Publishers Books

The definition of the word `requiem' is a musical service or hymn in honor of the dead. How fittingly that word rests with the subject matter of this novel. `Requiem for a Dream' is just that, a musical hymn in honor of those crushed and shattered dreams. When reading Selby's phenomenal (and I mean that in the most extreme sense of the word) novel about abolished hope and sheer desperation the reader is forced to face the ugly truth about our horrific society.

You ever read that novel or watch that film that just eats away at the pit of your stomach and pains you to your very core? You ever struggle to turn the page or fight to watch the screen because the onslaught of negativity is picking away at your spirit and bringing you to a dark and lonely place you never wished to visit? That is the feeling experienced when reading (or subsequently watching the Aronofsky film adaptation) this novel.

The novel opens by introducing us to four people. We have Sara, an older Jewish woman who lives for television. The opening scene depicts her son Harry, strung out as usual, stealing her television to pawn it for money in order to get his next hit. Harry also has a girlfriend Marion as well as a best friend Tyrone C. Love. The three of them enjoy a nice taste of heroin every now and again and will do just about anything to get it. Sara dreams of one day being on television, and when she gets to opportunity she grabs it by the horns. She is convinced to lose enough weight to fit into her favorite red dress, the one she wore to Harry's bar mitzvah. This leads her to diet pills which she quickly and dangerously forms an addiction to. Harry and Marion on the other hand begin to develop a plan to buy and sell heroin for a profit, that way they can one day by that little coffee shop and make a life for themselves. This little plan involves Tyrone as well, and as the dope starts pouring in, their idea of a small taste begins to grow until they can't stomach the thought of selling any of it but feel compelled to keep all of it for themselves.

The novel brilliantly portrays the mind of an addict; the `I'll never get that bad, I can stop whenever I want to' mentality that cripples the mind and fortifies the very essence of the domination of the soul. All four of these individuals are taken over and beaten down by the disease that is addiction. There is a scene where Tyrone is arrested and spends some time in the jail cell with an elderly addict, a man who is so far gone Tyrone is disgusted by him. Tyrone is determined never to be that man, never to become that dependant on the taste, but the first thing Tyrone does when he gets out is cop him that taste. He doesn't realize that he is already there.

The novel, like I mentioned, is horribly depressing and utterly frustrating, especially as the novel comes to a close and everything begins to spiral into oblivion. As we watch Sara, Harry, Marion and Tyrone's lives completely fall apart in a gradual yet perpetual tumble towards rock bottom we are left with the bitter taste of pain and misery in the back of our throats. Experiencing Sara's mental deterioration at the hands of the pill; watching Marion degrade herself to escape the sick feeling of withdrawals; seeing Harry cast aside his own well being in order to keep that high; watching Tyrone come to realize he is no better than the men he despises; all of this eats at our very being and transports us to a place unlike any we've ever been.

Like the movie, the novel excels when focusing on the female characters. Sara and Marion are by far the most sympathetic and interesting characters in the novel; with that said they are also the most depressing and utterly devastating to read about. Their final outcome is far from pretty and makes the reader feel helpless and alone; much like these characters.

`Requiem for a Dream' is far from pretty. It is dirty, gritty and at times unbearable; but there is no denying that it is a masterpiece; literature at its finest. Hubert Selby Jr. is a deeply controlled and phenomenally capable writer who understands the appropriate darkness of his subject; an author who takes something so terrible, so bleak and painful and makes it quite frankly one of the most important novels ever penned. In my humble opinion this is the type of novel that should be mandatory reading at any substance abuse rehabilitation center. After reading this grisly novel (and of course watching the equally grisly film) I could never even stomach the idea of drug use. In a world that glamorizes any and everything harmful to the soul, `Requiem for a Dream' stands apart as a very real depiction of all you stand to lose.

If you've seen the film, better fasten your seatbelts. Aronofsky went easy on you. I can't adequately describe what Selby achieved in this novel, or in "Last Exit to Brooklyn". He is capable of describing the most brutal things with apparent (but ONLY apparent) objectivity, but at other times he writes with astonishing delicacy. I can't even think of another writer who can do that half as well as Selby.

If you found the last 20 minutes of the film as horrifying as I did, Selby's account of the fates of Harry, Sara, Marion, and Tyrone will make you want to cry for all of them.

This is not going to be an easy read for a lot of people, but it's a masterwork.

It's just that good.

If you've read "Last Exit to Brooklyn," you'll be familiar with Selby's habit of not using quotation marks when he writes dialogue. But even if this is your first exposure to Selby, you'll figure out who's saying what pretty quickly.

And don't skip Selby's prologue.

