K Reviews

Mr Right (Mega Mini)

Published in Paperback by Running Press Miniature Editions (2002-12-30)

Author: Salmansohn K

List price: $8.95

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Average review score:

He's the life of the party!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-22

I purchased Mr. Right When You Need Him as a gift for a close friend with a very bad track record in romance.

She was recovering from her latest broken heart, and this gave her (and every other person there) a great laugh.

Get one today for yourself! It's so much cheaper than therapy!

laugh out loud funny and fun!!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-06

Great gift! (Although you'll probably wind up wanting to buy one for yourself too!) I saw it first at a bridal shower...then started buying them as gifts for all my friends...and yes, one for myself!

Karen Salmansohn is the best

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-03

Karen Salmansohn is the best -- I love her books !! What a great combination of humor (comic relief) and penetrating insight into contemporary life. This one is for those times when you'd rather laugh than cry. And don't miss her new one about doing absolutely nothing as a way of changing -- improving your life. She just keeps hitting the target in the right creative key in her wonderful series of books.

Great gift !

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-27

Mr Right when you need him is the perfect gift for any woman, single or married. The doll has 4 or 5 phrases that will instantly make this a gift that will be passed around from person to person. However, I must warn you that too much use causes difficulty in squeezing the doll (It was a little too popular with my friends!) The book is light hearted and a fun read. Highly recommend as a gift!!

The Good Life

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-12

This is a very nice book and doll package containing 'a sweet-talking man-doll and 64-page owner's manual with helpful tips on use and care.' Author Karen Salmansohn is superb. In part of West Africa, people have carved statuettes of their "spirit spouses" -- here is a good contemporary American version. Highly recommended.

Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing, and Computation

Published in Hardcover by John Wiley & Sons (1992-10-09)

Author: K. Eric Drexler

List price: $59.99

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Average review score:

An astonishing tour de force.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-16

It is rare to see an entire new field of study arise in science and engineering. It is even rarer to see it explored so lucidly by a single mind. "Nanosystems" is an astonishing tour de force.

This book is not light weight. It is not going to be readable for people who do not already have a substantial background in the sciences. It is an in depth and extremely careful analysis of the possibility of the creation of molecular machines and the fundamental physical limits that technology faces. The pages are packed with well described calculations and everything is fully footnoted and referenced.

Some people have criticized Drexler's vision, but is rare that the critics have actually read his work. In almost every case, he has already anticipated and discussed their objections in extraordinary detail. It is, in fact, amazing to see all the problems he has anticipated and analyzed, in depth and with great care.

If you are serious about your interest in nanotechnology, you must read this book. It will take you quite some time, but the information you will gain is invaluable, and much of it is available nowhere else.

My only criticism is that it is long past time for a new edition -- much has been learned in the last 15 years and it would be valuable to have it all collected in one place.

Good book

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-19

I think that this book clarifies all the aspects concerning Nanosystems, wrote by Mr. Nanotechnology: what is, how it is viewed, its possibilities.

I recommend for every one that wanna go inside the nanosystem's world.

A rare Fifth Star simply for its place in history.

Helpful Votes: 55 out of 57 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-22

Finally we may play with the "building blocks of matter" we've been hearing so much about. Here is an instruction manual, detailing the Elements, and their Interactions, while at the same time suggesting possible Design Models for construcion.

Curious about the subject?
Start with Drexler's Engines of Creation, instead. Maybe some other collections of theoretical applications to whet your appetite. Come back to this when you begin to see a bigger picture.

Know some, want to know more?
Definately read. But be warned, it is quite techincal when it is not being necessarily vague. This is a halmark. The basis of this book was Drexler's thesis for his doctorate in Molecular Nanotechnology, the first awarded (MIT 1991, I believe).

Serious about the topic?
You already have access to a copy...or should.

You might very well be able to download significant portions from Foresight's website (it's an org.anization, not a com.mercial); but I would suggest supporting them with at least the price of the book. They seem to be committed to developing this Potential responsibly.

Excellent Resource for Molecular Nanotechnology

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-02

This book is highly technical and assumes the reader's familiarity with physics, chemistry and the like. It was worth studying. I highly recommend everyone reading this book as the subject matter is inspiring. This book describes the inner mechanics of our (hopefully not too distant) future.

