P Books

This book is great for children of all ages and adults. I have been using this book in my adult literacy class. I found if my student could relate to the item or animal the student gained knowledge much quicker

My daughter loves this book. It is always the one she picks. She especially loves the ending and can't wait to see the little girl (my daughter calls the little girl "Mommy") come out to give the cat milk.

This is a counting book (1-10) with rhyming text. Azarian's illustrations are fantastic. Children familiar with a rural setting will quickly identify with this book, and all children will enjoy this beautiful book.

I judge a good children's book, from the number of times my two-and-a-half year old daughter makes me read it to her. From a selection of 5-10 books borrowed from the library each month, the one that gets the most attention, are the ones worth writing a review about, but this one especially was a favorite! I must've read it about 40 times, and it she still asked "Read it again mommy"! The ending is really cute, the Barn Cat is enticed by many things throughout the story - crickets, butterflies, birds, etc.. - but she was not in the slightest bit interested in any of them... until... you'll have to read and see. Its a charming book, with a catchy rhyme and was definitely given the seal of approval.

Barn Cat is a well-illustrated book, which aims at teaching children to count. Throughout the book, Barn Cat is looking for something unknown to the reader. While the readers continue through the book to discover what item the cat is searching for, the cat sees one grasshopper, two crickets, and three butterflies, continuing until he sees ten sparrows. Being completely unaffected by most of the creatures with which he comes into contact, Barn Cat continues to sit at the red barn door until his owner pours his milk. In "On Some Burdens Carried by Pictures," David Topper states that well illustrated books are a source from which an array of information can be obtained in a clear and effective way. For him, a picture in a book is a "tour de force," meaning a strong convergence of emotional response and intellectual process by the reader. The exposure to pictures, which represent an important, specific object, will make the readers "catch," or in other words, learn, the idea. Barn Cat's illustrations employ this learning technique and help to teach the readers to learn to count. The readers of Barn Cat understand the printed word and see the visual images in the book, which aids in their understanding of counting and numbers. One technique used in Barn Cat, which helps readers to learn to count, is number recognition. Number recognition is emphasized with large, bold numerals appearing in black in the right hand corner of the pages. These numbers are not a part of the picture on the page, but instead are set aside, in order to be obvious to the readers. The viewers hear or read the word representing the number "seven," for example, then see the actual number on the same page. This ingrains the number into the readers' minds and associates the word with the visual image of the written number. This association is important for readers who are beginning to learn to the concept of numbers and counting. Topper emphasizes this importance when he says that the illustrations must be similar to the important issues expressed in the story. By this, he means that the illustrations must have an important purpose in the story. In Barn Cat, the purpose of the number illustrations is to help the readers learn to count. Another technique used in Barn Cat, which helps readers to learn to count, is the use of a specific number of objects on each page. The viewers read or hear the word representing the number "three," for example, then count the objects on the page from one to three. All of the objects are beautifully illustrated in colorful drawings, which help to capture in the readers' attention. For example, the readers count three golden butterflies that appear to be fluttering across the page. Now, the readers can associate the word "three" with the actual amount of objects on the page. Topper emphasizes the importance of this technique when he discusses that illustrations make the printed word concrete. This technique is especially useful to readers because they look through the cat's eyes into the cat's world and count the objects that the cat counts, which can draw the readers into the pages of the book. The readers have the feeling of looking through the cat's eyes because of the plot and illustrations of the book. The last technique used in Barn Cat to help readers learn to count is the use of the plot in the book. On each page, the narrator repeatedly asks, "Barn cat, what are you looking for?" The readers of the book make a journey with Barn Cat to discover the answer to this question. Throughout the search for what Barn Cat is looking for, the readers see the world and count the objects with the cat. For example, when the cat sees ten flying sparrows, his eyes are looking into the air. The readers follow the cat's gaze and are looking and counting with Barn Cat all ten sparrows in the air. Another example is when the cat sees "eight barking, leaping pups," he hisses. This makes the reader see the eight pups as frightening, like the cat sees them, rather than playful. The sequential order of numbers is also taught in this book through the plot. The question, "what are you looking for," which the narrator asks the cat, and indirectly the readers, makes the readers excitedly turn the pages to find the answer to the question with the cat. This emphasizes to the readers the sequential order of numbers from one to ten as the cat finds his milk. The viewers either read or hear the order of the numbers as they count the objects and see the numbers, both in word and numeral form, which reinforces the sequential order of the numbers. An example of this reinforcement is seen when the cat sees ten sparrows. The text reads, "A flock of sparrows-8, 9,10?" Each technique used in Barn Cat makes this a wonderful book for teaching the readers how to count. After reading this book, one should have knowledge and understanding about the numerals, amounts, words, and sequences associated with specific numbers, which are all necessary to know how to count.

