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Movies Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Movies
Littles to the Rescue
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (1986-05)
Author: John Peterson
List price: $2.50
New price: $29.99
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

The Littles to the Rescue
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-25
The book had adventure, fun, mystery and danger. The Little Family had to go look for Aunt Lilly after she falls from cousin Dinke's glider. The small family must explore the world of regular size people to find Aunt Lilly. The Little Family use a family cat for their ride as they search the forest. While in the forest they meet large animals and other tiny people called tree and ground tinies. The book ends with the rescue of Aunt Lilly and a journey back to their home in the house of the Big's family. I ernjoyed reading this book.

Third Book in The Littles Series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-27
In "The Littles to the Rescue", Mrs. Little is expecting her third child, and, by tradition, she wants Aunt Lily to deliver it. However, Aunt Lily and her son, Cousin Dinky, live four houses away, which is quite a distance for Tinies (little creatures--approximately 4 - 6 inches tall--that vaguely resemble elves with tails). Nevertheless, Cousin Dinky pilots his mother in his glider plane to the Littles' residence, even though it's in the middle of the night and snowing. However, during the trip, Aunt Lily falls out of the plane and is captured by the reclusive Ground Tinies. A search party is formed to locate Aunt Lily, with the added help of a cat and skunk, who remarkably don't make a meal out of the Littles. But will they find her in time?

This was one of my favorite books (and cartoon series) when I was a kid. It was given to me by my grandmother when I was about eight-years-old. Not only are the black-and-white illustrations terrific, but the Littles are extremely resourceful and imaginative in this story, using most things people throw away as tools, decorations, etc. My only two complaints are that the book has a rather abrupt ending (or perhaps there's a page missing from my book; I have had it for about 15 years), and that it's a bit ...., though younger readers may not pick up on this. Still, "The Littles to the Rescue" is a fun adventure story for children age 7 - 10. Highly recommended.

Best book in this exciting series
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-18
This is a great entry in a great series, which features the adventures of a family of small people-with-tails named the Littles, who live in the walls of the clueless humans, the Biggs.

This is probably my favorite book in the series, prominently featuring two other families of little people, the Specks and the Tinies. These two clans have an irrational distrust of each other, and the Littles get caught up in their struggles just when they desperately need to be focused on the pregnancy of Mrs. Little.

The elements that make the series consistently great are also on full display. The little people are essentially living in isolated pockets in the vast and dangerous frontier created by humans, and they must rely on their own wits to carve out a decent living. The problems they face, and the solutions that they struggle to find, are amazingly realistic, and there is no need to create evil-minded villains when the terrain is so inhospitable. Seeing the other clans in action also shows that the methods of living life on such a small scale can be very localized; the Specks, who live in the trunk of a tree, have an entirely different way of life than the Littles.

This is a charming series, with hundreds of thoughtful details that will delight children with their ability to portray a real world. Interactions with housecats and toy gliders are particularly thrilling.

Also, I would be remiss not to mention the wonderful sepia-toned drawings by Roberta Carter Clark. They mirror the text's adherence to realism, and give us a very graphic and fun look at the scenes that the text describes.

Highly recommended
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-21
Living on this Earth, right under our very noses, is a race of tiny people. They are not dwarfs or elves, but simply tiny people, six inches tall at the most and possessing beautiful, furry tails. And in the home of the Biggs, lives a family of these tiny people, called the Littles.

In this book, Mrs. Little is coming due for the birth of her baby. But, with a snowstorm covering the area, the Littles decide that they must telephone Aunt Lily (a nurse from four houses away - quite a long distance) and tell her NOT to come. However, when a human intercepts the call, Aunt Lily decides that the call was a call for help, and she and Cousin Dinky set off in his glider. Disaster strikes when a gust of wind throws Lily out of the glider, and now it is up to the Littles to stage a rescue. It's a dangerous world out there for a little person, and Aunt Lily has fallen into adventures in a big wood!

I am a fan of Mary Norton's Borrowers books, and was saddened by the knowledge that there would never be any more. When I discovered Mr. Peterson's Littles books I was overjoyed, hoping that these would be just as good. Well, I wasn't disappointed!

The story in this book is charming, and quite entertaining. My children and I were thrilled with the story, and look forward to reading more of the adventures of the Littles. We highly recommend this book to you.

