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

R
To Sleep with the Angels: The Story of a Fire
Published in Hardcover by Ivan R. Dee, Publisher (1996-02-25)
Authors: David Cowan and John Kuenster
List price: $25.00
New price: $11.00
Used price: $1.62

Average review score:

Well worth reading
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-06
There are some hard parts to get through describing the fire, but you'll appreciate the Chicago history, the history around the event, what it did to the surrounding neighborhood and how it changed fire codes in the U.S. and likely the world. Your children are safer today because of what happened to these kids.

The book also made me replace all of my smoke detectors!

An Entire Community Destroyed by a Tragic Arson Fire
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-10
This is one Chicago tragedy that resonates with me strongly. My former attorney, recently deceased, was a survivor of the deadly fire at Our Lady of Angels Catholic School.

Despite our shared interest in history, he never spoke of the fire during the twenty years in which I knew him. Last year, I found a web site maintained by survivors of the fire and questioned him about the inclusion of his name and that of his sister on the list. His sole response was that the entries were correct. Both had attended school on December 1, 1958, the date of the fire. Our brief conversation proceeded no further. My friend was visibly uncomfortable and I did not make press him with additional inquiries.

Having read this well written account of the fire and the arson investigation, I can understand why my friend preferred to change the subject. This book is compelling, but it is not for the faint of heart. The descriptions contained in "To Sleep With Angels" will haunt and disturb you. You may not be able to read the book without pausing to weep.
I could not read the book in a single sitting.

It is difficult to forget any of the tragic events described in "To Sleep With the Angels." In no particular order, the random images include a father, who rushed to the school with a ladder to rescue trapped children, watching his own son perish in a cloud of toxic smoke as the ladder was too short to reach a high window; a sick ten year old girl had a premonitory dream, but within a few hours the same child felt much better and asked her mother to let her attend school after recess; from an upper floor window, frightened children recognized an adult neighbor, the owner of the local candy store, and began shouting at the woman and begging her to help save them. The terrible list goes on and on as the authors relate the individual memories and recollections of many of the survivors, the families of the victims, the witnesses and the investigators.

More than ninety persons perished that on that cold December afternoon. In addition to ninety-two students, three nuns were also killed in the burning building. A majority of the victims succumbed on account of smoke inhalation. In the aftermath of the fire, a national campaign was launched to improved fire safety at schools throughout the USA.

Almost as painful as the fire itself was the ultimate fate of many of the survivors. Following the tragedy, many local residents began to move away from their formerly beloved parish. Some people would describe the exodus of the families from the blue collar West Side neighborhood as white flight, but others believed that it was simply too painful for many parents and children to continue living in close proximity to the school where their loved ones had died. They needed to find new surroundings in which to live rather than be reminded of the tragedy on a daily basis. There were far too many unanswerable questions: How many additional lives might have been saved if a set of doors had been closed? How many children would have been spared if the fire had occurred fifteen minutes later after the three o'clock dismissal bell? Why wasn't the fire alarm bell sounded at the school more quickly? Firefighters felt that they could have saved many more lives if they had been given the correct building address and had arrived on the scene four minutes sooner.

No one was ever prosecuted for the crime of arson in connection with the suspicious fire. A juvenile offender set the fire, but he could not be tried under Illinois law since the crime occurred before his thirteenth birthday. This same minor was subsequently tried and convicted for a series of arsons committed in suburban Cicero, where his family moved after the fire at Our Lady of the Angels. The authors posit that church and civil authorities sought to shield the identity of the boy on account of his minority. This explanation is wholly credible.

After my friend's funeral, his two sisters related that their brother regularly attended memorial masses held to honor those who died in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels. The elder sister, who had also attended the school on the day of the fire, exited the building safely. Her brother was also escaped without serious injury. Their father heard a radio broadcast concerning the fire while driving his car and he was permitted to enter the police cordon to look for his children. He was unaware that they had arrived home safely during the confusion. There was a great deal of crying when the children and parents were reunited at their home that afternoon. These personal stories are not repeated in the book.
************************************************************************
In a bizarre and equally disturbing development, one of the authors of this book was convicted of arson after setting a fire to a storage building opposite St. Benedict's Catholic Church on the North side of Chicago in June of 2005. Thankfully, only property damage resulted from the fire. David Cowan was said to be despondent after losing his janitorial job. The defendant, who was also a former suburban firefighter, was sentenced to serve a three year prison term in December of that same year. He has been paroled. Ironically, he was also the author a book entitled, "Great Chicago Fires" and had reported on fires for various newspapers.