Mr. Ram Varma's BE STILL AND KNOW as a sequel to THIS SPLENDID WORLD OF YOURS is quite an enlightening work of literature and a practical guide for those who seek inner peace through meditation, reflection and the seeking of self. The most distinct feature of this sequel from the author of THIS SPLENDID WORLD OF YOURS is its step by step approach to relaxation, pondering on the issues of life and death and all that falls in between.

The very fact that we have been associated with Mr. Varma's meditation groups for more than five years and have stayed connected with him and the group is in it is a testimony to the value of his contribution in our lives. This connection has brought about quite a revolution in the way we look upon our inter-personal relationship between the two of us and with others. The most important practical lessons that we have absorbed are "Let go" and "stay connected" at all times. Mr. Varma's techniques made us feel connected to the infinite powers of the universe. We are more conscious of the infinite knowledge and the resources of the universe that we can always tap into in our moment of need.

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Although I practice medicine and pain management is my specialty, I completely appreciate the benefits of inner meditation in daily life. In fact, relaxation and inner stability helps for the medicine to work effectively. Various meditation techniques and understandings given in Ram Varma's books "This Splendid World of Yours" and "Be Still and Know..." are a tremendous help to realize peace and know real answers from within. They are great interactive guides to take charge of own life and move towards self-sufficiency. Highly recommended books...Dr. N.S.

Persuaded by my friend Lew almost two years ago to join this newly formed group at the Pine Tree Senior Center, I have come to realize that it has been a major influence on the direction of and the perseverance in my personal growth, emotionally and spiritually. Meeting and being led and taught by Ram Varma, who from the first meeting on emitted an air of such convincing certainty and conviction while at the same time radiating comforting warmth and compassion, was a stroke of fate for me for which I am genuinely grateful.
I had been in doubt of conventional doctrine and in search of "the Light" for a long time, and my past was not unlike Ram's in many ways. But it was his introduction to meditation and self-empowerment in the group setting and the continual exposure to new insights and Ram's infectious positive attitude that opened the door to the world of "inner seeing", an awareness of the self in a completely different way. There isn't a doubt in my mind that this ongoing journey of self-discovery will continue to improve my attitude, awareness, emotional stability, and thus greatly benefit me personally as well as those around me. Ram's two great books "This Splendid World of Yours" and "Be Still and Know..." are of tremendous help in this direction.

During the last three years of my regularly attending Ram's meditation and self-empowerment courses, I feel I have regained my confidence. I truly feel I am in-charge of my life now. I feel healthier and free from unnecessary toxic stuff. Ram's books "This Splendid World of Yours" and "Be Still and Know........." are an ongoing inspiration and self-help to come out of the worldly restlessness and restore peace, love and joy. Thank you Ram for your great guidance and support through your books and live sessions.

Both of Ram Varma's books are my best friends. All my students of meditation self-empowerment classes are going to read them and use them as an interactive guide on an on-going basis. My heart and soul says all five billion people on earth should have these books. Ram's latest book "Be Still and Know..." provides impetus for drawing all the answers from within and become self-sufficient. Thank you Ram for writing such beautiful books to help us regain our original consciousness of truth/freedom, awareness and joyfulness. The guidance given in your books is super and all my students love it.

I purchased this not too long ago. I have the movie and adore it, so when I saw this book I was extremely excited. I was not let down. For all Filmmakers, for all aspiring Filmmakers, I recommend this book. It is Jean Cocteau's diary, or shall I say Director's Commentary, of the making of this film. If filmmakers think they have it hard making a good movie today because of the price, please read this book. It is about true dedication, true passion and true love for making movies, telling stories and bringing fairytales to life. After all, isn't bringing a movie to life every filmmakers fairytale? This book can teach you more than any film class can ever. Get this book and recommend it to everyone. Give it as a present to the aspiring filmmaker in your life. And after you're done reading it, let it soak in and never forget it (I won't). It is that GREAT!!!

