A Books

Yo! It's me, StoryMaker. My Mom was doing this Book-It homeschool program where we have to read a certain book or amount of books in order to get a coupon for a free Pizza Hut personal pan pizza. I'm not always thrilled about this, though. Unlike my sisters, I'm not such a huge reader. Sometimes, however, if a book is just right, it's possible I could get hooked. I usually like books more when they have a style or tone that is readable for the modern kid. I also like a nice, exciting plotline. A plotline is especially good for me if I can understand what the characters are feeling and why they do what they do and if I can feel for the characters. I also sometimes like books more if they aren't "chronicles" - that isn't to say I don't like a series that is chronicles, I just don't always favor a single book where the storyline is in little pieces (i.e. when it just goes from a single event to another single event - it isn't a single, smooth storyline, so it's harder to get hooked because the ending is not as anticipated because, well, there are lots of endings, so there's less of an urge to get to the end). This month, my sisters said this book (Warriors: Into the Wild) should be my goal and my Mom agreed. So, I ended up reading it. Turns out, this is a just-right book.

What twolegs (clan-cat speak for "humans") do not realize is that clans of feral cats dominate the forest beneath their nose. The original four clans are ThunderClan, WindClan, RiverClan, and ShadowClan - and there's trouble within the clans. ThunderClan cats have fewer and fewer kits, which means fewer and fewer warriors. The clans are constantly fighting for food, so ThunderClan's lack of warriors makes it weaker. Plus, ShadowClan is being leaded by a fierce tyrant called Brokenstar, adding to the turmoil. Eventually, a group of heavenly cats called StarClan send a message to ThunderClan. The message is, indeed, the phrase on the back of the book: "Fire alone can save our clan." Then, a daring kittypet (clan-cat speak for housecat) named Rusty ventures into the forest. Strange...his fur happens to be the color of fire. It isn't long before he gains his ThunderClan name, Firepaw...and then the adventure begins.

One of the great things about this book's tone/style is that it seems good for the modern kid and for someone who likes classic books. This book really seems like it would be good for many different people. It's full of adventure and it really has all of the good-book requirements I've listed. Of course, I can't say it's perfect. It was a bit annoying that Firepaw didn't tell Bluestar, the clan leader, important information for feeble reasons. I'd also like to note that there is some somewhat detailed violence. Also, some folks (especially parents who ban Harry Potter) might believe the whole StarClan thing to be astrology. I don't really think the idea of StarClan is really harmful, though; after all, #1: It's just a fiction book and #2: It don't really think it's like they worship StarClan. Parents, if the violence and "astrology" worries you, simply read the book before you let your kid read it. When Harry Potter was new and folks complained about it being against religon, my Mom read it for herself in order to approve of it.

I also really like the idea behind it: clans of wild cats, with the cats having different ranks and positions. This makes it great for RPGs and Fan Fiction. It's fun to make up your own forest with your own clans and members. In fact, we first heard of it on a message board where people were doing an RPG for it.

Overall, I think that you should really give this book a try. Due to the violence, I think it's probably best if you are at least 9 if you read this. (Just BTW, at least 3 cats die in it.) Seriously, somebody who isn't such a big reader plowed through chapters in it...give it a chance. Signed, StoryMaker. "Gotta trust the kid's review!"

A couple days ago when I heard of this book I thought, eww it looks terrible, a book about cats who are warriors. They turned out to be really good. These books are action packed with adventure, and really show you the story. I'm now on the third book and can't put it down.

Ok, we know some of the best books ever, Robin Hood, Hoot, Shilho, ect. This book makes all of those books BORING! I'm not to big on cats, but still this book has everything. Drama, action, happiness, everything. I recomend this book to even non- cat lovers. But if will cry every time a cat will die (and I mean burst into tears and have it ruin you're whole week)then this book is not for you. The first one is the best. It is about a kittypet (house cat) named Rusty who just doesn't feel happy with his twolegs (humans). Soon he meets Graypaw, a ThunderClan apprentice, and is given an offer to join ThunderClan. Now, I'm not telling you any more. If you want more info, just go to warriorcats.com. They have a dictonary there that helps you learn any cat language, and understand more. NOTICE: If you don't like spoliers, stay away from certain places on that site! So like I said, this book makes every book seem like boring garbage! I highly recomend it.

