J Books

On someone else's recommendation, I bought and first read Jacob Brownoski's The Ascent of Man when it came out, 30 years ago, although unfortunately I was never able to see the BBC series on which the book was based. Then, when we had printed words on paper and images on film, and now, when we have electronic book reviews on Amazon, the book speaks meaningfully to the reader about all of life although, obviously, there's a litle bit more to the story since it was published.

Brownowski was a mathematitian and scientist. The book is simultaneously a history of science/technology and a history of the cultural evolution of mankind. An absolutely remarkable blending of knowledge from disparate disciplines combined into a seamless, infinitely interesting, very readable story. Unlike any "history" you've ever read, more like a non-fiction novel, highly recommended to all ...

I bought this book soon after the original television program was first broadcast and it's one I re-read often -- it remains one of my favorites. Although it is a very faithful (almost word-for-word and image-for-image) presentation of the material in the series, to have the information in a book to read at one's own pace (instead of being forced to absorb information at the pace of the television production), to carefully consider what Dr. Bronowski says, and to see what (if anything) it means to the reader makes the book an almost indispensable companion to the series.

As has been pointed out in earlier reviews, the high impact of this book (and of the television series) is the passion Dr. Bronowski brings to the material, how it's clear he truly believed that it is necessary for everyone to understand how the development of society is the product of generations of people pursuing knowledge ("science"), and that this understanding is critical to the future of civilization...the scientific imagination, standing always at the edge of the unknown and unsure, versus absolutism and dogma.

Now that the television series has been attractively remastered and is now available to the general public, the book has an even greater utility. The captions on the DVDs are very poorly done, to the extent that some of the errors make significant changes in Dr. Bronowski's statements and points. It's clear that whoever prepared the captions did not refer to the shooting script OR TO THIS BOOK! In other words, the book is important to correct errors in the captions. If one needs the captions this book is a valuable resource to ensure the viewer gets the correct words and, therefore, understands what Dr. Bronowski is presenting.

Previous reviews don't do Bronowski justice. He began as a mathematician; but after being sent to Hiroshima, as part of a team studying the aftereffects of the nuclear blast, he switched to biology. He was warm and articulate. A poet himself, he was one of the few people who truly understood the English poet William Blake, although (unlike most of his writing) his essays about Blake could use some explaining themselves. He was a highly moral man and did two original things you don't see many others even attempting: He saw the "doing" of science as an act every bit as creative as composing a symphony or writing a poem -- and he explained it in that way -- and he sought a structure for rationalizing morality and ethical behavior that did not rely upon religious precepts. The Ascent of Man is a very personal work, and it says so in its subtitle. It pretty much echos word for word what Jacob Bronowski spoke extemporaneously as he was sent around the world to the places he needed to be in order to explain the ideas he needed to express as he filmed his material for public television. Ironically, I said that very badly: I meant that HE could explain very complex notions with terrific elegance and simplicity. Period. By the way, the process of making the series for TV must have taken a toll, as JB died not long after completing the necessary travels. The Ascent of Man is all excellent but has many especially moving moments. Only one example occurred when JB walked fully clothed and shod into a pond at Auschwitz in acknowledgment of family and friends and fellow countrymen whose ashes were dumped there by fascists who laid claim to a handle on absolute certainty. Read this topnotch book, then find more by him. And if you're thirsty for more, try a little Loren Eisely as well. The accomplishments of humankind as explained by thoughtful scientists can prove wonderfully exhiliarating.

If you're looking for a book that will show you how man made it from day 1 to the present, while encomapssing ALL disciplines and not science alone, you've found the right book! It's is incredible how simply and interestengly Mr. Bronowski has accomplished such a feat. You won't be able to put it down!

This is one of the first, and one of the better, history of science sorts of series. If you enjoy history and science, then its worth watching. But the program, and to a lesser extent the book, in my mind suffer from a serious flaw: namely; that the author can not seem to divorce himself from his own religious views, which intrude at a number of times in the program. How can I take someone seriously who is speaking about archeological history, while at the same time speculating about the Biblical conquest of Jericho? There is a disconnect here that leaves you wondering. One can always quibble about what major scientific advances are noteworthy, and different authors have seized upon various individuals; but we have in this series nothing out of the ordinary. Looking at "Cosmos" or "The Day the Universe Changed" is much more fulfilling, from an intellectual standpoint, but its still worth purchasing and enjoying.

