G Books

If you like card board characters, tired old plot, bad writing, this book is for you. Kids, please, there are so many better books out there. And we wonder why the aliens don't want to meet us.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" Apparently, I am the 5434th person to leave a review. I will try to keep it short.

I am a retired older person and, ten years ago, I bought a copy of the previous edition for myself and my wife and a second copy for my, then, eight-year-old step granddaughter and her eleven-year-old brother. We, each, enjoyed the story tremendously. We have followed the Harry Potter stories through to finishing the seventh book, last year.

This is the easiest and the shortest book of the series. However, the author, J.K. Rowling, introduces the reader to many new sorts of things. The ending of this book is very good and this novel is a complete story.

I have read this story several times and am still happy with it, from beginning to end.

You may hear or see criticisms of the Harry Potter books. You may, also, hear or see many folks who praise the books. Please form your own opinions by reading this book for yourself. At first, Harry will be the character that you get to know the best. As the series continues, you will get to know several characters, very well. None of the characters are perfect people. However, Harry and his friends are people whom you would like as your friends. Finally, Harry and his friends do good things throughout the series of books. That is an important point that some folks have a hard time seeing, but it is there in every book.

I recommend this book, highly.

I got this book on the exact date it said I would and it's exactly what I wanted. Hard cover, brand new. Perfect. :)

Not much new can be said on the Harry Potter series, so I'll just go with one impression from the recent read: Quidditch sucks as an actual sport. With 150 points for catching the Snitch, it's completely absurd, like if field goals in American Football were worth 10 points. The outcome of the game is almost entirely in the hands of someone that has nothing to do with the bulk of the gameplay or teams, and relies on an entirely different skillset. It's still convincing in terms of pointless English boarding school sports, but not as the unofficial sport of Rowling's wizarding world.

The rest of Rowling's worldbuilding is generally better, although never particularly organized or systematic; there are never any clear rules of magic. It's more a hodgepodge of various myths and tales and some inventions. None of it is startlingly original, but despite some occasionally stilted prose Rowling weaves it together remarkably well. None of the characters are particularly complex yet, and the plot is straightforward children's fare, but the book as a whole works better than the parts seem to sugggest.

It's obvious that Ms. Rowling put a great deal of thought into the structure of this book. Coming in very late to the whole Harry Potter phenomenon, I've come to understand why these books are so popular with kids and adults. The vocabulary isn't taxing to grownups (I'm 48 and an avid reader) as well as being a little bit challenging for the younger audience, which is a good thing. It also has plenty of colorful characters and enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. This first installment in the seven-volume series lays an excellent foundation as well as leaving a few unanswered mysteries to keep me hooked. I enjoyed the first book and certainly intend on reading the next installment. It makes me feel like I'm a kid again.
(Also as a side note, if you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Jim Dale's narration, you are missing a real treat. The CD's are worth every penny. My two boys have read the books, but listened to the CDs over and over.)

I purchased this book years ago when it first came out. My husband is an avid fan of horse races and having went with him on numerous occasions I became interested in reading about them myself. This book will not disappoint and even though the movie was very good the book is tons better (which is almost always the case). I enjoyed reading about the background of all the people involved with Seabiscuit it is a real heartwarming story about a horse that everyone gave up on but everyone ended up having hope in. A trainer that was an outsider and an owner that wasn't your average horse owner and the faith he put into the jockey who was left by his parents at a horse track because they couldn't afford to keep him home (it was during the Great Depression). I could probably go on and on about the book because I enjoyed it very much.

I saw both flims the original with Shirley Temple/Lon McAllister also the newer version both were great
So the the book was a must have also to learn what had happen to rest of the story(the horse/the people)

This is a wonderful book about an unbelievable champion - the kind we need today in America. A champion that reaches into the hearts of the people, unifies us and inspires us to prevail. The men who believed in Seabiscuit were not perfect, nor was Seabiscuit but they all managed to be imperfect winners. The writing itself might be a bit flourished but it is certainly well-researched and the story is entertaining told. Hillebrand has captured the ironies, truths, the agony and ecstasy of horse-racing and life itself as well. This one will make you cheer.