Thank You

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 28 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-19

Dr. Drexler, I carefully studied your book for the first time in February 2000. I studied it once again in August. I now frequently refer to the notes I have made in my copy of your book.

Your book is an excellent guide. Thank you for inviting me to the field of nanotechnology.

Sincerely,

Kenneth L. Buckingham, Founder Tiny Technology, Inc.

Nerveaudio Cassettes

Published in Audio Cassette by G K Hall Audio Books (1987-05)

Author: Dick Francis

List price: $53.95

Average review score:

Early Dick Francis

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-07

This book is responsible for my love of Dick Francis. The story of an up and coming jockey who finds himself in a slump, who is responsible and how he gets himself out of it is riveting.
He writes beautifully and gives such good characterizations that his books are a delight to read.

One of Dick Francis' Best

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-15

This book starts with a bang and never lets up. Dick Francis' novels are admittedly formulaic, but it's a winning formula for sure. The ending is a bit unrealistic, but so what? In life there's a time for being serious and a time for losing yourself in an exciting story with an interesting main character.

Exciting!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-30

This is the second book that I've read of Dick Francis's (currently reading "Blood Sport"). The plot seems to be shorter than Francis's other novels, but still enjoyable nonetheless.
Story tells about a beginner jockey who takes advantage of a chance to race on a good horse. That chance takes him to the winners' circle. However, all this success is envied by some of those around him, that cause him to suffer loss after loss. The jockey starts an investigation that leads him to learn of his enemies. The hero's character is explained piece by piece as the story unfolds and becomes more interesting, especially with his love for his cousin.
Whether you're a horse-race fan, or not (like me), you'll still enjoy this novel. The ending is missing a bit of closure, in my opinion, but still has style and reveals more of the jockey's character.

Yet again, another masterful book by Francis.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-13

This is one of Francis' very first books. Written in the early 1960's and set in England, 'Nerve' concerns the exploits of a young and aspiring top steeple-chase jockey. If you haven't read Francis before, you are in for a very nice and enjoyable low-key thriller. Its hard to point to another author and say that Dick Francis is like him or her, because his work is so unlike other writers. Every one of Francis' books has pretty much the same plot outline, but in a strange way, this is not at all bothersome. One reads a Francis book to enjoy the characters and the inordinant amount of plot laden tension that is somehow packed into such a mild mannered little book.

Every time I pick up one of Francis' books I think of the Jean Cocteau movie from the early 50's I think called Orphius. Its based on the old greek myth where some guy goes to hade's (the ancient greek underworld) to rescue his wife who was stolen from him by a god. He gains her freedom on the condition that he not look at her on the way back until they are out of Hade's. Only at the very last step, he does turn around and she is turned into a pillar of salt or something like that... Anyways, in Cocteaus version of the myth, he has the main characters cast as poets, and they drive around the French country side being flocked by admiring fans and lovely young women. The poets there are the rock stars of that fictional society. Well, Francis creates a world very similar to that with his horse racing books, where the entire country of England revolves around the going ons of different aspects of racing.

One interesting aspect of this book, discussed by other readers in this review forum, is that of the human condition known as 'Nerve.' Rob Finn is made to look as though he has lost it over the opening chapters of the book and the mystery revolves around why this was done and exactly who is behind it.

I would highly reccomend this story to anyone... Its a short novel that has with held the test of time though it is entering its fifth decade since publication. It's not the greatest mystery ever written if only because Francis never really took a risk as an author. But this is also one of Francis' very best efforts and will entertain you in a mild mannered way.

Rob Finn - one of my favorite Francis protagonists!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-13

Dick Francis has written so many bestselling mysteries, it's mindboggling. He excels in crafting enormously engaging, civilized whodunits, which go down smooth as cognac. Mr. Francis has a habit of introducing elements from the racing world into his novels (for those not in the know, Francis used to be a jockey). Yes, it's true that his heroes all come from the same mold and the stories do contain certain formulaic elements, but I think Francis's magic lies in the humanity and empathic nature with which he cloaks his protagonists. His heroes are all too human, all too flawed, and uniformly unassuming and Britishly reserved. Yet, without exception, they all have unexpected pluck, hidden strength, and the inner fortitude to do the right thing. In four decades, Mr. Francis has written some of my favorite mysteries: Forfeit, Rat Race, Reflex, Hot Money, The Edge, The Danger, Decider, and To the Hilt. And then there's Nerve.

