recent reviews

my rating:

Sammy said: "Different, but was good. "

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Theresa Leone said: "Only read the first 40 pages so far but already I don't like it. What is the value in reading about the hellish existence of children being raised by white trash? Still, it comes highly recommended so I'm going to continue and hope it is worth the ti...more Only read the first 40 pages so far but already I don't like it. What is the value in reading about the hellish existence of children being raised by white trash? Still, it comes highly recommended so I'm going to continue and hope it is worth the time...(less) "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Karla said: "This book was fantastic! I had no idea who the "bab" guy/gal was till I read the final few pages!! Its so nice to be surprised! "

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read in October, 2009

Emily said: "loved this book. I learned a great deal about the Dominican Republic and for once in my life enjoyed reading the footnotes. Great use of humor. Very bitter sweet read. "

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read in November, 2009

Barbara said: "Loved the characters and locale of this comic suspense novel. Since I spent a little time in the Florida Keys, the locations he mentions are a bit familiar which made it a really fun read for me. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Marisd said: "I love Jodi Picoult's writing style. I think she tries hard to make you look at all sides of a presenting issue by writing from all of her character's perspectives. The story of this book is so compelling on many levels. It makes you really think ...more I love Jodi Picoult's writing style. I think she tries hard to make you look at all sides of a presenting issue by writing from all of her character's perspectives. The story of this book is so compelling on many levels. It makes you really think hard through what you believe is morally and ethically sound when dealing with familial relationships and illness. I found myself unable to fathom being in the type of situation the Fitzgerald's were in, because I didn't want to really face some of my greatest fears. A challenging book emotionally and spiritually, but definitely a must-read.(less) "

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Deborah said: "Getting inside the 'soul' of a plant.

"A don't-wanna-put-it-down unspooling of the socio-political, economic and historical forces that led to the cultivation of four crops" - Chicago Tribune "

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Ann said: "The principles of success are never outdated. This book is just as important now as it was when it was written. We detail the Success Principles in the Inspired Blog http://www.annhawkins.com "

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read in October, 2009

Emily said: "I learned that dogs are smarter than people. "

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read in January, 2004

Marisd said: "Heavy, heavy read. Felt really depressed and somewhat discouraged after reading this book. The characters are really well developed and you really get tied to the main character's story and struggles in life. It's hard not to identify with many of...more Heavy, heavy read. Felt really depressed and somewhat discouraged after reading this book. The characters are really well developed and you really get tied to the main character's story and struggles in life. It's hard not to identify with many of her issues, but her life is pretty tragic and sad.(less) "

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read in October, 2009

Barbara said: "Chief Inspector Van Veeteren of the Dutch police is an amiably dour investigator - nice read, little slow, but a great plot. "

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Margaret said: "learned about this in the same NPR interview with the author of Old Filth. "

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Ann said: "This is the basis of most of the work we do in our MasterMind Groups to help business owners to create sustainable businesses http:www.theinspiredgroup.com "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Mark said: "(+) promising, funny, short, great dialog, interesting characters
(-) ending was somewhat unfulfilling and did not fit with the rest of the book. "

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Margaret said: "learned about this on NPR. "

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Erin said: "I can't believe I'm actually reading this.

So far it is just as craptacular as I expected. "

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Scsinkaty said: "Very funny - and so true! "

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Krystal said: "I really like Jane Austen. All of her books are almost too similar, and this was no exception. (A set of sisters, misunderstandings about who marries who, multiple suitors, a "good" suitor that's turns out to be a bad egg, etc.) But I st...more I really like Jane Austen. All of her books are almost too similar, and this was no exception. (A set of sisters, misunderstandings about who marries who, multiple suitors, a "good" suitor that's turns out to be a bad egg, etc.) But I still always enjoy reading her stuff! I thought it was fun to have one of the suitors be a sea captain. I also loved the main character, Anne Elliott. In fact, I think she's my favorite Austen heroine so far.