I'm usually concerned about purchasing items on line, especially books. I can honestly say that this experience was worth it. I would recommend this seller to anyone interested in purchasing good quality books at extremely reasonable prices.

Buy with confidence, I did!

When I finished reading this book five years ago, I thought "Wow, that is the greatest sports book I have read." Well, I still think that way and I've read some great sports literature since.

It's the combination of fascinating mini-biographies of Seabiscuit's owner, trainer and jockey that make this book so entertaining. These were fascinating people and if you were a horse racing fan, the era was just about perfect. People went nuts over horse racing, baseball and boxing. It's not like today where football, basketball and hockey share the limelight, sports-wise.

Author Laura Hillebrand's account of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith and jockey "Red" Pollard are just incredible. These man have amazing stories and what they and Seabiscuit attained in racing, are almost unbelivable.....yet everything in this easy-to-read book is true. From the early pages on, the book hooks you in to the point where you care deeply about all the main characters.

I'll always remember getting to the chapter which told about the famous match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Hillenbrand had done such a great job of building up to that, I almost didn't want to read on for fear I would be greatly disappointed. That's how involving her book was for me, and for many others.

I guess the highest praise I can give this book is so good that it got me back reading, after a long absence.

This book is a keeper or one to pass on to a dear dear friend. It is very well written, and, to tell you the truth, I could not put it down. It's emotionally alive. It is a womans book, most men would not be interested. It has spiritual insights and Christian truths. I highly recommend it. A very good read.

I had sworn off novels for the last nearly two decades of my life. At a time when I had grown so tired and weary of my confusion, I picked up this book, given to me two years ago by a friend. It had stayed in the box, then in the shelf, and one weary day God invited me to pick it up, even when I didn't know it was Him. I was just so hungry, so tired. I didn't stop reading, only to get some sleep before the next day's work. I can't remember a time in my life when I cried for three days straight. This was written as fiction, but in deeper ways, it is not. It speaks the truth about who we are, what we have been believing, agreements we have made with the enemy, a perilous journey requiring every ounce of tenacity to dare to listen to the voice of Love and learning faith along the way. Thank you, Francine for sharing your heart. It is shared by so many. Thank You Jesus, for coming after me, coming after my heart, when I believed I didn't deserve You, You kept wooing me back, letting me rest and assured me that I am loved, and that all You want is my love back.

This book had me at the prologue. If your heart isn't squeezing by the end of that then you're probably missing a sensitivity chip. Being that I'm also a sucker for romance and there are parts in this books that have me smiling and awwing like an extreme girly girl. But around page 290, my patience with Sarah was being tested and then tested again. By the last act, I was over it. Truly. There was just one too many 'running away' episodes. Is it true to life, yes, but in a 465 page book it borders on being annoying.

Plus, there's a vast amount of unbelievable fantasy applied to this book. Realistically, both Michael AND Miriam are stalkers or at the very least have stalker-ish mentalities. Let's face it, yeah it was a good thing for Michael to save Angel after her cruel beating, but he didn't have to marry her while she was not in her right state of mind. That was sort of taking advantage of a situation. True he was patient and kind and a whole lot of wonderful adjectives, but let's face it, you can't force someone to fall in love with you. But she did and it all worked out-but the whole marrying her the way he did bothers me a bit.

Then the whole Paul thing. There's forgiving someone and then there's taking forgiveness to a whole new level. I know no man who would still treat his brother in law the way he did after taking advantage of his wife the way he did. He could have forgiven him, but you don't keep bringing him for dinner and forcing your wife to have conversations with the man. It borders on being cruel.

Then there's Miriam and her, hey, I'm the only woman around so why don't you marry me mentality that was disturbing. It came across to me like he lusted after the girl not that he was in love with her. We all know that's two different things. How could he be in love with someone he never had a full conversation with? What did they have in common? Nothing. Love is this book equaled a man finding you attractive. (That also could be applied to Michael. When it all boils down, he didn't know Angel at all.) Can you imagine waking up and someone moving into your house because they think they know what's best for you? Again, in this fantasy book it all works out, but this is the tale of two stalkers.

Yet, the talent of Mrs. Rivers is that she does manage to get you try to turn off your reality switch...at least for a while and try to over simplify major problems. For that I say Bravo.