Once again Konrath wrote an excellent Jack book. The only problem I have with these books is once I finish one I have to wait for the next one and I hate waiting!

Like a long gulp of the titular drink, this fourth Jack Daniels thriller goes down smoothly but kicking. Chicago insomniac homicide cop Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels is up to her ears in family trouble again when a madman dubbed "the Chemist" goes on a poisoning rampage intending to bring the city to its knees. Saddled with an eccentric mom, a father she didn't know she had, a killer house cat, a loyal but suddenly reticent partner, and a marriage proposal, you might think Jack doesn't have time to mess with crazed mass murderers, but you'd be wrong. The Chemist soon develops a bizarre relationship with Jack, toying with her in "Dirty Harry" style even as he targets cops all around her with his deadly traps. Narrating in a deadpan comic pseudo-noir first person that alternates with the Chemist's creepy point of view, Konrath will keep you in stitches even as the killer parades around the city, dosing random innocents with rare toxins and diseases. Of course, he has a grand finale in mind, but will Jack catch on before it's too late? Konrath's thrillers are sometimes shockingly dark, yet breezy and fun - all action and humor, perfectly laid out for the screenwriter. If you like the taste of this Dirty Martini, stock the bar and mix up a Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, and Rusty Nail, too. Your funny bone may never be the same. And you may never look at a salad bar the same way again, either.

It can be hit or miss finding a new author after you've read everything by someone you enjoy. Fortunately, with J. A. Konrath, you can sit down and order a drink and enjoy reading it.
After reading Dirty Martini I am going to have another and then one for the road.
I won't tell you who done it...well, OK, it was the Chemist but you knew that from the first few pages. The picture that Konrath paints of the evil plot being hatched by the Chemist will scare your last drink out of you. It is brilliantly graphic without being tastelessly gory.
Our heroine, Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels is tasked with finding the Chemist and stopping his terror spree. Throughout the entire cat and mouse chase Konrath serves excitement straight up and humor on the rocks like few authors can. The brilliant dialogue serves as a great garnish making even the less important characters come vibrantly alive.
The realism added by Konrath's obvious research let's you enjoy the ride without your brain having to do mental gymnastics to accept the story line as plausible.
I say buy it and drink it in. Right now though, I have to head out to the bar...er bookstore and grab a Whisky Sour.

Picked this book up at Barnes a day ago, and finished it today. Given that I read through it in two days, it was a good read and engaged me throughout. I can't say I was ever bored, which was good.

The things keeping this book from getting five stars:

** SOME SPOILERS **

- some of the situations struck me as over-reaching. The climax of the book during Policefest seemed too easily solved. It also seems like if they were going in the wrong direction, they wouldn't have reached the destination they wanted to go.

- I didn't really connect with any of the characters. While they were amusing to read, I didn't find myself emotionally investing in them, which makes this book more of a beach read, rather than something I'd read multiple times.

- The feeling of Jack being invincible. I didn't feel she was in any danger during the story, despite all of the deaths occurring around her. Sure, she took a couple of hard hits from the Chemist, but none of them had the feeling of "yikes, she might DIE!"


Still, I think it's a four star book, and it was enjoyable. I'll definitely read the other ones in the series.

This series of books is great. Just wish they would come out closer together. I will continue to read them as they do get published. I like them as well as Sue Grafton stories.

Absolutely marvelous! This simple story induces you to think about morals, existence, and adventure. By having virtue, anyone can lead a life filled with wonderful encounters and a way of life that can only lead you to a good future.

I loved this book a kid and bought it for my own children. Each of the three joined my enthusiasm for our dear friend, Dominic.

