G Books

Seabiscuit is a great story, book, and movie. If you have not read it, buy it today and start reading. You will not be disappointed.

This book is a true American legend at its best. "Seabiscuit" was written by Laura Hillenbrand based on a true story of one horse and jockey's incredible life. This biography is set in the 1930's and 1940's and takes you on a journey with someone and something that no one believed in until they were given a chance to prove themselves. The perseverance of these two characters is admirable; they never give up, no matter what. The jockey, John Pollard, was struggling in life until given the shot to show he was more than just an average jockey. Seabiscuit, on the other hand, is my favorite character; he never accepts the possibility of losing. Pollard and Seabiscuit's relationship started when trainer Tom Smith paired them together out on the racetrack. I love that they were given a chance to prove everyone wrong by winning race after race with odds stacked against them; both had been injured numerous times. Read about how they smashed people's disbelief and made history, performing one of the greatest comebacks in all of sports. The theme of "never giving up no matter what" would most likely interest people who enjoy sports novels. "Seabiscuit" is truly the greatest sports story of all time.

This narrative leaps out of the first paragraph in the same way Seabiscuit learns to bolt from the starting gate. From the start, Laura Hillenbrand draws the reader into the story with colorful, taut writing. There are no meaningless side stories in this book - each detail weaves itself back into the tale of a horse who beat the odds to become one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.
This story is gripping even if you have no interest in horseracing.

I loved this book !! It made me feel as though I was there watching the drama unfold as the unknown underestimated horse rose to champion status. The characters are real and the story is built piece by piece. If you like rooting for the underdog and enjoy the thrill of competition, this book is for you. The large print of this edition was easy on the eyes as well.

This book follows the life of Seabiscuit, an incredible racehorse in the 1930's, and the three men who were entwined in his life: live-wire owner Charles Howard, taciturn trainer Tom Smith, and reckless jockey Red Pollard. WOW. This is an amazing book. I read it because I had watched the movie and loved it, but I wasn't thinking I would actually enjoy the book. I felt obligated to read it. Well, it's probably my favorite book to read this year. The author sets up each character carefully, going back to the man's birth, or further back, and the reader really gets a sense of what drives each person. The character development for "the Biscuit" is truly great, as well. His personality really shines, and I wish I could have met him! Her insertion of anecdotes is masterful, as well. The era (the Depression), the nation's mindset, the men who loved Seabiscuit, the means jockeys undertook to maintain racing weight are all described and explained wonderfully, without the author ever becoming pedantic or talking down to us folks who don't know racing. One doesn't have to be a "race person" or a "horse person" to enjoy this beautifully crafted book. The rave reviews are well-deserved. It's the story of underdogs achieving great things. It was an exhilarating and enthralling read; better than any fiction I read this year. After reading this, I would read anything this author put out.

What a great, great book! I just finished it and told my daughter when she finishes reading it, I am going to read it again. So many life lessons. You could feel God's presence throughout the whole read.

I could not put this book down. It was really a compeling story, but did get tired of the main character continueing leaving to find herself, and the last time it really was unbelievable she got herself mixed up with "Duke" again, but guess the author had to do that to bring the book to a close. I read alot of Christian historical fiction and found this one a little more "suggestive" than most. But all in all a entertaining book.

This is such a beautiful book based on biblical principles. I really do recommend it to all who are having trouble in their marriage. It really shows us so clearly how GOD wants us to love and how an unconditional love transforms each of us into the image of HIS dearly begotten Son Jesus. A must read for Christians and Non-Christians alike. GOD created us and HE has certain spiritual laws we must follow. Some follow them unconciously some read the manual which is naturally the Bible.
The book is fast paced and next to impossible to put down. Be very very blessed.

WOW! I could not put the book down. I read it in three days and it only took me that long because I have a 1 year old that consumes so much attention. This book was amazing. I have my mother in law reading it now. It reminded me of the way we treat God. This book can be enjoyed by anyone.