Absolutely fasinating. So many of my French teacher colleagues show this movie. They would find this "making of" so interesting. It is not a record of how he created the special effects, though he does discuss a few (the dvd shows many more), but rather all the trials the entire crew endured to create this seemingly effortless masterpiece.

The book provides insights into the making of Cocteau's classic film. The incredible film obviously stands alone, but knowledge of the period and the various aspects and difficulties in making it adds to one's appreciation.

Some have found Cocteau's litany of illnesses that he (and others) suffered while filming "Beauty and the Beast" tedious and skipped over them as seemingly irrelevant. Unfortunately, those who do may miss the entire point of Cocteau's artistic esthetic, namely, the necessity for the artist to suffer and triumph over all adversity for the sake of his art. The suffering is part and parcel of his art, suffering is art, just as "Beauty and the Beast" suffered during the filming and triumphed as a lasting work of art. Cocteau was allied to the Surrealist movement (though distancing himself from it) and his suffering at the time mirrored the enormous technical difficulties encountered while making the film. The entire surreal struggle of Cocteau, of others involved and of the film itself is wonderfully captured in his journal and any serious student of the film will profit by reading it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has seen Jean Cocteau's fil version of "Beauty and the Beast" The book is the diary of the film. There are some great photos in it as well.

P.G. Wodehouse is truly a master wit, evidenced in his novels, especially those that feature Jeeves and Wooster. "Bertie Wooster Sees It Through" is his typical hilarious romp through misunderstandings and shady dealings, chock full of literary allusions and laugh-out-loud moments. Wodehouse is a true joy to read, in any society or generation.

As with most of Wodehouse's plots, "Bertie Wooster Sees It Through" hinges upon the best laid plans that go mightily awry. When Bertie Wooster grows a mustache, he suddenly finds himself the object of affection of one Florence Craye, and the object of desired pummeling by her jilted fiance, Stilton Cheesewright. During a visit to his Aunt Dahlia's, matters become even more complicated with his aunt hoping to sell off her weekly magazine to buyers who are more anxious to spot theft than buy the paper. Bertie is called upon to help his aunt out of several fixes while trying to extract himself from Florence's clutches and to prevent bodily harm to his own dear self. And of course, every solution to every problem can be found in the astute mind of Jeeves.

"Bertie Wooster Sees It Through" is a fast-paced, delightful read. Wodehouse has created an almost idyllic England, where the most confusing of misunderstandings is quickly set aright with the slightest amount of discomfort to all parties involved. Bertie Wooster is a straightforward narrator, addressing the reader directly, and admitting his own faults along the way. Without Jeeves, his know-it-all valet, he would be completely at the whims of outrageous fortune with all its slings and arrows, if that is what I mean.

As Evelyn Waugh points out, Wodehouse's world is idyllic. It is not our world. It has a different set of rules, for instance, the fate of its characters are determined by silver cow creamers and French cooks. Call it absurd or trivial, and you would be right. If you are tired of "serious" literature and the "real" world, this is a wonderful place to escape to!

Typical of the Jeeves and Wooster tales, Bertie Wooster Sees It Through begins (and ends) with a trivial yet heated battle between the sage valet and his woolly-headed charge: Bertie's newly acquired mustache. Jeeves can't stand the thing, and Bertie is to be damned if he is going to have his face edited by a hidebound gentleman's gentleman. Of course, the plot thickens, involving unwanted engagements, jealous lovers, police raids, and fake pearl necklaces. This is an extremely funny and charming book. The ending breakfast scene is one of my favorites.

Towards the end of his career, P.G. Wodehouse found himself charmed by the idea of reprising the characters who and plot lines that provided the greatest triumphs in his earlier books. Bertie Wooster Sees It Through is a worthy sequel of that sort.

In the earlier book, you may remember that Stilton Cheesewright and Bertie Wooster had been schoolmates in preparatory school, at Eton and at Oxford. Stilton chose to become a policeman and his career led him to become very serious and strict in his outlook, so that Bertie thinks of him as "that blighter Stilton." Love transformed his life when he fell for the writer, Florence Craye. But Florence is also apt to respond well to Bertie, and Stilton takes that personally. When we last saw them, Florence and Stilton were engaged.