The Littles to the Rescue
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-10
I am 7 years old and in 2nd grade.I like to read about the Littles because they are always having fun adventures.This story was interesting when the Littles traveled by rabbits, a cat, and a skunk.I try to think how much fun and how fast I could go on these animals. I like how the Littles get help from animals. I thought Aunt Lily was not going to make it in time for the baby.
But with the help of everybody she was found.

Movies
Loitering With Intent: The Apprentice
Published in Hardcover by Hyperion Books (1997-02)
Author: Peter O'Toole
List price: $24.95
New price: $9.37
Used price: $0.16
Collectible price: $39.94

Average review score:

O'Toole Amazing life in His Own Delightful Words
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-25
I want Peter O'Toole to scrible my life story. One of our grandest actors turns out to be a remarkable writer. If he was writing about any other person than himself, this would be a great book; a most enjoyable reading experience; and a primer in how to tell the story of a larger than life person. As it happens, Peter O'Toole, the exceptional writer, is writing about Peter O'Toole, the peerless actor.

And this is Volume Two! Do grab the first book, "Loitering With Intent: The Child." It is not only a fascinating story of the very early years of O'Toole's boyhood in Ireland, it is also a personal account of the world plunging into the chaos of the 1930s that became World War II.

Read them both...preferasbly in order. And pray Mr O'Toole is with us long enough to craft volume three!

Brilliant 2nd. volume of O'Toole's biography.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-08
Peter O'Toole continues recounting his early years in the second volume of his biography. It has a slightly different style than the first volume (The Child), but is still extremely enjoyable. Highly recommended.

hit and miss
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1998-04-24
That O'Toole can write is no surprise to anyone who has seen him act, since--although he is saying others' lines on screen--a pulsing intelligence comes through in his performances. (Brando can't write in SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME, and neither could KATHERINE HEPBURN in her autobiography. As good as they are as actors, they don't suggest eloquence on the screen...despite the quality of the lines they say). But O'Toole is not one of the greatest writers alive. This volume shows that. His writing needs to be more linear. He IS one of the greatest actors alive, however. So I wish he would leave his desk and get in front of a movie camera or on stage instead. I don't believe there is such a thing as a genius actor. But if there is, O'Toole is it (and the only one). There has certainly never been an actor as charismatic (well, maybe Cary Grant. But could Grant have played serious drama as well as light comedy? He never played in a drama that I know of).

The Peter (O'Toole) prescription for a life well lived!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-26
Who says a great actor has to be a self-absorbed boor with no life or thoughts of his own offstage or off-camera? This second installment of noted actor O'Toole's autobiography brims over with vitality, quirky charm, and loving reminiscences of fellow drama school students, teachers, and a host of other fascinating souls. O'Toole is clearly one of those people who makes his own fun, and naturally finds kindred spirits wherever he goes in life. He doesn't choose his friends based on their status or what they can do for him, he just enjoys their company. And how! The myriad, unorthodox ways O'Toole and his pals devise to obtain lodgings, food, semi-clean laundry and other of life's necessities will have you laughing out loud. One of many highlights concerns the delightful, party given to celebrate the final hours of leaky old houseboat, where guests take turns pumping the sea back out even as it sloshes at their ankles. A rip-roaring good time was had by the artist as a young apprentice, and his mates!

Brilliantly written and very funny
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1998-11-22
O'Toole has a gift for the English language -- you just want to read whole chapters aloud, to enjoy the sound of the words. There are also scores of laugh-out-loud funny anecdotes sprinkled throughout, all told with wry joy. This isn't a typical actor's memoir -- this is way more fun.

Movies
Major Meltdown (Dawson's Creek)
Published in Unknown Binding by Tandem Library (1999-01)
Author: K. S. Rodriguez
List price: $13.15
New price: $13.15

Average review score:

Good ONE! A+++
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-13
I've read all the Dawsons Creek books, and this one is my 2nd favorite! They get a break from Capeside! And its snow! Joey gets the guys, which makes Jen jealous. Even though things heat up with Jen & Dawson. Plus Pacey meets someone special! Very good! RECOMEND!

Good ONE! A+++
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-13
I've read all the Dawsons Creek books, and this one is my 2nd favorite! They get a break from Capeside! And its snow! Joeu gets the guys, which makes Jen jealous. Even though things heat up with Jen & Dawson. Plus PAcey meets someone special! Very good! RECOMEND!

This is the best show/book ever
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-22
This book is the best book that i have ever read and the only book i can read over and over which is unusaul for me.Please make more books on Dawsons Creek and I will keep reading them.

