Clubs Books

This book is actually a reprint of an issue of a literary and political journal called Wild Duck Review which focused on biotechnology. The writing is top-notch and some of the discussion is downright scary. For example, some people have proposed the creation of a new species of human being that has an extra (24th) chromosome that would contain specially engineered genes. The so-called GenRich people could only mate with their own kind, and could not reproduce with the so-called Naturals. As author Richard Hayes notes in the book, "Few people outside the science and biotech community are aware of this." Highly recommended.

I had to read Made not Born for a class in Biotechnology and although I liked it, I hope I will not be tested on it. Made not Born offers plenty of deep but simple analysis of biotechnological controversies - from religion to genetically modified games - which are in the forms of essays, interviews and even poems. The major ideas are sometimes repeated in the essays and interviews which further emphasizes the conclusion of the book - that we are tampering too much with nature and this process may have become irreversible. One of the greatest thing about Made not Born is that you do not have to be a biology major to understand the text.

Casey Walker has gathered intelligent and insightful essays and interviews about a technology that has arrived and has awesome implications for the future of life on earth as we know it. Having poisoned the very biological ground of our being with persistent organochlorine pollutants like dioxin, having adversely altered global climate with our fossil fuel pollution, having created nuclear wastes nobody can abide and that remain deadly for 20,000 years, corporate science is now poised to tamper with the genetic codes of life itself. Intuition should tell you this is not wise, but effective opposition requires more. Casey Walker succinctly outlines the issues at hand and the arguments that matter. This is a must read, a cogent primer, and a thought provoking tour de force.

My three years old daughter is a big fan of Leo Lionni's books. This is one of her favorite stories. I just got this book two weeks ago. She asks me to read this book everyday. She is excited every time I read to her, especially the part when Matthew met Nicoletta (his future wife) and when his dusty old corner magically turns into a wonderful piece of art (or maybe it's Matthew's imagination). There're a lot of nice arts in this book too, making it a great book for children who appreciate arts.

I have read this book to my son since he was born (he is now 3 months old). He loves it - coos and kicks his legs throughout the entire book. Very vivid colorful pictures and a great story. Can't wait to get more books from Lionni.

Although the subject matter of this book initially appeared to be for an older child, it is clear that the text and illustrations appeal as strongly to the younger set. Ever since learning of Matthew the Mouse's determination to become a painter (in contravention of his parents desires that he become a M.D.) my two-year-old son (also named Matthew) has been wielding his paintbrush often and furiously. The illustrations are aesthetically pleasing and clarify the text perfectly. The text, while simple in form, provides excellent vocabulary builders (e.g., use of "embrace" rather than "hug") and also gives the reader the chance to discuss with the child many ideas and activities that take place inside and outside the home. All in all a wonderful find; a story that truly respects a child's right to follow his or her own dreams.

The "Maxi" books are a wonderful series for girls and boys. Our daughter first fell in love with the taxi dog and his friend Jim when she was 4. Don't miss out on all three books in this series: "The Adventures of Maxi," "Maxi The Hero" and "Maxi The Star" (when he goes to Hollywood to shoot a commercial). Great art work accompanies the fun stories.

My five-year-old daughter loves this book. So do I. It's great to read, has a nice rhythm to it, and the art work is fantastically surreal. There's a moral to the story but the authors don't lay it on too thick. In fact, "crime doesn't pay" is just part of the plot. The real theme is that life in the big city can be bright, cheerful, intriguing, and there is a certain comfort in a routine job peppered with small adventures

4 ("and three quarters!") year old Maria and I love this book. It's one of our favorites. The illustrations are great, the rhymes are clever, and there is a cat to find in each picture!

This is a delightful tale of Josh McBroom and his family as they move west (to Iowa to be exact) and take up the honest work of farming the land. Of course, they meet up with tricky Hector "Heck" Jones who attempts to cheat them. However, from that point on, McBroom and his loving family are overwhelmed with the great abundance that the land yields. Watch out for the watermelons and pumpkins! This is a great American tall tale that should keep both young and older readers smiling.

I read this book repeatedly throughout my childhood (probably the first printing),and I think that the essence of the book is that you can make it through anything life throws at you if you have a positive attitude and the will to succeed. I recently repurchased this book to read to my nieces. A "10"

I'm 34 and can still name all McBroom's children, can envision the moth's flying from his change purse, and have wonderful images of his children "riding" the produce as it springs out of the top soil. Very colorful and endearing!

De La Mare's little gem, Memoirs of a Midget has to be one of my favourite novels of all time; an uncanny situation, richly developed personalities and the ever present philisophical questions of identity, place and sexuality are all addressed in the most quizzical and charming ways. A must have for those who consider themselves lovers of fairytales as well as philosophers.