MY SISTER PLEADED WITH ME TO READ THIS BOOK, SHE HAD AND ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!! I DIDN'T THINK THAT I WAS GOING TO BECAUSE, I'M NOT AS SPIRITUALLY MATURE AS SHE!!!!! I GOT THE BOOK ( JUST TO SHUT HER UP!!), AND LITERALLY WAS SHUT UP AND DOWN UNTIL I FINISHED IT!!! IT WAS SO INTERESTING AND CONSUMING THAT I LITERALLY LAUGHED ,CRIED, GOT ANGRY, MY HEART SWELLED AS MICHAEL CONTINUALLY SHOWED HER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE TIME AFTER TIME!!!!! THE SIZE OF THE BOOK DID INTIMIDATE ME IN THE BEGINNING, NOW I WAS THAT THERE WAS A SEQUEL!!!! THIS ONE IS FOR MY LIBRARY DEFINITELY!!!! THE PERFECT STORY OF GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!!!!!! THIS BOOK IS ANOITED BY GOD HIMSELF!!!!!! ENJOY!!!!!!I TRULY DID!!!!!!

An absolutely fantastic biography. McCullough not only gives us an incredibly in-depth account of Truman's role in such momentous events as the decision to drop the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Potsdam Conference (Truman's only face-to-face meeting with Stalin or Uncle Joe as he called him), the Truman Doctrine, The Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, the firing of General MacArthur and so on, but he also succeeds wonderfully in injecting joviality into this rather thick tome through his unsurpassed ability to recount the human side of Truman, the quirkiness, the common trials and errors of a human being and the like.

I am not an American, but I always tell my friends that if I were Truman would be my favorite president. This book only serves to reinforce my view. Overall, one of the best biographies I've read. If I ever became famous one day, I'd really love someone of McCullough's caliber to write my biography. Highly recommended.

Truman dropped two atomic bombs on Japan to end World War II. He did what he had to do and what had to be done to end the worst war in the history of the planet. He was essentially carrying out the policies of Roosevelt, who died in office. Truman passed the buck when he sent troops to Korea to contain Communism. He fired General Douglas MacArthur, who wanted to nuke the Chinese. Limited war as policy set a precedent for Vietnam. Korea is still a problem. Peaceful reunification is the only solution.

You might think it odd that I would call a nearly 1,000 page biography incomplete- particularly after giving it a five-star review- but for all the detail McCullough supplies about Truman's life, he misses some very important details. More about that in a minute.

I very nearly did not read this book, as my previous experience with David McCullough's biographyies was his book on John Adams- another very detailed, very well written work that is obvously the work of a man who fell so in love with his subject that it not only blinded McCullough to Adams' flaws, it led him to depict such great men as Franklin and Jefferson as Adams saw them- a vew quite at odds with the portraits painted by other historians.

Nonetheless, I went ahead and plunged into this work, and found it far superior to the Adams biography. The picture McCullough paints of Truman clearly shows the admiration McCullough holds his subject in, yet it also includes many of Truman's flaws- his temper, at times, his lack of education in many areas, his poor judgment and downright naiitivity in his dealings with Stalin, and some of his appointments. At the same time it does a great job of showing how Truman's family and business background and his experience in local Missouri politics shaped his later career as president.

What's lacking, first and foremost, is any discussion of post-WWI economics, and Truman's roll, and the role of Congress, in shaping the postwar economic system. An ecomist friend, noting that I was reading the book, asked me if there was any discussion of James Byrnes in the book. There is a great deal, but none of it regarding Brynes' role in setting policy, either as FDR's Director of Economic Stabilization or later under Truman. Another important player- Henry Walllace- gets short shrift as well. There is much discussion of the political machincations behind replacing Henry Wallace with Truman in FDR's third run at the presidency, but not enough on exactly what made Walllace both an object of admiration to his supporters and a dangerously
naiive successor to FDR to his enemies. Also lacking is a real discussion of how Truman, like FDR before him, had no problem in using, and some would argue abusing, the executive powers of his office to threaten both unions and businesses into compliance with his aims.

But what McCullough does provide is a superbly constructed narrative that is, I think, more complete, more accurate, and more interesting than any of the previous popular biographies of Truman. It's a first-rate read and an excelllent education for both Truman fans and critics.

I really enjoyed this book. The book gets better as you get further into the book (that is not to say the start of the book is lacking anything). It does a great job staying focused on the man and not events of the time. WWII, The Atom bomb and other big events could have easily taken over this story and while the man of course had a big role to play in these things the book does great job staying focused on Truman and his life.

For anyone who has ever cheered for an underdog or bet on a longshot, this is a great read. HST had no money, no family position and no formal higher education--but he did great things for America. McCullough gives us his best story yet, with all the rich detail and factual substance we have come to expect from today's greatest political biographer. If I could read only one political biography again-this would be it.