Nerve holds a special place in my heart. I first stumbled across Dick Francis's mystery books years ago when I was a kid thumbing thru a Reader's Digest book. That book contained a condensed version of Nerve, which I went thru in a flash. As soon as I could, I went to the public library and borrowed the full-length version and tore thru that one, too. Since then, I've read everything that Dick Francis has ever written and I've enjoyed every one tremendously (even his anthology Field of Thirteen), but, thru the years, I've come back again and again to Nerve and its charismatic hero Rob Finn. It's just such a darn good story.

Nerve, published in 1964, was only Francis's third novel at the time. Yet, even back then, he had what it took to tell a captivating, suspenseful story. The quick plot breakdown of Nerve: Rob Finn has started to make a name for himself as a jockey when he is kidnapped, tortured, and left for dead. Torn up and bleeding, he manages to escape and get help. He then coldly plans his revenge on the bloke what did him wrong. Sounds like a simple plot, but Francis uses his narrative skills to lure the reader into following Rob Finn as he attempts to get back at his disturbed tormentor. It's gripping stuff. Francis's detailed breakdowns of Finn's pain-filled efforts to get back to racing form so soon after he was tortured will make you cringe, as you wholeheartedly pull for the fella. Our hero is very human, vulnerable, and very relatable. Yet, Francis is talented enough as a writer that, by the end of the book, you'll feel some sympathy towards the dastardly villain. And, as an added bonus, Francis throws in one of those unrequited love subplots, as Finn, who has been eternally in love with his beautiful, talented cousin, Joanna, bittersweetly continues to carry his torch. Joanna, alas, does not reciprocate.

I don't know how Dick Francis does it. I'm not into horses or horse racing. Yet, his books never get old for me, and the horse racing elements actually become interesting stuff. I really, really believe Dick Francis's gift, when it gets boiled to its essence, is how well he's able to make the reader relate to his lead character. Every one of 'em is immensely rootable. Before I read Nerve, I mostly read fantasy and sci-fi novels. Nerve introduced me to the world of mystery novels. So, for that reason and also because it's a crackling good tale, Nerve will always be one of my favorites.

Also, glad to hear that Dick Francis has a new book (Under Orders, starring Sid Halley) coming out in a few weeks. I cannot wait.

Never sniff a gift fish

Published in Hardcover by G.K. Hall (1984)

Author: Patrick F McManus

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Used price: $8.41

Average review score:

Never Sniff a Gift Fish

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-31

This man is a genius, as much as for what he leaves you to imagine as for what he writes. Great entertainment.

No Comparisons This Time

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-12

This is the second collection of stories by Patrick F. McManus that I have read, and while he is compared to many notable names on the jacket, and I compared him to other humorists I like the first time I read his work, he deserves to stand on his own. It is not an issue of his being as good, nearly as good, or better than another humorist. He is unique and very special, Mr. McManus is an original.

I think the title of this collection, "Never Sniff A Gift Fish", is unfortunate for no such activity takes place within the book. Not unlike the dozens of stories on hunting and fishing, all he generally brings back from an outing is new humor; he apparently catches and shoots virtually nothing. As I mentioned after reading his first book, his friends will stop by and ask that he not even think about whatever it is they are off to hunt or fish while they are off doing it. He has said he is so bad entire states have banned him, as he can single handedly destroy tourism for a state, and no one will lend him small motorized machines as he invariably causes them to cease to function.

This collection is much earlier than the first that I read, and the stories contain wonderful bits about his childhood, and also as a new husband and a father. These are great stories, many that include his young family and virtually everyone is G-rated, place them on film and they would probably be made by Disney. This is great reading, great fun and wonderful humor totally lacking in pretense or show. If this man records his stories on tape I might break a rule that has never been broken, that of listening to an author as opposed to reading his book. And I don't hunt or fish, neither activity is necessary to enjoy these tales as they are about human behavior, his humans are just generally outside.

The Great Outdoorsman's Guide To Success

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-08

NEVER SNIFF A GIFT FISH
By: Patrick F. McManus

Have you ever heard of a great outdoorsman? You know, the one whose fly-casting technique can be compared to an old lady fighting off a bee with a broom handle. Or maybe the one whose attempts to pitch the family tent terrorized entire campgrounds. Well, for those of you who haven't heard of him, this book, will give you a little insight into the life of the great outdoorsman. Never Sniff A Gift Fish, is a great source for those useful camping phrases. Here are some of them.