In this story, Bertie's Aunt Dahlia enlists him to come to her country home, Brinkley Court, to help her entertain a family by the name of Trotter. The assignment seems to be off to a rocky start, however, when the Trotters' stepson, Percy Gorringe, calls Bertie to hit him up for 1,000 pounds. That seems like too much entertaining and Bertie declines.

In the meantime, Bertie has started growing a mustache and Jeeves doesn't approve. In fact, no one else does either . . . except Florence Craye. That enrages an already touchy Stilton, who fears that Bertie is trying to steal Florence. Soon, Stilton is also sporting the hairy stuff on his upper lip. To make matters worse, Stilton has a large stake on Bertie in the Drones Club dart championship and decides that Bertie should starting keeping regular hours and keep off the sauce. And that's just why Bertie doesn't want to have anything to do with Florence, she's not only brainy . . . she also likes to improve her men. And Bertie likes himself just the way he is.

Stilton is also the jealous type and quickly turns suspicious when Bertie is picked up after a raid on a late-night bistro where Bertie had taken Florence at her request to do some research on local color.

But Aunt Dahlia has an even more serious problem. She has pawned her new necklace to buy the serial rights to a new story, and her husband, Uncle Tom, is about to have it appraised. She has been hiding the fact by wearing cultured pearls instead, but is about to be caught. Naturally, she decides to have Bertie steal the cultured pearls. And equally naturally, that proves to be more difficult than anyone can imagine and with unexpected consequences. And so the country farce begins!

Bertie Wooster Sees It Through has that nice combination of serious pending threats, irrational fears and hopes, and muddle-headedness that makes for such good social comedy. Like all of the best P.G. Wodehouse books, the language sparkles with original similes, metaphors and allusions.

Jolly good show!

Previous: The Mating Season

Bertie Wooster Sees It Through surprised me a great deal. I had read almost all of the Jeeves books by the time I got to this one, and I had no idea that I could still be so utterly and completely charmed by Wodehouse's words. Of all the Jeeves books, this one is probably the funniest, with the most laugh-out-louds-the knee slapping, snorting, tears-streaming-down-your-face, scaring-the-cat-out-of-the-room kind. I can't praise it highly enough. First, the setting is a breath of fresh air. After visiting such horrific places as Steeple Bumpleigh and Deverill Hall, going back to Brinkley feels like going home, complete with Aunt Dahlia and all her warm endearments ("Bertie, you revolting object."). One delightful twist after another brings Bertie to the brink of disaster and back again, as he is faced with the prospect of having his spine broken in three, four, or five places by the oaf Stilton Cheesewright and, worse yet, marriage to Florence Craye. Couple that with Bertie's new mustache, Aunt Dahlia's pearl necklace, a somber chap by the name of Percy Gorringe, and the Drones darts tournament, and you have the funniest thing ever written in the English language.

And that, by the way, is what makes Wodehouse so wonderful-it is not the characters, nor the stories, nor the settings, but the language he uses, and the way he forms sentences, and the vocabulary which is an eclectic mix of colloquialisms, literary references, foreign phrases, and Woosterisms. Until I read Wodehouse, I had never dreamed that the English language could be rendered so beautifully, and so, so, so brilliantly funny. It is like nothing else I have ever read.

Next: How Right You Are, Jeeves (Jeeves in the Offing)

When there's one too many Adam Sandler flicks out, and you are just tired of flatulence humor then this is the best book to pick up. Wodehouse's dry British wit shines through as bumbling Bertram Wooster fights through life (and a new mustache) with his trusty butler Jeeves there to save him. The lead character, Wooster, has a serious problem as an intellectual woman chases after him as does her ex-fiancee. Only Jeeves can save his arse.

This book will bring a smile to the reader regardless of his state of mind. I think that it should be placed in psychiatric offices around the world.

And if after reading through this book, please please read Wodehouse's dedication if for anything else than his poem. This a great book but be warned, only those who are lovers of the dry wit will enjoy it.

Sorry but you can't just shut down your brain in order to enjoy this book.

Sassy and witty is the plot formula for this totally enjoyable "who-done-it". Intrigue, deception, betrayal, lust, passion, sex are coupled with sarcasim, cynicism, and biting commentary to produce a novel worth of an award itself. The story line is written with such clarity that the book is a very easy read, and THEREIN, lies the trap for the reader. READ CAREFULLY, and you just might be able to figure out who the "bad" guy/gal is. The clues are there, but they are so nicely hidden that a casual reader (which most of us are) will skim past the clues that would, if one was more judicious in one's reading, bite them in the proverbial butt. Have fun with this one.