Excellent story plot for both the young and old.... A story to be passed down from generation to generation

This book is a childhood favorite and even to this day at the age of 21 I absolutely love this book. The adventure and writing style is absolutely irresistible.

One thing I wanted to mention about this particular book is that although it alternates between worlds (earth and Fantasia) and might seem difficult for young readers to handle...the print color changes depending on which world Bastian is in. Makes it easier for kids to handle...not to mention we adults!

I have been looking for this book for years and finally I have it!

Its a wonderful and enchanting story, you get to meet many charming characters along the way, discovering the fantasy world of Fantastica.

A beautifully written story tale for both young and old.

This is perhaps the greatest - certainly one of the most well-known - works of German juvenile literature in the last century. And it is so much more than simply a fantasy adventure, although it certainly doesn't lack in entertainment value.

The book is actually imaginative literature that makes the imagination itself its main subject. It is about the proper handling of one's imagination and how to SAVE the imagination as an essential part of being human. The English reader might not immediately notice this, but the German reader will. In the German original, Fantastica/Fantasia is called "Phantasien," which is derived from the German word for "imagination." Thus, Fantastica could be called "The Realm of One's Imagination."

For a full appreciation of the book, it is important to recognize this. When Bastian, the main character, steals The Neverending Story from an antique book store and starts reading it, he doesn't enter (within the fictitious world of the story) a real place such as Narnia or Hogwarts. Rather, he enters his own imagination and needs to learn to handle his imagination well.

Being an outsider in school, Bastian is tempted to use his imagination in a bad way, namely for egoistical daydreams in which he imagines himself doing whatever he likes and taking revenge on others. Slowly, he learns that this is not the proper way of handling his imagination - that self-absorbed daydreaming is harmful.

So he learns to save his imagination from the threat of "Nothing," which is eating up Fantastica.

The intended parallel isn't hard to find. Michael Ende was a man deeply concerned about the loss of people's imagination in modern culture (about the "nothingness" eating it up), and both his novel "Momo" and "The Neverending Story" deal with this.

Whether you are young or old, whether you intend this book for yourself or your children, it is ideal for growing one's imagination as well as reflecting on its precious realm.

- Jacob Schriftman, Author of The Crack Beneath the Worlds and Other Books

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.

This is a wonderful story and a great book I was able to share with my students. The only drawback with the book is that the pages are not in color, but the extremely low price allowed me to purchase the books for my students out of my own pocket.

Katherine Woods' translation is the only English-language version of The Little Prince which captures the beauty, simplicity, clarity, and profundity of the Antoine de St. Exupery's classic, penned in French.

(The newer translation is appallingly horrid and bland, mistaken, and frankly perplexing.)

This is really not a children's book, although older children will appreciate it.

Don't measure the value by the thickness of the book. De St. Exupery, himself a WWI pilot, writes with a great economy yet produces here the most beautiful poetry with a delightful playfulness and childlike innocence -- a fresh vision which thus sees clearly and does not obscure the profound.

Mr. Fred Rogers used to quote from de St. Exupery, whose image and illustrations once graced the 20-franc note (in the days before the euro).

There simply is no other work like this one. It is an exceptionally rare treasure, a masterpiece.

Be sure to read Katherine Woods' translation. Read it privately, when you have time to savor each word. And keep a box of tissues nearby.

The Little Prince has often been heralded as a youthful book, required reading in elementary and high schools alike. In delivering it this way I think The Little Prince is missed by the only audience that is likely to truly appreciate it, that is adults. It is not an uncommon misconception that this is a children's book. Indeed, I keep the pictures stored on my computer, and am often asked where they came from. I reply that they are from one of my favourite books, and without fail the response is along the lines of, 'I don't mean to be rude but is that a children's book?'. 'No', I explain, 'it is not'.

The Little Prince is most needed, I think, by adults. It is easy to be caught up in, as De Saint-Exupery describes it, 'matters of consequence' and forget that it is not these matters which bring meaning to life. By pointing out the futility of professions practised endlessly and in isolation of other people, it becomes clear that the Little Prince, with his rose, is the only character with a life of consequence.

This book is beautifully written and translated by Katherine Woods. It speaks volumes through its simple tale, strange though it seems that matters such as these only become clear when they are somewhat removed from reality. Matters such as love, innocence, imagination and priorities. The Little Prince is a gentle and stirring reminder to never forget to see the boa constrictor from the hat.