My son is in the Army and now has a son of his own. I used to read "Dominic" at bedtime, until I knew the story by heart. If I tried to skip a line or a paragraph, my son would interrupt and tell me I had missed a part! Recently, he asked if I would get the book for my grandson. Now my son is reading to his son. I love it! Christina

Throughout my life, I'd always remembered the "first book I ever read" as about some dog who played the piccolo and traveled around with his possessions in a sack on a stick. I remembered it so fondly, like one of those few, golden memories you hold onto from childhood, when you still believed in the tooth faerie and unicorns.

I never remembered the title, though, and the book had long since disappeared from my parent's house. One day I did an extensive Google search with only the words "dog," "piccolo" and "traveler" and managed to stumble across William Steig's website.

I just bought myself a new copy of "the first book I ever read" and can't wait to read it again. It really is a book that has stayed with me my entire life. I just found it astonishing that so many other people wrote the exact same thing in their reviews. How can it be that one book has been the "first book" for so many people? I don't know, but I do know that if you can let it be your kid's first book, they will cherish it forever. I sure did.

This was the first "real book" I remember reading as a little boy. I suppose I was about 6 or 7. I read and re-read Dominic many times and loved it more each time. I suppose it has be something like 35 years since I first read this book and I still remember it fondly. How many things can you say that about?

This book is awesome with the kids running around and solving mysteries!!!

I've enjoyed these children's books for many years. They are very moral, and the adventures are exciting and educational! They're full of good, clean fun and imagination. They are family-centered, and acknowlege family authority. Your children will find that there is fun to be had without turning on the tv! Will be especially enjoyed by homeschooling families.

As a child in the early sixties, we lived in a rural area, and by most standards we would have been considered poor, and couldn't afford to buy these books. However, there was a small community library in our town. I went there every chance I had and checked out The Happy Hollister books. I am now a Grandmother and I still remember each of the Hollisters names and many of their adventures. I would like for my grandchildren to have the opportunity to read these wonderful books, so I am scouring the internet for them. They don't write em like this anymore.

I wish I could find my former school librarian in Dorval, Quebec, Canada (early 1970's) and let her know the tremendous impact her dedication to her job had on my life. I was in 3rd grade, it was during library period, and I was wandering around looking for a book to check out. She, sensing my interest in books, directed me to a shelf containing the library's collection of Happy Hollisters. I wasn't too interested at first, but with her encouragement I agreed to try one. Many years later, at 42 years of age, not only do I still enjoy reading them, but I have read them to both my girls (12 & 17), and I have been fortunate enough to collect 2 complete series over the years. When my daughters leave home, they will both have a set to read to their children.

I also discovered, when dating my wife, that she too had read and enjoyed the series. We were both amazed that there was somebody else out there who had heard of and loved the HH.

If you've read the books, you don't need me to tell you how wonderful they are. If you haven't read them yet, the comments on this page will let you know why you should. I can only agree and endorse what has been said here.

I have read many books in my life, and my reading level is much more sophisticated today. But every now and then, I grab a Happy Hollisters book from the shelf, and I'm a little kid once more in the sanctuary of the school library, returning to a simpler day, when there was still much magic and wonder to be found in the world.

I think my librarian would be pleased.

It is increasingly difficult to find the Happy Hollisters series of books. There were 33 books in this series, written between approximately 1953 and 1970. This particular edition was the introduction to the series.

The Happy Hollisters are somewhat of a relic of an era gone by. The family consists of five children, Pete, Pam (Pamela), Ricky, Holly, and Sue, and their parents Mr. and Mrs. Hollister. There are also Zip, a collie, and White Nose, a cat, who has five kittens in this book. Mr. Hollister purchases a store called The Trading Post, which sounds similar to general stores in days gone by.

Throughout the series the children solve mysteries, usually as a family. In this introductory book the family is moving to Shoreham. During their trip a van carrying the children's toys is stolen. The van is also carrying valuable papers for their father. As the story unfolds, the children also believe someone is entering their house. Mr. Hollister does not believe the children, but after Pete gets a picture of a strange man with a red hat in their basement, Mr. Hollister gets the police involved.