I think it's just a travesty to classify this book series as just for ages 9-12. Just as the Harry Potter books have become loved by people of all ages, this book series has the same potential. As a longtime fan of the book Tainchaser's Song by Tad Williams, I was always saddened that I could never find more books like that one...until now. Whereas, as a cat lover and protector, I had some initial issues with the message that cats resent being housecats and the gorifying of feral life, I was quickly able to remind myself that this is a fictional fantasy and should be read as such. I do suggest parents who do buy this book for their children remind them of that fact. With that said, after getting into the book I didn't want to put it down. And I can't wait to get the next one in the series. An adult reading this book will not feel as if it has been written for children - anything but. It is exciting, emotionally gripping, and superbly written.

As an adult, I feel that I have to tell you that this series will pull you in and make it extremely hard to put down. This is an emotional series where you get to know the characters and you will laugh, cry, get mad, and hope. Don't laugh, but I actually cried as I read the last few lines of this first series because it was like saying goodbye to all my friends. (At that time, the New Prophecy Series wasn't out). If you can believe it, you get so attached to these cats and you forget that you are reading.

This isn't a childish book series (I was actually surprised to see it marketed in the children's section after I read it). It has love, murder, betrayal, honor, courage, friendships lost, and other aspects of life.
There are twists and turns that keep sucking you into the plot. Actually, there are many plots going on, but they are well written and do not get confusing.

Also, It is a series with good values represented, but in a naturally occuring way. I mean Rusty has to make some hard choices in the course of these books.
Please try this series, I have yet to read another of its kind as no book can compare.
Don't forget, though, they must be read in order.

Oh, and you don't have to love cats to read them!

As an adult who reads a great deal of YA fiction (because I don't care for the smut and language that fills many adult novels), I found Court Duel engaging, refreshing and imaginative. I loved the subtlety of the romance and found the male lead particularly appealing. Mel was believable, with a voice, perspective and humility that carried the story well. I like a heroine who is teachable.

Smith is a skilled writer; the story flowed smoothly from the beginning of book I to the end of book II--with no jarring moments that left me dazed or disappointed. I marveled at the world and characters that the author created and was intrigued by the matter-of-fact ways in which magic was utilized in the story.

Loved it, loved it, loved it. This was a very G-rated book that I look forward to sharing with my daughter and my friends.

When I read the Crown Duel (which is equally as good as this one!), I had to read this book. But I was sadly disappointed when I found out that this book was out-of-print and too expensive (how about $75.00?!)...but I eventually found a copy and I read it in about 3 hours, almost nonstop! I loved it...

When Meliara's brother, Bran, shows up in Tlanth unexpectely with his fiance and the person Mel disliked most, she is to be soon caught up in a dizzying whirl of flirtation, politics, and letters from an Unknown. Not to mention the secret plot against the Hill Folk-- again.

Although I wasn't really surprised who her Unknown was, it was really romantic the way he told her! I loved it. I gave the books to my mother to read as well, and she also liked them a lot. She couldn't stop reading them either. I really liked the way she was confused about her feelings...especially about Shevraeth! (I still call him that, I can't get used to his name being Vidanric!) It didn't have as much sword and fighting action, but the romance totally made up for it. I know it costs a lot, but it's so worth it--you'll LOVE it!

The equally interesting sequel to crown duel. Mel is invited to the royal palace to be with her brother and finally decides she will go. When she gets there she finds out that friends and enemies look alike and intrigue is everywhere. She must learn to fight with wit and words. At the palace she also learns that love can be confusing but wonderful. This story is just as good as the first if not better.

Sherwood Smith did it again with Court Duel the sequel to Crown Duel.It doses not have the same amount of action sences as the first book, but what it is missing in that department, it makes up for in romance. In one review i saw, it said that you don't even have to read the first book, this is true, however in order for you to get the deeper meaning of the things that Mel and the other charecters do and say, i suggest reading the first one too, which is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Admitedly, as soon as I started reading this book I could not put it down, I read it in about three hours, only pausing to eat dinner. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Was it the best book I've ever read? No.