Corn Flakes: A common camp food. Often eaten dry with salt and pepper since no one thought to bring milk.

Camping manuals: Books filled with ingenious camping tips which are forgotten the instant the camper sets foot in the field. "I read about a way to cook a chicken with a camera lens and a wire clothes hanger, but I can't remember how," he says. "Better just fry it."

Downwind: Whichever side of the campfire you happen to be on.
And who could forget "When hell freezes over": An expression used by wives and mothers to indicate the next time you'll get them to go on another camping trip.

This book is a hilarious combination of philosophy and fishing, all rolled into one. I loved the book, and I would definitely recommend this book to any outdoorsman, great or not, that has a sense of humor and a sense of what the author is going through.

Addicting!!!!

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-13

Never Look a Gift Fish was my introduction to the wonderful world of Patrick F. McManus. Each story had me remembering similar incidents in my life, only mine were not near as entertaining.

While listening to these tapes during a cross-state drive to a football game, I caught myself driving slower as I approached my destination because I did not want to have to wait until the return trip to continue listening.

It is ironic that many of his stories are based on fishing because I, for one, am HOOKED!!

so good you can't describe it

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-20

i first theses books when i was ten years old and i haven't stopped yet.. we only have four books but i intend to get more of the books.. they are funny.. i like the one where he goes hunting on his bicycle and gets the deer stuck on the pedals.

One Was Annie

Published in Paperback by PublishAmerica (2006-01-09)

Author: Lora K. Reiter

List price: $29.95

New price: $22.95
Used price: $13.90
Collectible price: $24.95

Average review score:

This One was Amazed

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-02

I started reading this book with much trepidation as I knew the author at Ottawa University. However I quickly forgot about that connection as I was drawn into the story. For me, the beginning was fascinating. I loved the rich background "gossip" of William's character. I also enjoyed the arduous journey that eventually brought them to Brittsville (very loosely based on Simpson), Kansas. (My father was a pastor of the Simpson Church for over 2 decades so I know the area.) The author succeeded in showing me how a person could choose to stay in an abusive relationship and all that involves. Dealing with good lovers/bad husbands, poverty and loneliness, Annie perserves and I fell in love with her character. I would like to know how much of the epilogue is factual. In conclusion, this was a really delightful book and I've already promised to share it with my cousin. (And I agree- it would make a great Hallmark-type movie)

A feast for the senses

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-12

I love the images conjured up in this book! Being from Kansas myself, it was particularly gratifiying to see our habitat described with such beauty and a sense of the awesome vastness of our terrain. The people in this book are real and it was good to come to know them over a lifetime. This book was very satisfying on many levels and I I enjoyed every hour I spent with it, reluctant to leave it.

Absorbing Reading

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-28

A co-worker, who happens to be a friend and Lora Reiter's niece, gave me One Was Annie to read while on a recent vacation. I was caught after the first chapter, and I continued to read whether I was a passenger in the car, the only person awake in our camper, or while the family was fishing. I was amazed by the vivid descriptions of nature and the landscape of the Kansas prairie as well as the detailed development of the characters. Upon finishing the book, I found myself going back and re-reading sections. Now my only question to Lora is "When will you write a sequel so I know what continued to happen with Edward and Sissie's families and more about Emily's involvement with the right to vote issues?" Thank you Lora for the autographed copy. I will treasure it.

Such a good book.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-14

This story reached in and touched that part of me that is strong, human, Annie. Annie demonstrtates time after time that somewhere inside there is bravery enough, not merely to survive during the post civil war, but to pull herself through the pain of a tormented marriage, face life alone, and to remain kind and loving. She teaches her children and future generations of her family dignity and love. Annie comes out whole. She has great courage and serenity. I admire her.

Annie/Reiter loves nature and is part of it, not seperate from it. I am particularly fond of the images she creates when Annie cares for the family animals in a tough winter and of Annie's observations of nature. I want a crow!

From the beginning...