As an aside: ELLEN BURSTYN WAS ROBBED! (As Sara in Requiem for a Dream, she really should have gotten an Oscar. I'm just saying.)

Hubert Selby Jr writes with in a way that is astounding. Bringing a story like this so heavily to life, to a point where it completely envelopes and engrossing you, all the while disgusting you is a great fete. I saw the movie, which is great in its own right, but not near comparison to the language of the book. Definitely recommended!

Selby's ability to capture inner monologue is incredible. You not only empathize, but you believe with each one of the characters. You hold on to the dream and it crushes you. Should be read in highschools everywhere.

You need to be ready before you read this book. Upon finishing this little dandy I was physically shaking. I can't think of any other book that has made of shake. The manic style and never ending punch in the face flow of this Hubert Selby Jr. masterpiece will stay with you for the rest of your life. If you saw the movie and so decided to not read the book, you are making a mistake. The book is a totally different experience then the movie. Each is a masterpiece in a completely unique way. It's amazing how real this book is. You will feel insane compassion for the lowest of individuals. You will want to reach out to these amazing characters. I don't know how Hubert Selby Jr. does it. His mind must have been a dark but beautiful and loving realm. If you want to be a book this one will make you its own. Read it.

Save your money. This book contains out dated websites and scant information that is readily available on the internet, and in far more informative detail. The secrets are hardly that, and many one page articles on the internet can give you all the information you need to know.

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

Terry Whalin's BOOK PROPOSALS THAT SELL gives aspiring writers a publishing insider's expertise while maintaining a true empathy for outsiders longing to crack the door to the publishing world. The author's longtime industry experience adds a huge portion of credence to his practical, information-packed tips.

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

Just finished reading BOOK PROPOSALS THAT SELL. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who feels called to write a book. You could have a great book already written, but if you don't know how to sell it to a publisher you've just wasted a lot of time and effort.

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

All considering this book should be aware that it is only for non fiction books. Something not made clear in the advertising, but is revealed by the author in the first page.

My son loves to read books, but this one does not keep his attention. He likes Goodnight Moon, the Boyton Books, and others, but this doesn't keep his interest. I do like that it shows various animals and their noises.

This is one of my favorite books to read to my son. The prose is beautiful, concise, and profound. It's a very subtle book and takes some quiet time to truly appreciate it. The Big Red Barn is a picture of utopia; animals coexisting in peace, playing throughout the day, and then resting at night.

I was given this book as a gift just after my son was born. He is now coming up to three months and this is a book I just love to read to him. I am an animal lover myself and so I like the fact it is based around animals. I think the pictures are great and he is already taking a good look at them. The next step for me will be taking him to see the animals in person but until that happens we will live on the farm through this book. I have found it very pleasant to read as it has a basic rhythm to it, which means I don't mind repeating it which I am sure will help him with his development. I would recommend this book to many!!

I teach a pre-K program and didn't pay attention to the fact that it was a small, chunky book and not one to read during circle time! Gave it away and now have to find it in a bigger size!

The story is so cute and supports interaction and elaboration on every page. There is so much to look at in the pictures you notice something new each time you read it. So sweet. Every child should have this book!

I recently finished my first year at a top tier law school. This book did so much for me. If you are serious about getting good grades in CivPro, I think you should seriously consider this book. It forces you to understand the concepts and work through the rules, which is vital to doing well on exams. Don't stress about exams. This will help you.

This is by far one of the best supplements out there. It really explains everything and illustrates the material with great examples followed by explanations that are clear and concise. I would not recommend taking Civil Procedure without this book.

However, one caveat: this book may not cover all of the material in your Civ Pro class. Off the top of my head, I know it is missing chapters on class actions, Seventh Amendment right to jury trials, and interpleader (though it has impleader and other joinder topics). Despite this minor shortcoming, the material that is contained in this supplement is explained well and illustrated through great examples. Definitely a must have!

This is an essential supplement if you are going to understand this God-forsaken subject. I took off a star because there are some important subjects that are not covered in the book for some reason (For example, there is very little on Rule 24)

This book was very helpful for reviewing each section as we went through them in class. The explanation sections are wonderful and the examples are very helpful for exam prep.

E&E is a great series. I've found many of the books helpful in supplementing law school reading that can be at times difficult to synthesize. However, Freer's supplement on civil procedure is unbeatable.

Law school is about knowing the rule and applying the facts. E&E is great at helping you to know the rule. However, it doesn't help you figure out how to apply the facts, especially in a way pertinent to law school exams. Freer's book is full of examples and frameworks that assure success on your CivPro exam. This is especially true of the frameworks he lays out for analyzing Personal Jurisdiction problems and Erie.

