James's bookshelf: read http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/162048 en-US Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:12:03 -0800 60 James's bookshelf: read http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 6045922 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:12:03 -0800 <![CDATA[The Elves of Cintra]]> The Elves of Cintra
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 11/07
date added: 11/28/07
shelves: fantasy
review:
Not as good as Armageddon's Children, but not bad. It begins to loose the feel of the "Running With the Demon" series, and is picking up the feel of the Shannara series.
]]> 8882034 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:10:19 -0800 <![CDATA[Tuck Everlasting]]> Tuck Everlasting
author: Natalie Babbitt
name: James
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 10/07
date added: 11/09/07
shelves: fiction
review:
I liked this fun short story a lot. The plot/premise was unique and fun.
]]> 6045983 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:48:52 -0700 <![CDATA[Sunshine]]> Sunshine
author: Robin McKinley
name: James
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 09/07
date added: 09/17/07
shelves: fantasy
review:

]]> 6047577 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:57:41 -0700 <![CDATA[Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism]]> Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism
author: Donald W. Parry
name: James
average rating: 4.50
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves: religious
review:
The best book on ancient temple systems to date.
]]> 6047580 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:57:17 -0700 <![CDATA[Understanding the Signs of the Times]]> Understanding the Signs of the Times
author: Donald W. Parry
name: James
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1999
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves: religious
review:

]]> 6047575 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:57:09 -0700 <![CDATA[The Book of Mormon Text Reformatted According to Parallelistic Patterns]]> The Book of Mormon Text Reformatted According to Parallelistic Patterns
author: Donald W. Parry
name: James
average rating: 4.40
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves: religious
review:

]]> 6047545 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:57:00 -0700 <![CDATA[Understanding Isaiah]]> Understanding Isaiah
author: Donald W. Parry
name: James
average rating: 4.46
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves: religious
review:

]]> 6047555 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:56:49 -0700 <![CDATA[Visualizing Isaiah]]> Visualizing Isaiah
author: Donald W. Parry
name: James
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves: religious
review:

]]> 6047501 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:56:11 -0700 <![CDATA[A Bibliography on Temples of the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean World: Arranged by Subject and by Author (Ancient Near Eastern Texts and Studie)]]> A Bibliography on Temples of the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean World: Arranged by Subject and by Author (Ancient Near Eastern Texts and Studie)
author: Donald W. Parry
name: James
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1991
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves: religious
review:

]]> 6047340 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:51:25 -0700 <![CDATA[The Mystery of the Aleph: Mathematics, the Kabbalah, and the Search for Infinity]]> The Mystery of the Aleph: Mathematics, the Kabbalah, and the Search for Infinity
author: Amir D. Aczel
name: James
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves: religious
review:

]]> 6047206 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:48:01 -0700 <![CDATA[The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy]]> The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
author: Douglas Adams
name: James
average rating: 4.43
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6047131 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:46:05 -0700 <![CDATA[The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure (The 'Good Parts' Version)]]> The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure (The 'Good Parts' Version)
author: William Goldman
name: James
average rating: 4.49
book published: 1988
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046240 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:30:19 -0700 <![CDATA[Confronting the Myth of Self-Esteem: Twelve Keys to Finding Peace]]>
The world says: Your good enough, your smart enough, and gosh darn it people like you.

The gospel says: your not good enough, your not smart enough, and it shouldn't matter what people think, but God is good enough, God is smart enough, and He loves you enough to die for you.

This is the gospel, and the difference between "self esteem"/pride and self worth.]]> Confronting the Myth of Self-Esteem: Twelve Keys to Finding Peace
author: Ester Rasband
name: James
average rating: 4.56
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at: 01/02
date added: 09/11/07
shelves: religious
review:
This is one of my favorite all time LDS books! Excellent.

The world says: Your good enough, your smart enough, and gosh darn it people like you.

The gospel says: your not good enough, your not smart enough, and it shouldn't matter what people think, but God is good enough, God is smart enough, and He loves you enough to die for you.