It Changed My Life
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-09
This book was given to me to read when I took my first fire fighter class. My instructor loaned me her copy and I ended up buying my own copy. The tragic events detailed in this book led me into teaching fire prevention and making sure that a tragedy such as this never happens again.

I have recommended this book to several people both in and outside of the fire service. Everyone that I know who have read it have been touched by this story. I have also given this book as a gift to several students taking their first steps into the fire service so that they never forget the impact a tragic fire can have.

One the Best
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-13
I love to read and I feel that this is one of the best books I have ever read. I am also a firefighter and decided to read this book because it had to do with a historic fire, little did I know that I would love this book for much more than historic and educational reasons. This book was very well written and showed all aspects of this event from the firefighters to the victims themselves. I would recomden this book to anyone who wants a good read, as well as to anyone who is interested in fire history.

engrossing book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-24
This was a fascinating book. I bought it to read on a trip, because of the excellent ratings. We were stuck in a plane on a runway in Dallas for 6 hours. The wait seemed much shorter, because I was thoroughly involved in reading this book.

I highly recommend it.

R
Go, Dog. Go! (Beginner Books(R))
Published in Library Binding by Random House Books for Young Readers (1966-06-12)
Author: P.D. Eastman
List price: $11.99
New price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $11.99

Average review score:

The best book ever!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-19
Can recite the whole book. I always buy this for baby showers!. It is a fun and happy book and I always loved reading it to children.

Great book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-28
My grandson loves this book. He's only 18 months but loves to cuddle up w/this book.

go dog go
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-27

i enjoyed this book as a child, so
i got it for my grandson[17 months old]. I hope he will be happy with it as well.

for kids from 1-100, a timeless classic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-18
this was one of my favorite books as a child, and when i picked it up after 35 years, i remembered and recognized the illustrations and scenes as if i had read it yesterday. this is a pleasure to read with its simple verse-like writing, its wonderful drawings, its bright colors, and its loveable characters. i couldn't reocmmend a book more highly, especially good for young dog lovers, like our son. don't bother with the board book version, which takes down 76 pages to about 6. this original is easy to read and a joy.

buy dog buy!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-12
Is there a better childrens book than Go Dog Go? Great colors, simple but satisfying pictures, and of course, lots of dogs. Finally just wore the cover off the original with the third kid. If your child age 3 to 8 doesn't like GDG perhaps you should make an appointment. With a lot of Barney/Pooh Bear/TV tie in knockoffs out there, get an original. Also good are: the Bernstein Bears, the Olivia series, Roosevelt and the magic pebble, Ten apples up on top, Are you my Mother?,and for girls the Madeline books to name just a few.

R
Book Proposals That Sell: 21 SECRETS TO SPEED YOUR SUCCESS
Published in Paperback by Write Now Publications (2005-04-01)
Authors: W. Terry Whalin, Donna Clark Goodrich, and Steven R. Laube
List price: $14.00
New price: $8.88
Used price: $5.03

Average review score:

Good Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-09
This book is a great introduction to book publishing. The author really knows the back-end process of book publishing well and provides much insight for beginner and intermediate writers. Another good book to purchase would be: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published, 4th Edition. While Terry's book is great, the Complete Idiots guide touches on a few areas in addition. All in all Terry's book is a very good book and worth the money.

Outside In
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-01
Terry Whalin's BOOK PROPOSALS THAT SELL gives aspiring writers a publishing insider's expertise while maintaining a true empathy for outsiders longing to crack the door to the publishing world. The author's longtime industry experience adds a huge portion of credence to his practical, information-packed tips.

The happy ending (and beginning) for my own story came when publishers accepted both nonfiction proposals I wrote using Terry's wise counsel. Thanks, Terry, for all you do to bring those on the outside successfully in!

WELL Done!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-23
Just finished reading BOOK PROPOSALS THAT SELL. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who feels called to write a book. You could have a great book already written, but if you don't know how to sell it to a publisher you've just wasted a lot of time and effort.

NOTE TO FIRST TIME WRITERS - this book is everything you didn't know you didn't know.

Not for Fiction Writers
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-04
All considering this book should be aware that it is only for non fiction books. Something not made clear in the advertising, but is revealed by the author in the first page.