(less) "

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Heather said: "I thought the characters and the storyline was cruel and tiresome. I know the author is supposed to be well-known for invoking this kind of worldview and then...(attempting to) tacking on a happy ending. I didn't like it and every character was dep...more I thought the characters and the storyline was cruel and tiresome. I know the author is supposed to be well-known for invoking this kind of worldview and then...(attempting to) tacking on a happy ending. I didn't like it and every character was depressing. Next!(less) "

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Heather said: "Didn't like it as much at the time I read it, but I keep coming back to it as something that really captures American political/social culture. "

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Jen said: "A story I think many woman could tell, if they had the courage to be so honest with themselves. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Xin said: "Stands up to rereading. Remember the Statute of Secrecy in Harry Potter? What if the law had never been (fictionally) enacted? Imagine a regency England in which wizards are indeed nature's aristocracy. Kim, disguised as a boy to avoid the usual ...more Stands up to rereading. Remember the Statute of Secrecy in Harry Potter? What if the law had never been (fictionally) enacted? Imagine a regency England in which wizards are indeed nature's aristocracy. Kim, disguised as a boy to avoid the usual fate of women in the London stews, survived as a street thief until joining forces with a mysterious street magician.(less) "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Linda said: "We are taken along with Madison as she tries to find herself using items she lost during her life. Madison also tries to discover how she died by going back to various events and times in her life. This book works on oh so many levels and the author ...more We are taken along with Madison as she tries to find herself using items she lost during her life. Madison also tries to discover how she died by going back to various events and times in her life. This book works on oh so many levels and the author lives in Michigan!(less) "

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Gavin said: "I like the time when gerinimo gets hurt. "

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read in August, 2009

Donal said: "To anyone who's ever tried to grow anything, or who loves the land, this book is fascinating trip back to a time before the internet and all the other resources of information we rely so heavily on. By sheer genius, and a little luck along the way, ...more To anyone who's ever tried to grow anything, or who loves the land, this book is fascinating trip back to a time before the internet and all the other resources of information we rely so heavily on. By sheer genius, and a little luck along the way, this man discovered and created many new and improved breeds of fruits, vegetables and trees that we still have today...it'll make you want to go out and hand pollinate your potatoes!(less) "

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Jen said: "The best novel I have read in some time. "

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read in May, 2009

Emily said: "It was ok. I'm not a big fan of survival books though they bore me to death. "

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Angela said: "Too close to home "

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Heather said: "I felt it was even handed (many may disagree with me) and certainly thought provoking. If I had only heard the guy on NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" I would have probably dismissed the book. I'm glad I didn't. And the mobile chicken hou...more I felt it was even handed (many may disagree with me) and certainly thought provoking. If I had only heard the guy on NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" I would have probably dismissed the book. I'm glad I didn't. And the mobile chicken house? I want one, and some chickens!(less) "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Ben said: "A wonderful little ode to the cocktail. Playfully written, with selected drink histories and recipes throughout. Felten writes about cocktails not as a detached chronicler but as an enthusiast for a well made drink and the joy of social libation. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Amanda said: "I kind of loved it, but maybe I was just in a mood to like it. Didn't make me love Russel. Did get me thinking about the lineage of our ideas of logic and mathematics and about narrative devices. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Laura said: "A classic born, shining into the future, waiting to be discovered like a meal in the harsh cruel ruins of humanity. This book should be added to the annuls of literary history, savored, read, re-read, and discussed. This questions everything that m...more A classic born, shining into the future, waiting to be discovered like a meal in the harsh cruel ruins of humanity. This book should be added to the annuls of literary history, savored, read, re-read, and discussed. This questions everything that means anything and less, or more?(less) "

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read in November, 2009

Vince said: "Will see how this goes-so far, I am left with the question of what to do with a book when the narrator has very little (actually, nothing)to like about her... "

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Gavin said: "I just like harry potter. "

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read in November, 2009

Linda said: "It took me a little while to follow the plot but the story and characters were compelling enough to keep me involved. It soon became a world I did not want to leave and now find time for book two! "