Buy Freer and you'll be happier going into your final.

Book hard to find, received in condtion stated, great pacaging, shipping times as stated. Would purchase from seller again.

I was trying to find a book for my 10 year old granddaughter for Christmas and remembered this book from my childhood. I was very excited I was able to find it for her

I am 48 and read this book when I was much, much younger; however, I never forgot this book. It is probably by far the best book I have ever read (and I have read many). I was very happy to see it in print again. I bought the book (again) to add to my collection.

After reading so many of the reviews I found it funny to see so many written by woman like me who after 30 years re-found this book from their chidhood memory. I have four daughters and of course I have recommended this book to them. I will re-read this book for years to come.
Out of all the books I have read throughout my life, this book still stays in my head. Lisa

It's been decades since I was a young reader at Sevilla Elementary School in Phoenix, entranced with reading as many library books as I could carry home every few days.

Usually, I only checked out each title once. One book, however, kept me coming back for more: "The Velvet Room."

Maybe it was because the heroine in the book had a secret place of her own, something as the middle child among five siblings my world definitely lacked. I'm not sure, though, as it has been many years since I've picked up a copy.

Thanks, Zlipha Keatley Snyder. Your work filled many otherwise blah afternoons with the adventure found only in great children's fiction.

Someday, hopefully soon, I will take another look at the story - this time through the eyes of an adult. Will I still like it? I can't say for sure.

Young people of today, however, likely will. The need for personal space is timeless.

I'd suggest this book as a great gift for any young girl who loves to read.

-- RuthAnn

I was diagnosed with Manic depression/bipolar disorder about 5 years ago. Prior to that it was severe Postpartum depression. I have been on and off medication for 9 years after the death of my mom. Through much prayer and seeking God I was healed of my depression and given joy abundantly, and do not take any medication whatsoever. God must know how much I love books, because only after 4 days of healing me He brought me this book. It was like God was saying "okay your healed, now here is the way to walk in it."

Tommy Newberry's down to earth and gentle approach keeps this a very readable, enjoyable and relaxing book. And, the best part was I didn't have to dig up my past and analyze all of my errors and my sins. No, this book is all about MOVING FORWARD! I rejoiced when Tommy Newberry said in the book "and, I promise you won't have to go into your past to get the answer" I paraphrased.

I have purchased this book for my family, teachers and friends. It is the gift that keeps giving. And, now all of my friends are giving it as gifts!


I am on my 10th time reading this book. And, every single time I read it, I am blessed differently by it. The 4:8 Principle has taught me how to train my mind to think the way God wants me to think. It has changed my life. God will use this book to reveal areas in your thought life that you never even knew existed. The 4:8 Principle has spread like wild-fire through my church, and people's lives are being transformed. Marriages are being transformed.

I have many, many, many books on my bookshelf. Lots of them are self-helps. This is by far the only book that has given me practical answers, and COPING SKILLS!!! And, it is not a self-help book. It is a "let God help you out book." This is not just one of those "power of positive thinking" books. This is faith in action.

Do yourself a favor. Even if you consider yourself a pretty positive person. BUY THE BOOK. You will be surprised and delighted and more blessed than you already think you are. If you are someone like me, who was constantly nursing negative, even destructive thoughts, then RUN to get the book. You won't be sorry!


I love it. And, my life is completely changed.

I read the book in about 2 days and I'm now rereading it. The most interesting part I have found in this book that I haven't seen in others on this subject is the sensible and clear advise and solid answers which Tommy Newberry gives. The 4:8 Principle is a life changing and joy increasing book for me.

I recommend this book to those who want to have more joy in their lives. It is true that it is an inside job and this book has helped in that undertaking. An easy to read book that can lead to good things.

Great book! I've always worked on goals and reading to improve, however, this book provided great clearity and simple steps to follow. Mr. Newberry's concepts are easy to understand and follow, very impactful, and most importantly, can be implemented immediatly! If you are looking to live right in all areas fo your life; business, family and friends, this is a great read!

I have been searching for a way to create Biblical Affrimations for my life. The "4:8 Principal" showed me the path. I am very impressed with the Mr. Newberry's ability to give God the glory and impower me to take action were needed. For the first time in my life I have been able to write a mission statement that has put on paper the glory God would have for my life.

I believe our world is much like that of Babylon pulling us in many directions that feel good. The "4:8 Principle" gave me a way to accept the abundance God has for my life and not compare it to anyone else. I myself am a "Beautiful, wonderful child of God." I started saying this over our children and our four year responded to me with "that's because you and Daddy are beautiful, wonderful parents of God."