Mel goes to court and becomes a popular lady with many suitors. All the while she is trying to decide if Shrevraeth (was that his name?) would make a good king or if this other woman whose name I fail to recall would be a better leader. That part of the book wasn't very exciting and I felt that Mel wasn't doing very much good.

Let's be honest. The only reason people stuck around was to read about the developing romance between Shrevraeth and Mel. We endure 200 pages of Mel trying to convince herself that she hates him. How will things turn out between them? Who is the mysterious suitor sending her letters? Hmm..

Yes this book was very predictable and the conclusion was a bit dull. I know I sound very negative but I did like this book. It just didn't astound me with it's brilliance like it did for some other reviewers.

I am sounding lucid? I'm tired and don't want to keep writing.

Yes anyway, I liked the book. It was good but not wow, yippee, this is the greatest book ever, good. At least not to me.

This was worth reading. It's not full of porn or scandal but a nice read. I enjoyed that the main character was a real person and not the stereotypically ideal "beauty" queen most authors like to use.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you are looking for an entertaining, suspenseful, drama, this is a book for you. It was a page turner, sometimes hard to put down. Donna and Virginia, keep up the great work, and keep these type of novels coming.

Hooks the reader and keeps them captivated to the last chapter. The characters are multi-dimensional and the story is rich with detail about family, friendship and deceit. Plenty of twists and turns with a few jaw drops.
A must-read! You won't regret it.

Read this book quite sometime ago...enjoyed it a great deal, so I decided I would like to experience it again....on audiobook!

Great book. I will be a fan of Deberry and Grant's for a long long time if they keep writing them like this.

Wow. I really enjoyed this series of books. Stephen King at his best.

I was hook on the Gunslinger back in 1984, but was only able to find 2 of the series and only in paperback. I have been a fan of Stephen King since I was in the U.S. Army bootcamp. I have been checking every now and then to find the rest. Thanks to Amazon I've order the entire series and in hard bound.

This series is the quite possibly Stephen King's greatest work! I've read the first four books in the last week; drugs are not nearly as addictive as the Dark Tower Series. I've definitely have becom a "TOWER JUNKIE". Do yourself a favor and buy this now; your only disappointment will be having to wait for the release of the next book.

This book ,in my opinion, is the greatest series I have ever read. If you ever wanted to read anything by Stephen King you should read this. The fact that I bothered to write a review (i usualy don't) speaks volumes about how truly amazing this story is.

This series is outstanding!!!! True King fans love it, and I think it's an interesting change for those who may not care for King's normal "horror" genre. Bits and pieces of this masterpiece are hinted at in many of King's other books,a nice "inside joke" for King's Constant Reader. This series grabbed me and would not let go! I've read them all at least twice and like the header says, I'm foaming at the mouth for the "Wolves of Calla" to come out. This is a beautiful set and a series that could be as much of a fantasy classic as the likes of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! Once you read the first page of just one in this series you'll be compelled to read every one of them!

Darned straight. And it's a bargin at that. Timeless, hilarious, and a fantastic respite from serious thinking. If you're not amused by this, you must be a "Ziggy" fan.

The Complete Far Side is enough to keep you in laughs for a very, very long time. An incredible collection! And Amazon had the best price!

I orderd this for my 27 year old son. He was thrilled with the set. The binding and overall structure will ensure this set is enjoyed for many years.

I owned this book when it first came out, then lost it in a house fire. Amazon had it as Deal of the Day recently, so I was finally able to afford to replace it. The two volume set is my "therapist in a box". It is guarantied to make you laugh out loud and raise your spirits. Also, you gain muscle tone by hefting it up to read it, as it is a pair of weighty tomes.

When I saw the Complete Far Side on the Deal of the Day I was very happy. I had seen it in retail at a discounted price but the price on Amazon was much better. I enjoy opening up one of the volumes and randomly reading the cartoons. It is great.

I am 56 and so just caught the end of the Beatles era. I enjoy their music, but would not label myself as a Beatles "fan". What I liked most about this book was discovering what happened in fact that I was only vaguely aware of at the time.