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read in November, 2009

Derek said: "This book definitely elaborated on the basics of evolution I already understood. I find myself newly appreciating the complexity of life that developed over the millenia. Some of the writing is a little obnoxious, but the concepts are good. I would l...more This book definitely elaborated on the basics of evolution I already understood. I find myself newly appreciating the complexity of life that developed over the millenia. Some of the writing is a little obnoxious, but the concepts are good. I would like to see this adapted into a children's book.(less) "

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read in October, 2009

David said: "Really good literary investigation into the death of Marlowe and the convoluted spy world of Elizabethan England. "

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read in February, 2009

Emily said: "tHIS BOOK IS STUPID POINTLESS, AND MAKES TALLY LOOK LIKE THE BAD GUY!!!! Don't read it, it makes the rest of the series look stupid! "

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read in October, 2009

Amanda said: "This book is a detailed explanation of the spreadsheet the author developed. Worth picking up if you feel the spreadsheet could be useful to you, and a quick read, but nothing particularly earth shattering. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Melissa said: "I found this at a used book store and loved it - 1970's Harry Potter for young readers. "

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Vince said: "Okay, I give up on Millhauser-all the books sound interesting, and then...nothing happens. For page after page after page. It's like reading E.L. Doctorow, if he wrote only under the influence of heavy sedatives. Couldn't even keep going on this o...more Okay, I give up on Millhauser-all the books sound interesting, and then...nothing happens. For page after page after page. It's like reading E.L. Doctorow, if he wrote only under the influence of heavy sedatives. Couldn't even keep going on this one.(less) "

my rating:

Heather said: "I enjoyed this book which is a lot like all of Gould's books. I read it on Kindle so I probably missed out on some of the graphs and such. But who doesn't love this stuff? It also wasn't stuffy. "

my rating:

Ki said: "I complain that it was too short! I enjoyed this book very much. I've always had an apatite for fairy-tales, and Rowlings did a good job in her composition of these five. Dumbledore's notes were fairly interesting. A good little book. "

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read in October, 2009

Emily said: "A fun read, especially along with Halloween. "

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Heather said: "Again, like the first however this had way too much repetition from areas already covered in his first book. "

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Tammy said: "Loved it! "

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read in November, 2009

Emily said: "This book was entertaining, but not as good as her other books. "

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Heather said: "Clear and concise discussion of jewish ethics that are already discussed in many other places. A good "starter" book "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Amanda said: "This book offers a good basic overview of sales tactics, but it doesn't really give you anything new. Worth reading if you are just starting to understand sales, business, and etiquette but other wise not worth spending any money on. It is a quick re...more This book offers a good basic overview of sales tactics, but it doesn't really give you anything new. Worth reading if you are just starting to understand sales, business, and etiquette but other wise not worth spending any money on. It is a quick read though, so if you can get your hands on a free copy, it's worth skimming through.(less) "

my rating:

Sarah said: "Wow. Truly an amazing book. I'm planning on buying this for Christmas presents for several of the woman in my life. Haven't been able to put it down. "

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Melindeeloo said: "*spoiler********
I started this and the first chapter introduces Min and she seems very promising. But then she gets murdered and I was so thoroughly bummed, that I put the book down. But Shadowlight was highly recommended to me by a friend, so...more *spoiler********
I started this and the first chapter introduces Min and she seems very promising. But then she gets murdered and I was so thoroughly bummed, that I put the book down. But Shadowlight was highly recommended to me by a friend, so I went and hunted down reviews looking for spoilers and discovered that Min isn't gone for good, Phew! (less) "

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Kellie said: "Easy to read, and keep you interested throughout. "

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Lisa said: "Really 3.5 Stars
I loved "The Time Traveler's Wife", so I was excited to read this new book by Ms. Niffenegger. It was a very interesting story involving 2 sets of twins...the Mother and her sister who were estranged up until one siste...more Really 3.5 Stars
I loved "The Time Traveler's Wife", so I was excited to read this new book by Ms. Niffenegger. It was a very interesting story involving 2 sets of twins...the Mother and her sister who were estranged up until one sister's death (& beyond) and the twin daughters who receive a bequest in the sister's will that brings them to London to live for a year.