We also meet mean Joey Brill in this book. Joey is a recurring character who is a bully and generally obnoxious. As one example, Joey puts White Nose and her kittens on a plank in a lake. However, rest assured that Joey is nearly always thwarted in his attempts to be a bad kid.

The story finally arrives at an exciting chase between boats and a mysterious discovery in the Hollister's new house. However, though there seems to be a lot of danger for everyone, rest assured that everything comes out okay in the end.

The Happy Hollisters series remains a reasonably good, if somewhat outdated, read for younger children, perhaps from ages 4 to 9. I suspect that by age 9 most children are entranced by more modern pursuits. Also, many children may consider families of five children to be somewhat unusual and that may take some explaining. These books may be an excellent way to introduce children to the changes that have taken place in our society over the past half century.

One last word of caution. These books are becoming very difficult to find, and thus their price varies substantially. If you are interested in reading this series you may find editions without covers that sell for less than editions with covers.

I hope you enjoy The Happy Hollisters. They are a reminder of a simpler age.

Very good reading and applicable to one's life, no matter who, what age or gender.

Since I first discovered this book many years ago, I've bought dozens of copies to give as gifts to family and friends. This book truly is a "gift". Venice Bloodworth beautifully and simply, in succinct, no nonsense easy steps, explains the process of how each of us creates the life we experience and how we can change that experience (knowingly or unwittingly) by our thoughts. Then she gives us the tools and processes to enable us to create the best in our lives, as well as the answers for why we are not creating the best. I reread it several times a year and my copy is so highlighted, underlined, asterisked and notated that every so often I have to buy myself a new copy to make room for new notations as I put into practice her concepts. A must read for everyone who wants to take control of their lives!

It is true that great things come in small packages. The words of wisdom in this book are worh their weight in everything that you could ever want for yourself.

Serendipity drew me to this powerfully poetic and unadulterated book back in the 80s and I've read it at least once a year since that time. It was the answer to a prayer then and it has provided me with answers to countless prayers since. I simply can't imagine navigating life without this treasured guide to life. Do yourself a favor: don't just read it - Trust it. "Some things have to be believed to be seen."

Don't lose this Key: use it!

I like this chestnut from the good ol' days of self-help advice. The "secret" before infomercials and toll free numbers. Pleasantly repetitive. These days the self-help gurus are flying around having seminars, living in mansions, making guest shots on Oprah. In the 1950s Venus Bloodworth lived quietly in Georgia with a psychiatric practice and occasionally taught lessons to women confined in a nearby state prison. Good one for a night stand in a guest room. Maybe your lost teenager will pick it up.

PowerPrinciples is a book that has literally changed my life. This book helped me put my goals into action. It is a huge motivator for anyone wanting to be more sucessful. It's a great read!

What happens to you on the inside -- your thoughts, emotions and imagination are reflected by what's happening on the outside - more sales, happiness, excitement, etc. If you try to change the outside without first aligning what's going on inside of you, only temporary change will happen.

Jeb's book is a master class in getting your inner game in order. He takes you through the program step-by-step. If you follow his guidance and are consistent with it, you will produce results. And great results are what makes selling fun. It is the best paid fun work there is.

Jeb Blount has captured the pure essence of success with Power Principles. He not only gives you the map to success, he shows you the steps to get there as well.

Power Principles is an absolutely Amazing read. With real life stories that we can all relate to, Jeb really hits it out of the park with this book.

It is more important than ever to have a clear understanding of how to achieve your dreams. Jeb Blount gives you everything you need and more with Power Principles.

Curt Fletcher, author of How to Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income

LOVED IT (sage and energizing advice packed in a quick little read)! This book inspired me to put important planning in place that I had been putting off because I was "too busy." It helped me shift and refine my focus and I'm sure results will follow and everyone in my company will benefit.

Power Principles is a book I will reread many times and I'll definitely be buying copies for my staff.

If you have ever met Jeb, you understand why this book is so great! He will teach you more in a hour than others can teach in a life time! This book is what I call "shelfable", meaning I will kept it FOREVER and read it again and again! What's next Jeb? Sign me up!

If you're thinking of putting together a system, this is a fantastic resource that you'll find invaluable. Highly recommended.