The "4:8 Principle" works and has changed our family for ever. Thank you Mr. Newberry for having the courage to write it.

This is a great book. I'm already on my second read, taking my time and making lots of notes. This book help me learn about myself and assisting me in writting my personal mission statement (PMS). I believe that everyone should read this dynamic book. I believe that Tommy Newberry hit a Grand Slam on showing readers on how to identify and write your personal goals and identify why it is so important to develop your own personal mission statement (PMS). This book supports his first book "Sucess is not an Accident. I was at a Tommy Newberry seminar in Denver. Colorado on June 14th and Tommy is a geuine person who wants his readers to succeed in Life. Keep up the good work Tommy!!!!!!!!

I must say this is one of the most light-hearted, hilarious books I have ever read. The story is of a world that one really may not get to see these days.. Go ahead and buy it..

In todays day and age of Steve Erwin and Jeff Corbin who go around hunting for animals, it is easy to forget where it all started. With people like Gerald, and the London zoo. In this book, he collects animals, deals with his demented siblings and his long suffering mother who has to raise four kids and fend off the advances of a really persistent Colonel who gets increasingly vulgar and `grabby' when he drinks. This is a rare story that combines a humorous story with humorous writing and I once caused passengers in a flight to turn around and give me strange looks, so hard was I laughing.

My Family and Other Animals is a bare-bones story in terms of plot. The Durrell family goes to Corfu, lives through what could be termed as a soap opera, and leaves. It's humourous, but not particularly challenging.

However, the older Gerald Durrell utilises vivid vocabulary over and over when describing the setting and people of Corfu. Fifteen-letter words that paint a crystalline picture are used frequently, relieving the never-ending roller coaster that is the life of the Durrells.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining book that will keep you engaged for the week or so that you will spend reading it every spare second you have.

Gerald Durrell was not only a naturalist and a gifted writer about his beloved animals, but a loving brother and son whose descriptions of his family and their foibles will keep you laughing all the way through. This is one of those books which I've reread so many times I've lost count, and which I've given to many friends who needed cheering up. Always works, too!

This book is absolutely, brilliantly funny. The wit and unique characterizations are woven with great descriptions of the animals and plants of Corfu. That Durrell can hold the attention of readers who have no interest in biology simply demonstrates what a fine work this is. Gerald's depiction of a larger-than-life expatriate family on a larger-than-life Greek island is a tremendous celebration of life. The variety of different Greek characters parading through this book rivals the variety of Corfu's flora and fauna. Absolute great read!

This book teaches you how to discover and cherish your value and self-worth, learn what real love looks like, and become the woman God has called you to be! Wonderful book!

I can't say enough great things about this book, and the author! I first read this in a small study group with some other single girlfriends. There are questions in the back, which I think are great for on your own or in a group. She really challenges you to re-think the "rules" of dating. I applied the principles in my life and years later I'm happily married with 2 beautiful children - and wouldn't have wanted to do it any other way. Had I continued down the same destructive dating path I always had (ignoring the principles), I don't think I'd be where I am today. I've given a copy of this book to just about every single girlfriend I have!

I loved this book from beginning to end. I bought it @ barnes and nobles for a great price also. she is and amazing woman and writer.highly recommend for all christian woman who truly love the word of God.

I found this to be a very down to earth book with practical advice. I have begun applying some of Michelle's principles and am finding that they really do work. Recently divorced after 28 years of marriage, I was a little unsure of how to approach dating again. I am now in a new relationship. This handy reference has helped my self assurance and I am using my power much more effectively than I ever would have otherwise. Thanks, Michelle!

I stumbled upon this book and am so glad I did.

The author has an obvious love and passion for Jesus and a desire to tell others about how to be a godly and virtuous woman. Forget "The Rules" - Read and apply the principals outlined in the book and fall in love with the Savior. In a culture that forces one to immediate gratification, this book will inspire and motivate you to pray for your husband to FIND you ("He who finds a wife finds a good thing") while you are pursuing God's plan for your life. In addition to inspiring single women, this book also encourages married women and provides practical advice to becoming an irresistable wife.

The book is easy to read, humorous, points to Jesus, scripturally based and applicable for today. I like the use of scriptural stories which illustrate not only how to be a godly and faith inspired woman, but how the scriptures are truely timeless and relevant. She also starts each chapter with a prayer - beautiful, powerful and authentic prayer - preparing the heart of the reader to greater faith.