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-23
A friend recently gave me a copy of Book Proposals That Sell. I've read and own several others on the same topic but this book is much better than the others because of the style. It's so friendly and comfortable and, unlike some, doesn't feel like the author is a mighty and impressive expert deigning to help the humble reader, but simply a normal person offering a friendly hand to another.

The insider information about the publishing process is especially helpful.

R
Wooden
Published in Hardcover by McGraw-Hill (1997-04-01)
Author: John Wooden
List price: $18.95
New price: $7.00
Used price: $2.77
Collectible price: $18.95

Average review score:

Wooden
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-21
I bought this book for my student/athlete son. I had him read the book and find five things that he could immediately apply to his life. The book is written in such a manner that the parallels between sports and life are seamlessly interwoven. By using sports as a platform of relativity, I feel I am raising my son to be a confident and responsible man. This is a must-read for fathers and sons.

The Wizard
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-31
This is one of my favorite books of tidbits. Basically coach Wooden gives his ideas on life, hard work, sports and manners. Through different stories of his life and experiences.

It really was a pleasure reading this book and I feel that the philosophy of coach wooden, based on hard work, trust, learning and being a good person is straight forward and a throw back to simpler values.

An Absolutely Amazing Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-24
I have never heard of John Wooden until last Thursday. This book was recommended to me by two friends, as first I thought how is a retired basket coach going to give me some direction and clarity on life? WOW!!!!! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! I took to every word and read it in one evening (not a long read, but it makes you ponder over each sentence) and I was really sad that the book was coming to an end. It's an amazing book, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it anyone no matter where you're at in life. This is a book that I will refer back to time and time again throughout my life (I just know it!).

I love his books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-17
John Wooden has been blessed with such wisdom and he has used this blessing to build up and influence millions of people, young and old. I have many books by John Wooden and even though I usually buy them sight unseen I know I will never be disappointed...and I never have. This particular book is jammed packed with wonderful, thought provoking quotes and stories. I will treasure this book, along with all his others, forever.

Coaching - On/off the court
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-19
Early in my coaching career, I was looking for a "style" and "philosophy" to call my own. I heard about "Wooden" from a friend - I read it and I instantly connected with Coach Wooden's words and lessons. His approach to coaching as "teaching," both on and off the court, resonated with me and the way I wanted to coach.

When I first read the book, I immediately incorporated Coach Wooden's quotes into all my talks with my teams. They affectionately referred to "Wooden" as the "bible" and many of them all went out and bought their own copies.

Now, I present my players with a copy of "Wooden" as soon as they make the team. The ones that read it all come back with a twinkle in their eyes - its a look of joy and understanding. I don't quote from Coach Wooden as much as I used to - I've found my own "philosophy" and "style" - but, if I ever hit a rough patch, the first person I go back to is Coach Wooden and his teachings.

R
The Betrayal
Published in Hardcover by Demco Media (1993-08)
Author: R. L. Stine
List price:

Average review score:

Interesting
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-22
I highly recommend the Betrayel because it will tell you the secret about the unspeakable terror that has haunted Fear street for the last 300 years. Its about this girl name susannah goode falls in love with Edward Feir and they both want to get married. But Edwards father forbids him from seeing her so he framed susannah and her mother of being witches and burned them at the stake. William Goode , Susannah`s father , wanted revenge against the feir family so he traveled to every colony to find them. This book will tell all about two feuding who caused terror on fear street for 300 years.

Fear Street Rocks
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-03
I am 24 years old and I still love Fear Street. I read this saga over 10 years ago and I started thinking about it a few months ago for some reason. I looked in book stores but it was order only, so I didn't bother. Finally my husband told me to go on Amazon and order it. After all, we would be going to the beach for Labor Day weekend and I don't like going into the water, so reading material is a must.

I'm almost done with the first book, and I love it. I feel like a teen again.

Murphy's review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-14
I really like this book because of the mystery and the betrayal and also the dark things that happen. In the book there is a example of betrayal between the two families because the Feirs light a huge fire
at the Goodes, house and believe it or not the Goodes and the Feirs use to be friends.