This book is not for the newbie -- if you love research -- this is an excellent purchase. Either way -- this book belongs in your library.

This book has an immense amount of information on water quality, filtration, lighting and pretty much all other aspects of the reef aquarium, but reads like a science textbook.
If you are an experienced aquarist looking to go to the next level this is the book for you. It's far from what I consider an easy read but definitely a good reference book to keep in your library if you are serious about mini reefing.

This book is incredible. If you plan to start a tank, or have one and have questions about husbandry, upkeep, or chemistry, this book is exceptional.

All the information and depth of a textbook with easy straightforward text, I think there's more concrete, easily accessible information between these two covers than in every forum, internet article, and other aquarium book I've purchased.

This is the one book I will always recommend new reefkeepers to pick up while they're planning their reef, and it was worth so much more than I paid for it.

Excellent book. You do not need any other for set up design or reference.

It took a bit to arrive but that's usual with bulk mailing. The book arrived in excellent condition.

Once in a while there comes a series that you honestly don't want it to end... ever. This is the case with the Sandman. I was a late bloomer and discovered Sandman very late but I simply DEVOURED these graphic novels and have gained a newfound level of respect for Neil Gaiman with each Sandman I've read. I classify literature into blah, mediocre, barely worth your money, readable, quite decent, impressive, holy smokes and life changing and to me, the entire Sandman series is life changing. The way you look at life changes if it gets to you as deeply as it got to me and I can only give thanks for Gaiman and the extremely talented artists that brought forth one of the most mesmerizing series in any medium. Like some of the characters though, I had to take a while to mull over the end of this series and the passing of one of the most special characters I've ever wanted to share a beer every hundred years. For lack of a better word, amazing. There is no detail overlooked regarding character development, storyline, loose ends, explanation, ideas, creativity or bringing forth a brand of dreams we gladly share as our own.

Morpheus of the Endless is dead. Anyone and everyone is gathered in dream for his wake, and for his funeral. The person having most difficulty coming to terms with all the events surrounding his passing is his Raven, Matthew.

At the end, we see a previous discussion of his with William Shakespeare, at the end of a career, and a commission for the Lord of Dreams, about the nature of his existence.

The Wake, the final book in the Sandman series, epitomizes the entire series. The artistic style is eclectic and the narrative dances from character to character and setting to setting, just like a dream. The entire book is elusive but satisfying. And gorgeous. For me, that's the series in a nutshell.

The Wake is Gaiman at his best.

First of all, The Wake is a gorgeous volume. Perhaps the best artwork of the series.

It gives a fitting send-off for Morpheus, and for the series, as we get to revisit characters and themes, with just a touch of humor to lighten the otherwise bleak landscape. (Would you believe that Superman and Batman put in a cameo?--Well, if you're going to write for DC, how can you resist? :)

While there are good stories here, perhaps my one complaint is the placement of the two short stories after the appropriate conclusion of the work (an epilogue featuring everyone's favorite, Hob Gadling). These are good short stories (or, at least, The Tempest is good... the other left me a little cold), but their placement was completely unfair to them and didn't leave me much emotional capacity to appreciate them as they deserved.

The Wake isn't so much a plotted adventure, like so many of the Sandman volumes; it is more of a coda. Like a Wake should be, it is an opportunity for reflection. Sadness and nostalgia and moving on. It is a fitting, and touching end for a series that has been nothing but class and quality, all the way through.

"Not yet" was the order given by Colonel John B. Gordon in the Sunken Road to the 6th Alabama soldiers under his command on September 17, 1862. "Not yet" was the response uttered by Jeffrey Keene on October 31, 1992 to a palm reader who had just told him that he died in that Sunken Road on the Antietam battlefield. Not yet . . . .

"Someone Else's Yesterday" chronicles a Connecticut fireman's amazing discovery that, not only had he lived before, but that he was one of the South's greatest Civil War heros. Mr. Keene's book records one of the most startling "waking memory" reincarnations documented to date.