I had never delved into the Book of Hosea on which this novel is based, but let me tell you, by the time I finished Redeeming Love, I had a hunger to search The Word. What I found in Hosea was not a love story, in fact, there wasn't much about Hosea and his wife at all. What I did find in those 14 chapters was a prophet delivering the word of the Lord and not just speaking God's commands, but following them in his everyday life.

Let me tell you, from chapter 1 to chapter 6, God is angry with his people. Then in the first three verses of chapter 6 He says He has torn us into pieces, but will heal us, restore us and bless us so that we may live in His presence. Then in verse 4, He continues all the way to chapter 14 with series of reprimands and punishments for Isreal because of their disobedience. They had everything, fruitful crops, children to carry on their lineage, all the desires of their hearts, yet they were giving praise to an idol for what God had given them. But through it all, God proves himself merciful and says in chapter 14 that all we have to do is ask for His forgiveness and He will restore us.

Wow, what a powerful message not only for the Isrealites of Hosea's time, but for all who love Him and those who are yet to know Him today. While Redeeming Love is a wonderful book and I am grateful for the talent God has give Francine Rivers, I would encourage everyone to read and study Hosea for themselves. This was life changing for me, not Redeeming Love, but Hosea in the inspired, unfailing Word of God.

Francine Rivers uses Biblical truths in Redeeming Love to accurately display spiritual, physical, and emotional battles that come and go in life. The sacrificial and covenant love that is displayed really tugs at you heart!

I heard of the name of David Mccullough in the past as a writer, but was never inclined to check out his books. Just recently while perusing the news channels his name was discussed as a fascinating author so with my interest peaking, at the first opportunity I went and purchased a copy of Truman. From start to finish I haven't been disappointed. With more than a thousand pages it's like two volumes in one. Majority of the pages are filled with quotes from Truman. It's like having the subject speak for himself. I brought John Adams and Brave Companions by the same author afterwards.

David McCullough writes the best, most throughly researched books I have ever read. I have only read Truman and John Adams. I intend to read all of his works.

The alternative title here should read, "Why Didn't I Read This Years Ago, Too?" 'Cause like the Martin Gilbert biography of Churchill ("Churchill: A Life"), it's massive (1000 pages). Plus the subject of McCullough approaches the stature of the man revealed by Gilbert.

Harry Truman brought Lincoln to mind for me, as both Presidents embody the very meaning of "integrity." Yes, Mr. Truman had his human failings but, unlike some Presidents I have known, I'm left with absolutely no doubt that #33 performed his often thankless/always grueling task to the best of his ability--and Mr. Truman was a man of considerable ability.

Alan Brinkley, who wrote the New York Times Book Review of David McCullough's Truman, came up with these rather remarkable words on the life of Harry S. Truman, "My God, he's in color!"
You can bet your --- on that! Mr. Truman was indeed in color. This book by David McCullough goes into the very life and soul of a man who did what he thought was best for God and Country.
Mr. Truman's humble beginnings in Missouri from a farmer, an Army Captain in World War I to a Judgeship traveling the back roads in rural Missouri show the way of a leader. Along the way he was a part owner of a men's clothing store in Kansas City with his wartime friend Eddie Jacobson.
In 1934 Truman, through the efforts of the Pendergast Political Machine wins the Senatorial election as the Junior Senator from Missouri. McCullough goes into great detail of the trials and tribulations facing Harry S. Truman, common man who defends the Constitution and remains a no nonsense kind of guy.
His selection by Franklin Roosevelt to be his Vice Presidential running mate in 1944 was a political surprise at the time. Only 82 days after Harry Truman took the Vice Presidential oath, he becomes the President of the United States.
In the beginning even Eleanor Roosevelt thought that Harry S.
Truman was out of his element. Wrong!! Instead we find a man able to make decisions, such as to drop the Atomic bombs on Japan. Harry institutes the Truman Doctrine in Europe to provide military aid. He encourages the Marshall Plan, to aid economic recovery in Europe. He develops NATO and initiates the Berlin Airlift.
And oh by the way, he wins the Presidency by himself in the 1948 upset of Thomas Dewey. Give Em hell Harry!!
Later, Truman's stance in the Korean Conflict and his dismissal of Douglas Macarthur stands as his true "Give Em Hell Harry!" declaration. His stance made him unpopular. Indeed he could not run for the Presidency in 1952 because of his dismissal of the "American Caesar". But Harry was indeed right! 24 years later good old Harry S. Truman was revered by the very popular group Chicago in their rendition entitled "Harry Truman". 24 years too late, historically Harry turns out to be one of the very best Presidents of all time.
Of all the Presidents of the 20th Century, Harry S. Truman stands out as the best of them all! McCullough has personalized this in his 10 year effort. This is indeed my favorite book. 10 Stars! No Problem!!!