This book takes place in Massachusetts where two families the Goodes, and the Feirs have been in a battle for years.There had been a great fire that had taken two special people away from William Goode. One was his wife Martha Goode ,the other was Susannah Goode, his daughter. Now William seeks revenge on Matthew and his whole family.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery and horror books and R.L Stine books.There is a second book but I have not chosen to read it because it gets slow at the end and they talk about the same things over and over.

my review
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-03





This book was okay, it was about two women were said to be witches and were burned at the stake. I didn't read the books in order, but it helped me to better understand the second book, The Secret. By reading this book it gave more information of Susannah, Martha and William Goode and also their family history on witches, I was able to figure out why the Goodes and Fiers were feuding. The book wasn't so great because of the whole idea of the story. Witches are exciting but there were no witches...just lies and betrayals.

The story takes place a long ago, because there are no witches to this day(that we know of) The story is about a poor girl named Susannah who is in love with a rich boy named Edward Fier. Around that time, people who were thought or said to be witches were burned alive on a stake that was stuck in the ground. When Benjamin Fier finds his son is in love with a poor girl, he gets angry. Benjamin goes to Susannah's house and accuses her and her mother Martha of having powers of the dark arts. William is the one with the powers though, powers that Martha and Susannah don't know about would he let his wife and daughter burn, or would he go as far as dieing for the ones he loves....


I recommend this book to any one who is a fan of R. L. Stine or enjoys books about magic and witchcraft. This book wasn't the best but it was Goode.

a betraying story
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-13
This book 'The Betrayal' is about a revenge that had lasted for three hundred years. I loved it so much I decided to read all the sagas. It took me less than one day to finish the whole book. I couldn't put the book down that i took it to the dining room!

It starts off when there was a pretty but poor girl called Susannah Goode. She was told that there was 'the Evil One'. She fell in love with a rich man called Edward Fier. But his father Benjamin Fier refused to let them marry. He wanted him to marry another rich girl. When Edward kept refusing to marry another rich girl that his father had arranged, Benjamin made Susannah and her mother go to prison by making her like a witch. Edward now felt that he was betrayed by her.

When the two women were burnt at stake, Susannah's father William Goode vowed revenge.

Many years later Edward's cousin, Mary, met a young man. She fell in love with him. But many horrible things happened. Then one by one some of the Fiers died except Mary and Edward. Have William Goode gone too far?

If you can read books without any trouble with killings and blood, this book can suit you.

R
Big Red Barn (rpkg)
Published in Hardcover by HarperCollins (1989-04-04)
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
List price: $16.99
New price: $5.95
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $16.99

Average review score:

Such a great book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-10
The story is so cute and supports interaction and elaboration on every page. There is so much to look at in the pictures you notice something new each time you read it. So sweet. Every child should have this book!

One of my daughter's favorites
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-22
This sweet story is one of my 19-month old daughter's favorites. I have been reading it to her since she was born and it's one that I can don't mind reading again and again. The rhyming lyrics and animal sounds are fun, and the pictures go well with the story and have lots of details. It is also a good bedtime book. I lower my voice at the end as the animals get ready for bed and then have my daughter say "night night" to all the animals on the page where they're sleeping in the barn. She points to the moon on the last page and then she just seems to know it's time for bed!

Great book and a classic!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-17
Although I never read this story as a child, I bought it for my daughter. She has loved hearing it from the time we started reading to her (around 4-6 months old). I recommend adding this book to everyone's home library. The illustrations are great, the story is catchy (I can recite the story without the book).

My 18 month old loves it!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-03
I got this for my son at 9 months but he didn't get into it until recently. He loves the illustrations and the animal sounds in the text. Next best thing to Buenas Noches Luna

Adorable story about bedtime
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-26
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and the animals are truly very cute. My daughter likes pointing to the different animals. They all get ready for nightime in the barn - its just the sweetest! Highly recommend.

R
Magic the Gathering: Arena Vol. 1
Published in Mass Market Paperback by HarperEntertainment (1994-11-01)
Authors: William R. Forstchen and (none)
List price: $5.99
New price: $5.00
Used price: $0.67
Collectible price: $12.99

Average review score:

Arena is a book you can keep coming back to
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-25
Ah yes, Magic the Gathering. The child of Richard Garfield, run through dark magic and incest by the terrifying and evil Wizards of the Coast. I still play Magic, but it will never be like the old days, before Wizards of the Coast became huge. This book was written during the old days, and I reread it every couple years to remind myself of how cool the CCG world was back then.

Arena tells us a story of Garth One-Eye, a mysterious fighter who can control the flow of mana, as he plays a game of cat and mouse (where he's the mouse) in a city ready to tear him apart. Anyone who has seen a Clint Eastwood film will get numerous rushes of recognition. The basic plot of the book follows A Fistful of Dollars, with Garth playing the ruling houses of the city against each other.