One strength of the book is the illustrations. Many of these would not be considered worthwhile to include in a biography, but they can stir interest, such as seeing portions of contracts for their performances did for me. Another strength is hearing the story directly from the band members. (John's "contributions" were taken from interviews he gave prior to his death.) They do debunk some silly rumors that have persisted about the band. I also enjoyed hearing the circumstances that prompted the writing of many of the songs they recorded.

One negative is that, being an anthology, you get the various opinions on what occurred at key points in time. These can be repetitive and even contradictory among the different band members. So, you do not get the persistence and continuity of having one point of view from the author. The book follows the general sequence of the band's development, but doesn't provide an exact chronology which is sometimes an annoying omission. At times the Beatles are quite candid and at other times I feel like they are offering up answers that protect one another as I would expect from any close group of musicians.

All in all I now have a much greater appreciation of the Beatles phenomenon, their contribution to popular culture and their personalities. However, I still feel that I know "the whole story" and would only consider this book to be one key reference towards understanding the group.

This is an excelent book, it is the Beatles story told by them, the book quality is amazing, clear pictures, hardcover is the way to go with this book.
The only problem I see in this book is the size, it would be almost impossible to carry it in a bag, it is heavy and big to carry, it is a book to read confortably in your bed drinking a Margarita and imagining the adventures of the most succesful band in the history of music.

The only negative is the size of the book. There should be a smaller hardcover or paperback edition. The content is superb and a great coffee table book, but it's difficult to curl up with this book in bed.

As a hard core Beatles fan I can recommend many books,but if I had to recommend only one it would probably be this one. This is a complete,definitive biography,told in their own words. Not surprising that they should feel the need to do this. With all the tabloid fiction out there, I'm surprised they didn't do this earlier. I'm also not surprised that some people are calling it incomplete, saying that this seems to be their version of the story that they want put out. Could it be because this IS the actual true story about them? No really! Do they mean to imply that they ( the Beatles) actually know more about this subject (the Beatles) then some idiot who met them twice, or (maybe not at all) and decided to make some money by writing a second rate book? The audacity! This book tells the story from birth to break up. There is no filler, just facts. And it is told in their own funny,matter of fact,no nonsense way.

Of course the music is the spotlight. Each album is gone over with a fine tooth comb and you are lifted right into the atmosphere, and events unfolding behind the scenes that made each album special. Actually everything they talk about,from their childhoods to Beatlemania seems to lift you right into the scene. This is helped by the gorgeous pictures, almost all of them from their personal collections. Even if you are illiterate you will want this book just for the pictures. By the way, John's quarter of the story is told through interviews. Thank goodness he gave so many. Some of the pictures even have his written comments scrawled on them,showing us exactly how he felt at the time. There are hundreds of pictures of documents, handwritten play lists, handwritten lyrics, notes, hotel and restaurant bills,lists of concerts (again with John's handwritten comments about what was going on.) These guys kept everything! I can't beleive that Paul and Ringo actually kept plane and hotel receipts from a long ago trip to Greece with Jane Asher and Maureen Cox.(at that time,the future Mrs. Starkey) There is even a document at the top corner of one of the pages, (I bet a lot of people missed it) which refers to the request for some lice removal medicine to be delivered to one unfortunate Beatle's home. Of course they are NOT talking about head lice,and having read Peter Brown's pointless,vindictive book,The Love You Make,I know that this may have been Paul's way of saying,'Yes it's true but Epstein's creepy,lackey had no right to put it in a book (and make lots of money). Or maybe I read it in that other rag, Yesterday by Chet Flippo. I had the misfortune of reading both books. Don't make the same mistake.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind reading juicy,personal stuff as long as it's true and not embellishment. And there are plenty of interesting,sexy, stories,and stories of John's craziness but coming from their mouths, I know they are true. Except for that peeing on nuns story. Really John! George says it never happened and I beleive him. This book is like a huge memoir. A personal scrapbook and photo album. You will enjoy it's beauty,candidness, and it's entertaining style. And it's not true that most of these stories have been told before. I've read hundreds of books on the Fabs and 90% of this book is fresh, especially the early years. While you're at it, get the Anthology DVD set also. It's completely different from this book! Talk about quality, and value for money! Something that's always been important to the Beatles.