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-18

Three of us who went to college with Lora Reiter have had the honor and privilege of hearing "One Was Annie" from its beginnings. We get together each summer to renew our friendship; about ten years ago Lora began reading us excerpts from her novel about Annie...and we became hooked!!! It was hard to wait til the next summer to find out more about Annie and her family, her exploits, etc. She became alive for us, as she certainly will for anyone who reads about her. Lora's characters are beautifully drawn, and the settings--from Tennessee through the boat trip north and across Kansas--make that period in the late 19th century real and vivid in our imaginations. Readers will fall in love with Annie and, perhaps, even Will! There are moments of great hilarity, as well as tears and a lump in the throat. This book is hard to put down; luckily, readers no longer have to wait til the "next summer" to find what happens next!! You will be glad that Annie was in this world, even in our imaginations, and that Lora Reiter is very much in this world!! Let's hope for another novel!!!

The Orchid Hunter (Silhouette Bombshell)

Published in Mass Market Paperback by Silhouette (2005-03-01)

Author: Sandra K. Moore

List price: $4.50

New price: $6.99
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

More Suspense than Romance

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-17

With all the 5-star reviews, I truly struggled to get through the first 100 pages of the story. I found the Hero very off-putting in the begining and unattractive. I tend to prefer being attracted to the Hero, but that's just me. However, after the initial 100 page plow, I was pleasantly surprised by a terrific, well thought out story of suspense and sweet romance. By the mid point the author had won me over and I was not putting the book down until I'd finished. All in all, it was a great read.

Originally Posted on Romance Junkies in 2005

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-13

THE ORCHID HUNTER manages to capture the essence of the Silhouette Bombshell line about as well as I've ever seen. A highly charged action-adventure tale with a romantic subplot, Ms. Moore has managed to interweave a ton of separate plot elements into a book that is destined to become a feature on your keeper shelf.

For Jessica Robards, keeping her client supplied with the rarest flowers found the world over is a job that takes dedication, skill, and an unerring sense of survival. Linus von Brutten III expects nothing but success from his employee, and Jessie refuses to fail. This time, however, the job is personal. Von Brutten has promised to save her dying uncle if she brings back him the Death orchid. How her employer knew that her uncle, a honky-tonk owner who suffered horribly from a pharmaceutical research experiment, is dying, and how to cure him, is a question that Jessie can't afford to analyze too closely.

She sets out for rainforests of Brazil, and is immediately faced with trouble on all sides. Local tribes who simply want her to leave them in peace, tough-guy CIA agents with unknown agendas, and even fellow rivals looking for the same Death orchid all hope to watch Jessica fail. But then, she meets Rick Kincaid, an entomologist studying a moth who just so happens to pollinate the same flower she's hunting for.

THE ORCHID HUNTER is wonderfully interspersed with detailed accounts of the landscapes that Jessie and Rick wander through, rich tellings of the rainforest and its inhabitants, and details about flowers that I honestly had never even heard of before. Between the kick-butt action, the steamy attraction between Jessica and Rick, and the bad guys hot on their trail, THE ORCHID HUNTER is Bombshell at its best.

I loved this book!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-26

I like books with srong women and this book did not disappoint!! Dr. Jessie Robards has dedicated her life to tracking down the world's rarest flowers. If you think this is boring it's not she goes to faraway places, she has to always be ahead of Lawrence Daley, her one serious rival,& she cannot be caught with the flowers (it's against the law). This time she has to find the Death Orchid not only for her employer but also because she was told it would save her dying uncle. To me this book reminded me of Lara croft. Instead of going after artifacts the character went after rare, highly prized flowers. It was more of a adventure story to me with a little bit of romance. Loved it!! Loved the character Jessie Robards she is sassy, independant, strong.

pleasant surprise

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-25

I held off purchasing this book because I thought it ventured into the paranormal, but I was wrong! This turned out to be a great read and I loved every minute of it! When I finished it, I was tempted to go back and read the first half again. This is a definte keeper, one that I will certainly read again. I really loved the male lead! I can't wait to read her upcoming books.

Too bad we can't give 10 stars . . .

