I love all the different types of magics that Tamora Pierce so vividly creates, this one- dance magic- being no exception. For me, each book is always...moreI love all the different types of magics that Tamora Pierce so vividly creates, this one- dance magic- being no exception. For me, each book is always distinctive, and the characters are always fresh and engaging. It is also very easy to read and understand out of order, which was how I came into the series.
In this book, Sandry has to train the young Pasco. Unlike Sandry, who has been forced to mature at a young age by much traumatic events, Pasco is reckless, fun-seeking and flimsy, not understanding how important his training really is. He and the reader learns the responsibility of having magic- the responsibility to learn about one's own gift: to understand the consequences of their actions, and not be used as a tool. That is one of many themes that come across in this story, Sandry's compassion, love for her family and transition into adulthood being some of the others.
Pierce writes really well to her target audience, who would have grown up with Sandry et al through the Circle of Magic series, to this one of them much older, and a lot more mature. I'm in my twenties and absolutely loved it.(less)
Still speedreading my way through this for a class.
This book is written in a style more like one long conversation/narrative (or lecture) by with auth...moreStill speedreading my way through this for a class.
This book is written in a style more like one long conversation/narrative (or lecture) by with author with the reader rather than your typical, bullet-pointed, simplified textbook. There are pros and cons to this- you get a really thorough understanding of the background/context of things, and it CAN be a rather interesting read if you can spare large chunks of your time to engage in and enjoy the discussion (the author has clearly put a lot of thought into his examples and used his teaching experience in explaining things as if TO a student). On the other hand, if you were expecting the key formulas and points to be highlighted, set in bold, bulletpointed for you... you will need to take notes as you read. Even the summaries read like a end-of-lecture recap ('we covered...') instead of repeating key information.
I've also found 3 typos/minor errors so far (and counting). Not major issues, but in a stats textbook, small inaccuracies can add a lot to the confusion. May check out author's website later to see if it's been noted?
There are also links to loads of websites for you to explore, but at least one (Dartmouth ones) appeared to have been moved or taken down. For the THOROUGH, but lazy... the screenshots and summaries in the textbook are nice.(less)
Really solid theory and research on our perspectives of time and what that entails (or at least implies), from its links to personality traits to expl...moreReally solid theory and research on our perspectives of time and what that entails (or at least implies), from its links to personality traits to explanations for suicide terrorism. As a psychology student, this was the perfect balance for me to learn the proper psychology while still being relatively easy to read/understand.
I am a little surprised by the lukewarm reviews, but it seems most came into the book with certain expectations because of the cover or Zimbardo's name/fame. This is NOT a self-help book, although it does have helpful things and may be just what some people need (myself included, hopefully). This is NOT a 'scholarly work' (ie academia-only), although the arguments and research ARE impressively solid and rigorous. It is a framework through which new and classic studies have been reinterpreted in terms of the psychology of time-- a very condensed summary of decades of research. It's pretty much a (very decent) starter to the entire field.(less)
Wonderful, beautifully detailed novel, the first half more so than the second. This (autobiographical) story is firstly about a girl's experiences at...moreWonderful, beautifully detailed novel, the first half more so than the second. This (autobiographical) story is firstly about a girl's experiences at a Catholic school, and secondly about the girl's relationship with her father. I was spoiled about the ending, but that only meant I spent the last half of the book feeling that gradual, overwhelming horror of watching a traimwreck. What added the extra dimension to an already-good novel was knowing that this was 'real,' and based on what happened to Antonia White herself. Wonderful, terrible and horrifying.
This book assumes, and can be more fully appreciated with, a little background knowledge of Catholicism, in my opinion.(less)
Very useful! The chapters were filled with practical ideas, tips, and questions that got me thinking in terms of my own 'blocked' writing project. Hel...moreVery useful! The chapters were filled with practical ideas, tips, and questions that got me thinking in terms of my own 'blocked' writing project. Helpful guide if you already have a project you're working on or revising, or helps you identify those areas/ideas you would personally enjoy writing.(less)
A quick read. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was the age group for it. The writing was was a little 'ugh' for me, not sure why. To my surpr...moreA quick read. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was the age group for it. The writing was was a little 'ugh' for me, not sure why. To my surprise, I enjoyed the graphic novel adaptation (which I'd read first- note the potential bias right there) much better. Still a good read.(less)