I enjoyed the book and the characters...both those central to the plot and those on the periphery. I would have enjoyed learning a little more about the parents (Jack & Edie).

****SPOILER ALERT****
I was shocked at the selfishness of the main character (and ghost) Elspeth....and her lover Robert.

The ending was satisfying but also very sad....

Be prepared for an engrossing read.(less) "

my rating:

read in October, 2009

Dara said: "One of the best parenting books I've read. The different perspectives (of Mom, Dad and child) really make it practical and helpful. I felt incredibly encouraged as a parent after reading just one chapter. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Candace said: "Wonderful voice and use of language, written from Southern 50's black maid's perspectives. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Becky said: "This book is absolutely wonderful. I'd read it before a few years ago, and was itching to get my hands on it again. I'm not sure exactly why it's so great - fantastic characterisation, a hugely twisting and turning plot, hilariously funny, consiste...more This book is absolutely wonderful. I'd read it before a few years ago, and was itching to get my hands on it again. I'm not sure exactly why it's so great - fantastic characterisation, a hugely twisting and turning plot, hilariously funny, consistently surprising...it has it all.

Micheal Owen is an out of luck writer who was commissioned to write a history of the Winshaw Family, a hugely rich and hugely powerful family who between them manage to carve up pretty much every influential sphere of British life. Forever cutting corners and trampling on the common man, they are a hideous bunch of people, and the more Micheal learns about them, the more he starts to blame them for the failings in his own life.

When the numerous threads of this wonderful story come together at the end, it's unput-downable. Go read!(less) "

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Susan said: "amazing! "

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Josie said: "Knights Templar with 15-year-old heroine. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Bryan said: "Good story - didn't care for the writing style, but I guess it's expected from this kind of popular fiction. "

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Barbara said: "Started 11-8-09. "

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read in November, 2009

Deanna said: "This book's was a little too far out there for me. I liked the book, but I do not share the same beliefs as some of the authors. It was nice to get other perspectives on the issue. "

my rating:

Eva said: "Imagine all the stages of puzzlement, anger, frustration, and terror you'd go through if your 11-year-old daughter gradually stopped talking. Now imagine it's 9 months later - not only has she not said a word to anyone, but she has become more and m...more Imagine all the stages of puzzlement, anger, frustration, and terror you'd go through if your 11-year-old daughter gradually stopped talking. Now imagine it's 9 months later - not only has she not said a word to anyone, but she has become more and more withdrawn and secretive, spending most of her free time reading or drawing, often not even responding to her parents' attempts to communicate.

That's the situation that two NYC parents, Ruth and Wilson, and their daughter Isablelee find themselves in as Christmas approaches. Their lives have shrunk down to a miserable, insular little huddle of three. None of them appears to have any friends or even acquaintances, Ruth has stopped work because Isabelle has stopped going to school, and their lives have lost all joy. The reader may want to give all of them a good hard shake - they are all exasperating in their own ways, and of course the situation is intolerable. We get a chance to experience the world from the mind of all three of them, and this was my favorite part of the book, to watch as Wilson putzes about in the garage or Isabelle contemplates her quandary - that she sometimes regrets the anguish her not-speaking causes in her parents (not to mention the inconvenience to herself) but seems to have reached the point of no return. Ruth is difficult to like, although I definitely sympathized with her. All in all, a claustrophobic but occasionally fascinating immersion in the lives of three unhappy people.(less) "

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Michael said: "Great overview of American History. "

my rating:

recommended for: mystery readers
read in November, 2009

William said: "The Cutting by James Hayman


A celebrated NYC homicide detective moves to Portland, Maine to leave his past behind. A series of horrific homicides forces him to accept that there is bad everywhere. Mike McCabe works through his person...more The Cutting by James Hayman


A celebrated NYC homicide detective moves to Portland, Maine to leave his past behind. A series of horrific homicides forces him to accept that there is bad everywhere. Mike McCabe works through his personal demons and works with his partner to solve a daunting mystery.

