http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/712618 en-US Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:50:19 -0800 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 14919386 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:50:19 -0800
The story is a melancholic one. It revolves around a young but rich daughter, Catherine, who has a lifelong devotion to a young man, Morris Townshed, who has no position and his character is morally questionable. Their marriage is strongly opposed by the daughter's father, who is a doctor and possesses a fortune.

Social status is not a barrier to their marriage. The crux is that the young man shows no real affection to the girl and he's idling after years of intentional separation. The innocent daughter enjoys the romantic love and is blind to the situation until late in the story. She turns into a wise, rational and mature female figure, with her confession to her father towards her determination to Morris Townshed - "If I live with you, I ought to obey you... But if I don't obey you, I ought not to live with you - to enjoy your kindness and protection'.

Henry James deals with the theme of love pessimistically which is reflected in the portrayal of doctor's daughter. Time proves everything when Catherine re-encounters Morris thirteen years later. The wound was so deep that Catherine thinks 'she felt it for years'. The feeling of hurt and pain, memories of sweetiness and bitterness of devotion are 'everything' to Catherine's life, and they are 'dead and buried'. On one hand, Catherine is a heroine as she stands against his father to fight for herself and she takes the courage to refuse Morris Townshed , who is not a true love. On the other hand, Catherine is a coward who ends up spend the rest of her life in needlework rather than choosing another man and living her life to the fullest.

Another important theme in the story, which is the struggle between 'moral comfort', or in Morris wording, 'intellectual satisfaction', and 'material comfort', is narrated and discussed in depth. For a man of no position and paying no apparent effort in making one is detined to be in subordination. For a woman who has a great deal of fortune and possesses wisdom in words of reasoning is never the one to be despised.]]>
author: Henry James
name: Carol
average rating: 3.66
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/09/08
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
It was rather hard for me to read further after finishing hte first thirty-something pages. Quite a long plot for the story with little twist in between.

The story is a melancholic one. It revolves around a young but rich daughter, Catherine, who has a lifelong devotion to a young man, Morris Townshed, who has no position and his character is morally questionable. Their marriage is strongly opposed by the daughter's father, who is a doctor and possesses a fortune.

Social status is not a barrier to their marriage. The crux is that the young man shows no real affection to the girl and he's idling after years of intentional separation. The innocent daughter enjoys the romantic love and is blind to the situation until late in the story. She turns into a wise, rational and mature female figure, with her confession to her father towards her determination to Morris Townshed - "If I live with you, I ought to obey you... But if I don't obey you, I ought not to live with you - to enjoy your kindness and protection'.

Henry James deals with the theme of love pessimistically which is reflected in the portrayal of doctor's daughter. Time proves everything when Catherine re-encounters Morris thirteen years later. The wound was so deep that Catherine thinks 'she felt it for years'. The feeling of hurt and pain, memories of sweetiness and bitterness of devotion are 'everything' to Catherine's life, and they are 'dead and buried'. On one hand, Catherine is a heroine as she stands against his father to fight for herself and she takes the courage to refuse Morris Townshed , who is not a true love. On the other hand, Catherine is a coward who ends up spend the rest of her life in needlework rather than choosing another man and living her life to the fullest.

Another important theme in the story, which is the struggle between 'moral comfort', or in Morris wording, 'intellectual satisfaction', and 'material comfort', is narrated and discussed in depth. For a man of no position and paying no apparent effort in making one is detined to be in subordination. For a woman who has a great deal of fortune and possesses wisdom in words of reasoning is never the one to be despised.
]]> 11160487 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:09:38 -0800
author: Steve Turner
name: Carol
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1996
rating: 3
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/28/07
shelves: fiction--poetry
review:

]]> 11159277 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:56:42 -0800
author: Edited by Paul Cookson
name: Carol
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/28/07
shelves: fiction--poetry
review:

]]> 11158112 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:39:55 -0800
author: F. Max Müller
name: Carol
average rating: 4.58
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 02/05
date added: 12/28/07
shelves: non-fiction--religions
review:

]]> 10963064 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 23:29:54 -0800
Read the story and experience Zack's exciting and spooky jounery, and enjoy the funny conversations. The ending is predictable if you are a reader of Dan's out-of-this-world books.]]>
author: Dan Greenburg
name: Carol
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2002
rating: 3
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/27/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
Locked in a museum and knowing that everyone's going home is every child's nightmare. Zack was trapped and stumbled into the Neanderthals who wish to make Zack a permanent museum exhibit! To avoid being a representation of an annoying boy of an exhibition called the Downfall of Man, Zack tried his best to escape.