I'm a Dawson's Creek fanatic!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-11
I love Dawson's Creek! The books are just as good!! I wish that in "Major Meltdown" Dawson and Joey got back together! I saw the title and thought, wow this looks so cool, I have to add it to my collection! I'm a Dawson's Creek fanatic! The book was my favorite out of the other ones I own which are the following: Long Hot Summer, Calm Before The Storm, and Shifting Into Overdrive. I keep reading it over and over again! I wrote my own story about Dawson's Creek, but I can't think of a good title. I think that a good title interests the reader!! Thank you so very much for letting me voice my opinion! Yours Truly, A devoted fan!!

The best one so far!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-27
I say so far becouse i dont doubt the Dawsons Creek authors one bit to bring out better and better books, but this is my favorite i loved it so much i stayed up in to the night to finnish it the story line to this book is exallent about a skiing trip and it is wonderfully written it makes you feel happy, sorry and annoyed for the charectors as it makes you feel so there i would recomend this book foe everyone not just Dawsons Creek fans.

Movies
Master of Deception (Star Wars: Last of the Jedi, Book 9)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Scholastic Paperbacks (2008-02-01)
Authors: Jude Watson and Judy Blundell
List price: $6.99
New price: $2.11
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Master of Surprise- Beware Spoilers Follow
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-29
Jude Watson is the Master of Surprise. You never know what's going to happen in the Last of the Jedi series and that keeps me reading. Just when you think you've figured everyone and everything out Watson turns things around. This book is another on the edge of your seats because it deals primary with Leia. Ferus is on his way to Alderaan with an Inspecter to find out who the toddler was that found its way into his report on possible Jedi which Obi Wan all but ordered him to go but of course doesn't tell him who that toddler is. Ferus is torn because he's always respected Senator Organa and knows he'll see Ferus as another traitor. But once again Ferus proves he's still one of the good guys by helping Alderaan. The Dark side contiunes to tempt Ferus through out his task. The past eight books Ferus has been drawing closer to figuring out who Vader is in this one he does. Ironically it was Vader who ended up accidently giving Ferus the last clue. I can't wait to see how that plays out. It was also fun to get more of a look Organa family and Leia and Alderaan. The end is another cliffhanger as Palpatine has yet another idea for Ferus.

Ms. Watson is a Master of surprise!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-27
I've read these books from the first and all I can say is "WOW!" with this one. Even though this series is intended for younger readers, older readers, as myself, would find no difficulty reading and enjoying them.

Those of you who read the last book, Against the Empire, know how Ferus Olin was being pulled to learning the ways of the Dark Side of the Force. With this installment, Ms. Watson draws us closer to the inner thoughts of Ferus as he struggles with the demands of completing his double mission on Alderaan and his desire to be strong with the Dark Side. We get to see life on Alderann and all I kept thinking was how I wish I lived there, too! There are so many little twists and turns in this story, I wanted to jump in and tell Trever everything was going to be all right, lol. The questions left unanswered make it all the more exciting to read. And because of its darker nature than the other books in this series, I found it to be much more enjoyable. Without saying too much, I'm just wondering what exactly does the Emperor have in store for Ferus. And what will Vader do about it? Ok, now go get your copy and have fun :)

Master Watson Does it Again
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-17
Watson continues to spin the perfect Young Adult tale. Plenty of core concepts but easy sentence structure. For the youth, it's perfect. For adults, a quick night's read. In this installment, many questions are answered. Is Leia discovered? Is Vader's true identity discovered? Are the rebels found? Why didn't Vader sense Leia on the DS as a force-adept? Why was Zan Arbor's science not reflected in later years? How far is Palpatine ready to go? What is life on Alderaan like? And a few don't get answered like: Is Flame Eve Yarrow? Is she to be trusted? And how does Twillight fit with Moonstrike?

A great read that advances the story along quite nicely.

I'm not sure how much more I could recommend this series!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-27
This series has been a joy from the start. Watson is one of if not the most prolific Star Wars authors today. Even though this book is written for younger readers it is engaging for adults also. Master of Deception is no exception. M.O.D. continues the action packed and wonderfully developed story of Ferus Olin and his attempts to save the surviving members of the Jedi Order. You get a nice look into the Organa family as well as a young Leia. I'm only sorry that there is only one more book in the series.