This is the gospel, and the difference between "self esteem"/pride and self worth.
]]> 6046114 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:24:17 -0700 <![CDATA[The Skies of Pern]]> The Skies of Pern
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2002
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046108 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:24:09 -0700 <![CDATA[All The Weyrs Of Pern]]> All The Weyrs Of Pern
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 3.90
book published: 1992
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046105 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:24:07 -0700 <![CDATA[Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern, Book 4)]]> Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern, Book 4)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 3.76
book published: 1983
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046095 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:23:58 -0700 <![CDATA[The MasterHarper of Pern]]> The MasterHarper of Pern
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1999
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046084 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:23:52 -0700 <![CDATA[Dragonsdawn (Dragonriders of Pern, Book 6)]]> Dragonsdawn (Dragonriders of Pern, Book 6)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1988
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046080 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:23:42 -0700 <![CDATA[Dragondrums (Harper Hall Trilogy, Book 3)]]> Dragondrums (Harper Hall Trilogy, Book 3)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 3.92
book published: 1997
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046075 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:23:39 -0700 <![CDATA[The White Dragon (Dragonriders of Pern, Book 3)]]> The White Dragon (Dragonriders of Pern, Book 3)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1981
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046071 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:23:37 -0700 <![CDATA[Dragonsinger (Harper Hall Trilogy, Book 2)]]> Dragonsinger (Harper Hall Trilogy, Book 2)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1997
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046062 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:23:33 -0700 <![CDATA[Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, Book 1)]]> Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, Book 1)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: James
average rating: 4.06
book published: 1986
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046003 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:22:37 -0700 <![CDATA[Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast]]> Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast
author: Robin McKinley
name: James
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6046000 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:22:31 -0700 <![CDATA[The Blue Sword]]> The Blue Sword
author: Robin McKinley
name: James
average rating: 4.34
book published: 1987
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045999 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:22:30 -0700 <![CDATA[The Hero and the Crown]]> The Hero and the Crown
author: Robin McKinley
name: James
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045875 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:20:12 -0700 <![CDATA[Armageddon's Children]]> Armageddon's Children
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045869 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:20:05 -0700 <![CDATA[Jarka Ruus (High Druid of Shannara, Book 1)]]> Jarka Ruus (High Druid of Shannara, Book 1)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045867 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:20:01 -0700 <![CDATA[Angel Fire East (Word & the Void)]]> Angel Fire East (Word & the Void)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045865 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:59 -0700 <![CDATA[Witches' Brew (A Magic Kingdom of Landover Novel)]]> Witches' Brew (A Magic Kingdom of Landover Novel)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.63
book published: 1996
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045864 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:57 -0700 <![CDATA[Straken (High Druid of Shannara)]]> Straken (High Druid of Shannara)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045861 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:55 -0700 <![CDATA[A Knight of the Word (The Word and the Void Trilogy, Book 2)]]> A Knight of the Word (The Word and the Void Trilogy, Book 2)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045855 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:49 -0700 <![CDATA[Tanequil (High Druid of Shannara, Book 2)]]> Tanequil (High Druid of Shannara, Book 2)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045849 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:44 -0700 <![CDATA[Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (Star Wars)]]> Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (Star Wars)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2000
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045845 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:41 -0700 <![CDATA[The Tangle Box (A Magic Kingdom of Landover Novel)]]> The Tangle Box (A Magic Kingdom of Landover Novel)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.56
book published: 1995
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045842 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:39 -0700 <![CDATA[Morgawr (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 3)]]> Morgawr (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 3)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045838 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:37 -0700 <![CDATA[Running with the Demon (The Word and the Void Trilogy, Book 1) (Trolltown)]]> Running with the Demon (The Word and the Void Trilogy, Book 1) (Trolltown)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.80
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045836 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:35 -0700 <![CDATA[Antrax (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 2)]]> Antrax (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 2)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045834 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:31 -0700 <![CDATA[The Black Unicorn (Magic Kingdom of Landover, Book 2)]]> The Black Unicorn (Magic Kingdom of Landover, Book 2)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.57
book published: 1988
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045833 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:30 -0700 <![CDATA[Ilse Witch (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 1)]]> Ilse Witch (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 1)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045830 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:23 -0700 <![CDATA[The First King of Shannara (Prequel to the Shannara Series)]]> The First King of Shannara (Prequel to the Shannara Series)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045828 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:20 -0700 <![CDATA[Wizard at Large (Magic Kingdom of Landover, Book 3)]]> Wizard at Large (Magic Kingdom of Landover, Book 3)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.62
book published: 1989
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045822 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:15 -0700 <![CDATA[The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 4)]]> The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 4)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045819 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:13 -0700 <![CDATA[The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)]]> The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045816 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:11 -0700 <![CDATA[The Scions of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 1)]]> The Scions of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 1)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045810 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:06 -0700 <![CDATA[The Druid of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 2)]]> The Druid of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 2)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045801 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:19:01 -0700 <![CDATA[Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold (Magic Kingdom of Landover, Book 1)]]> Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold (Magic Kingdom of Landover, Book 1)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.71
book published: 1992
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045798 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:18:59 -0700 <![CDATA[The Wishsong of Shannara (Shannara, Book 3)]]> The Wishsong of Shannara (Shannara, Book 3)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045792 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:18:56 -0700 <![CDATA[The Elfstones of Shannara: Shannara Series, Book Two (Audio Cassette)]]> The Elfstones of Shannara: Shannara Series, Book Two (Audio Cassette)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1983
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6045788 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:18:54 -0700 <![CDATA[The Sword of Shannara (Shannara, Book 1)]]> The Sword of Shannara (Shannara, Book 1)
author: Terry Brooks
name: James
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6037627 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:52:26 -0700 <![CDATA[Twilight (Book 1)]]> Twilight (Book 1)
author: Stephenie Meyer
name: James
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 08/07
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6037636 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:52:07 -0700 <![CDATA[New Moon (Book 2)]]> New Moon (Book 2)
author: Stephenie Meyer
name: James
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 08/07
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 6037640 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:51:36 -0700 <![CDATA[Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3)]]> Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3)
author: Stephenie Meyer
name: James
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 08/07
date added: 09/11/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 2936935 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:57:17 -0700 <![CDATA[The Giver]]>
And, of course, this is hogwash. Choice, agency, and real pleasure are dangerous, they can lead to pain, but without them life has no purpose. Purpose comes from choosing. Purpose comes from overcoming adversity. Yes, you could choose poorly, and that could lead to pain, it is dangerous, but without it, life has no meaning, it is colorless.