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-09

Sandra warned me when I told her I'd bought a copy of THE ORCHID HUNTER that I might not like it because it wasn't the type of book I normally read. Let's see . . .
1) it has a terrific heroine
2) it's laugh out loud funny at times
3) it's packed with edge of your seat adventure
4) it has fantastic descriptions of the Amazon
5) it's tightly plotted
6) the writing is superb
7) and it has a satisfying love story and some really sweet and touching moments

So what's not to like? In fact, I absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to many more by this talented new author. Bravo! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Over my dead body

Published in Unknown Binding by G.K. Hall (1982)

Author: Rex Stout

List price:

Used price: $7.20

Average review score:

Confound it, another great Wolfe novel

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-03

Over My Dead Body is the seventh in the Nero Wolfe series. A young lady claiming to be Wolfe's adopted daughter from Yugoslavia asks for his help with a charge of stealing diamonds but this quickly evolves into a situation where she is suspected of murder. The case frustrates Wolfe no end, it gets more complicated all the while, but of course he manages to uncover the solution by the end of the story.

This book is a prime example of a Nero Wolfe novel. Archie Goodwin is in top form as a wise cracking pain-in-the-neck. Inspector Cramer is present more than a lot of stories giving Goodwin plenty of opportunities for zingers besides the ones he routinely fires at Wolfe. Wolfe himself is definitely out of his comfort zone dealing with the situation of his adopted daughter and this also adds to the potential for laughs.

This is a very entertaining book and I would recommend it for readers unfamiliar with Nero Wolfe as a great place to start or for established fans.

We Meet Wolfe's Daughter

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-10

In this Nero Wolfe mystery-one of the earlier episodes-we encounter Wolfe's adopted daughter, who is in a bit of a fix. Wolfe comes to the rescue and along the way, shares little glimpses into his past: his tumultuous youth in Europe; the origins of his suspicion of all women; how he came to adopt a child. In this book, probably more than any other in Rex Stout's series, do we see the effect that women-especially those from the former nation of Yugoslavia-have upon Wolfe's psyche. It's a good read-a good mystery with a great plot-like pretty much all of Stout's works.

First rate Nero Wolfe

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-02

This book hits on all cylinders. The plot is excellent, intricate but clear. The characters are well drawn. The atmosphere, New York on the eve of World War II, is almost palpable. The dialogue is perfect. I'm at a loss as to what else to say about the book except, "Read it."

A Britsh undercover agent is murdered at a Manhattan fencing school, skewered by an epee with a gizmo attached that turns it into a weapon sans blunt end. Yugoslav women who are instructors there are possible suspects, one of whom is Nero Wolfe's adopted daughter from his days as an ill advised Austrian agent in the Balkans, pre World War, before we started numbering them. This alone is a startling revelation about Wolfe. Wolfe slender? Youthful? Abroad, outside, involved with people? I was astonished.

As usual, the beer drinking, orchid collecting, erudite, corpulent food lover Nero Wolfe declines, under any circumstances, to leave his brownstone abode with a greenhouse rooftop for his rare flowers. Using Archie, his assistant, as legs, Wolfe solves the baffling case. I knew he would. He's solved all the other mysteries in the Nero Wolfe books I've read.

Mystery fans who have not read mysteries from the golden age (pre-1950) do not know what they are missing. There is no sex to lure the lascivious reader, very little violence, no profanity. What there is (and this book is an excellent example of the sub-genre) is intelligence.
That's a rare commodity in most modern mysteries.

Hvale Bogu!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-08

This is, at once, one of the best books in the series and one which translated brilliantly to TV on the A&E series.

Rex Stout decides to deal us a little shock in this one: Nero Wolfe, woman-hater, has a daughter he's not seen since she was a baby. She comes from Yugoslavia to New York, unknown to her pops, and gets into a real tight spot involving murder by "coldymort."

When Archie learns this, he considers resigning on the basis of his boss's morals. You just have to read this one to find out.

Or, again, buy the A&E series - they did a great job here.

Classic Nero Wolfe

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-14

Having read just about all of the Nero Wolfe series, I have to say, this one contains all of the elements that make Rex Stout's detective novels wildly entertaining, without most of the elements that make some of them maddening

In this mystery, the utterly unswashbuckling Wolfe is revealed, in his younger, svelter days, to have been quite a romantic. Not only did he fight on the anti-Imperial side in Montenegro during the Great War, but he adopted and may even have actually sired a young girl.

To his shock, this young Yugoslav maiden--whom he had lost track of--reappears in his life, up to her neck in a particularly messy, intricate affair that may or may not include missing diamonds, a dead body or two, international intrigue, and a bellboy's uniform. For all of the peeks into Wolfe's previously unsuspected soul, he remains as crumudgeonly and as immovable as ever. Archie Goodwin, of course, remains the wisecracking, milk-drinking sidekick, flirting with anything in a skirt and even giving a Nazi agent a black eye just for the fun of it.