This surprising "inside" Hollywood mystery is a delightful romp through the seedy world of Hollywood. It is delightfully satirical of Hollywood and its ways and waywardness. Though very funny, it is also suspenseful and engaging. Perhaps the most delightful gay comedy/mystery since the wonderful Aldyne series and the Grant Michaels masterpieces.

Pushes close to the edge of heavyhandedness, but does not cross it. A good, fast read! Recommended!

For the seventh year, Hollywood gossip columnist Rick Domino hosts a live pre-show broadcast of the Academy Awards. Rick has mixed feelings about this year's show because his lover actor Shane Kirk is up for a Best Actor award. He is proud that Shane received the nomination, but disappointed that his beloved refuses to come out of the closet and acknowledge that he is gay let alone in a relationship with Rick. Adding to that insult is the fact that Shane is keeping a straight image by escorting best actress nominee Tara Perez to the ceremony.

Though Rick has to share the spotlight with predator Mitzie McGuire, their show goes over relatively smoothly though Rick does less clothing dissing of the attendees than usual as he mopes over Shane. Afterward Rick looks for Shane only to find his beloved near the corpse of Tara. The police arrive as Shane shouts his innocence and Rick is nearer to the corpse and holding the murder weapon that he picked off the ground. Though the police arrest Rick, homicide detective Terry Zane thinks things are too pat. He and Rick investigate the Hollywood scene as only a veteran police officer and a catty gossip columnist could do.

The who-done-it is fun to follow as the obviously gay Rick and his new partner the straight Terry make a humorous team who uncover a lot of Hollywood secrets during their investigation. However what makes THE BEST MURDER OF THE YEAR so enjoyable is not the homicide or the inquiries, but the satirical look at Hollywood at its most pompous and even more subtly strips the invincibility of the mystery genre fictional superstars. The movies that the nominees star in are hilarious and worth the read by themselves. Fans of a tongue in cheek (not saying which one) will want to read the adventures of Rick Domino in the world of make believe.

Harriet Klausner

This surprising "inside" Hollywood mystery is a delightful romp through the seedy world of Hollywood. It is delightfully satirical of Hollywood and its ways and waywardness. Though very funny, it is also suspenseful and engaging. Perhaps the most delightful gay comedy/mystery since the wonderful Aldyne series and the Grant Michaels masterpieces.

Pushes close to the edge of heavyhandedness, but does not cross it. A good, fast read! Recommended!

When the beautiful winner of the best actress Oscar is murdered outside the theater, all the evidence points to Rick Domino, gay movie gossip columnist. After all, Tara Perez just stole Rick's boyfriend, his fingerprints are on the gun whose bullets are inside Tara, and he was found standing over the body. The only problem is, Rick knows he didn't do it. Now he has one week to find out who did--and find a way to keep himself alive while he does it. Fortunately, one of the arresting cops decides to take some time off to help Rick look--or is he simply trying to get more evidence for the State? Rick sets off to investigate Hollywood and finds that there were plenty of other people with motive and opportunity to kill Tara. She cheated, lied, and slept her way to the top, and Hollywood doesn't forget. But motive isn't enough when the prosecution has all the physical evidence it needs to convict Rick.

Author Jon P. Bloch writes convincingly of a Hollywood where sexual roles are blurred by secrets and fear of being 'outed' can cause almost any crime. Rick manages to meet the standard stereotypes but in a believable and sympathetic way.

Although Rick's investigations are entertaining and believable, the wrapup to BEST MURDER OF THE YEAR was not. Frequent mystery readers might guess the killer's identity, but Bloch didn't really deliver the clues to give us a sense of satisfaction in figuring it out. The resolution of the sexual tension between the gay Rick and his straight cop-sidekick also seemed a little forced--less clever than the rest of the novel led me to hope for.

Overall, BEST MURDER OF THE YEAR is enjoyable reading--but maybe not the best mystery of the year.

This journey is a exeptional story of courage and sincerity with oneself. It is rare to see this nowadays. The book is an excelent guide for any Adult Educator interested in Transformative Adult Education. Vikrant showed me what it is to be sincerely intrested in your own development.

I really enjoyed this book. It made me ask so many questions about me, life, relationships. I do not know if everything is true. But if it is, wow! that's life. It has to be read.

