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This is my favorite of the Malory Series. Johanna Lindsey creates romance between the handsome Englishman James Malory and the beautiful American Georgina Anderson. Not only is James Malory a "gentleman pirate" but he is also a "connoiseur of women." Georgina has no intention of falling for the reprehensible rake, but she can't resist his bold, sultry advances. The plot takes the reader to England, the Caribbean and the New England shores. It is full of interesting characters, witty banter and steamy scenes.

This was my absolute favorite Malory book (so far, as I have yet to read Derek's and Jason's stories). James and George have amazing chemistry, and they are so cute together - i love the boat the best obviously, but it really is a great story. Gets slightly frustrating in the end, but overall it's fabulous!

I really wanted to love this book. It was mediocre. The premise is great. Heroine disguised as cabin boy stows away on former pirates ship. It should have been great, but I was never sucked into it. I wasn't that fond of either character and I never really felt like I knew them. This is my first Johanna Lindsey book and I'd be leery of buying another one.

Everything you expect from a classic Lindsey and more. I suggest reading Love Only Once and Tender Rebel BEFORE this great text. James and Georgina will forever be imprinted in your mind in terms of excellent love stories...and her brothers YUM especially the ever brooding Warren who gets his own story immediately following this one. The Malory family really grows on you and I highly recommend this series.

I first read this probably a decade ago (Johanna Lindsey was one of the first authors who got me into historical romance), and decided to give it another whirl recently, wondering if it would hold up as well now. I think I actually like it better this time around -- perhaps I've read a lot more bad romance novels in the interim? -- and found it funny, engaging, and endearing.

James and Georgie are delightful together, and the way they're brought together, split apart, and come together again is well-done. The Big Misunderstanding works really well in the story (the super-melodramatic ones always annoy me for their ridiculousness), and Lindsey keeps the humor flowing throughout. I wouldn't say Gentle Rogue is my favorite romance novel ever, but it's a thoroughly satisfying, comfortable read.

This is a rich, wonderful novel. Towards the end, I intended to read over lunch. One hour stretched to two, then even longer. I laughed out loud several times, and then cried. The waitress finally came over and asked, "Okay, what are you reading?! I've got to get a copy!" Everyone who loves great writing, wonderful characters and beautiful storytelling needs to get a copy. This kind of book doesn't come along every day - maybe not even every ten years. It's breathtaking.

I have purchased so many copies of this book to give to my friends and family! Some people are intimidated by its size; it is worth every page!
Baseball, family, humor, religion, 60's.....all combined with a skill that had me reading passages aloud. I gave my copy away....i will buy another.

The interplay between family members is often magical.

Quite simply, The Brothers K is my favorite all-time read and David James Duncan my favorite all-time author. After devouring Duncan's first novel, The River Why, the story of fishing-obsessed Gus Orviston and his search for peace, I couldn't wait for his next offering. The Brothers K did not disappoint. It is a brilliant novel that intertwines the innate conflict of family with religion, baseball, politics and love. Duncan is a masterful storyteller with an unmatched wit, a steady hand for plot development and an understanding of the human spirit like no other. He has the ability to weave words like Steinbeck. And his characters literally leap off the page, burning their way into your psyche and soul. As an author, myself, I am humbled by his talent. But as a reader, I thirst for more. In fact, in response to the age-old question, 'If you were stranded on a desert island and could have only one book, what would it be?', my answer is simple -- The Brothers K. Salmon Run

Duncan has written one of the GREAT American novels. It's so good I hope Hollywood never mucks with it.

As I was reading this book, I just couldn't believe how much I was enjoying it. Brilliant!

I purchased this book simply to replace my original copy, which I loaned out and which was never returned. Reading this book has been a favorite part of my Christmas for many years. While I regret losing my old copy, I am thankful I will now be able to carry on this tradition.

It's a fun story about an untraditional Christmas play. It shows how good can come of seemingly negative changes and find some unexpected, meaningful outcomes.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

I like books and I don't know if this is my favorite book but it is excellent. We read it as a family every year at Christmas. It never fails to touch me. It is fun with a redeeming message.

I have read this book at least once a year for 15yrs and now I'm reading it to my kids. It's a quick read, I can't put it down.

This is a great, easy way to get into the holiday spirit. Even though the intended audience is kids, I enjoyed it as well!

