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Works Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Works
SPRING SNOW (UNESCO Collection of Representative Works. Japanese Series)
Published in Hardcover by Knopf (1972-06-12)
Author: Yukio Mishima
List price: $13.95
Used price: $5.39
Collectible price: $16.50

Average review score:

Romeo and Juliet, Japanese version
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-03
I really enjoyed this book, the story is the classical tragic love story, but set up in Japan, and written through a Japanese point of view. So the surroundings or the landscapes became part of the story, the description of the moods of the characters are beautifully portrayed in the nature that surrounds them.... I thought it was lovely.

A lot of people wrote on these reviews that the translated version misses out a lot of things, but this always happens when translating, and as I can't read Japanese, I was happy with being able to read it in English!

Spring Snow
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-08
Japan. 1912. Japanese society is divided, or at least complex. Still with most of it's body and soul in the ancient tradition of the East, but with ever increasing impulses towards the "Western culture" (In the unsemitically correct reality, we of the "West" have infinitely more in common with the traditional culture of the East than we do the current world-wide Weimar Republic, but oh well). Mishima, the author, was more or less a Japanese representative of the "conservative revolution", and appears to have been quite well read. His life reminds me in many ways of Corneliu Codreanu and Julius Evola. His well-known dramatic ritual suicide as a protest against the betrayal of tradition in Japan, and the Japanese submission to American rule, followed him and his radical "right wing" organization's (The Shield Society) failure to arouse the Japanese Defence Force into rebelling.

The book is the first in a tetralogy, and follows Kiyoaki Matsugae, a young student from a family of the lower nobility in his relationship with Satoko Ayakura, the daughter of one of the 28 families of the higher nobility, her being the daughter of a count. The book in many ways actually reminded me of the excellent "Victoria" by Knut Hamsun, with the constant back and forth in the interaction between the characters, sometimes they love each other dearly, and at other times torment each other. Such is the nature of difficult relationships, I guess! The book paints a very vivid picture of the end of a noble era, and the translation I read was excellently done. The moral teaching of this period, and it's sometimes less noble effects is excellently portrayed.

Through certain misunderstandings, Satoko ends up being future wife of one of the royal princes, and Kiyoaki is driven to despair. Long story short, as all the books in the series, there is no happy ending, but that is basically the ending of all our lives. This is a book I highly recommend, and apart from a few minor flaws, it is all in all an excellent tale, and I look very much forward to reading the rest of the series. 4,5 stars.

(I read a different edition)

Boring and maudlin
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-08
Maybe it was a bad transalation. Maybe I could not relate as a westerner to an old Japanese story, but I really did not enjoy this book. It was maudlin and unbelievable. Story was boring. Character development was terrible and it was poorly written/transalated. I recommend Murakami's Norwegian Wood for those who want to read books by Japanese authors.

Mishima's Masterpiece: Forbidden Love and the Reincarnation of Kiyoaki Matsugae.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-09
Yukio Mishima (The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea) is the fascinating subject of two recent DVD releases Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters - Criterion Collection and Patriotism - Criterion Collection. His 1966 novel, Spring Snow (Haru no Yuki), is the first in his "Sea of Fertility tetralogy," which also includes Runaway Horses (1969), The Temple of Dawn (1970), and The Decay of the Angel (1971). (Mishima committed ritual suicide on the day he completed the final book in his tetralogy, November 25, 1970.) Considered to be his masteriece, Mishima's tetralogy follows the successive reincarnations of Kiyoaki Matsugae (1895-1914). Set in the early years of the Taishô period (1912 to 1926), Spring Snow tells the story of a two-year relationship involving forbidden love between Kiyoaki, the 18-year-old son of an aristocratic family, and Satoko Ayakura, the 20-year-old daughter of an aristocratic family. Kiyoaki's friend, Shigekuni Honda, a law student, observes the events set forth in the novel. After Kiyoaki and Satoko meet under a bad omen: a dead black dog at the top of a high waterfall, Satoko asks Kiyoaki, "Kiyo, what would you do if all of a sudden I weren't here any more?"--a question which vexes Kiyoaki throughout much of the novel. Satoko is under instruction that she should not lose her virginity before being touched by any bridegroom chosen for her. After experiencing their first kiss together on a rickshaw ride in the snow, Satoko and Kiyoaki exchange love letters and eventually make love, before Satoko accepts the marriage proposal of another man, Prince Harunori. Meanwhile, Kiyoaki has a series of prophetic dreams before he dies at the age of 20. The novel was adapted into a 2005 film of the same name starring Satoshi Tsumabuki as Kiyoaki, Yûko Takeuchi as Satoko, and Sosuke Takaoka as Shigekuni Honda. Spring Snow attests to the rare genius of Yukio Mishima.

G. Merritt

the beauty and destructive power of all-consuming love
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-22
Mishima's Spring Snow is a coming-of-age tale for nouveau riche Kiyoaki, whose naive childhood crush on the more mature Satoko grows into something much more powerful, beautiful and, ultimately, destructive. Kiyoaki's failings are human and familiar; acting on rash impulses, immaturity, a failure to realise what he wants till he has lost it. Mishima's characterisation is finely drawn and accurate. The scheming Tadeshina turns out to have her own secret heartbreak, enervated Ayakura lacks guile but not luck, the ancient loyalties of the Abessess make her a formidable eminence grice. The characters are at once individually drawn and representative of a unique and fascinating era of flux and change in Japan, as ancient modes of behaviour gave way to modernising forces. Mishima's novel is both of its time and timeless. A true masterpiece.