This biography of Harry Truman is about what you would expect from David McCullough--a detailed, massive work, illuminating the character of Truman with detailed documentation. The end result is a book that appears to capture the nature of its subject excellently. On the front inside cover, there is a quotation from a reviewer that speaks to the effectiveness of this book: "Perhaps the biggest tribute one can pay a biographer is to say that through him one comes to know his subject almost as though in person." I second that sentiment, after having read the 992 pages of text.

One assessment of Truman is telling, and suggests how a common man could become an uncommonly good president. Adlai Stevenson, upon Truman's death, said that Truman was a lesson about all Americans (Page 992): "an object lesson in the vitality of popular government; an example of the ability of this society to yield up, from the most unremarkable origins, the most remarkable men."

His origins are well detailed by McCullough. The movement of his forebears to Missouri, the struggles of his parents, and his own struggles. In some senses, it is apparent that his role in World War I was a key moment in his life. He came to be a leader--and very effective at that--in an artillery unit. He made fast friends who stayed loyal to him for decades (including a son of one of the leaders of the Pendergast machine in Kansas City). He grew greatly as a consequence of his wartime experience.

After the War, as many know, he experienced a series of reverses, including a failed haberdashery business. But he persevered. At one point, the Pendergast Machine turned to him to run for county judge. He won! Thus began his political career. An irony, of course, is that someone who was well reputed for his honesty began his career under the sponsorship of one of the most important (and corrupt) political machines in the country. But the Machine never really forced him into corrupt behavior and supported him pretty steadily thereafter. His rise in politics is outlined, including his run for and election to the United States Senate. It appeared close to impossible for him to have won--but win he did. There is a nice discussion of the efforts to have him become the Vice Presidential nominee of FDR in 1944.

From there, of course, his accession to the presidency after Roosevelt's death. The biography does a fine job of outlining his ups and downs, his triumphs (desegregating the Armed Forces, continuation of New Deal agenda, helping end the Second World War) and his failures (nationalizing the steel industry). Korea eroded his support and he ended up with approval ratings similar to George W. Bush.

After his presidency ended, he exuded energy as he became an "elder statesman" of the Democratic Party; he helped develop support to get his presidential library off the ground and completed.

All in all, this ranks as one of the finest serious presidential biographies around. If you wish to learn in depth about Truman, this is a good place to begin. It is also a work that is nuanced, pointing out his foibles and flaws as well as his strengths. Highly recommended.

Years ago I inattentively watched the (first) movie of this on TV and found it too cute by half. This put me off reading the book for years. One weekend I happened to have a copy by me, so I picked it up and began to read. After 3-4 pages I wasn't that impressed. After 10-12 pages I was absolutely hooked.

When I finished it, I stood up, sighed, put the book down on the chair, and felt a kind of startlement like being struck with a bucket of cold water. I looked down, picked up the book again, glanced at the cover... then I sat down and began to read it all over again. When I was through, the process repeated and I read it a third time. This is the only time in my life I have ever read a book three times in a row uninterruptedly.

Does anyone out there still need to be told that this is one of the best books ever written, and that not having read it is a tragic deprivation, like not liking music or never having eaten strawberries? If so, consider yourself told.
It is one of those rare children's classics that can be read by anyone, of any age. Once you've read it, you can no longer imagine the Universe without it. You don't feel that Michael Ende ever needed to write it; you feel that he must have just Found it somewhere.

His inventiveness is limitless, stupefying: enough material here for dozens of ordinary children's books. Certain scenes, like the part halfway through about the lion Grograman and the Night Forest Perilin, are so truly astonishing that you're left at a loss, not merely for words but for anything at all: your mouth hangs open and your mind goes blank.