I bought this book after seeing ``From the Earth to the Moon,'' and found it to be a very interesting and informative overview of the American manned space program through Apollo. I would highly recommend it to anyone who may have been too young or not born yet to understand the accomplishments of the astronauts and all the men and women of NASA and contractors who were the real heart behind the Apollo space program.A Man on the Moon

The Apollo astronauts accomplished a feat which few thought possible. In a captivating fashion, author Andrew Chaikin offers a version of the Moon flights which most astronauts could not communicate.

The vivid details of the lunar features and the astronauts' private thoughts are brought to life in a way that makes you feel as if you are really there. The astronauts often stumble into "thrust-to-weight ratios" and "angles of trajectory" when they talk about their experiences. This is not what the public wants to hear. This book is the definitive book for mankind's greatest adventure.

Tahir Rahman, author of We Came in Peace for all Mankind
www.silicondisc.com

This is the most well written story about all of NASA's Apollo missions from Apollo 7 to Apollo 17. If you like space travel and can't get enough of the moon landings than this is the book you must have. I thought I knew a lot about the Apollo missions, since I was a Navy SEAL during Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo and had teammates working in these programs, but was not prepared for the detailed documentary and laymen language approach to this book. It is, also, a great reference book with lots of other suggested reading. I couldn't put it down!

Chaikin scores with this book. He successfully captures the underappreciated story of humankind's climb to the Moon.

I have read many books about the Apollo missions and this is the first one I recommend to anyone interested in the subject.

--Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God (Prometheus)

If you want to know the history of the Apollo moon landings, this is one of the 2 book you MUST read (Mike Collins "Carrying the fire" being the other) A history of the Apollo program, with flashbacks to Gemini and Mercury for perspective. Chaikin has EVERYTHING that happened here, and he worked to get it. Anyone that had anything to do with the missions, Chaikin talked to him or her. Want to know who flew what, and when, here it is. Why did it happen the way it did? Here ya go.
Even the warts, although, I think Deke was romanticized a bit.

This book is about our refusal to give up our humanity in the face of war. Take the toughest, baddest trooper, insert dogs and children into the horrors of war, and watch stone-cold combatants turn into wet clay before your eyes. Quick and enjoyable read. The LTC captures the emotion and internal conflict everyone who's served in a combat zone can relate to.

It has been a while since I read this but I would probably read it again (and I don't read books twice). I'd love it if they made a movie out of it. I learned a lot about how things are in Iraq and experienced a heart warming story in the process. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a dog lover or has someone they love overseas.

I received my copy of this book on a Monday and finished it on a Friday - It was so good that I couldn't put it down and I actually broke down in tears at the end. What an absolutely fabulous read!

It has truly been a long time since a book affected me in such a way that I was experiencing a rainbow of emotions: laughing, gasping, anxiety, pausing to reflect, and becoming so emotional that the people on the subway train (where I usually have time to read) were staring at me like I was a crazy person.

I am so happy that I learned of this book and I applaud the actions of the men and women who helped bring Lava to America and to tell his story.

Jay/Lava: Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience in learning your story. You both are very lucky to have each other.

This is just one of those books that you can breeze through but really hits you in the heart. You can't help but root for this pup and, at the same time, feel thankful for the soldiers that fight for our freedom. Too touching not to read.

This is a very touching story about an adorable, playful puppy who was rescued from Iraq by a Marine. Unfortunately, it is very poorly written, even tho the Marine who wrote the book had help from another writer. Particularly at the beginning, it is very choppy, uses past and present tense interchangeably, and tries unsuccessfully to use conversational language ("like, what I meant to say was..."). If you can get beyond the poor writing, then you'll most likely enjoy the book. Reading about the difficulties of trying to save Lava was interesting and touching. One other note to parents - despite the cute, adorable, sleeping puppy on the cover of the book, this is not a book I'd recommend for children. The language is harsh with lots of 4-letter words, and the author tells what happens to most stray dogs in Iraq and it's not something I'd want my young children to read about.

Shannon Hale has proven to be a real creative, original and compelling writer. I was taken in by her storytelling, and completely sold by the characters! The Goose Girl is promising to be my favorite book of 2008. I couldn't put it down and when I finished it, I definitely wished there was more!