So it's a rehash of a familiar plot. Does that make it bad? No. For one thing, it's a familiar plot, but we have to admit it was an entertaining plot as well. And there are twists and turns in this story that go off on their own (albiet Magic the Gathering inspired) direction. But don't be surprised if you start imagining Garth with that Clint sharpness in his voice.

Why read this book? First of all, if you're a fan of the old Magic the Gathering editions, you have to read it, just so you can say you have. Second of all, even if you're not a fan of magic, while it will lose about 10% of its goodness, it's still a great read, easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Any complaints? Only a couple. One, the sequels (by a different author) follow completely different characters and while a couple from Arena appear in later books, the cameos don't quite do them justice. Another downside is that one of the characters, Kirlen, was a potential gold mine of development and plot that only barely gets used.

But I reccomend Arena, especially if it's as cheap as I think it is these days. Pick it up before your next airplane flight or bus ride. It will keep you thouroughly entertained. And it may even make you want to play Magic again.

One of my top five favorite books!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-24
Although the book is obviously part of the MTG series and world. It really is by far a great stand alone sci-fi fantasy book. This book single handedly intrigued me enough to go out and buy MTG cards and additional MTG books in the series. The card game is ok to play and the rest of the MTG books are not worth the money. However this book is an incredible read, it is no Thomas Paine or Thoreau, obviously, but it is a very entertaining little book. I highly recommend it if you enjoy sci-fi books.

Still a Favorite..A decade later
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-19
I read this book when it first came out. And still to this day I remember it being a great read and I just recently purchased it again and re-lived the experience. This is one of my 10 ten favorite books.

A step above today's fantasy
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-05
The main question on your mind right now has got to be "But isn't this just using a name to sell books?"

And I can tell you no. They could have easily just slapped together some drivel, put the Magic logo on it with the card offer, and it would have sold probably just as well. While you may appreciate its connections to the card game, it's not necessary to enjoy the book. The author adds much to a, at the time, thin background to realize a whole city and a system of magic.

The story does seem to come down to the childish, but not too often, and not enough to distract me from the rest of the book. The best part is learning about the different schools of magic and the people that head them!

The worst of these, let's call them childish asides, is that they put in some PG-13 stuff in that takes up all of a page. During the rest of the book the only reference to it is the phrase "It meant nothing", which comes out more than once. Which is true of the story as well, it meant nothing. It's just added as an afterthought I'm sure, to tantalize the younger reader. As I said however, the main story grabbed me unrelentlessly in such a manner that I could overlook such things.

This is a stand-alone book and, as I understand, does not have any direct connection to the rest of the series (new or old).

Lots of Action - No Substance Underneath
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-28
It's an unfortunate curse that all popular franchises have. You know what I'm talking about - that horrid thing known as over marketing. You start with one thing that that's pretty cool on its own, like a trading card game, or a video game, or even a book. Then someone realizes that there is so much more money to be made by the unsuspecting masses, who are oblivious to the fact that they are about to be bombarded with some of the most ridiculous drivel ever conceived of by mankind. Before you know it, what was once just a really great game, is now an abominable never ending landslide of action figures, T.V. shows, DVD series, full movie theatrical releases, clothing lines, coffee mug sets, and backpacks! Who could possibly live without those awesome new Pokemon sandals? The price for them is unbelievably low - it just costs the tattered remains of your dignity!

The curse has spread to Magic: The Gathering in the form of the novel "Arena". Now we've got an unending series of books that follows all the new releases of the different card sets (which will continue until people realize "Hey, I've spent the majority of the money I've ever made on more and more new cards trying to make a non-existant perfect deck. I need to accept that I have an addiction and quit"). What we've got here is a book that should be absolutely freaking awesome - I mean come on, the entire universe of Magic is already pre-made for the author, William Forstchen. He doesn't have to make ANYTHING up himself. Mr. Forstchen could have given us an amazing plot-driven book with tons of character progression, believable dialogue, and an incredible story. With the entire historical background, geographical areas, major characters, and system of magic already done for him, there should have been plenty of time allocated to giving the readers the most amazing book ever made. Obviously, that didn't happen.