At the same time this is the most profound investigation ever made into what a Story is, and what Imagination is, their value and their dangers. When you think the author has gone as far as he'll dare, he goes further, then further, and then still further. This wonderful book should be in every home.

Like many people, I first knew about The Neverending Story through the movie. At first, I didn't even know about the book. Then I didn't really care. After all, how many of you actually care to read the book of every movie you might have seen?

But lately out of a bit of nostalgia, I went back through my video library and watched the first and second movie. Still craving more, I decided to bite the bullet and order this book. I'm glad I did.

As I'm sure you've read from other reviews, the first movie barely covers half of the book. Even then, at the end of the movie it started to stray way off of what the book had. The second movie just borrowed a few characters and one or two of the plot devices and went its own way. As much as I may love the movies, they pale in comparison to what is in the book. The book is richer and a lot deeper than the movies. There are key concepts and morals that never made their way into the films, too many to go into in this review. But over all, the first movie seemed to try to just get the story that was in the book while missing the whole point of why the story is important in the first place. The second movie didn't even bother to do that much. If you like the movies you really owe it to yourself to read this book.

I would also suggest getting this hardback version. I've seen the paperback at a local bookstore. The cover is nowhere near as pretty. It's missing all of the beautifully drawn illustrations that this one has. Above all, the duo-colored lettering adds so much to the reading. Michael Ende does a lot of clever little things that help draw the reader into experiencing this book more than simply reading it. A lot of what he does includes the lettering and the many illustrations that are found in this book. It's worth getting the hard cover version just for the way it deepens the experience. You won't regret it.

I first read this book at about 9, or 10, years old, and, I have to say, I thought it to be the best book I had ever read (and I read a lot). Now, after reading it for the third time as a 13 year-old, I wish I had waited so I could enjoy it as I did while also appreciating the plot and character development. The author did a very good job with portraying how man becomes corrupted by what he wants (the Gem is a bit like Tolkein's Ring) and that the world of our imagination is more important than we think, while entertaining the reader, its just amazing. If you like Tolkein, you'll definently like the Neverending Story (which gets very close to being as good as LOTR at times).
That said, lets talk a little about the story. I don't want to reveal too much, but I'l give you a basic summary of the story to motivate you towards buying it.
The cool thing about it is this: the main character is not what you would imagine a hero to be. He's fat, pale, bowlegged, and nerdy. But when he finds a book called the Neverending Story with the image of two entertwined snakes on the front, (Hmm, isn't that familiar), he is launched into an adventure that changes him completely. And even when he does become a real hero, (handsome, skilled, smart), his problems aren't over.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Through the eyes of Bastian, we read about Fantasia and its many wonders, and how the Nothing is destroying everything. The Nothing is complete absence of matter: when you look at it, it's as if you were blind. The Childlike Empress, ruler of Fantasia, is sick, and if she dies, everything dies. So Atreyu, again an unlikely hero, being a ten-year old and all, but more likely than Bastian, embarks on a quest to find the cause for the Nothing and the Empress's sickness and how to stop both. This all seems pretty typical, but, as it turns out, the Neverending Story is anything but. And, actually, Atreyu's quest alone is enough to make anyone atleast like it.
But it doesn't stop there. Bastian then goes into the Neverending story and saves Fantasia from utter destruction by the Nothing. He becomes renowned throughout Fantasia as a savior and creator. However, the Other World, Earth is still corrupted. Bastian sets about trying to return in order to tell people about Fantasia and ultimately restore mankind to the people they were meant to be. He travels using AURYN, the amulet which grants wishes given to him by the Childlike Empress, and he's always wanting different things which causes conflict. Through a series of plot twists, physical and spiritual battles, and interestingly philosophical encounters with Fantasia's peoples, Ende then goes on to weave a story of adventure, conquest, betrayal, suspense, and neverending creativity through Bastian's constantly changing quest. It features epic battles, bizarre imagery, likeable characters, mindbending settings, and, really, everything I always imagined the best book ever would have. The world of Fantasia is so immense, you just wish you go could there and explore it all. Micheal is possibly the most creative perspn I'v ever come across, up there umong Neil Gaiman, Jim Henson, and all the greats. I'm surprised he managed to pack so many creative ideas into one book. (For instance, there is a race of people who are born as old men and die as children.)
Anyway, the underlining point is this: The Neverending Story is not just for kids. I know, technically, I am a kid, but I'm sure adults would agree with me. Of course, there are quite a few slightly corny or childish names and creatures, but, being a story about the world of imagination, Ende coulden't really avoid this, and, anyway, I don't think it hurts the rest of the book at all. The movies are another matter; compared to the book, their all cheesy, unrealistic, poorly peiced together imitations of good fantasy. Do yourself a favor and press the "Add to Shopping Cart" button, or atleast head to your local library, as soon as possible. You'r in for a treat.