I really liked Anthology. Not because it told the basic story, which I already got from other biographies. What makes this book really valuable is that it gives the view from inside the eye of the hurricane.

I mean, what's it like when the world starts screaming in your face?

Telling moments... There's a snapshot of John and Paul clutching their guitars as they head onstage for a concert, but their eyes are grim and tired. Paul is holding up his guitar like he needs a shield to ward off a punch to the face. It's a rather frightening photograph, and you feel sorry for them.

Or you wonder, what was George Harrison thinking, when he set off on a stroll through Height-Ashbury - that no one would notice him?

Or you sense, how much fun they seem to have had touring Australia.

Or their "family photos" from vacation trips... about as boring as anyone's photos. Except it's them. THEM.

The book seamlessly works fresh material from the three Beatles (and a few others) with parts of old John Lennon interviews, so it all reads smoothly, like it was all done at once - really great. The book is a fascinating trip all over again... I read it for two days through and hardly put it down.

Really good to read after you've read Chronicles because you just HAVE to know more about Raistlin!

Wow! Raistlin fan or not this is a great book. I, of course like most of the people who read Dragonlance, like Raistlin but I am not a huge fan per say but I do find him interesting to read. A lot of my question were resolved here not all but many.
Perhaps the best part about this book is that you get to witness the Test that Raistlin endured! You've heard about out it for a long time now and finally your in the midst of it all! WOOT!
Three highlights ** Slight Spoilers ** (but not really) :)
1) Meeting all the old friends Cameron, Raistlin, Tanis, Tas, Tika, Otik, Flint, Sturm, etc. and learning about them as they met. Watching them make a covenant to return to Solace to meet again...which, if I remember, brings you to the first book you read...the Dragons of Autumn Twilight. (I liked that part)
2) Raistlin's Test
3) Raistlin's Letter at the end which gives you the reason for the book you just finished,

The Soulforge, was well written and thrill. I think this book, of all the Dragonlance books I've read to date, has answered more questions than any other novel yet.

*This review is being updated and brough over from an older account.

Soulforge is an extremely exciting book that takes you across a wide range of characters and adventures. The book takes you through the life of young Raistlin Majere who becomes the greatest and most powerful mage that has ever lived. As a child, Raistlin grew up in the shadow of his twin brother Caramon Majere, who was strong and good-looking. But Raistlin had something his brother could never have, a smart, quick mind. With that intelligent mind, Raistlin Majere guides himself through the hardships of his childhood and for later on in his life. This book sets up the stage for the later chapters of Raistlin's life, in which Raistlin faces the dark goddess Talkhis in his quest to become a god. In Soulforge, Raistlin meets his friends who soon all become Heroes of the Lance. There is Tanis, the Half-Elven, Flint, the stubborn dwarf, Caramon, his brother, Sturm, the stouthearted knight, and Tasslehoff, the mischievous kender. With his friends, Raistlin fights against a false religious group, saves a town, and soon all learn to share a bond that is something far more than normal friendship. But through it all, while being taught magic at the local magic school, Raistlin has a yearning for something greater. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman do a fantastic job in helping us see how Raistlin turned out to become the person he later becomes. Through the tragedies that Rastlin faces, he uses them to strengthen his resolve for something greater. I would recommend this book for all fantasy lovers and people who love Raistlin's character. I had trouble going to sleep because reading this book kept me so awake. All fantasy lovers MUST read this book.

Raistlin is one of my favorite literary characters ever, and this is a good prequel into his young life.

I suggest reading this after you have read the Chronicles, as not to spoil some character development, but before the Legends series. If you enjoy learning about Wizards and thier trials, you will definately enjoy this book!

I am not quite sure why people are giving this 5 stars and a perfect rating. This is nowhere near classic literature, nor is is a wonderous example of english prose.

All that aside, I simply found this book slow. If you are a huge Raistlin fan, then this might have something for you. Really all you do is follow his life day by day from childhood to adulthood. Really boring and drab with about 3 pages total of action.

The second book in this set was much better, and I would pick up a third if it gets written. By itself, this book doesn't really stand for itself at all. I have liked many of Weis' books, but this one is down there at the bottom of the stack.