The ending mirrors this ambiguity. Did he die? Did he live? He was made free, and he made a choice... was it the right one? Did it lead to happiness for him? Did it lead to happiness for the community who will now have his memories? Will they destroy themselves, or will the Giver be able to help them find true purpose and happiness in life? We don't know, because that is the way of all choices, we can't always know the outcomes of our decisions, and therein lies the danger, but the risk is worth the rewards.]]> The Giver
author: Lois Lowry
name: James
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at: 01/07
date added: 07/11/07
shelves:
review:
This book is the best refutation of the Buddhist philosophy that I have seen in a long while. In Buddhist thought, pain is the ultimate evil, and so, to eliminate pain and suffering we must give up desire, and individuality. Self is an illusion, and leads to pain, desire and agency are dangerous, so we should give them up and join the cosmic oneness "enlightenment" to find a utopia without pain. As Yoda says to Anakin, "you must give up all that you fear to loose."

And, of course, this is hogwash. Choice, agency, and real pleasure are dangerous, they can lead to pain, but without them life has no purpose. Purpose comes from choosing. Purpose comes from overcoming adversity. Yes, you could choose poorly, and that could lead to pain, it is dangerous, but without it, life has no meaning, it is colorless.

The ending mirrors this ambiguity. Did he die? Did he live? He was made free, and he made a choice... was it the right one? Did it lead to happiness for him? Did it lead to happiness for the community who will now have his memories? Will they destroy themselves, or will the Giver be able to help them find true purpose and happiness in life? We don't know, because that is the way of all choices, we can't always know the outcomes of our decisions, and therein lies the danger, but the risk is worth the rewards.
]]> 2634478 Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700 <![CDATA[Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon]]> Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon
author: Jeffrey R. Holland
name: James
average rating: 4.65
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 07/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 2537626 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:11:38 -0700 <![CDATA[The Age of Innocence]]> The Age of Innocence
author: Edith Wharton
name: James
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1992
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/29/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 2537213 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:02:09 -0700 <![CDATA[Hobbit, The]]> Hobbit, The
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: James
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1937
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/29/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 2537108 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:59:43 -0700 <![CDATA[Jonathan Livingston Seagull]]> Jonathan Livingston Seagull
author: Richard Bach
name: James
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/29/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 2536992 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:56:48 -0700 <![CDATA[The Lord of the Rings]]> The Lord of the Rings
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: James
average rating: 4.37
book published: 1995
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 06/29/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 2536936 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:54:41 -0700 <![CDATA[The Silmarillion]]> The Silmarillion
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: James
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 06/29/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 2536879 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:53:43 -0700 <![CDATA[The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Official Edition)]]> The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Official Edition)
author: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The)
name: James
average rating: 4.90
book published: 1830
rating: 5
read at: 06/07
date added: 06/29/07
shelves: religious
review:
Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
]]> 2536835 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:52:38 -0700 <![CDATA[Mimus]]> Mimus
author: Lilli Thal
name: James
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 06/07
date added: 06/29/07
shelves:
review:
This is a GREAT book...
]]>