Excellent, Engaging, Entertaining
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-30
Jude Watson does a nice job including believable twists and works cliffhangers infuriatingly well. As with most books in this series, there are pieces of the puzzle left unsolved, which will be resolved in a later book.

I had other things to do, but I chose to read this book instead. Work will wait. A fun, fast read is something to savor. As the cast of characters gets larger, it's hard to balance them all, but Jude Watson has done so remarkably well.

Movies
Microsoft 3D Movie Maker for Windows 95
Published in Audio CD by Microsoft Press (1995-10)
Author: Microsoft Press
List price: $32.50
Used price: $29.94

Average review score:

Great software for, young or old.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-09
In my opinion 3d Movie Maker is possibly the best thing to come out of Microsoft since Windows 98. This game is alot of fun to play with, its also super easy to use. Orginally, this program, was designed for children...But if you google search "3dmm" many things will come up...Including films, props, actors, and other expansions...ALL downloadable for FREE!

This game could keep anyone entertained for hours. And if I where you I'd grab a copy quick, the game is getting harder to find even across the internet.

Have fun filming!

A very good game
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-24
This is a very addicting way to make movies. It's limited, but if they ever come out with a second version, it will be probably no better or worse than this. Making movies has never been so easy, or inexpensive!

3DMM IS ADICTING!!!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-21
YOU WILL STAY ON THE COMPUTER FOR HOURS! IT'S FUN AND ENTERTAINING. THE ONLY COMPLAINT I HAVE IS THAT... J/K I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. YOU CAN TURN REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES INTO MOVIES. EVEN RECORD YOUR OWN VOICE. MAKE THEM DANCE, YELL, RUN, AND SO MUCH MORE. YOU HAVE TO LOVE THIS GAME!!!!! 3DMM ROCKS!!!!!

The Very Best In Entertainment
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-02
I know many people that have purchased this game, with only one complaint: Too hard. It's not too hard if you spend a little time figuring things out, and it is much more fun than the vast majority of games out there. It is also a very popular game online; you can find over 1,000 sites dedicated to 3DMM. Rumors of a second version are quickly spreading... I CANT WAIT!!! I wouldn't recommend this game for anyone under the age of 13 however.

YEAH! 3-D MOVIE MAKER ROCKS!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-16
This is a cool game. Making movies is thrilling! You can make short films or long action-packed movies! The actors are funny, and you can use props to make almost anything. But be sure to find the pages for the talent book! 3-D Movie Maker=Fun!

Movies
Monastic Wisdom: The Letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast
Published in Hardcover by Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery (1999-10)
Author: Joseph
List price: $35.00
New price: $35.00
Used price: $28.99

Average review score:

A Real Gem
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-03
There's not much I can add to these reviews. I would just say that Elder Joseph's letters are eminently readable and that, although it is true he maintened a standard of asceticism far beyond that which most people are capable of, there are many practical aspects of this book that the ordinary individual can use and apply in his own spiritual journey.
Ditto on the beautiful appearance of the book. It is a joy to handle and look at.

Wonderful
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-01
The wisdom and sweetness of the Elder's words make this book a true treasure. He epitomizes the very essence of spiritual fatherhood. It comes as no surprise to learn that Elder Joseph's spiritual children and grandchildren ( if you will ), number in the thousands, and that his blessed memory lives on in all of their hearts.

A True Saint of the 20th Century
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-16
Excellent translation of the Greek version. This book demonstrates what an incredible saint Elder Joseph the Hesychast is. His writings will inspire you to practice the Jesus Prayer without ceasing. His ascetic struggle and love for Christ and the Virgin Mary will bring tears to your eyes. I am truly amazed that we have had such a saint in our century. This book is definitely one of the best Orthodox Christian books out there.

A spiritual treasure
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-27
This is a collection of letters written by an illumined Eastern Orthtodox holy man who lived in the 20th century on the holy mountain of Athos in caves and huts. It is a book for those who want to go more deeply into the interior life of Christ, girded by the written instructions of an experienced guide and elder, without having to go outside the Christian tradition to do so. I am finding it an invaluable tool and motivation. One must understand however that it is a book by a monk and ascetic. Not all of what he instructs is practical or even possible for those of us who live in the world. But in the same way that one might read a book by Lance Armstrong on bicycle racing, without having any hope or possibility of achieving his level of accomplishment, this book will motivate and challenge you!