I think that this book can be very helpful to any writer that wants to sell his/her book. I am using several of the ideas that I recieved in the book to sell my book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and collectibles. it has increased my sales. Daryle

I've never read a more informative book. It not only points out what you should do to promote, it actually gives you the tools to do it. Both phone numbers and websites that will really help you. It is the first self help book that doesn't tell you what it is going to tell you, IT JUST TELLS YOU. How novel. It will take me weeks to implement all the information, but each step is clearly presented. If you write to sell you need this book as flowers need rain.

The position of a first-time self-published author is not an enviable one; you've already written your manuscript, invested money in typesetting, cover design and an initial print run, you've purchased an ISBN number and your book is in Ingram's database, so it can be ordered in stores. You wait a week, and then another, for book sales to start coming in. Finally, realization begins to set in - just because it is possible for someone to walk into a book store and order your book, it isn't very likely that it will happen, because nobody knows about it.

Marilyn and Tom Ross have written an excellent resource for self-published authors and small publishers who want to get their book sales going, and their techniques are considerate of the budgets that most self-published authors are constrained by.

If you successfully self-publish your book, there are three steps for you to follow:

1. Write a solid, clear and engaging book that people will enjoy reading. Refer to books about clear and effective writing.

2. Work your way through the publishing process. Refer to Dan Poynter's "Self-Publishing Manual".

3. Get the word out about your recently published work - this is exactly what the Marilyn and Tom Ross show you how to do in "Jump-Start Your Book Sales".

In short, if you are a self-published author, are considering self-publishing, are a small publisher, or even if you're a traditionally published author who wants to take a more active role in the promotion of your book (which most publishers will expect you to do anyway), you should read this book.

Danny Iny
Author of "Ordinary Miracles - Harness the power of writing and get your point across!" (ISBN 1-4116-7252-6)

through the self publishing process of my new book. More than a notion, self publishing is very rewarding but extremely time consuming, and SUPER hard work. I thought writing the book was hard. Ha! That was the easy part!!! Thank goodness I bought this book, as its given me many great ideas for marketing and promotion. It's wonderful to have written the best book in the world, but it doesn't mean anything if no one knows about it! Thanks Marilyn!!!!

Do you know when you should start marketing your book? Marilyn Ross does, and in "Jump Start Your Book Sales" she reveals the answer. (Hint: It's before you start writing it!)

Before, during, and after -- in fact. Regardless of where you are in the writing and publishing process, book marketing should be at the forefront of your thinking. Is your book even marketable? What is the market? What length of book are those people used to buying? Why would they buy yours instead of (or in addition to) all the other similar books on the market? What will differentiate yours? These are the kind of questions you should be asking yourself even before you put pen to paper, or fingers to keys, as the case may be.

These strategic concepts are the bread and butter of the pages comprising "Jump Start." Don't be surprised if you find meat in the middle that you can really sink your teeth into. This isn't another rehash of duplicative information available for free from countless websites. This is the real deal, written by the co-founder of the Small Publishers Association of North America. Highly recommended reading before you start writing, before you start publishing, and after you think you've marketed it all. - Brent Sampson, author of Self-Publishing Simplified

The book IS great, you can read about its value in every other review on this site. I will not repeat them, instead I will tell about the little "but..": most of "healthy" or "non-pathological" relationships we support is not of the bipolar model of the offender and the offended one. Usually we use some forms of lightweight blackmail in one place where receive it in another: it is very hard to draw a distinct rule between asking and manipulating, and the more we need/want/desire something from the partner the blurrier is the border. And unfortunately you will find anything but help in "double blackmail", "crossfire", where BOTH sides of the story can read the book and find that they are the victims. The only hope is that they both get smarter with reading the book and start talking to each other. Which is very likely, as the book IS great indeed ;)

This Book is great on its own. The transaction was easy and the book came as described.

This an amazing look into the reality of emotional abuse. As a therapist I have been recommending this book to my clients. Watch out for an eye opening read!

I felt this book provided an eyeopening perspective on how we are manipulated by others and in fact may manipulate others. I think it helped me to gain perspective and move forward as I have emerged from an abusive marrige.

I myself am currently in the FOG that she describes in this and it has hit home very well and helping me redeem myself. She's VERY good at explaining and assisting. Sometimes I feel she's right there. Very informative about the different types of emotional blackmailers. I'm not done reading, but have gotten 3/4 of the way and I am so happy I bought this book. It caught my eye one day browsing through the bookstore, never bought it out of fear probably. My friend coaxed me into buying it and I'm glad I did. If anything, it will bring confidence and give you some sort of support while trying to figure out what is going on. Put you in the right direction so you can be free and clear! Basically, this book is AWESOME, INFORMATIVE, and a must read for current victims of emotional blackmail.