Goose Girl
By Shannon Hale

I loved the Goose Girl, for the well planned out characters, vivid imagery, smooth flow, and the continued suspense. This book had me hooked from the very beginning.

Ani was born a princess and was taught by her aunt to speak to swans. Her mother, the queen, found her to be a strange girl, who was awkward and uncomfortable with people. Her mother kept Ani inside the castle, so she could not talk to the birds and swans. Ani was not even allowed to associate with her own brother and sisters. She found solace in riding her horse, Falada, with whom she could communicate. She also enjoyed her best friend and lady in waiting, Selia. Selia had the gift of `people speaking', where Ani was best understood by the creatures.

The Queen Mother prepared Ani's brother for the throne. When confronted, she told Ani that she had prearranged her marriage to the prince of a far away kingdom.

Ani's lady in waiting schemed to take away the throne, marry the prince and kill Ani, along with all of her gurards. Ani, who had never before left the castle grounds, escaped with her life. She was exiled to live as a goose girl, taking care of the kings geese, while her lady in waiting lived as royalty.

Ani needed to disguise herself, and find allies to help regain her royal heritage and over throw the imposter, Selia.

There are bloody scenes, so the story would not be appropriate for younger children. This book will be delightful for the 6th to 9th grade level.

I highly recommend the Goose Girl and look forward to reading other books by Shannon Hale.

I thought this book was a bit simplistic in style, but it was still an enjoyable read. I wish it had been a bit more atmospheric. Between the updated, modern attitudes of the characters and the sparse descriptions, the book seemed much more modern that its intended setting. I liked it, but I felt like with a bit more effort, it could have been fantastic instead of just good.

This was the first book I read by Shannon Hale and since then I have recommended it to anyone looking for an enjoyable read. This is excellent for young and old, male and female. It is hard to find acceptable reading material for youth and this is outstanding!

Shannon Hale has committed a horrible sin; her re-telling of the Grimm "goose girl" is better than the original! The other two books in this series, Enna Burning and River Secrets, are also wonderful reads and bring back to life some of the lovable characters from goose girl.

Enjoy!

the title comes from a comment on The Iliad. a well written book. lots of details on the battle. also gives a broad view of the entire socio-political background. not for the faint of heart.

I picked this up to read on a month long travel trip. I ended up reading it in one sitting! Consequently, Im very glad I had also purchased a few other titles on the same topic. I really good read, disturbing and terrifying at times with a great deal of insight, but a great read.

His account of the fighting in and around Fallujah was very informative. He description of the bravery and determination exhibited by the Marines was very memorable. Yet by ignoring the political ramifications of fighting a trumped up war created by the Bush administration and the large number of civilian casualties that have been subtained, he intentionally created a very distorted overall picture of the conflict. Also, his comparison of the fighting in Iraq with the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War was extremely inaccurate. By blindly accepting the offical version of events, Bing did an injustice to his readers. Amazingly, he pretty much ignored the total incompetence of President Bush, Rice, Rumsfeld, and the political leaders who served there. As a Vietnam Combat veteran myself, I was very disappointed that he didn't recognize the harsh fact that one man's terrorist in another man's freedom fighter. Or rather, the glaring fact that we can't militarily win a war of occupation, unless we literally accept the fact that we are corporate occupiers and not political liberators.

It will be many years yet before we get a good general history of the Iraq War - history is still playing out. Too many of the recent books on the Iraq conflict are shrill jeremiads or ideologically-biased axe-grinding (whether pro or con). So it's perhaps not surprising that battle memoirs would be the first really good pieces of literature to come out of this war.

The Battle of Fallujah was the biggest urban battle the military has conducted since the Battle of Hue City, and it presents unique challenges to a writer attempting to chronicle it. There are no large set-piece battles to focus on: the insurgents are guerilla fighters, often untrained (and therefore unpredictable), and practice small-unit hit-and-run tactics. Instead West tries to follow the "flow" of the battle as the Marines and Army move from North to South through the city of Fallujah.

Much of the combat is up close and personal (the "House from Hell" chapter is truly scarifying), often involving desperate actions by squads who have to assault one fortified house after another. It's a testament to West's skill that these battles don't become confusing to the reader (however much so they must have been to the soldiers themselves); West intersperses the larger decisions of the officers and politicians, and how these decisions affect the grunt in the field.