The joy of these books is their marriage of the American gumshoe attitude and the British cozy focus on character. Where they generally fall short is their plotting. This entry in the series is, without a doubt, the most successfully rounded out of the lot. Stout manages to keep the mystery truly mysterious, and yet never manages to confuse the reader so thoroughly that s/he can't find the exit. The plot actually ends on the last page--many of the Nero Wolfe mysteries fizzle out, wrapping up a chapter or two before the end, leaving nothing but rumination and grumbling for the final pages. Others seem never quite to wrap up all the loose ends. Here, the conclusion is both inevitable and unexpected--utterly satisfying.

Reaching for the Sky: Childhood Recollections of War and Peace

Published in Hardcover by iUniverse (2003-10-31)

Author: Matina K. Psyhogeos

List price: $23.95

New price: $22.95
Used price: $2.67

Average review score:

Bestseller for sure!!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-27

Narrating the dreadful events from the vantage point of a child and making them sound so incredibly interesting it's a feat by itself. The author had my attention immediately and made me yearn for more. I had to finish it all in one reading and yet I did not want it to end. All the stories are superb.
I wish people in power,along with those who get satisfaction in creating turmoil through wars, would wake up and find other means of peaceful coexistence!!!.Ms. Psyhogeos, presents her case eloquently and kudos are in order!!!

A glimpse of a forgotten world through the eyes of a child.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-15

This was a book I could not put down once I had taken it up. The author's childhood memories provide a valuable historical insight into conditions in rural Greece during the horrors of the Second World War and the subsequent Civil War. The author captures perfectly the limited range but vivid experience of childhood.
Most memorable are the moving pen portraits of unforgettable characters: such as the tragic "Lady in Black", of whom it was said that "The history of a nation is written on her face", and the sadistic former collaborator "Mister John", who dominated a small town during the Civil War, and killed the poor and unfortunate at a whim for his own amusement.
It is not surprising that the author, who emigrated to the USA from such a background, found her new home a land of freedom and opportunity. Yet it is disappointing that she never drew any conclusions from the fact that the likes of "Mister John" were sustained in their authority by the US Embassy, which exercised effective control over Greece at the time, and which ran concentration camps every bit as brutal as those of the Nazis, and which governed the country through former Nazi collaborators such as "Mister John"; and all in the name of preserving freedom and democracy.
Still - this was not written as a history book. As a collection of childhood reminiscences it is unbeatable.

A FANTASTIC BOOK

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-16

I'm in Greece for the Olympics and going by a book exhibit I purchased this book because I liked the title and I thought it will make a pleasant read while going from one event to the next.I was thrilled by it and I couldn't wait to get into a computer and write this. What a fantastic story!! How beautifully one expresses recollections of childhood.I doubt that I would've liked to have had the sad experiences the author narrates of her childhood, nonetheless, I would've loved to have had the talent to write such a poignant book.I will recommend it to all my friends, it is a story that should be read...Wish I could write more about it but I have to go to my next event which is Basketball. READ PLEASE : REACHING FOR THE SKY: CHILDHOOD RECOLLECTIONS OF WAR AND PEACE, I can guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy it!!

The best book I've read this year!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-09

Indeed it is the best book I've read this year and I read a lot. I was given the book as a birthday gift by a friend and I thank her for her wonderful taste. I've read it on a flight to Brussels and I could not put it down. The emotions the author expressed throughtout the book kept me captivated. It is difficult to choose few of the short intertwined stories (they'are all of high interest), but if I have to pick only two I will opt for the one on "first love" and the other on "Dick" the author's dog. Well, I cannot say enough for this exceptional story, the sentiments of a little girl towards war and its results is a cry for PEACE and BROTHERHOOD, the ruined dreams and lost childhood innocence, touch deeply the heart. I loved it! I wish there were many books like this. Beutifully narrated, eloquently expressed! Congratulations to the author and many thanks Anne for making my birthday and travel so pleasant!!!