Once again, I remember reading this book when I was a child. I had always been a bookworm and no problems diving into the imaginary world. This book will bring you even further. The story is one that everyone can relate to - young and old. The translation from German seems to me very good. I unfortunately do not remember every exact wording in German. The message of the book is very clear once you start reading - and even though I was hesitant, I think the movie was very well done to capture this.
There are not many books that one can read every now and then and still feel a renewed bond with the story. This one will keep you wondering what happened to you when you grew up.

If you've seen the movie, you've only gotten a taste of what this book has to offer. The movie is only an abbreviated adaptation of the first half of the book, and the sequels are simply spin-offs of the first movie. This book has so much more to offer! It's a story about the importance of imagination and fantasy, self-discovery and identity, and the importance of discovering what is truly important in your heart. At the very least the story in these pages is one of the greatest fantasy stories you will ever read... and if you truly open your heart to the story, you will walk away a better person after having read it.

I have read the book and started following his information and my condition has improved greatly based on his recommendations. Anyone who suffers from Migraines will benefit from this book. Not an easy approach but very worth the read and following the information provided will help immensely.

Worth your time and money.

I started getting migraines on a daily bases, and purchased every book I could on the subject. This was the only book that really helped me. VERY useful stuff.

After many months of severe vertigo, trips to the local Emergency Room, and unanswered questions, finally a diagnosis of migraine. Frustrated with being told by my local Neurologist that I would have to live with the world around me in a constant spin, combined with uncontrollable vomiting and a severe headache, I was told by another physician about the book titled "Heal Your Headache". As a fellow health care provider I purchased the book and read it from cover to cover within a day. As I was under the constant influence of meclizine I thought what do I have to lose. I immediately started the diet and began to have at least a few days between episodes. After about three months I was down to one episode every three to four weeks. Being a nurse I knew that I had to get better control of these episodes if I wanted to continue to care for others. I continued the strict diet and was advised to add a preventive
medication, a tricylic antidepressant. I have been on the diet for 11 months and one medication at bedtime for 6 months. I know that this is a slow and realistic process. Yes, I have days when I want to cheat with the diet, but I know that the risk doesn't out way the benefit. As with many things in life we all want a "quick fix". I have found personally that in the field of medicine, a true answer is better than quick fix. I recommend this book to any one who is suffering from migraine symptoms. I have returned to nursing, and thank Dr. Buchholz for all his wisdom. My husband and I had the opportunity to meet with him personally for a consultation and found him to be genuinely concerned about helping me get better.

For those of you like me, doctor after doctor, with no results this is the book for you. This is the first time I have written a review for anything I have purchased. His 1-2-3 step book is working for me. I was suffering from a continuous migraine for almost 4 months and was ready to commit my self. No doctors in my area were able to help, medicines, CT scans, MRI scans I went through a lot (with 3 children at home). I read this book within 2 weeks I was off all of my medicines (preventive as well Topamax) I have some days with no headache at all. I am only three weeks into his 1-2-3 step program but I have not had a migraine yet. It is no joke and YES it is possible to control your headaches. He made me a believer!!!! SOOOOO worth the $11.16.

A friend loaned me her copy of this book. I have since bought two copies...one for me and one that I gave to my doctor. I have been doing the diet in the book for 6 months now, and I haven't had any migraines. I was having 4 to 5 a month. I got off my Topamax and my birth control pills, and I stopped taking Imitrex. I feel like a new person. Thank goodness for this book. I don't know what I would have done without it! I loaned it to a friend, and it has helped her too. Just try it....you have nothing to lose!