There is a reason that there are 200+ reviews for "heal your headache."
Pick up this book, and you feel like you've walked into a doctors office, the doctor is smiling at you, doesnt judge your years of persistent pain, really WANTS to help you, and most importantly ---has answers to all your questions, and KNOWS WHATS WRONG WITH YOU.
I am not yet headache free, I'm actually in a painful 2 weeks of withdrawl having given up caffeine, all drugs and alcohol (ok I lapsed once on maxalt but now i've thrown them all out), diet coke, and everything else on the list. Its especially hard because I'm a vegetarian, but with careful planning ahead, its actually a fun challenge to find recipes that work. Shallots or scallions instead of onions! I exercise regularly (when my head doesnt hurt) and i get my 7 hrs sleep. I figure 3 months of this diet is worth it if I can get my life back, if I can start planning weekends again, and accept invitations without wondering: but what if I get a headache? Thankyou, Dr you've really helped me. Whether I identify my triggers or not, your book makes nothing but sense and has given me hope that controlling my migraines is finally within my grasp.

I ordered this the same day I ordered the book on migraines and magnesium. I read the magnesium book first and started taking supplements, which helped immediately. Then I read this book one day when I was home sick, and immediately implemented the diet and stopped taking all my medications. Cold turkey. Yes, it sucked. I missed Diet Coke and coffee so much.

But very quickly, I was able to id what my triggers were. I have gradually worked a few of my favorite things back in. Yes, the diet is hard to follow, at first it seems like there is nothing you can eat! But with some diligence, it becomes easier. And I also lost a lot of weight quickly on the diet.

For me, the triggers I found were nitrates and MSG, which I did not know were in almost all restaurant food. That leaves me with only eating fresh food, basically....And wow, it tastes good.

I started the mild exercise and being diligent about getting rest as well. I like to work out a lot harder than "mild" exercise, so this is hard for me...but I hope to be able to work up to more exercise eventually. At any rate, it was worth any sacrifice to me to get rid of the pain that was ruining my life.

I recommend this book and the book on magnesium and migraines. You can get your life back and stop writhing in pain and nausea! I haven't had a migraine in over a month and I was getting them at least two times a week, often more, for 20 years.

I started getting headaches around the age of 9 from what I can remember and they prgressively got worse as I got older. In my early 20s I can remember having a headache every day. If I didn't have a headache, I wondered what was wrong. If I woke up without a headache I was sure to have one by the time I went to bed. I really had no clue as to what caused these headaches so often and they left me rather depressed and feeling hopeless. I missed work alot and I missed out on alot of good times with friends and family simply because I just didn't feel good. My headaches came with a wide varity of symptoms including nausia, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, muscle tenderness, and an overall inability to focus. My mother used BC Powders constantly and I found for myself that BCs were about the only thing that would give me some relief. I had tried going to the ER and even the family doctor but they only offered short term fixes. I had also learned from my own experience and from other people and doctors that chocolate, caffine, and nuts could cause head aches and sometimes they did. It was very hard to pin point any one food because I seemed to always have a headache.

My mother called me one day and told me about this book. I was 24 years old when I first read it and it literally changed my life. I will tell you now though that what this book tells you you should do in order to get rid of your headaches is not easy. But I have to honestly say that if you will be willing to make some major changes in your diet, you will get your head pain under control. You also have to be willing to stop using quick headache fixes like BCs and Emitrex because these medications cause rebound.

I was at a point where I was willing to do ANYTHING to stop my headaches. I was amazed that 99% of them came from food and as ready as I was to make whatever changes it took, I still struggled. It took me about 2 years before I put a real belief in what this man has to say about your diet and your headaches. It took so long because I was really in denial, I didn't want to give up things like ice cream (milk is a big trigger for me) or tomatos. (I love pasta) Vinigar was another big one that took me a very long time to let go of. Now that I am able to be fully honest with myself about my headaches and my diet, I only suffer from headaches about once or twice a month and that's amazing considering I used to have a headache on a daily basis.

I am sure this book would be helpful to anyone who gets headaches more than they would like to. If you get headaches alot, be prepared to have to take some serious responsibility for yourself! It's worth it in the end.