Read the story and experience Zack's exciting and spooky jounery, and enjoy the funny conversations. The ending is predictable if you are a reader of Dan's out-of-this-world books.
]]> 11132603 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 23:16:51 -0800
Would you know what to do if you were him? A light childish read to pass a bit of time.
]]>
author: Louis Sachar
name: Carol
average rating: 3.64
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/27/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
Marvin Redpost is asked to look after an old puppy called Waldo in Mrs. North's house for five days. When everyone thinks that he has all the luck, something goes wrong and he's just there all by himself. It looks like the teacher will never speaks to him again.

Would you know what to do if you were him? A light childish read to pass a bit of time.

]]> 11131945 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:44:33 -0800
Quite an intersting read. A lesson to be learned at the end of the story. ]]>
author: Dan Greenburg
name: Carol
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/27/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
I read it because I'm a loyal reader of Dan Greenburg. (Remember one is never too old to be a reader of children's book or young adults book.)

Quite an intersting read. A lesson to be learned at the end of the story.
]]> 10983787 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:31:53 -0800
author: Colin West
name: Carol
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/27/07
shelves: fiction--poetry
review:

]]> 10965373 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:59:14 -0800
author: Catherine Vase
name: Carol
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 09/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:
As you can guess from the book title, the penguin tries innumerous ways to fly before it successes. Use your imagination and think of ten ways to help a penguin flies. A absurd yet rational ending. A good book to develop creativity and prediction skills. I read it for the ERS lesson.
]]> 10983820 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:44:44 -0800
author: Gina, Thompson
name: Carol
average rating: 2.00
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at: 10/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:
I don't recommend it to anyone as I don't agree with the pessimism in the story.
]]> 10983659 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:39:06 -0800
author: John P. Kotter
name: Carol
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 09/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: non-fiction--leadership
review:
An engaging fable with attractive illustrations gives valuable lessons to both adults and children. It introduces the eight principals of problem-solving, revolving around the idea of proactiveness (r), and reminding us of the challenges we face. Entertaining and enjoyable. It is easily to be read in a couple of hours.
]]> 10964039 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:28:50 -0800
author: Peter H. Reynolds
name: Carol
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 10/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:
The book is great to those who don't think they would like to read. The story is very simple and the reader will learn a lesson after reading it.
]]> 10966046 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:56:02 -0800
author: Marjorie Priceman
name: Carol
average rating: 4.28
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:

]]> 10965323 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:41:53 -0800
author: Louis Sachar
name: Carol
average rating: 3.82
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
If you enjoy the Marvin Redpost series, you will like this one too.
]]> 10965229 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:41:07 -0800
author: Louis Sachar
name: Carol
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
If you kiss your elbow, you will turn into a girl! It is a silly science fiction written in easy English, posing questions about both the physical and the psychological differences between boys and girls. I guess girls will be more interested in the Marvin Redpost series.
]]> 10965198 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:38:58 -0800
author: Stephanie Spinner
name: Carol
average rating: 3.60
book published: 1991
rating: 4
read at: 10/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
A sequel of Aliens for Breakfast.
]]> 10965170 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:38:21 -0800
author: Jonathan Etra
name: Carol
average rating: 3.81
book published: 1988
rating: 4
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
If you enjoy reading science fiction, you will like the story. ( Unfortunately, I'm too old for the book.)
]]> 10965153 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:37:12 -0800
author: Cynthia Stierle
name: Carol
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 10/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
It is a very relaxing book for leisure reading.
]]> 10965131 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:35:54 -0800
author: Frank T. Thompson
name: Carol
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 01/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--comics
review:
It is a COMIC book.
]]> 10965107 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:35:22 -0800
author: Eric Sanvoisin
name: Carol
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
A story written in a French story. An entertaining plot with a grotesque atmostphere.
]]> 10965053 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:34:17 -0800
author: Takayuki Ishii
name: Carol
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at: 01/06
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: non-fiction--biography
review:
It is a biography of Sadako. The statue of Sadako can be found in Hiroshima Peace's Park. The book is not easy to read for the Form ones.
]]> 10964986 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:32:58 -0800
author: Eleanor Coerr
name: Carol
average rating: 4.15
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at: 01/06
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
It's a very touching story about a girl who got leukemia due to the exposure of atomic bomb at the age of two. A heart-wrenching story reminds us of world peace and the impact of wars.
]]> 10964934 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:30:33 -0800
author: Dr. Seuss
name: Carol
average rating: 3.77
book published: 1958
rating: 4
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
You should know who Dr. Seuss is.
]]> 10964874 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:29:19 -0800
author: Neil Gaiman
name: Carol
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
This is an award-winning book by the very famous Neil Gaiman.
]]> 10964767 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:28:04 -0800
author: Marc McCutcheon
name: Carol
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: non-fiction--biography
review:
The book consists of short biographies of five young people who makes a difference with their inventions. It is an encouraging and inspirational book written in easy English.
]]> 10964659 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:26:14 -0800
author: Sam McCullen
name: Carol
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
The book revolves around an extraordinary boy called Billy who used to speak a sentence in another way round. A funny but yet grotesque story.
]]> 10964602 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:23:32 -0800
author: Tony Ross
name: Carol
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1991
rating: 3
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:
I read just becasue it's by Tony Ross. I'm too old to enjoy the book immensely.
]]> 10964541 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:22:36 -0800
author: Alice Cameron
name: Carol
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
If you haven't watched the story before, you may like to read the storybook.
]]> 10964498 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:21:11 -0800
author: George Beard
name: Carol
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--comics
review:
It is one of the books in the Captain Underpants series. The book sounds funny but it is not easy to read to some of you. Have a go and enjoy the book.
]]> 10964399 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:19:23 -0800
author: Laurence Anholt
name: Carol
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
As shown on the book cover, it is a 'seriously silly' version of the traditional folk story Snow White. This time Snow White sings a song with seven aliens from the space, not the seven dwarfs living in the forest. The book is available in the school library.
]]> 10964323 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:15:50 -0800
author: Melvin Berger
name: Carol
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: non-fiction--biography
review:
By now you should know who Edison is.
]]> 10964293 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:15:04 -0800
author: Melvin Berger
name: Carol
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: non-fiction--biography
review:
For the young scientists.
]]> 10964228 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:14:24 -0800
author: Luc Jacquet
name: Carol
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: non-fiction--animals
review:
A non-fiction accompanying the movie pictures. Colourful illustration. Recommended for book reports.
]]> 10964169 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:13:16 -0800
author: Kelley Macaulay
name: Carol
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: non-fiction--sports
review:
A good reference for those who like Taekwondo.
]]> 10964134 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:12:29 -0800
author: Heather Levigne
name: Carol
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: non-fiction--sports
review:
Good for the energetic and the sporty.
]]> 10963891 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:09:27 -0800
author: Quentin Blake
name: Carol
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 10/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:
If you have read stories like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,the BFG, and Matilda, you may be familiar with Quentin Blake, the illustrator of Roald Dahl's books.
]]> 10963847 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:06:31 -0800
author: John Burningham
name: Carol
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 10/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:
An creative story suitable for children.
]]> 10963796 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:05:29 -0800
author: Neil Gaiman
name: Carol
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
The award-winning story is very interesting with a twist in the end. Highly recommended.
]]> 10963732 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:03:50 -0800
author: Allan Ahlberg
name: Carol
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 10/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:
It's a book written in the form of free verse. If you like food, you will like the book and you will learn some words related to food.
]]> 10963611 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:02:24 -0800
author: Tony Ross
name: Carol
average rating: 2.00
book published: 2006
rating: 2
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--childrens-books
review:
I read it just because it's written by Tony Ross. I'm too old to read a children's book. There are a few words and the pictures are large. Yet, trust that the young adults are able to get the message.
]]> 10963389 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:57:20 -0800
author: Dan Greenburg
name: Carol
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
Have you ever thought of meeting your children from future? The sci-fi is not only funny, but also heart-warming. It is an essetial read and is highly recommended.
]]> 10963105 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:55:07 -0800
author: Dan Greenburg
name: Carol
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2002
rating: 3
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
Same as the other titles in the series, the story is extraordinarily spooky and entertaining. With a very imaginative plot and an attractive name, the book gives you a good reason to spend some time on reading it.
]]> 10962882 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:48:27 -0800
author: Dan Greenburg
name: Carol
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--sci-fi
review:
The book is very funny and weird, especially the part Zack tries to find out who the killer is in the classroom when all the lights go out.
]]> 10962329 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:32:35 -0800
author: Louis Sachar
name: Carol
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 11/07
date added: 12/24/07
shelves: fiction--literature
review:
It's an easy reading.
]]>