Judging this book solely as a part of the Magic: The Gathering universe, it's pretty good. Lots of out of control combat, gratuitous sex for no apparent reason (and completely contradicting a character's previous statements about his views on sexual intimacy), and an "under-dog" figure who is able to take down the current not-so-nice all powerful deity figure. It's a pre-pubescent boy's dream come true. Judging "Arena" as a stand alone novel, against all the other fantasy novels out there, it certainly ranks among the most trite, self-serving, completely pointless books of the last century. Why give it even 2 stars then? Because, unfortunately, book series based on games are judged by a different standard. Their merit as a novel has to be balanced with how well they stay true to the themes and tone of the game (which this does decently), while keeping in mind that because they exist solely to make company X more money, there will be all kinds of unnecessary stuff packed in to please all the fanboys. If only we treated game based novels as they should be - by holding them up to a HIGHER standard than most fantasy novels (for the above mentioned reason - all the work is already done for the author), but experience has taught that, against all logic, game based novels tend to be substandard in comparison. The use of vivid, or even adequate, description in "Arena" is passed over in favor of popular buzz words in order to keep the action moving at a fast enough pace. For example, when describing a battle between two wizards, the author actually wrote the sentence "He summoned some Llanowar elves". Now keep in mind there is no material either before or after that describes what Llanowar elves are - what they look like (anyone whose played the card game will have seen them, but this leaves all other readers completely out of the loop), what they do, or why they were chosen over any other creature. The most important aspect, the actual details of the summoning, is left out as well. We aren't given any description at all of how the magician accomplishes this feat, which is honestly just sloppy writing.

"Arena" isn't 100% bad writing though. There are some genuinely interesting characters and situations present, although they aren't used very effectively. The character line up starts off with a one-eyed magician/fighter type who is known as a Hannin, because he doesn't belong to any of the guild houses. Curiously, several previous reviewers of this book commented on what an amazing mystery it was to figure out who Garth really is. Obviously they didn't read the blurb on the back of the novel, as it blatantly gives away the "secret", or any of the hints placed throughout the book that were about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the stomach. Next, there is a woman belonging to the intriguing Benalish caste system, which isn't given nearly enough detail as it should have. The obligatory fiery read head type who is too strong willed for her own good makes an appearance here, as well as the old man who isn't really what he seems. The main characters aside, the most fun part of this novel is reading about the four guild leaders and their various vices (although they were done WAY over the top, and again, no attempt at subtlety is made here). The character with the most potential is Kirlen, the leader of the guild called Bolk. Having lived for an incredible length of time by using rejuvenation spells and potions, her body has withered away to the point that she could almost be labeled an undead creature. Kirlen was once the lover of the "big baddy" in the story, and he betrayed her to attain the power to become a Planeswalker - a being who can travel to different dimensions and has near godlike powers. While this could have been the most interesting story arc, it was unfortunately relegated to an un-important backstory, just some filler to tack on the pages.

If you are a hardcore fan of Magic: The Gathering you will probably drink this thing up like it's the elixir of life and then rant about how it's the "best novel ever". Anyone looking for a good fantasy novel with any real substance should probably steer clear, though.

R
The Locket (The Christmas Box Trilogy)
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster (1998-10-13)
Author: Richard Paul Evans
List price: $17.95
New price: $2.34
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $17.95

Average review score:

The Locket
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-27
All stories from Richard Paul Evans are wonderful and this is no exeption.Read the trilogy is forth it.

Not a "guy's" book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-16
The reviews were uniformly quite good for this novel, so I decided to give it a try. The story starts out slowly and takes some time to work up a bit of interest. The central character is a twenties-something working in a nursing home. Not typically the setting for a compelling plot.
A quick read-not one of my favorites.

Highly recommended.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-14
The old lady is one of the strongest female characters in modern literature. Evans is a very capable writer.

IT'S WHAT WE GIVE THAT HEALS US
Helpful Votes: 18 out of 18 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-03
With The Locket, Richard Paul Evans proves once again that when it comes to feel good, sentimental stories that tug at your heartstrings, he has no equal. As with his previous books The Christmas Box and The Letter, he utilizes his unique blend of fiction and inspirational writing to convey valuable messages of love, faith, forgiveness and redemption. His words take us on an emotional journey that leaves us reaching for the kleenex box as well as motivated to incorporate these precepts into our daily lives.