Anyone who suffers from migraine headaches should read this book and try Dr. Buchholz's program. I have had migraine headaches for the last ten years. Things were getting worse with the medications to relieve the headaches providing relief followed by rebound in an endless cycle. This program broke the cycle and I believe that anyone who wants to get relief from migraines should read this book and try the program. It will help!

I am 32 and have had headaches consistently since I was a kid. I always thought it was due to neck or back problems and had no idea that the foods I was eating and the headache medication I was taking was most of the problem. Since reading this book I have gone from having a headache almost every night to having only one or two headaches a month. The key for me has been following most of the dietary changes Dr. Buchholz recommends, and getting off of the migrane prescription medication I'd been taking.
Dr. Buchholz' system is based on his years of experience as a neurologist. The book begins by explaining his view that nearly all headaches are migranes and that even though it may seem like our headache is due to sore neck muscles or tension, that the tenseness we feel is actually a neurological symptom of the headache itself. He then goes on to outline how we can reduce our occurrance of headaches by eliminating or reducing certain foods in our diet. I had no idea that any foods were giving me a headache, but I learned from this book that many times the migrane will come hours after we've consumed those foods, so it's difficult to tell what caused it. I can't recommend this book highly enough. I never though I would have the quality of life that I have now, and it's worth it, even though I have eliminated some foods I really loved.

I rarely laugh when reading books, even when its really funny.
Reading this book though, I was constently cracking up.
The advice is ACTUALLY usefull, it tells the good and bad of film making.
Im keeping this short and simple, so to sum up. This is a truely awesome book.

I don't think I read through 300+ pages so fast in my life. It's incredibly informative on making your own flick from conception to distribution and it is one of the easiest reads I've had. Its also funny as hell, filled with that Kaufman wit.

If you liked Rebel Without a Crew, you'll love this one.

If you're a Troma fan pick it up. If you want to make movies pick it up. If you want a look into the life of a man with an extremely interesting story pick it up.

This is a book I will be returning to both for reference and enjoyment.

I bought this book hoping to have a fun read about making movies and this persons experience. Sadly, what I got was a book load of expletives and degrading ideas of what to throw into a scene them film it. I take away three stars for the no effort put in to not writing a fun book that many can read. I understand the shock value of the title, fine, but curses in every paragraph? I'm not saying to write like a bored, stiff, old tenured expert... But the name calling and mud slinging is not necessary (atleast not all of it). I give it two stars for the street level info. all independents need to know before making a film. Please do protect yourselves.

This is an interesting book for Troma fans and independent film fans. It is really just a book that is meant to entertain and tell stories rather than provide real helpful insight about how to make films. While I appreciate the show of support for independent art, the book doesn't really seem to support independent creation other than Troma's own brand (despite the title of the book). While I will admit that the book is very funny to read, I think sometimes it crosses into somewhat arrogant and self-important banter.

To me this book is more about Troma patting itself on the back and reflecting on their wacky stories then about really empowering anyone but themselves. Read if you are a fan of Troma, not if you are looking for encouragement.

Make Your Own Damn Movie book is the best make your own movie books on the market. You won't find better and honest information like this anywhere, and not for the price either. I have met Lloyd Kaufman and talked to him about making films and he really knows what he is talking about. His book gives you a very fun and enjoyable read, and the information will help you get on the right track to Making Your Own Damn Movie. This book has become my bible for making films, His view and way of speaking has changed the way that average Joe's can go out and Make Their Own Damn Movie!

If you are interested in making a film or just looking for a good laugh you must buy this book.

This is either the best or the second best Redwall book. It's the direct sequel to the Original Redwall, so there will be a lot of familier characters. Complete with 3 huge battles, a cruel monster that lurks in the dark, and an evil slaver named Slager, this book is ultimate, and I highly reccomend it!

Why are the most known and far better books of the Redwall universe the first ones done? Well, they're the first ones done, and they were actually pretty good. 'Mattimeo', along with 'Mossflower', and possibly maybe even 'Salamandastron', were one of the best Redwall books. To me. I don't know if it applies to the rest of you readers, but I stick by my comment. 'Mattimeo' was a well done book. It was also one of the biggest, probably the biggest Redwall book. It's actually a quest I'd actually look forward to reading, and for once, the Redwall creatures are showing emotion that is actually true rather than just coming out strained and downright terrible like in Jacques' recent works.