Grace filled pages
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-14
Elder Joseph's letters are awe-inspiring as well as action inspiring. This collection of letters comes from several sources (they don't all have the same recipient.) He addresses clergy, monastics, laity (both in Greece and abroad.)

The level of asceticism he practiced he never pushed on anyone else. He expected much out of people, but made them want to be that way of their own will. He wasn't interested in having a bunch of puppets. He was a true spiritual father, not a spiritual dictator.

Many of his ideas, sayings, etc will seem "radical" to most English speakers. After a while though, you realize Elder Joseph isn't the radical one, he is living the God-inspired life, while the rest of us aren't quite hitting the mark.

More than anything though, you realize how his love of God has caused him to have extreme love for all of creation...even those that didn't like him. Elder Joseph was a man of incredible discipline, humility and love. He was always strict with himself, willing to admit when he was wrong. He was kind, generous, and loving to others.

I can't say enough good things about this book. The Elder's words just melt you with joy and challenge you to become like Christ. I also want to comment on the literal book itself. The hardcover edition is beautifully put together. Embossed cover, multicolor printing, nice art, quality paper, binding etc. If taken care of, this book should exist for generations.

Buy this book, and challenge yourself.

Movies
Monster Madness
Published in Hardcover by Smithmark Publishers (1998-10)
Authors: Zach Zito, Mel Neuhaus, and Michael Lederman
List price: $9.98
New price: $4.45
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

A fabulous gift for everyone!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-28
This book is magnificent! It's wonderful to read & the photos are fantastic! This is the perfect gift for both movie-loving adults & kids who will be transfixed by the almost full-page photos! Zach Zito, Michael Lederman & Mel Neuhaus have crafted a perfect homage to most of the greatest movie monsters...They immediately remind you of why you loved the films you've seen and entice you to watch the films that you haven't seen yet! I can only hope that the authors will publish more books like this, in the future!

Great trivia & interesting facts for the monster movie buffs
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-22
It is obvious that Zach Zito has thoroughly researched this subject and he knows it well! The pictures are classics and evoke great memories of unforgettable monster movie moments! The behind the scenes facts and trivia will more than satisfy all you classic monster movie fans. Keep on writing Zach! We're looking forward to your next one!

Great trivia & interesting facts for the monster movie buffs
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-22
It is obvious that Zach Zito has thoroughly researched this subject and he knows it well! The pictures are classics and evoke great memories of unforgettable monster movie moments! The behind the scenes facts and trivia will more than satisfy all you classic monster movie fans. Keep on writing Zach! We're looking forward to your next one!

A fun. gorgeous book for monster film fans!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-14
Zito, Neuhaus and Lederman have written a book with beautiful photos and graphics and lots of fun facts for classic film fans. It is very entertaining and the film synopses are detailed enough to please hard-core film buffs, yet straightforward enough for novices. The authors obvious love for their subject is infectious.

Great trivia & interesting facts for the monster movie buffs
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-22
It is obvious that Zach Zito has thoroughly researched this subject and he knows it well! The pictures are classics and evoke great memories of unforgettable monster movie moments! The behind the scenes facts and trivia will more than satisfy all you classic monster movie fans. Keep on writing Zach! We're looking forward to your next one!

Movies
Mount Athos: Renewal in Paradise
Published in Paperback by Yale University Press (2004-07-11)
Author: Graham Speake
List price: $24.00
New price: $18.00
Used price: $17.79

Average review score:

An outstanding history of a remarkable place - Mount Athos
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-27
This is a masterly and sympathetic account of the history of Mount Athos and as such it gives a vivid and fascinating insight into the eastern Mediterranean from the Byzantine to the modern period. It is very well illustrated and enriched by the fruit of many personal encounters with monks engaged in the current renewal of the Holy Mountain. The writer balances a spiritual understanding of what is now going on there with a critical historian's appreciation of the developments and disasters that have occurred on Mount Athos through many centuries. It is to be highly recommended for anyone interested in this important centre of Christian renewal today. It is also an excellent preparation for making a pilgrimage there. A first-rate book in every way.

Next best thing to being there
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-27
MOUNT ATHOS: Renewal in Paradise is a history of this land of monasteries written by Graham Speake, a frequent visitor to the Holy Mountain and ultimately a convert to Orthodox Christianity. The first thing you will notice about the book is that it is lavishly illustrated, containing dozens of full-colour pictures that vividly portray the Athos' beauty. I certainly found myself enthralled by these pictures, and read the book with pleasure.