Bing West, a retired military man himself, understands how to convey both strategy and small-unit tactics. This is a weakness of many other battle histories, which sometimes tend too much to the officers while neglecting the grunts; or focusing too much on the kinetic tactical stuff while ignoring the bigger picture. "No True Glory" strikes a good balance, and West is superb at keeping the reader "centered" in the battle at all times.

This book will stand the test of time, I think, and may well become the definitive account of the battle of Fallujah.

This is a sad story that includes descriptive descriptions of West's experiences in war. It is well written though at times a slow read. If you enjoy war novels, particularly non-fiction war novels, then you may like this book. It reminds me a little of "With the Old Breed on Pelilu and Okinawa." If you were tolerable of the gory details of that book, then you will likely not mind this one. This book may evoke bad memories and anxiety in people who have experienced war, and will most likely insult people who are opposed to this war. This book may provide insight and closure to the family members of the people mentioned inside its pages. I think it is a testimony to the fact that war is terrible. The pictures inside are not for children or anyone who is especially sensitive to seeing human suffering.

Sorry, but the glut of coincidences and melodramatic writing was just too much. I'm going back to my nonfiction now.

I just read this book and what can I say except that it was amazing. I actually prefer Neil to David. David was never very consistent in his faith he was good talker but he had no understanding. I recomend this book to anyone who already has faith or is struggling to find theirs. Read this book! You won't be sorry!

I really enjoyed this book. I also enjoyed the fact that many of the events in the book are in the series released on DVD. I would have preferred if certain subjects had not been discussed in this book so that it would be more appropriate for younger ages. Other than that it was a really enjoyable read.

This is one of my very favorite books! I've read it over so many times and never get tired of it. It's just so interesting, captivating and touching.

By no means am I a Christian but instead a certified Wiccan. So to those who know me actually found it surprising that I had this book in my library. Christy is a heroine that you can't help but fall in love with and her story. The young woman has spunk, ambition, intelligence, and above all a good heart. It was hard not to get caught up in Christy's story and as you move through the book and meet the characters it's hard not to care for them as well. From the aged wisdom of Miss Alice, the determination of Mr. Pentland, and of course to the handsome but stubborn country doctor Mr. McNeil. The book promotes wholesomeness and a goodness we rarely see. So please don't hesitate to pick up this book. I'd hate for anyone to miss out.

It's rare that I like a second book in a series more than the first but that's the case this time around. Rebel Angels is a fantastic follow up to A Great and Terrible Beauty (which I also loved). The plot is more complex, we see much more of the realms, and the characters come to life with even greater clarity.

As a fan of traditional gothic terror/suspense along the lines of Frankenstein and The Mysteries of Udolpho, I wasn't disappointed by what other reviewers may feel are cliched or overused plot devices. I love the gothic-style, Victorian setting (gargoyles on the school building, burned out sections of the school, foggy/misty woods); old, musty books that reveal dark, ancient secrets; asylums; heroines walking around in the dead of night. That's my kind of story.

I've become a huge fan of Libba Bray's writing style as well. I love her prose and narration, the flow of dialog and descriptions of settings. I can't say enough good things! I loved this book and can't wait to get started on the next. My only gripe is that there's only one more book in the series to read. I can't imagine anyone who enjoyed A Great and Terrible Beauty not also loving this. Highly recommended.

I believe I liked this one better than A Great and Terrible Beauty. The writing was better with longer sentences and more variety in length and language. There was more story; with a thicker and deeper plot that was somehow very alluring like the Harry Potter but written with a superior skill to J.K. Rowling. Simply put, it was spellbinding.

I think this book was extremely good as well as the rest of the series. I would definately recommend this book to teens, young adults, pre-teens and even adults. Especially if you like fantasy and young adult books!

Was an awesome end to the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. I couldn't put it down. Would recomend for anyone who loves a little make believe.

Rich with imagery, plots, dread, hunger, passion, secrets and magic. I loved it. I don't think there are many series in this genre with the same level of depth, detail, characters or plot. A MUST READ.

Mr. James Herriot is an uncommon writer, possessed of extraordinary skill and a mastery of the English language. When speaking of works of fiction, he is my favorite writer. His ability to choose perfectly appropriate and descriptive words, phrases, and metaphors to verbally illustrate unique characteristics, landscapes, feelings, and situations still has me mesmerized.