I was an adult when i read this book, and i really appreciated the lessons in life that Saint-Exupery shares through the Little Prince.

A great book, full of beautiful illustrations, easy to read, while fun and sad at the same time.

I personally read it as if Exupery is sharing with us the conversations he has with his own inner child, in the image of the Little Prince. That is why the Little Prince would ask many questions, but rarely answer the ones he was asked. Like all our inner children he's been hidden inside and kept silent for a long long time, and now that he was given his chance, he will speak. And we better listen, for he is an integral part of our psyche, who will take us through the most unbelievable adventures.

I popped in to a bookstore to buy this book and noticed that it was a new translation. New translation? Fortunately I had the foresight to thumb through it. I promptly left it behind and went straight to a second hand bookstore to buy a copy of the original translation. How could the publisher eliminate the wonderful poetic language? I read The Little Prince as a child ( which by the way wasn't so long ago) and I loved the language. Antoine De Saint-Exupery's work is all about painting pictures through language. This watered down mess is no better than an edition of Cliff Notes. I actually apologize to Cliff Notes. At least with Cliff Notes would have explained the intention and nature of the language. I am sorry to see that this publisher allowed the dumbing down of this beautiful classic.

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition
We ordered two of these books and they came in excellent contition. Thank you.

I struggled with pain in my lower back and could not find any doctors that could help me figure out why it moved around on my body. One day it would be in my lower back, then I would work it out with exercise and massage and it would gradually work down my right quad. I eventually started getting knots in my quad muscles and not knowing what to do, just googled "knots in quads" and found this book. This has been the answer to all my pains. I have been able to locate the trigger points and massage the pain away on my own. I never would have thought I could even understand this book when I ordered it, but it is very easy to read and understand. I know that I can look forward to a painfree life now that I have the therapy for me. I have recommended this book to several people and they are thrilled with it as well.

this is one book every massage therapist must own. My school and teacher recomended it and I agree it is very helpful.

I have written a review of this book before, but 3+ yrs. down the road it's still a life saver for me. I had frozen shoulder from painting inside my house (several rooms) and recently used the book to resolve the problem. I find myself referring back to it for myself and for others with pain, suggesting they see a dr. or massage therapist or try the tennis ball against the wall (helps when it's in a sock so you don't drop it). I LOVE THIS BOOK. Can't say enough. It's saved my sanity during years of arthritic problems (beginning at only 30) and ongoing pain. Read it, use it, keep it at-hand...you'll be glad you did.

See my review of the companion book, "The Frozen Shoulder Workbook" by the same authors.

I am a divorce attorney. I order ten copies of this book at a time and give copies out to people who are hurting. You can read this book in one night, and I recommend that you read this book over again during the next days as needed.

When my own girlfriend/partner had a sudden stroke, I was devastated. One of my divorce clients who I had given this book to, told me, Gary, there is this book.... I read this book again that night, and found it to be quite helpful as I supported my Marilee with her stroke and then a painful death from cancer that was discovered.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is experiencing a loss, be it due to divorce or separation, or any other loss, such as a sudden illness of a loved one, or even the loss of your own employment, etc. Also, people who initiate a divorce are also suffering from a loss, albeit a less sudden loss. They are faced with the loss of the dream that they had when they committed to their partner.

This book walks through many of the steps involved with loss, and the three mega-stages of surviving, healing and growing.

But this book! Dollar for dollar, it will be one of the very best investments you will ever make. When you are next hurting due to an unexpected loss, read this book that day, and the next day or days as you need to. And buy a second copy of this book to give to friends who are devastated by loss.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!! ITS SO POWERFUL FOR YOUR HEART, BODY, AND SOUL!!

This is one of the best Self-Help books ever written! Even though it is a little corny and uses bad poems, I use it every time I have had a major loss and it has served me well. It defines loss and the stages of grief, and helps you work your way through them.

My younger sister gave this to me 15 years ago when I was going through of very painful divorce. She was reluctant to give a book to me and told me so. However, the type of book it is gives you little bits of stuff to hold onto as you go through the emotional roller coaster of losing someone you love, be it from divorce or death.

I have purchsed several copies of this book over the past years to help others. There were days I didn't know how I was going to get out of bed. So, I'd pick it up and skim through it and it really made a difference.

My latest purchase was form the widower of the sister that first bought it for me. She died of leukemia at only age 50 in April 2007. I thought that perhaps if he knew she had bought this book for me, that it would also help him.