'Mattimeo' takes place seasons and seasons after the 'Redwall' book, the true sequel, and it focuses on Sela's supposedly dead son, Chickenhound. He is now called Slagar the Cruel, has his band of wicked beasts that we know will probably be weasels, ferrets, rats, stoats...those guys. Slagar is noticed as one of the most intelligent, wicked, and more insane of any warlord that came before or after him. His face is horribly disfigured, cause of a snake's bite and painful venom, and he hides his deformity using a skull mask. Believing his own lies of how the Redwall creatures had betrayed him, he plans to seek revenge by stealing the children of Redwall under the Redwaller's noses and selling them to Malkariss, a warlord who dwells in the underground, building an empire, made from the paws of many slave children.

This story works well, extremely well, as Mattimeo, Matthias' son, slowly becomes a hardened warrior during the time of his capture and how he is forced to endure harsh beatings, cruel words, and many deaths as he is led to Malkariss' kingdom. And while the warriors of Redwall chase after Slagar, the Redwallers are having troubles of their own back at the abbey. General Ironbeak and his birds are set on seizing it. The techniques that Slagar uses to outsmart his pursuers are classic and clever, but for some reason I do not like Ironbeak's part in how he tries to conquer the abbey. Either he's really dumb or the Redwallers for some reason are extremely well trained to handle an aerial attack--either one or both, I just don't like how he tries to conquer it when there were dozens of simple solutions, like a total ambush. Grabbing them and flinging them from a range of thirty feet would have done it, but I'm not the writer. When there's a more awesome story going on, I don't care about the weak side story. I just love Slagar and his twisted schemes. This is truly one of my favorite Redwall books of all time.

I would recommend this book because it is full of action and intensity. When I started reading this book, I never wanted to put it down. After every page, it just got better and better. There were many surprises in this book, like if there is a battle or new enemy; it was just full of surprises. I would and have read a book by Brian Jacques, which was Redwall, the first book in the series. Now I am reading the prequel to Redwall, Mossflower. Overall, Mattimeo was a terrific book.

Tis book tells the story of Mattiemo, a young mouse who is captured by Slagar the fox in a break in at Redwall. He and all of his friends are taken to an evil land but Mattiemo's father Matthias is hot on this trail!!!!!

This is a good book for those that have read the series before (Expecially Redwall). It brings back our favorite characters, including Basil Stag Hare, Jess Squirrel, Matthias, Cornflower, Tim and Tess, plus many more.
It has a good plot, plus many emotions including sadness, romance, courage and a huge fighting spirit.

"Mattimeo" tells the story of the son of Matthias the Warrior, who happens to be named Mattimeo. The plot is compelling and whimsical, great especially for younger readers, and I enjoyed it even more than "Redwall". There were only a couple of minor things that kept me from giving it the full five stars.

First of all, there are the numerous (that may well be an understatement) descriptions of Slagar's mask. Believe me, if you don't know what material that mask is made of by the end of the book then you have some serious attention problems. Quotes such as "Slagar grinned from behind the silken mask" and "The silk mask sucked into a hideous grin" are okay when used in moderation, but when we are bombarded endlessly with these nearly identical descriptions, it detracts from rather than adds to the story. I'm sorry, *what* was the mask made from again?

The other thing that bothered me was the apparent lack of attention to proportion. For example, at one point, Slagar gets angry at an impudent Mattimeo and starts beating the young mouse with a cane. And yet, according to Brian Jacques, Mattimeo does not feel the blows at all. Am I the only one who thinks this is simply absurd? A fox beating a mouse with a cane would be like King Kong beating a human with an uprooted tree - that's how big foxes are compared to mice. Forget feeling the blows, Mattimeo should be crushed by them!

But despite these things, I really enjoyed the story of Mattimeo, and I would recommend it to anyone who has read other books in the series or who just loves animal fantasy. I also recommend the fantastic "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" series by Kathryn Lasky and the "Warriors" books by Erin Hunter.