I am not a good reader.But this book I read in one night. I live in a small town next to sheffield. This book got to my hands through a Sannyas friend and I understood what is to seek happyness with all your heart. Very inspiring and thought provoking.

This is a book about truth, honesty and self desclosure. Nowadays we need this type of literature, where the author is not pretending to tell the world what is right. Alejandro..or Vikrant just exposes himself in all his glory and misery. Phenomenology from the heart.

I found this book searching for transpersonal psychology. I was hoping to get knowledge about its commom ground with the field of aduly Ed. What a surprise¡ I found a personal acount of a mystical trip. I really liked it. I could not put the book down.

I love this book. It is very uplifting and gives me hope. Julia Cameron has such a way of putting words together. She paints pictures with words. Beautiful.

The picture on the cover is awsome. Someday I would like to see the painting. It is himmel and erde (heaven and earth).

I truly consider myself blessed . . . so when I saw a friend had a book called BLESSINGS: PRAYERS AND DECLARATIONS FOR A
HEARTFUL LIFE (see also Section 11) by Julia Cameron, I aturally
asked to borrow it . . . and I'm glad that I did.

This is a short book of prayers and declarations that can be read in one sitting or spread over time . . . it reminded me of how good it is to be alive and, also, made me more fully appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.

Each blessing is preceded by an introductory quote . . . two
that I particularly liked:

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is
because we do not dare that they are difficult.--Seneca

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity--Albert Einstein

Virtually every blessing touched me . . . however, to give you
a feel for the material, here's one I thought you might enjoy reading:

I love others for their true self

I bless and salute the divine goodness available for all human beings and in all human beings. I allow people to be uniquely themselves, bringing their true natures and true gifts to our relationships. I do not demand that those who love me change their essential nature for my comfort. I express them my nature. I tell them my truth. I do not hide or pretend I am different form what I am. I trust that each of us is a perfect part of the divine whole. I trust that each of us is as lovable as we are. I allow originality, inventiveness, and variability in my loving relationships. I invite the unique souls in my life to love me as
their true selves allow.

Great Book for any artist, author etc. Julia Cameron is in my opinion one of the best encourager for all people in the arts of any field... would highly recommend any of her books...

A wonderful book with many wonderful "blessings" selections to read aloud and share. A friend uses this regularly before guided meditations. Selections are short and sweet.

This is JC at her best. This little book is not preachy but fresh in its approach on all angles of life, with easy reading in a pleasant format. I bought it for myself when I was going thru some tough emotional times several years ago, and still keep it around to read a page from here and there, just for perspective. More recently, I bought it for someone dear to me who has just gone thru a divorce. It's uplifting and genuine in its gentle message.

This book is insightful and inspiring. James Carse is a poetic and Talented writer with great ideas.

My uncle had given me a copy last Christmas. We discussed the book, and its impact upon our lives, fairly often. When he was hospitalized late this year with what turned out to be fatal colon cancer, he insisted upon having his copy with him in the hospital. When you read Breakfast at the Victory, you'll understand why. Its one of those once-in-a-decade books that affect you for the rest of your life.

I was about to give up on this book, when I began to see it as a loose collection of essays on pre-Freudian depth psychology (what some would call mysticism). Taking incidents from his own life, the author finds those points where ordinary experience opened doors into altered states of awareness. These states are understood by him mostly in terms of traditions within the world religions. For readers unfamiliar with the mystical, Carse's explanations can founder in ambiguities that defy comprehension. I often followed his confident lead into clouds of unknowing only to get lost in the fog. But it's a testament more to his tenacity than mine that I stayed with him to the end of the book, intrigued by the occasional discovery I was able to make along the way.

Of particular interest was his attempt to come terms with the enigma that is Robert Frost. A man whose poems ring with a wonderful lucidity, Frost we now know was not anything like the thoughtful, country gentleman who seems to speak in his verse. Carse's study of Frost's persona - especially his role in the JFK inauguration - acknowledges the mystery of personality itself. Reading Carse, we can begin to understand how thoroughly we are a creation of how we are perceived by others, and how this identity is and is not who we are. For readers who love to puzzle over such things, Carse is a willing - and entertaining - companion. But proceed at your own risk.