I recommend that one keeps extra copies for those times when we don't know quite what to say to someone who is hurting. This book says it for us.

This is a great book. Although a lot of the book centers around divorce, it is a great help for those who have suffered a death. Although don't get most of the poems it is a great help and makes you realize you are not going through this alone, there are people who feel the same as you.

What a wonderful story this was. I love to watch skating and have not missed watching an Olympics since I was a kid. I am familiar with a lot of the skaters mentioned in this book. I thought this story was so touching and full of emotion. Katia considers her life with Sergei almost too perfect. They were so in love and their life together was indeed a fairy tale. I commend Katia for being able to pick herself and go on with her life no matter how difficult after Sergei's unexpected death in 1995. I thought the comparison between Russian and American customs was very interesting. This was an enjoyable and heartwarming read.

I remember watching this pair when they were competing. I wasn't an ice dancing fan, but they were so incredible to watch, I started watching any competition they were in. When Sergei died, I was devastated for Ekaterina. When her book came out, I read it, and cried all the way through. But really, it isn't a sad ending. I find it to be very inspirational to see how Ekaterina faced the worst that could happen, and came out on the other side with a wonderful attitude and will to go on. It is now 12 years later, and this book STILL makes me cry, and still inspires me.

I read this book lastyear in the Hardcover edition and I cried. It is such a moving, loving, tragic, and heartwarming story full of love that a young widow had for her husband and skating partner and the child Daria that they had together. It told of their skating years, marriage, how they met, and came to america along with the tragic death of her young husband Sergei. I couldn't put this book down. A great story that you will love. Well written.

First of all, this is a great book. The story is written beautifully, and pictures were added in all the right places. I don't tear up easily, so the book didn't make me cry, but it was touching nonetheless. However, I was surprised to find that this book was also useful in that it gave me some great insights into Russian culture, specifically how it differs from life here in America. This is a great book for a plethora of reasons; I'd definitely recommend it!

I'm really glad I found this book at a library book sale last year. Though this story is no longer current news, I hadn't forgotten about the tragic death of Sergey Grinkov or watching him perform with his wife Katya in the 1994 Winter Olympics. And even though the world has long since moved onto other headlines and stories of interest in the figure skating world, the love story told in this book is truly timeless. As a Russophile and a historian whose field of expertise is Russian history, it was a double joy to read because of all of the descriptions of Russian culture, the differences between Russian and American customs, and what life was like in the late Soviet period and the early post-Soviet period. (Although I have to say that the transliteration style wasn't completely pleasing to me; for example, I don't think I've ever read any other book where a double O is used in place of the letter U, as in Ligooshina or Katoosha, and I'm still trying to figure out how the nicknames Serioque and Katuuh are supposed to be written in Russian characters.)

Though the book begins and ends sadly, in between there's a lot of happiness and love, making this into a beautiful heartfelt love letter to a wonderful person, skating partner, friend, lover, husband, and father. The love between Katya and Seryozha is so pure and genuine, nothing like the type of superficial and problem-plagued celebrity relationships we're used to hearing about. It even made me a little jealous of their storybook love story! All throughout, Katya is very honest and open, about their relationship, the world of young skaters in the Soviet Union, what goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics, the hectic life on the road of skaters, and how difficult it was to constantly have to leave their daughter Darya behind while they skated. While I'm sure there are some things she chose not to write about, overall a very detailed and honest life and love story emerges. She was so lucky to have this wonderful man, who was so much more than just an athletic partner, for (what was then) half of her life.

Because the love story is so beautiful and like a dream come true, the reader can really feel her deep grief and sorrow expressed at the beginning and end of the book. It's a terrible thing to lose the love of your life, the father of your child, the only person you've ever skated with for the past 13 years, when you're only 24 years old. This beautiful love story isn't diminished for me by knowing that Katya has since moved on with her life and found love again. She had a child with Ilya Kulik six years after Sergey died, and married him a year later; it's not like she jumped into his bed soon after this book was published! (And since Kulik is six years younger, he would have been a bit too young for her then anyway.) When you're widowed at such a young age, you should hardly be expected to be in mourning forever, and it may help the more current reader to not feel quite so sad at the end, knowing that this intense pain and sorrow isn't such an overpowering force in Katya's life anymore. And new husband or not, there's no denying that her first husband, her first love, was indeed the greatest love of her life.

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

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

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

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

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

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