Promise of book unfulfilled

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-24

I wanted to love this book but I couldn't. The author is obviously intelligent, well educated, and a perfectly fine writer (technically speaking), but for me, she lacks the ability to convey the full depth of wisdom and understanding that these rich experiences must have imprinted on her. The book is a series of short stories that, while interesting, did not truly touch my heart. Given the great breadth and depth of material Ms. Psyhogeos had to work with, I feel she could have done much better.

Real Ponies Don't Go Oink! (G K Hall Large Print Book Series)

Published in Hardcover by G K Hall & Co (1992-04)

Author: Patrick F. McManus

List price: $18.95

Used price: $1.83

Average review score:

Outdoor Humor

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-26

This is another great book from Pat McManus, he was the only reason I used to read Outdoor Life. Pat's ability to take outdoor situations and put a clever dry twist to them is the best.

This is a great book.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-03

Real Ponies Dont Go Oink by Patrick F. Mcmanus is about a whole bunch of outdoor humor stories. He tells about different things that happend in his life but he uses other peoples names. The humor that Patrick Mckmanus puts into the stories makes the book hilarious. Patrick Mckmanus not only showed that he could write a funny book, but it was also easy to read. His style in the book would like you're seeing it from different angles. One minuite it feels like you are in the book , the next minuite it feels like you're watching other people. Patrick Mckmanus went from funnny to hilarious. Overall, this book was the funniest book I have ever read. I highly recomend that you take the time to read this book and enjoy it. It will make you lagh untill you cry.

This is a great book.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-03

Real Ponies Dont Go Oink by Patrick F. Mcmanus is about a whole bunch of outdoor humor stories. He tells about different things that happend in his life but he uses other peoples names. The humor that Patrick Mckmanus puts into the stories makes the book hilarious. Patrick Mckmanus not only showed that he could write a funny book, but it was also easy to read. His style in the book would like you're seeing it from different angles. One minuite it feels like you are in the book , the next minuite it feels like you're watching other people. Patrick Mckmanus went from funnny to hilarious. Overall, this book was the funniest book I have ever read. I highly recomend that you take the time to read this book and enjoy it. It will make you lagh untill you cry.

This is a great book.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-03

Real Ponies Dont Go Oink by Patrick F. Mcmanus is about a whole bunch of outdoor humor stories. He tells about different things that happend in his life but he uses other peoples names. The humor that Patrick Mckmanus puts into the stories makes the book hilarious. Patrick Mckmanus not only showed that he could write a funny book, but it was also easy to read. His style in the book would like you're seeing it from different angles. One minuite it feels like you are in the book , the next minuite it feels like you're watching other people. Patrick Mckmanus went from funnny to hilarious. Overall, this book was the funniest book I have ever read. I highly recomend that you take the time to read this book and enjoy it. It will make you lagh untill you cry.

Laugh LOUD out loud

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-23

Wow!!! This is the funniest book I have ever read. The way McManus writes is so unique, subtle humor along with out right hiariousness (if that's a word). Both men and women, country and city will enjoy this outdoor humor. I liked the fact that it was a bunch of short stories that you could read like a novel. It had the same main characters so you didn't have to always learn new people, but you could set the book down for days(if you could last that long)and not get confused. This is my first book of his and I cant wait to read more.

Reinforced Concrete: Mechanics and Design (4th Edition) (Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics)

Published in Hardcover by Prentice Hall (2004-12-26)

Authors: James G. MacGregor and James K. Wight

List price: $160.00

New price: $37.17
Used price: $21.88

Average review score:

A Great Reinforced Concrete Design Book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-02

This is my favorite Concrete design book of all time. It is my first reference to anything regarding design. It is an excellent reference for students and engineers as well. I used it a lot for my graduate classes and I always use it in my office. Highly recommended!!

excelent

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-19

I receipt the book very quikly and in excelent conditios of use, as a new book.

It is good!!!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-28

Reinforced Concrete: Mechanics and Design (4th Edition) (Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics)

I think this book is very good quality, and shipping is not bad...

Great as usual

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-16

I have the 2nd edition of this book which I loved. This edition is excellent and is easily the best text on Reinforced Concrete there is anywhere.

Reinforced Concrete : Mechanics and Design (4th Edition)

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-15

This book is the best for those who want a deeper understanding of reinforced concrete design.Since the author presents a step by step way to introduce the concepts,the reader is able to get a more detailed information and retents more concepts instead of procedures

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