I came across this book in a bargain bin at a book-wholesaler-type-place in a strip mall in Traverse City, MI when I was in High School.
I'm thirty now and haven't been back to Traverse since I left. But this book has gone with me everywhere--when not physically, then it is there in my outlook on life. Now I am re-reading it again.
Thanks, Carse.

A short and perfect connection between spirituality and everyday life. Perfect for people who need help finding a spiritual side and can't stand to take leaps of faith. If this book was widely read, we would live in a better world.

Exactly as I said in the title. We completed Calculus 1, 2 and 3 on this. Great for beginners.

My son is currently at Harvard where he is taking Calculus II. He called home, requesting we forward his Larson textbook that he used for AP Calc in high school. It helped him tremendously with concepts he just wasn't getting at one of the top schools in the nation--and he has shared this textbook with his professor at Harvard!

Kudos to the author of this wonderfully written book.

First things first: If there was a ten star rating it would apply
to this book. Secondly, I found these authors through another of
their books, "Precalculus With Limits - A Graphing Approach". That book was just as well written. Truth be told, I would buy any of their books, sight unseen. They are a students
teacher and a teachers teacher. They don't sacrifice rigor, nor do they forget the mathematical maturity of their student audience. Using their books alone, and self-study (no classes,
tutors, or the intellectual diet pill category of "Calculus Made
Simple" or "Calculus The Easy Way" silver bullets I filled a forty year gap in math studies in 1-1/2 years to the point of
acing the AP Calculus and AP Physics Exams. Knowing calculus prior to beginning physics with calculus is an absolute necessity. I am no genuis. I do not have exceptional ability. I simply had the advantage of two textbooks written by teachers who
really care and take a mentoring approach to writing. All of this
has really been a long-winded way of saying that with this book
and a healthy dose of strong motivation and perserverance you will succeed in your calculus courses.

The best book about Calculus I ever seen. Read it and you will know all about you need to love mathematics.

This is no doubt the best textbook I have ever owned in any subject. I've never been able to actually read through a math text untill this book came along. The analytic graphs are colorful (and the 3-D generated ones are simply astounding) which is totally different from the dull, dreary, and nightmarish math texts from my past. This math book is unlike any other I have seen before -- in a class of its own. There are plenty of examples, charts, and many many exercises(some especially challenging). I went through Calculus I and have taught myself Calc II within a matter of weeks. Highly recommended.

I have played chess for more than 20 years but never had the chance (or the willingness) to read a chess book. I play very well for a amateur, but I started to get serious and join some tournaments. I won some games from players around FIDE 1800-1900, but I also lost many others, since I lack the fundamentals and tournament experience. So, my chess professor, said that I should start my chess education with endings and tactics. This was my first chess book that I have ever read in my life, and I found it amazing. After studying carefully all the diagrams I asked myself why I haven't studied this book before, I would have benefit from it so much. I have just to agree with a comment that I read that the author approaches rook vs queen endings in the begnning of the book, which is quite difficult and took me many hours of practice to get used with the position and the many variations possible. I have also checked the positions with Nalimov tables, and practicaly the book has no mistakes. I have also like the author's approach for pawn endings using the key squares theory. My chess professor's book, called "The Final Countdown", and the Fundamental Chess Endings from K. Muller, both also used this modern approach. In the overall this is a must have book.

This book is translated from Russian, so it must pass the test of time. Averbakh used very concise analysis. He gave us, immediate level, a tool to understand the endgames.
It is essential for players from beginning to intermediate levels. After a chapter about the basic mating the lone King with minimal force, it introduces the standard combats between various pieces. It explains where a forcible win is guaranteed where it's not.
Then come two chapters of piece fighting against Pawns: a Rook or a minor piece versus Pawn (it's hard to believe that in some positions a single Pawn can beat the Rook!) and the Royalty versus Pawn.
After that there are two important chapters. One is about the fighting between two minor pieces where one side has one or two extra Pawns. The part about the opposite color bishops is very instructive, some case is winnable and some not. There is so much to learn in the next chapter, which explains the Rook plus Pawn Ending. As Capablanca put it: Rook and Pawn Ending is one of the most important endings. When the Rooks join the battle, sometimes they are the last pieces, understanding this type ending can help to win or draw it.
In the second half of the book, Averbakh used practical endgames from master games to emphasize what he explained in the last three chapters: Royalty and Pawns, Minor Pieces and Pawns, and Rooks and Pawns. He analyzed where some masters failed to save or win the game.
I highly recommend this book at new or used price. I guarantee your endgame knowledge (same level as mine) will improve.