Before recounting the traditional founding of the monastery in the 10th century, Speake gives the various legends for early monastic settlement on the peninsula, doubtful though some may be. The political workings that regulated the monastery in its early days are clearly spelt out, Byzantine though they may be. The influence of non-Greek peoples on Athos, such as the Vlachs, Kyivan Rusians, and Serbs gets a large amount of space, and Speake dispassionately reports the ethnic conflicts that have led to Slavs and Romanians sometimes finding it difficult to visit the mountain today. Finally, as the subtitle of the book indicates, Speake gives readers an idea of how miraculous the Athos' contemporary flourishing is in comparison to the moribund state of monasticism there for much of the 20th century.

Beyond the history, though, Speake's guide is also a vivid portrayal of the timeless way of life on the Holy Mountain: the existing monasteries and their ways of functioning, the relation to the church calendar, initiation procedures, the preparation of meals, and so forth. Speake even describes the baptism of his godson, an adult convert, who profited from the Holy Mountain's remarkably rigorous and spiritually constructive cathechesis. Even though this comes from a university press, the book is very dedicated to Orthodox belief and appreciates the monastic way of life and what it can teach everyday Orthodox Christians.

This is a delightful book, it makes me wish I could buy my ticket now. And it certainly makes a good gift for friends and loved ones who for whatever reason cannot go themselves. Highly recommended.

Extremely well done
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-08
This is a first class publication (slick paper/good photographs/excellent documentation) on the history of the monastic communities on Mt. Athos. This information includes both the physical history along with the spiritual history (a sort of metahistory, so to speak). The author includes information on the various spiritual movements (hesychasts, etc) that have originated on this peninsula that, while located in northern modern Greece, is actually a sort of autonomous republic. Especially interesting is the information on the unexpected, amazing renewal that is taking place there. 30 years ago, the end of Mt. Athos was in sight. Now, new monks come and the monasteries are again flourishing. Amazing. Also interesting is the information on Mt. Athos's place in the EU, and what that membership may mean to the monks. At any rate, this is a first rate book of interest to anyone who is interested in christian spirituality in general, and orthodox spirituality in particular.

Next best thing to going!
Helpful Votes: 18 out of 18 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-15
This is a history not only of the Holy Mountain Athos, but also of the monks that inhabited it and those that dwell there to this very day. Speake has done a wonderfl job covering the world's influence on Athos as well as Athos' influence on the world.

It is incredibly refreshing to see a book about a monastic community published by a secular university press (Yale University) be free of the condescension and skepticism that one would expect to find. As a matter of fact, there's a general tone of reverence for the monks' traditions. It is, however, fair and balanced in the fact that he hasn't glossed over the rough patches of Athonite history.

Speake has produced a work of scholarship that is accessible to the academic and the average joe as well as to Orthodox and non-Orthodox. That is no small accomplishment.

Many people outside of Eastern Europe and the Middle East are embracing Orthodoxy today. This is happening in Asia, Africa, Western Europe, Oceania and the Americas. An intelligent, well written and accessible history (both political and spiritual) of Mount Athos in English is essential and Speake has provided us with what will surely be the standard for years to come. Athos is the center of world Orthodox monasticism and could be called "The Conscience of Orthodoxy." This book is essential for those wishing to understand Orthodoxy and particularly Orthodox monasticism.

The definitive book on Mt Athos
Helpful Votes: 22 out of 22 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-12
I have read several books on Mt Athos, a subject that has fascinated me for many years. This is the best English language book on the topic and one that I think would be difficult to be surpassed. It is scholarly without being "stuffy"; it is eminently readable without the simplistic approach of a tourist guide; it is almost encyclopedic but not fragmentary. And most importantly, coming from a person who apprently went through a spiritual journey, it is permeated by the deeper understanding that such experience brings.

I recommend it to anyone who plans to visit Athos or, for that matter, to everyone who already made the customary brief visit to the Holy Mountain as he will discover many things he probably missed, often the larger perspective of the place that is sadly lost in the brevity of an overnight stay.

Movies
Movie Star Pony (#26 Pony Pals)
Published in Paperback by Scholastic Inc. (2000-05-01)
Author: Jeanne Betancourt
List price: $3.99
New price: $4.36
Used price: $0.04
Collectible price: $11.99

Average review score:

movie stars
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-14
anna is confused. she meets this movie star called bette. she wants to ride acorn. she wants him for keeps, too.