Hayman portrays a likeable and realistic character. Mike McCabe isn’t the superhuman detective with no foibles so frequently illustrated in contemporary mysteries. McCabe demonstrates powerful love and emotions which elicit not sympathy but empathy. His concern for his daughter was poignant and rang true. The details of the crimes and the devious nature of the villain was welcome. I suspected the true villain but there was enough mis-direction to keep you guessing until the end. As usual, I enjoyed the character interaction more than the blood and guts of the crimes.

I recommend the book.
(less) "

my rating:

read in January, 2009

Vickie said: "Another historical fiction. Loved this book! Waiting for a friend to finish it so we can see the movie together. "

my rating:

recommended to Erin by: my mom
read in November, 2009

Erin said: "amazing very well written and interesting! loved this book sooo much! "

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read in November, 2009

Shyla said: "I started out very interested in this book - both in the characters and the story line. Also, I didn't think the author was a bad writer - you can tell she is intelligent. But somehow it took me weeks to get through the book because it could never ...more I started out very interested in this book - both in the characters and the story line. Also, I didn't think the author was a bad writer - you can tell she is intelligent. But somehow it took me weeks to get through the book because it could never hold my attention long enough to read much. Perhaps the author got so wrapped up in her portrayal of a segment of society trapped by conventions, that her characters were so trapped they did nothing, and that was boring. Also, her character development was incomplete - it ended up with stock characters that could have been a lot more complex and interesting (again, that might be a product of what she was portraying and not her skill as an author). Not completely sorry I read the book, but it was disappointing.(less) "

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Susan said: "loved the book. Third reading "

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Kellie said: "I read an illustrated version of the book, so as things or places were described there was a picture to show you what it was talking about, which was actually pretty cool. This book was awesome, it gives a lot of detail about places, things, and peo...more I read an illustrated version of the book, so as things or places were described there was a picture to show you what it was talking about, which was actually pretty cool. This book was awesome, it gives a lot of detail about places, things, and people which I thought made the book easier to follow and understand.(less) "

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Alicia said: "The sequel to the Evernight series was a bit of a snooze starting off, but I knew I had to stick with it. It did redeem itself when the action realizing why Evernight was letting in human students to the all-vampire academy, although the romance betw...more The sequel to the Evernight series was a bit of a snooze starting off, but I knew I had to stick with it. It did redeem itself when the action realizing why Evernight was letting in human students to the all-vampire academy, although the romance between Lucas and Bianca isn't steamy enough to keep me reading, it's the action as well as what Gray does with vampire folklore that makes it worth the read. (less) "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Kaarin said: "Audiobook... An interesting perspective. Rather too self-aware in the storytelling. I never quite forgot about the author's presence, even though it was told from the protagonist's POV. I heard a lot of Captial Letters in the reader's presentation, w...more Audiobook... An interesting perspective. Rather too self-aware in the storytelling. I never quite forgot about the author's presence, even though it was told from the protagonist's POV. I heard a lot of Captial Letters in the reader's presentation, which annoyed me. (A.A. Milne is pretty much the only one I let Get Away with that in published books...)
I also have some issues with the reader's approach to the book. Some of his characterizations were a little off the mark, I think. For me, this book would have been better had I not listened to it.
I also questioned making the boy(s) 9 years old. It seemed a little too old to be SO innocent and unaware.
All that being said, I did actually appreciate the story and the subtle complexities within it. It is a particularly effective and simple way to say what was said.(less) "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Laura said:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

"Gripping page turner--great story. However, I found it a little too disturbing and gory. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Justin said: "melville-bartleby-already read it; liked it
henry james-an international episode-yuck, i couldn't even finish it
stephen crane-the blue hotel-humdrum
"

my rating:

Salaam Adnan said: "أتمنى أن أقرأ قريبا هذا الكتاب الرواية على ما أعتقد , وأجده سريعا في مكتبات الرياض ,


لقد ناقشت موضوع الحب على الطريقة العربية ,,,, ...more أتمنى أن أقرأ قريبا هذا الكتاب الرواية على ما أعتقد , وأجده سريعا في مكتبات الرياض ,


لقد ناقشت موضوع الحب على الطريقة العربية ,,,, مرارا وتكرارا ومن كل الجوانب والزوايا المؤلمة منها والسارة !