"All Creatures Great and Small" is autobiographical in that Mr. Herriot is the central character of the book, though James Herriot is the pen name of the real author, Jim Wight. However, since the work is defined as a novel, then one may assume that Mr. Herriot took certain liberties in relating many of the tales he unfolds. Mr. Herriot is a veterinary surgeon, and much of his novel specifically involves dealing with particular cases of sick livestock and ailing house pets. One should not quickly conclude, however, that this story is merely about the ramblings of a country animal doctor who at times finds himself in interesting situations, as some reviewers would suggest.

Instead, my feeling is that Mr. Herriot utilized his visits to multiple and varied farms and residences in the British countryside to highlight the individual conditions, attitudes, and distinctive persons he discovered at each location. The book becomes absolutely delightful and poignant, for instance, when Mr. Herriot kindly sits at an aging woman's bedside and tenderly comforts her with his voiced belief that her devoted, loving dogs and cats are indeed possessed of souls and that she need not fear that they will again be her companions in the afterlife.

And I do not believe I have laughed out loud so frequently while reading one book. Some of my personal favorites are when his brakes go out on his car and he must navigate a steep and winding descent to the bottom of a low valley, where his next veterinary visit is scheduled, and when he finds himself on his first date with the woman he is destined to marry and the only respectable dress suit he owns is several years out of fashion and far too tight-fitting, which is partly why he becomes far too nervous and a bout of awkward conversation and actions follow. Additionally, much might be said here about the quirky relationship Mr. Herriot has with his unpredictable and explosive yet perfectly harmless and generous employer, a Mr. Siegfried Farnon, and Siegfried's younger brother, Tristan. Farnon's demanding attitude regarding his veterinary business affairs, especially in the face of Tristan's irresponsibility in mishandling assignments and responsibilities, is often the basis for much of the hilarity in the book.

In speaking of his relationships with those to whom he is closest on a personal level and the frequently visited owners of his animal patients, Mr. Herriot has an especially profound gift when it comes to praising the best characteristics that are found in the human race. He speaks with eloquent fondness when describing the beautiful traits he sees in his lovely Helen, his soon-to-be wife. And when he stumbles upon a man or woman who he feels is in ownership of certain admirable exceptionality, such as industry or thrift or honesty or discipline or gentleness, his written accolades of such persons is heartwarming and deeply inspiring.

Thus I would say that this book has everything. It touches upon the topics of death, faith, humor, love, devotion, stewardship, human strengths and frailties, prosperity and poverty, work and idleness, occupation, and the list goes on. Given that these interesting topics are handled so capably by Mr. Herriot's writing talent, I doubt that any sensitive reader would find this book to be anything but delightful and praiseworthy.

One of the best books I've read in my life. A must read. Very well written. Makes you want to write like him.

I remember seeing my high school biology teacher reading this book at her desk while she had some time to herself, while we did our thing with dissections, etc. It seemed that she couldn't get her hands off this book. And I'd wonder what the book was about. Something about creatures. Maybe it was about GOD and church and religion.

Now that I've had a chance to read this book, twenty years later, I can say that it is a wonderful book! You don't want this book to end. And now I understand why my biology teacher was so hooked on it.

This is a nonfictional book about an English veterinarian writing about his funny and sometimes dramatic profession. From how he started, to his everyday events in a small town (away from the big city such as London) to how he meets his future wife, and his gradual establishment of his veterinary life. This book is filled with funny moments that makes you pause with a smile on your face. And has its poignant moments that makes you realize its wonderful writing.

This book gives you a glimpse of what the veterinary world is like on his side, on the countryside of life, with real people and real stories, and of course, with real animals. Animals and people and veterinary work that you will come to love.

I bought this edition as a gift for a graduating vet student (every vet needs a copy in his or her office). The book is a classic, and the hardcover is suitable for gifting.

I can't add much more than the previous reviews. How many books on Amazon have a 5 star rating with 100+ reviews? Missed this one during school and read all three of Herriot's books in my 40's. Truly lovely, wise, and transporting. I will make sure my children don't wait as long as I did to discover these classics.

Wonderful and inspiring stories of a country vet are humorously written but also deliver a good amount of practical veterinary insight. It's nice to read from the point of view of a kind-hearted yet practical country animal lover.