I refrained from writing a review for this book until I finished it (just two days ago). I am now undecided as to whether I should move on to another book, or simply go through it again! I thoroughly enjoyed reading/playing through this book, and I shall explain why.

This book is small, indeed. However, I should emphasize that it is extremely *dense*. This book has no anecdotes, no analogies, and few sentences that do not directly relate to the discussion of a given endgame position. Some may not like this, but that is fine for them; they are going to miss out on a good book. After reading such an informative book such as this, one can only wish, as I did, that Mr. Averbakh had written more. This, however, would be contrary to his goal of creating a book of "essentinal" knowledge taken from his vast amounts of endgame material. Indeed, along with Alexander Kotov and another gentleman, Mr. Averbakh originally wrote a book titled Shakhmatnye Okonchaniya, available from Amazon as Shakhmatnaya shkola, it seems.

This book is also very compelling with its examples, especially to a beginner such as myself. In fact, I think I developed a certain fascination for the endgame after reading this book. I eagerly anticipate working on endgame puzzles and reading/playing through more volumes on the endgame, which brings me to my next point.

Realistically, I do not think that there is any need to move on to another book! As Mark Dvoretsky advises (and I am sure others do, as well) that one should know relatively few endgame positions, but understand them totally and to be able to execute them expertly. In this manner, and as a beginner, I could follow this advice and stick to this book for some time and not suffer from a lack of endgame knowledge.

Through a small part of the beginning, I played through the varations on my chess board, but after a bit I skipped them in favor of merely acquainting myself with the positions and ideas, since this was my first undertaking of actual endgame theory. (I caught a glimmer of it in various parts of Chessmaster 9000, but nothing as serious as what is in this book.)

From my estimation, all one would need for endgame theory is this book and one more advanced or exhastive book for later study. Highly recommended.

I've earned 2017 fide initial rating without this book, but i was lucky.
Here we have everything a tourneament player MUST know about endings, and something more. As an example you don't have to know how to defeat a computer in a Q vs R ending, so you can avoid that part of the book, in real games it's hard to find an under 2200 player that will play the perfect defense with the Rook. Maybe you don't have to know the B+N mate, I still have never seen a B+N vs K position in my tourneys. Anyway this book give you an EASY way to understand that mate. Thanks to this book now I know how to deliver this mate, the other 2 books i've studied weren't enough.
Here we have a book with just 100 pages that gives you what it promises.

This book attempts to provide a foundation of endgame information for the beginning chess student. After an introduction and a brief discussion about the scope of each piece the book presents five chapters meant to introduce the reader to the basics of endgames. Since there is no "Search Inside" option for this book the table of contents is reproduced here:

1 - MATING THE LONE KING
Mate with a Queen
Mate with a Rook
Mate with Two Bishops
Mate with Bishop and Knight
Mate with Two Knights
2 - VARIOUS PIECES IN COMBAT
Queen versus Rook
Queen versus Minor Piece
Rook versus Knight
Rook versus Bishop
3 - VARIOUS PIECES IN COMBAT WITH A PAWN
Queen versus Pawn
Rook versus Pawn
Minor Piece versus Pawn
4 - QUEENING A PAWN
King and Pawn versus King
King, Minor Piece and Pawn versus King
Knight and Pawn versus Knight
Bishop and Pawn versus Bishop
Bishop and Pawn versus Knight
Knight and Pawn versus Bishop
Rook and Pawn versus Rook
Queen and Pawn versus Queen
5 - PRACTICAL ENDINGS
Pawn Endings
Knight Endings
Bishop Endings
Bishops of the Same Colour
Bishops of Opposite Colours
Endings with Bishop versus Knight
Rook Endings
Queen Endings

One of the best things about this book is that it is the perfect size for digestion in just a few study sessions. For those starting with little or no endgame knowledge this means that at least a basic understanding of endgame concepts is attainable in a reasonably short period of time.

If you are inexperienced with endings, the information in this book is sure to not only increase your confidence at the chessboard but also provide a nice bridge to other more advanced endgame books. After studying this book one could move on to Seirawan's "Winning Chess Endings", which is still aimed at the beginner but contains slightly more in-depth information, or the superb "Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual" by Dvoretsky, which is more suited for the advance player.