في روياتي , الحورية والفارس العربي .

ولكنني وجدت أنه يجب أن نضيف الكثير للواقع العربي المؤلم فأتبعتها برواية ... لن أذكر إسمها الآن حتى يظل الإسم محجوزا لي وهي في طور الطباعة حاليا في دمشق .


تحياتي وتقديري


إنه موضوع شائك ... موضوع الحب على الطريقة العربية ... هذا إذا كان لا زال يوجد حب ... أصلا !! (less) "

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Kellie said: "Amazing! Dan Brown is such a good author. "

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read in January, 2007

Vickie said: "Waste of time...did not understand this book. "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Robyn said:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

"The premise is deeply compelling: what happens when no one in a specific country dies? At first, you wouldn't think this a bad thing, but interestingly the story details many of the problems inherent with living forever. Simply put, it's a disaster. ...more The premise is deeply compelling: what happens when no one in a specific country dies? At first, you wouldn't think this a bad thing, but interestingly the story details many of the problems inherent with living forever. Simply put, it's a disaster. The modern economy depends upon life ending at some point.

The novel also addresses moral issues. Death is suspended in one country, but not in others. That means that if a person who is meant for death crosses into another country (or is brought across by family), then that person immediately dies. The moral question thus arises of whether one's family has the right to decide when "enough is enough" and should help end a loved one's life.

To the author's credit, these types of moral questions do not weigh the novel down or turn the tale into an allegory of assisted suicide. Instead, the author's narrative tone of a mere reporter, not a commenter, allows the questions to be raised in a subtle way.

The story takes a bit of a turn when the character of death (with a small "d") becomes the focus, personified as a woman. Specifically, death becomes obsessed with one particular man who seems to have cheated her by not dying when he was supposed to. She takes the body of a middle aged woman in order to get to know this man better and ends up falling in love with him and seemingly renouncing her role as the ender of life.

It was at this point that I really lost the thread of the novel. Oh, I understood what was happening, but I didn't understand why. It was not clear what death's feelings were about this man and what exactly lead to her final decision at the novel's end. Death falls in love? Nope, just didn't get it.

My other trouble comes from the syntax of the translation. Run-on sentences and heavy comma usage! Ack! It made for difficult reading at points and somewhat detracted from the novel's narrative. (less) "

my rating:

Clayton said: "http://www.thedeepening.com/horror/2009/... "

my rating:

recommended to Megan by: mparkswebster@mail.millikin.edu
read in November, 2009

Megan said: "Grades 1-3
The Cheese was an absolute hoot! Palatini plays off the nursery rhyme The Farmer and the Dell while using the estranged relationship of a cat and rat to tell the story. She uses strong words like 'ridiculous', 'scurrying', and 'snea...more Grades 1-3
The Cheese was an absolute hoot! Palatini plays off the nursery rhyme The Farmer and the Dell while using the estranged relationship of a cat and rat to tell the story. She uses strong words like 'ridiculous', 'scurrying', and 'sneaking' to describe the rats actions to claim the cheese. The artwork in this book is amazing and it is completely obvious as to why it is a Monarch Award Nominee for 2009. The rat and cat's ideas are incorporated into the artwork and it is easy to see exactly what they are each thinking. The illustrators use an amazing array of colors to interest the reader. Not only the colors and illustrations will appeal to the reader, but the reader will find out exactly why that "cheese stands alone!"
Language Arts/Spelling
Students could look into other nursery rhymes to see if they have any underlying meanings.(less) "

my rating:

read in October, 2009

Spring said: "Inspiration is infectious for the very reason that its purity resonates deeply within our core. It calls us to add our force to a gathering effort that mystically arranges the situations and resources to achieve the undoable. There is no place for eg...more Inspiration is infectious for the very reason that its purity resonates deeply within our core. It calls us to add our force to a gathering effort that mystically arranges the situations and resources to achieve the undoable. There is no place for ego or ambition, only a surrendering to a process that is greater than any one person.