I thought that this book was excellent! As a fellow short person, I could relate to the story wonderfully! I have felt the same feelings that she felt, it was almost like a mirror was held up to my life. Well except for the when the book took place I can't believe how awesome this book was! Now perhaps people will look at the midgets and think that they are real people too, not just disformed humans. you should read this book. It was the best book I ever read. I hope that everyone reads this book so that people everywhere can get to know the hardships that we face in our day to day lives. This book really educated my friends on how hard life can be. I can only hope that others will do the same thing.

Memoirs Of A Midget by Walter de la Mare is a fictional memoir of Miss M, a diminutive young woman (exactly how diminutive is left up to the reader's interpretation!), who grows up in an orphanage and eventually falls in love with a full-sized woman even as she is courted by a male dwarf. The daily travails of Miss M, with the unique obstacles presented by her size difference, lead to her resolve to claim independence by offering herself as a spectacle in a circus. An engagingly told, wry yet witty read, Memoirs Of A Midget is a unique and inherently fascinating novel from beginning to end.

Both my 2 and 4 year olds will sit through these books in the evening and keep going back to them as their bedtime picks. The 2 year old loves to learn the character names and laughs at their expressions and is relaxed for bed by the end. It's the only story book he'll sit and listen through end to end.

Wonderful children's book with great stories that children of all ages will enjoy!! We have purchased the whole series for our daughters.

Daniel San Souci has authored another wonderful book. My 3 and 7 year old children both adore his work. The story is engaging and his illustrations are vibrant and captivating. We had ordered this book long ago and it was well worth the wait. His books always remind me of the magical "adventures" I had in my youth and they give my children inspiration to create their own.

The book purchased was as described when it was offered for sale and received in a timely manner.

In my opinion, this is the best reference book for antiques. I have attended antique education classes and this book was recommended by the instructor, and worth every penny! There is a photo for each item--very helpful.

Great general reference book covering furniture,ceramics,glass,clocks,textiles,toys and much more. I loved the "just the facts" format. All the necessary information you need on various antique catagories. Every page is loaded with good,clear color photos. If you collect antiques buy this book!

That's all I can say---you have to read it to believe how damn fine it is...

This book is riveting from cover to cover! A must read for avid mystery readers! You'll be shocked by how everything turns out in this spellbinding novel!

You-know-who

This riveting book is a thrill from cover to cover. A must read for any mystery fan! You'll be shocked in how this spellbinding novel turns out!

Angela H. (& Baby K.)

My 7-year old son has difficulties reading -- a problem not helped by the fact that so many of the books written for his reading level are geared toward 4-year olds. As such, getting him interested enough in any book to struggle through to the last page was, until Mission Ziffoid, a chore. But with it's everyday conversational style, kid-builds-his-own-spaceship-and-encounters-silly-aliens theme, great illustrations and direct, repeated hits on my child's funny bone, Mission Ziffoid was the first book to motivate him to WANT to read. For us, it was the "breakthrough" book, a true turning point. I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for that magic key to opening a child's interest in reading.

My 7-year old son has difficulties reading -- so getting him interested enough in any book to struggle through to the last page was, until Mission Ziffoid, a chore. But with it's everyday conversational style, kid-builds-his-own-spaceship-and-encounters-silly-aliens theme, great illustrations and direct, repeated hits on my child's funny bone, Mission Ziffoid was the first book to motivate him to WANT to read. For us, it was the "breakthrough" book, a true turning point. I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for the magic key to opening a child's interest in reading.

Our little boy loves this book, and we find it pretty entertaining too! It is very silly and fun to read.

-sheds a lot of light on Morocco and on the perspective of the British guy who wrote it at the end of the 19th century. In some ways Morocco at that time was perhaps a bit like Afghanistan today...? --Worth thinking about...

Cunninghame Graham is a superb observer and writer. In Mogreb-el-Acksa, published in 1898, Graham describes his attempt to cross the Atlas Mountains and reach the forbidden city of Tarudant. However, he was detained in the mountains for four months by the Kaid of Kintafi, and ultimately turned back to Marakesh. The places he visits and the people he meets come alive, and a current of humor bubbles throughout the narrative. His observations on western vs. eastern cultures, in many instances unfavorable to both but usually funny and profound, apparently made the book unpopular when it was published. I recommended the book to two friends, one a world traveller, the other a Moroccan. Both loved it.

Cunninghame Graham is a superb observer and writer. In Mogreb-el-Acksa, published in 1898, Graham describes his attempt to cross the Atlas Mountains and reach the forbidden city of Tarudant. However, he was detained in the mountains for four months by the Kaid of Kintafi, and ultimately turned back to Marakesh. The places he visits and the people he meets come alive, and a current of humor bubbles throughout the narrative. His observations on western vs. eastern cultures, in many instances unfavorable to both but usually funny and profound, apparently made the book unpopular when it was published. I recommended the book to two friends, one a world traveller, the other a Moroccan. Both loved it.