Having no real interest in the Civil War, Mr. Keene's journey begins innocently enough on vacation where he felt compelled to visit Antietam National Park Battlefield. His accounting of what happened to him while standing in what is known today as "the Sunken Road" or "Bloody Lane" is riveting. And yet, it isn't until 18 months later, at a Halloween party, a palm reader asks him: "Do you believe in past lives"? Thus begins one man's incredible journey of discovery.

Mr. Keene freely shares his thoughts and confusion as he delves in John B. Gordon's history and discovers parallel events in both his and Gordon's life that are undeniable. Events that are too specific to be coincidence. Two of Mr. Keene's most startling findings are that not only does he share an incredible physical "mirror" likeness to John B. Gordon, but that he has birthmarks and scars on his person that match John B. Gordon's battle wounds which he illustrates through photographs. Mr. Keene also shares photographs of notable Civil War era soldiers that bear a striking resemblance to people he either works with today or has worked with in the past. The latter evidence gives credence to the theory of "soul groups." This reincarnating groups of souls is a group or family with a common purpose and common level/state of advancement/enlightenment who work together towards a common goal. Whether that common goal was to win a Civil War battle, or to suppress a raging fire, the soul group theory comparison here is indisputable.

I highly recommend Mr. Keene's spellbinding book "Someone Else's Yesterday." You may find yourself questioning your ideas about reincarnation!

This book really opened my eyes to reincarnation. I would recommended it to anyone that is unsure and needs proof into the field!

My husband and I were fortunate enough to experience a slice of serendipity when visiting friends in Connecticut. We had ventured out to visit a quaint little cigar shop and that's where we met Mr. Keene. I had never heard of him or his work, and after learning that we were from Upson County, Georgia, he was more than happy to share with us his experiences and convictions regarding his connections to John B. Gordon. The author is quite an interesting fellow--very personable and entertaining. The opportunity to meet and talk to the author has made this book much more meaningful and authentic for me. I highly recommend it to both believers and skeptics alike. It is quite the read!

Mr. Jeff Keene had provided his own past life in a way understandable and as historically accurate as possible to his earlier life as a CSA General John B. Gordon. There were some very touching places in his story which literally brought tears to my eyes like the following -
(1) The place where he explains about the spontaneous feeling of sadness he felt when he stood next to his daughter's grave from his previous life and who had passed off when quite young even before ever being named.
(2) The place where he very humbly stays behind thinking of himself as quite junior when compared to other army commanders on the lines before being called by General Hancock during Grant's funeral to lead the funeral procession alongside him in the front lines.
(3) The place where he vividly reminisces his past life incident when he saved the life of the Federal Division Commander Francis Barlow.
On the whole the author comes through as a very great gentleman and one worthy of emulation in both of his forms as Gen Gordon as well as the current Fire Chief Jeff Keene.
May God provide him all prosperity in the present and the yonder!

What more can I say. I have read many books on this subject, and there are many of them out there, but this I must say is the best ever. It takes you from the very start of his search to present day. If you are looking for your own past lives, this book can help you. It gives you ideas of how and where you can start looking for yourself. It lets you know how a journey of this type can affect your present life, good and bad. It also lets you know how past lives influances the thoughts, actions and memories you have today, even your dreams. I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it, till I was finished with it. It takes alot for someone to come forward like this and share what they went through, and I must say thank you to Jeffrey for doing so. Martin Huffman

This is a wonderful collection of poems. IT is a national treasure. I had this book and lost it, thinking that by now it was out of print. I love the variety of authors and the variety of each author's poems.

I've had many of these poems for many years. This was a nice addition to the family library. I now have 3 of the leather-bound volumes, and intend to buy several more. (each family member will get one of these TREASURES.

My Mother read these poems to us as we were growing up. I also memorized many of these poems at school. Reading it again was like visiting an old and familar friend.

This is by far the best collection of general heritage poetry I have come across. Classics when originally compiled that are still the standards for Americana poetry as well as a summation of our cultural history.

As a child my mother read from this book to me and to my father. She need
not have read much as she memorized many of the poems and can recite them
now, though well past her 90th year. I have given this book to many of my friends and consider it a gift of love and inspiration.