Such as it is with Greg Mortenson. His inspiration to bring education and opportunity to the mountainous areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan triggered an unprecedented and sustained collaboration among unlikely characters during a time of tension and war in the region.

A powerful and tangible example of the ways in which a solid education opens up minds and societies to the possibilities and promises of peace. (less) "

my rating:

Kellie said: "Have to say this was the best book of all seven. "

my rating:

recommended for: john tredeaux
read in February, 2009

Barbara said: "Great suspense.The Likeness has everything: memorable characters, crisp dialogue, shrewd psychological insight, mounting tension. Her first book, In the Woods, was an Edgar Award finalist but I haven't read that yet.
"

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Vickie said: "A childhood favorite that I have read over and over again into adulthood. "

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read in March, 2009

Marilyn said: "Great historical novel with insight into middle ages pathology "

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B. said: "Working my way through Roald Dahl with Sydney. "

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Cassidy said: "I had never heard of this fairy tale before until this book. It takes place in Elizabethan times so they way they talk is a little bit annoying at first, but is a great book! "

my rating:

read in November, 2009

Talitha said:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

"Totally not what I was expecting. I'm not sure why (maybe it was the gorgeous cover art) but I assumed this book would lean in the young-adult fantasy direction. It is, essentially, a rape-revenge story disguised as a fairy tale fantasy. It deals wit...more Totally not what I was expecting. I'm not sure why (maybe it was the gorgeous cover art) but I assumed this book would lean in the young-adult fantasy direction. It is, essentially, a rape-revenge story disguised as a fairy tale fantasy. It deals with the emotions and the extreme violence in a sensitive and very believable way, and I confess I was catapulted through the first 50 pages by my morbid curiosity to see how disturbing it was going to get.

The fantastical, magical realm was cleverly executed and I loved all the time slips and holes between worlds, but the "animal love" was a little uncomfortable. Loosely based around the Grimm's Snow White And Rose Red (a story I loved as a child), I found the adult interpretation and consequences of a girl falling in love with a man transformed into a bear by magic rather twisted when played out literally. Naturally, it was going to be, but reading it was...weird.

Unfortunately, I felt overall there also wasn't enough plot to sustain my interest in the characters for 400 pages. As much as I loved the bitter-sweet ending, refusing to come up roses for everyone, and the dark, disturbing interpretation of traditional fairy tale mores, by the end it just seemed to run out of steam. An interesting idea and full of delightfully twisted stuff, but I was glad it was over.(less) "

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Kellie said: "Once I started I couldn't put it down! "

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read in June, 2002

Anna said: "Reading this book give me peace about my place in life in stead of always being in a hurry for the next step.....this book thaught me that is is also important to live in the moment. "

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Zach said: "This is my favorite book of all time.

I am a nostalgic person who loves baseball. The Head Game combines both of these when describing the art of pitching throughout the history of baseball.

More importantly, after reading this ...more This is my favorite book of all time.

I am a nostalgic person who loves baseball. The Head Game combines both of these when describing the art of pitching throughout the history of baseball.

More importantly, after reading this book as a young lad (and blossoming pitcher) my outlook and analysis of the game of baseball and my approach to pitching changed drastically. Baseball instantly became a sport with infinite depth. I no longer watched and played games based on each inning. Instead I became focused on each pitch. Each pitch as an at bat, each at bat as a contest between batter and pitcher.

If you don't really know baseball you will be bored to tears with this book. However for others, those who have played or those who are knowledgeable fans, this is a great read.


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Katie said: "Definitely my favorite book of the series. But # 7, All Together Dead, is a close second, or maybe the last one, Dead and Gone. Anywho, I can't wait to see what Alan Ball and HBO do with this one. "

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Becca said: "I loved this story of working and saving for something special, and how much that thing is appreciated because of the efforts made to obtain it. "

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read in January, 2004

Vickie said: "Historical fiction...loved it. "

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Connor said: "A great fast paced read. The stuff you read in this book is so abstract it is funny. "

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