Best horse book ever!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-18
This book is the best Pony Pals bok ever! I have read it 5 times and I still love it! Bette Fleming is filming a movie in the town and she wants to use Acorn in it. Anna wants everyone to know that Acorn is special, but this time it means losing her pony for a few weeks. She finally agrees, knowing that it will only be a few weeks until he is her pony. But when Anna sees Acorn performing perfectly for Bette, she begins to think that Acorn belongs with Bette instead. Will Anna give up Acorn? READ THIS BOOK!!!

Movie star Pony
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-04
Hi!I love this book because I know how Anna feels.Everyone loves my Pony.In this book Anna is stumped.She knows Acorn is a special pony but was being in the circus enough?Then a movie star called Bette is in town.She sees Acorn and wants to ride him in her movie.But Anna and her Pony Pals Pam and Lulu find out that Bette is snobby.And Bette wants Acorn for her birthday!Anna,her Pony Pals,Snowhite and Lightning must use all there Pony Pal Power.And Anna comes up with a plan to get Acorn back.Will it work?Find out in this great book.

movie star pony
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-07
bete fleming is doing her movie in town. she dosn't wont to ride the horse shes soposed to ride instead she wont's to ride acorn. anna agrees but unforunetly for anna, bete wonts acorn for her birthday. will anna loose acorn to this snoby girl?????

"Movie Star Pony"
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-24
The Pony Pals books including the above title, "Movie Star Pony", are wonderful books for beginning readers. If you have a child who loves horses and ponies we highly recomend this series.

Movies
Movies to Manage By
Published in Paperback by McGraw-Hill (1999-10-11)
Authors: John Clemens and Melora Wolff
List price: $14.95
New price: $3.79
Used price: $3.51

Average review score:

Cool book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-09
Movies to Manage By uses film in the right way. Clemens and Wolff are wonderful writers, and their approach to film and leadership is insightful, meaningful, and entertaining. I have a small business and so am dealing with a lot of the dilemmas that the authors raise, and their observations are right on key. The subject matter seemed kind of light when I first saw the book, but reading it I see that it really is a book of substance with helpful information for people like me. Thank you.

Insights from the Silver Screen
Helpful Votes: 22 out of 22 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-29
What a terrific concept! Select a number of movies and then analyze what they reveal about "lessons in leadership." Specifically, here are the themes:

"Following Your Hunch" (The Hunt for Red October)

The Importance of Improvisation (Apollo 13)

The Failed Promise of Heroic Leadership (Dead Poets Society)

Turning Around a Faltering Team (Hoosiers)

Socratic Leadership (12 Angry Men)

Turning Around a Troubled Organization (Twelve O'Clock High)

When Leadership Fails (Citizen Kane)

Morality and Leadership (Wall Street)

This is a book which I wish I had written. The authors are to be commended, first for thinking about writing such a book and then for doing it. The result is a brilliant piece of work. The writing style has snap, crackle, and pop. The insights are of great value as we are helped to correlate the circumstances in each movie with the daily circumstances in which most of us are obliged to function each day.

After you read this book, you will perhaps think of other movies which also could have been discussed by the authors. For me (what great fun!), I would nominate Paths of Glory, Zulu, Executive Suite, Command Decision, Tunes of Glory, Braveheart, Jeremiah Johnson, Pork Chop Hill, Pale Rider, and Patton.

If you are a movie buff, if you are looking for a great read, and if you agree with me that much of value can be learned about leadership from the movies, obtain a copy of this book ASAP.

Very useful and interesting
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-19
What a fun read this is! Business books tend to be so boring, so it was great to read something original and different. And the link of movies to management is not a stretch at all. Just good sensible advice presented in a really engaging writing style. I liked this very much.

Creative guide to leadership principles
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-27
A useful guide for business management courses, offering students creative insight into basic leadership principles. In "Movies to Manage By" John Clemens and Melora Wolf creatively utilize film as an instructive tool to convey leadership in a unique approach. A great book to be used in any graduate or college business program

Useful guide for those that don't get much outside training
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-27
In preparing for an annual management seminar that I was leading, someone suggested this book. It was a great help in being able to illustrate easily some useful take away management points for my group. Showing film clips as part of the day's events was a great way to break up the monotony and I found the participants sat up and listened to each segment, obviously interested. I would recommend this book for those who don't work for large companies who are always sending you outside for training. The book gives you all the items for you to do it yourself!


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