To get the most enjoyment from this beautiful book, buy the original Katherine Woods translation.

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.

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.

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.

This book is quick and easy to read. Best of all you can pick it up when you are having a bad day and flip to your favorite words of advice. Full of practical suggestions and empowering words!

This book was the grand finale to a long journey which started from the loss of a love. This book lead me back to home and being whole again.

I hope this book will help you in restoring yourself.

Thank you to each of the authors for writing this book.

Always keep reaching to become whole and staying whole in your life.

Thank you,
John Ellis

it is so real i felt i went through all this and really rewarded myself that i was able to overcome all what bad times i got through and can face any other pain easily and successfully

There are things in life that simply have to be experienced more than once: songs, movies, plays, favorite meals at favorite restaurants, etc. In my opinion, this book falls into that category. It has to be read slowly, pondered, felt. It is filled with insightful, moving and, above all, helpful thoughts for anyone who is in emotional pain. And it is not just about the loss a love, but touches upon loss, of all kinds, as one of those inescapable parts of life. You will not regret buying and reading it, even if you don't need it. Someday you will.

You know what its like after a loss.. you find yourself living second to second, minute to minute, hour by hour and it takes forever just to make it through!

How do you make it through the long dark seconds, night after night, day after day?!

Well this book is like a soothing balm for the soul. It wont solve your problems but it will hold you gently while you go through your pain. This book slowly brings you through the haziness of the thick, raw grief you are feeling.

Read as much as you need, when you need and it will help you find your path to healing.

When I broke up with my ex I felt like I was dying. This book helped me live through each second, then each minute, then each hour until I was able to see there were steps beyond the pain.

I hope this book helps you too.
xxx

I was in love with Katia Gordeeva & Sergei Grinkov from the moment I first saw them skating together. Their classic routines were perfect enough to win many world championships including a 1988 Olympic gold medal in Calgary Canada.

Romance eventually blossomed and the beautifully matched pair were married in April of 1991. Their daughter, Daria Sergeyevna Grinkova, was born in my favorite Morristown NJ a little over a year later.

Reading Katia's memories of their life and love still brings tears to my eyes.

I recommend this book for its portrait of pure innocence enframed in the magical world of ice skating.

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.

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.

Lots of people seem to LOVE this book, so I'm figuring the fact that I hate it just points to different people having different tastes. Johanna Lindsey is a very entertaining writer, with the most fun heroines. Unfortunately, her heroes usually leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. The hero of this novel is no exception.

Basically, the novel goes something like this:

James Malory, "hero": Ooh, a pretty girl disguised as a cabin boy! I think I'll take advantage of this and seduce the poor thing without her knowing it.

Georgina Anderson, heroine: My goodness, what is this delicious feeling I feel whenever I'm around this strong, virile, pushy, autocratic man? I'm ridiculously naive for a twenty-two year old woman, and apparently I have never felt desire or basic human arousal even once in my entire life.

James: I shall now use this woman to slake my lust, calling her a wench and not once caring about the fact that an unmarried woman is ruined in the eyes of society. As long as I get mine!

Georgina: I will now give into this man for no good reason except that I must give into my urges that I've never felt before because this man is so-o-o-o strong, virile, pushy, and autocratic, and despite my protests that turns me on!

And so forth. James Malory is strong, virile, pushy, and autocratic, and Georgina pretends to hate those qualities but in fact she loves them. This makes for a lot of tedious "dialogue," with James pushing Georgina around and Georgina letting him, huffing indignantly all the while. James is also spiteful and petty and vengeful, and apparently always gets his way, along with insulting and bullying Georgina throughout the book. That's not romance, to me.

I couldn't finish the book. A hero who badgers, kidnaps, and insults the supposed love of his life is a terrible turn-off for me. Georgina is a fun heroine, as usual with Johanna Lindsey, but the hero's antics just ruin the book too much to make it worthwhile.

Conclusion: An extremely unlikable hero makes this book unreadable. But other people love this hero, so if you enjoy most early Lindseys, you'll probably enjoy this one. If you don't like early Lindesy novels, give this one a pass.