After the death of his mother, Michael Keddington takes a job at the Arcadia nursing home, where he meets parient Esther Huish, a woman who is instrumental in teaching Michael many valuable life lessons concerning forgiveness, overcoming insecurities, second chances and never putting things off until tomorrow.

The Locket of the title is Esthers gift to Michael. It serves as a symbol of the missed opportunities in her life and for Michael represents an opportunity to overcome a myriad of obstacles and begin his life anew.

This warm and beautiful story should kindle the flame of hope that burns in each of us. 4 1/2 stars

Excellent story!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-09
This was an excellent book! It wasn't just a typical romance, instead, it focused on what comes after falling in love. Devotion, kindness, and respect were themes in this novel. It was well-written, and kept my attention until the end.

R
Sacred Marriage
Published in Paperback by Zondervan (2000-02-01)
Author: Gary L. Thomas
List price: $12.99
New price: $7.39
Used price: $7.00
Collectible price: $12.99

Average review score:

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-09
This is the best book I've read about marriage. It is very true, straightforward and practical, it cuts through the nonsense. Infinitely more revelatory and helpful than other books I've read on the subject.

Junk
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-29
I became a Christian just a few years ago after a strong dissatisfaction with Catholicism. I held lifelong fears and anxieties about marriage--I thought it was an institution to condemn women--but I thought this was an interesting approach to the subject so I picked up the book. Thanks to the author, I now feel worse. Not only is the book perpetuating the rampant sexism that exists in the church but every "Christian man" he talks about is a misogynist. The book itself is nothing but his bickers about his wife's "girlie problems" and he tries to-stupidly- generalize the experiences of all women. He even flat out declares that the genders are not and will never be equals! He also makes the idiot mistake of thinking motherhood is a peachy-keen walk in the park. This book went in the trash. God forbid I ever end up with a man like that--I'd rather stay single and go back to being secular where people are actually embracing the notion that men are supposed to be a part of the child rearing process (gasp!).

A Wonderful Book on the True Meaning of Marriage
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-15
Gary Thomas' "Sacred Marriage" almost lost me. The first chapter moved slowly, and I was tempted to put the book down. Thank God, I was waiting for a friend at a coffee shop and had nothing else to read. Once the author began writing the meat of the book, I was hooked. This is a MUST READ for any marital partner! In fact, I think it should be a standard gift to every couple who marries. This is an amazing book that truly teaches marriage isn't meant to make you happy. Marriage is meant to make you a better Christian!

Sacred Marriage-Excellent Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-04
This is one of the best books I've read on marriage. Highly recommended. It is written in a format that is not prepotent, or speaking down to the reader. Very encouraging. My top recommendation from all the books on marriage I've read in 20 years of marriage.

Best book on marraige ever written (next to the Bible)
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-11
I've read at least twenty books on marriage, not because my marriage is bad but to make it better. This is by far the most Biblical of them all. Most books try to help correct behavior (not that that's a bad thing) but this one helps to correct your thinking, which in turn corrects your behavior. It's putting the horse before the cart method. Love it. Gary's writing is logical, Biblical and well researched with added stories that bring his viewpoints to life. I've bought numerous copies to give to others and it's especially good to give to couples who are planning on marrying.

1 Star = I've been robbed!
2 Stars = Why'd I finish it?
3 Stars = Good
4 Stars = Excellent
5 Stars = Life changing

R
Physiology: Board Review Series
Published in Paperback by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (1998-08-15)
Author: Linda S. Costanzo
List price: $32.95
New price: $15.00
Used price: $2.25
Collectible price: $50.00

Average review score:

BRS physiology step 1 board review book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-22
This book is an excellent resource to supplement boards study. I have been very pleased.

With Flying Colors
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-29
I decided to purchase this book as a supplement to the textbook we use in class. You know, you read the complicated textbook and then the supplement next. Not so any longer. This guide gets right to the point. Reading it before class has facilitated my understanding of lectures and comprehension of the required readings.
You don't have to be a medical student to derive value out of this book. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.

Great condition and speedy
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-12
I ordered this book the first week that classes started and received it the following week. The book was like new as promised and I had no problems with the seller throughout my buying process. I would highly recommend this seller! Thanks~

Great deal!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-27
The book was in perfect condition--brand new, no markings in the text, in tact cover...plus free shipping!

Best title in the series!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-29
I think this is the best BRS there is. I used this book for course exam prep as well as board review. It is a great tool to highlight important concepts, and it explains things in a simple and effective way with the right amount of information.


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