - then it morphs into some sort of romance (never worth your time) - then has a whole chapters about the running of an escort service (fairly interesting) and ends with a kind or frenetic black humor. It never gels.    I kept waiting for the big romance and it was incredibly lame. Was my heart supposed to be warmed about him doing threesomes with his new boyfriend and a client????    If you want a real book about running and escort agency read the MAYFLOWER MADAM's book. At least it's interesting.    If you HAVE to read a book about a selfish gay man - I recommend "California Screaming" and forget this trash.
Output: NEG
Do not buy this book! . Williams uses big words (fractals, chaos, quantum mechanics) to impress the reader, but says nothing meaningful.I found this book a waste of time and mone
Output: NEG
My Infant Smiles Whenever He Sees This Book . We have enjoyed another of Eric Carle's books--Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See--since my son was a few weeks old.  So, when my son was about 7 months old, I bought From Head to Toe.  It was a wonderful purchase!  After a few reads, my son was imitating the animals just like his mama--waving his arms like a monkey and on his hands and knees like the cat.  It was so wonderful for me to see that my son was understanding and processing the books I read to him.
Output: POS
This cannot be for real. . I am a black woman who happens to be dating a white man.  However, when I first came across this book a few years ago, I was offended and frankly, shocked that something this blatantly racist and disrespectful could have been printed under the guise of a self-help book.  Whoever the author may be, s/he must realise that the way to make a rational argument to the intended reading audience of black females is NOT to insult black men, who represent her brothers, her father or her friends.  Another review on this board took the words right out of my mouth, when it stated that historically, it has been white-not black men-who have perpetuated the myth of the black [...], and who have been heavily invested in creating a sexually degraded image of the black woman in order to justify his sexual exploitation of her.  Half of me believes [or wants to believe] that this book is actually a satire.  I hope one day to have my hopes confirmed!
Output: NEG
A nice little reference . The compact size of this book makes it easy to keep handy, and it is full of useful information.  Some may (through personal experience) disagree with parts of it, but it will be invaluable to any new owner as it covers such an array of topics.  The easily readable style doesn't talk down to you, but is as if you have a friend talking to you.  I think it is excellent
Output: POS
Witty writing, fascinating story...maybe a little whiney . Sean Wilsey is certainly a skilled writer.  I found his writing style insightful, lively, and very funny.  The story of his childhood is jaw-dropping and if it weren't for his wit, this could  be a very uncomfortable story to read.  I enjoyed the suspense Wilsey builds into his story, which can be missing from memoirs.  He leads you along with his child's perspective to keep you turning pages and feel the same jolt he must have felt as a child living through this story.    My only real issue with this book was a nagging question in my mind on how much of it was the author working through his childhood pain and how much was revenge or whining.  Assuming the events described in the book are truthfully presented, I still had a difficult time accepting his parents as complete villains.  As he comes to a mild sort of acceptance of his parents' in the end, I felt I was left out of the journey.    Still, it is a compelling story with lively writing and well worth reading
Output: POS
Excellent Book . I bought this book 4 months ago because as an aspiring chef I have the need to learn as much as possible for lack of teachers in my area.  I have learned how to make mayonaise, most of the basic sauces and the PATE and the crowd pleaser, Turkey Gallantine.  I am thrilled to have this book amongst her other books in my collection which i refer to daily.  I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to learn from the masters (as there is not very many of them left)the art of cooking and making french and any other type of food.  As for people who claim some sort of health knowledge like tereshina (which she obviously does not posses), I think she is one of those bitter people that needs to add some sugar and spice to her already depressing and pathethic life or better yet keep eating that darn styrofoam junk
Output: POS
THIS AUTHOR HAS ZERO CREDIBILITY . WHY SHOULD WE TAKE ANYTHING THIS AUTHOR SAYS SERIOUSLY. HE'S LAST AND ONLY OTHER BOOK WAS A NATIONAL ENQUIRER STYLE TELL OR -- OR RATHER TELL NOTHING -- ABOUT A FRIEND WHO TRUSTED HIS CONFIDENCE -- JFK JR. BRADLEY CANT EVEN USE HIS REAL NAME -- RICHARD BLOW. HE'S A PHONY AND HE DECIDED TO TRY TO ADD SOME PANACHE TO HIS ALLEGED ROLE AS A WRITER BY DOING A "SERIOUS BOOK ABOUT AN INSTITUTION." I READ THE BOOK...IT'S ALL SPECULATION BASED ON ZERO RESEARCH. IT'S ESSENTIALLY A CUT AND PASTE JOB. FORGET IT. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME.
Output: NEG
The other side of silence... . I have read this book, Mr. Moon's &quot;Divide and Quit&quot;, Mr. Khosla's work, &quot;Stern Reckoning&quot; amongst others on the subject of the Partition. Ms. Butalia's work is so saturated with her personal opinions and idealogy, that it almost ceases to be a work on history than the airing of one's thoughts and mindset. Almost a diatribe, if I may. I will agree with what john_galt_who has written. I think he has hit the nail on the head. I did not consider this book worth either the money or the time
Output: NEG
Great resource for plus size women that want style tips . This is a very complete book on all aspects of us plus sized women--clothing, style and fit, accessories, makeup, etc. I highly recommend it if you tend to need occasional assistance in fit and style
Output: POS
Loved it! . What can I say?  Nora Roberts did it again in Angels Fall.  I whipped through this book in record time again, then passed it on to a buddy (who also loved it).  Her books just get better and better as she goes along
Output: POS