This is such a wonderful read, I really enjoyed it. I read it within 2-3 days, I couldn't put the book down. James is such an irresistible rogue. I absolutely found him sexy, strong and deliciously wicked! I wanted more of him! I wish the story never ended! Hmph! =o/

Fans: Type in Malory in YouTube.com and read what other fans wrote!

I absolutely love Johanna Lindsey and all of the Malory stories. I just reread this one and still love it. The writing is so smooth I just sail through these books and find myself in love with all of the characters. I recommend virtually all of Johanna Lindsey's books to any historical lover.

I've read a number of books by J. Lindsey and my two favorites are this book and "A Loving Scoundrel." Both of them have a girl dressed as and pretending to be a boy. I loved the characters. Good plot. Good writing. Great fun

CAUTION SPOILERS: Georgina was dressed as a boy and thought the captain (James) believed she was a boy. James knew she was really a girl but pretended he didn't know. It was great fun to watch James try to seduce the "boy". It didn't work the way James had planned because Georgina was so ignorant of sex that she thought she was nauseous rather than turned on. I loved the end where James purposely embarassed her publicly so her brothers would force the marriage.

Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: 1818 London, the high seas and America. Copyright: 1990. Genre: regency romance.

To date, I have read the following Johanna Lindsey books. All my reviews were posted on Amazon between 6/3/08 and 6/14/08, except as noted.
Malory Family Series:
5 stars. Gentle Rogue Copyright: 1990.
5 stars. A Loving Scoundrel Copyright: 2004.
4.5 stars. The Magic of You Copyright: 1993.
4.5 stars. Say You Love Me Copyright: 1996.
3 stars. Love Only Once Copyright: 1985.
3 stars. Tender Rebel Copyright: 1988.
3 stars. No Choice But Seduction Copyright: 2008. My review posted 6/21/08.
2 stars. The Present copyright: 1998.
2 stars. Captive of My Desires copyright: 2006.

Sherring Cross Series:
4.5 stars. Man of My Dreams Copyright: 1993.
3 stars. Love Me Forever Copyright: 1995.
(not read) The Pursuit

Other novels:
4 stars. Defy Not The Heart. Copyright: 1989. My review posted 8/15/08.
2 stars. The Devil Who Tamed Her Copyright: 2007.
1 star. Prisoner of My Desire Copyright: 1991.

The extreme popularity of this book bewilders me. Though it is well-written and there are numerous opportunities for really heart-wrenching romance, Lindsey fails to capitalize on any of these, and the heroine--though not wholly unlikable--is just frustrating. Her failure to realize that James discerns her gender does nothing to recommend her intellect, and the way she childishly mimics his habits reeks of girlish infatuation. But for all that, her personality is not particularly offensive. Her naïve description of sexual arousal as a type of "nausea" is even endearing. No, my problem with Georgie is this: "Her temper wanted to flare, but when James rested between her thighs, anger was the farthest thing from her mind." This sentiment is repeated constantly, no matter how James deliberately humiliates or hurts her. I understand the ease in rechanneling anger into lust, but Georgie's legitimate problems repeatedly disappear when James kisses her into submission. He, in effect, sexually manipulates her into being pliable and content, and... it works. With no apparent resentment or even realization on her part. He treats her like a valueless sex object for the duration of the novel, and though it sometimes seems she will call him out on it, she ultimately does nothing. Instead, she settles for the "tenderness" she senses when they make love, a cringingly classic female mistake.

Making Georgie's ludicrous gullibility acutely obvious is the comparison to her brother-in-law and his wife. James mockingly refers to how his brother's wife withheld sexual favors during a fight, confident that his own wife would never do such a thing. Sadly, he's right. Georgie's internal dialogues, depicted as between herself and "her conscience," are invariably lost by her conscience and won by some hedonistic part of herself with no practicality and less self-respect. (James's ego is, admittedly, nothing out of the ordinary; but the delight I take in these novels is that the female usually manages to take the hero down a peg. George only lowers herself.)

In short, this book was difficult to finish; I had absolutely no desire for Georgie to have her foolishness unpunished, and I could not bear for James to have his misogyny and manipulativeness forever unchecked. The relationship was shallow and unsatisfying. Overall, a disappointment.