Works
Successful interventions with sex offenders: Learning what works
Published in Unknown Binding by Washington State Institute for Public Policy (1991)
Author: Cheryl Darling Milloy
List price:

Average review score:

A Perfect Book to Travel With
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-30
That may sound a bit strange, but this is a great book to take on the plane or train with you -- or even to the beach.

It is a compact volume (though about 1 1/2 inches thick). Because of this compact format the text is in front (thin paper) with the plates in back. Phaidon provides two ribbon bookmarks. That also means that it is easiest to read using both hands.

That said, Gombrich leads the reader along with a style somewhere between a conversation and a lecture -- more like what you might expect from a learned uncle or family friend. Pleasant delivery, but leaving you no doubts about the value of the information that is to be passed along.

There may even be an advantage to having the plates in the back. I found myself dwelling on them perhaps a little longer than if they had been in with the text -- and the text calling for my attention.

You can read this book in long sessions, or in little bits. It doesn't matter, because the information is always there, and in the case of this book, the journey itself is important.

Enjoy.

A Steal
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-26
An excellent book in an easy to read formatt. My professor used it for my art history class. Beautirul illistrations. Highly recommended. Great reference book as well.

Pretty good.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-29
For somebody interested in art, a book with many pictures is easy to read and enjoy.

Great Edition of Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-24
The convenience of the pocket edition is incredible and the quality of the images and analysis is excellent.

Classic Text - better than you've heard
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-01
The Story of Art is a classic introduction to the history of fine art. The sweeping scope is matched only by the driven narrative that will fascinate the neophyte and the well versed. This book is THE introductory text for any study of art.

Works
Black Water (Pendragon, Book 5)
Published in Paperback by Aladdin (2004-08-03)
Author: D.J. MacHale
List price: $8.99
New price: $2.86
Used price: $0.93

Average review score:

Black Water and more and more!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-28
Each book contains a new, exciting adventure!
The story just keeps getting better every time a new book comes out!
And i continue to love Bobby Pendragon more and more every adventure.

A Dark Overtone
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-09
Starting at this book, the entire series takes on a very dark overtone. Just who is Saint Dane? Why does he want everyone dead? After his last victory, what powers has he gained? And most of all, how will this effect the very boundaries of the territories?

The book starts where the creepy ending of the last book left off. Bobby returns through the flume to see that Saint Dane had made a change of look in front of Mark and Courtney and given them Gunny's disembodies hand in a bag.

After this, Bobby is thrown into a world full of people who are DEFINITLEY not human, and where humans are nothing but poorly treated slave animals to the dominant spieces. Did I mention that a mysterious plague is going to wipe out this entire territory and the only way to stop it is to cross items between the territories, one of the biggest Traveler rules?

Will this have an effect on everything? Will Mark and Courtney have a special task from now on? Who are the acolytes? How does the mysterious old man connect to Uncle Press? All of this is answered in this book of the Pendragon Series!

Pendragon Series - Black Water
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-21
I was given a gift of the first Pendragon book. I groaned because I NEVER read science fiction/fantasy. I felt I should "try" to read it because, after all, it was a gift. Keep in mind that this series is for teens and I am a grandmother! You guessed it: I couldn't put it down. I am about to start Book # Seven - The Quillan Games. These are so very entertaining. I would highly recommend them to anyone over the age of 10!

An adult view
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-15
I have been a fan of fantasy and science fiction for all of my life. I stumbled upon this series and have enjoyed each of the books. As you progress with Bobby from book to book it hooks you into waiting for his next journal. The books are written for teens, but adults can enjoy them as well. The moderation is well done and consistent between each of the books so no different voices to piece together for the same character. I've found that as each book in the series builds upon each other, the storyline keeps getting better. I would recommend this series to both young adults and adults. As good does not always win in the books, as in real life, the storyline of perseverance and making hard choices parallels decisions that our youth face in their lives. A good series for anyone to read.

best one yet
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-14
The first time I started reading "The Merchant of death," I loved it. I thought how could it get much better than this. Well, it just did. Black Water is the most "Spiff" book yet. When Bobby Gets to Eelong, he is instantly engulfed in exciting adventures and risks being eaten and killed in pretty much any way you could imagine all to stop Saint Daine from sending the territory in to chaos. This is a great book you'll love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mitch Huckaby

Works
Hungry Planet: What the World Eats
Published in Hardcover by Ten Speed Press (2005-10-01)
Authors: Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio
List price: $40.00
New price: $17.97
Used price: $6.52

Average review score:

Hungry Planet
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-27
Everyone I have shown this book to has been fascinated. The photos are stunning.

Superb reading!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-17
I couldn't put this book down! I was drawn to it because it mixed my loves of both food and culture into one superb read.The photography is stunning,the cultural facts immersing and the reading about different families addictive.

interesting read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-04
this book is facinating if you are at all interested in how the rest of the world lives

Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
Nice wrapping-- great delivery-- Prompt. We received this book in perfect condition as stated.
Thank you.

Very good book. I highly recommend it.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-23
This is a great book to pick up any time you have a minute and just read little pieces that are fascinating... or you can read it cover to cover. the photos are beautiful and it really gives you an incite into how other cultures around the world are living right now. It's inspiring and made me want to inprove my own diet.

Works
The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You (2 Volume Set)
Published in Hardcover by Self-Realization Fellowship (2004-09-15)
Author: Paramahansa Yogananda
List price: $58.00
New price: $34.80
Used price: $33.79

Average review score:

Living Vibration of Christ
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-24
(From Mary K)
I have had this book for many years, and I am deeply moved by its contents and vibrations. When I read it, I feel close to both Yogananda and Jesus. To those who find it too ponderous, may I lovingly suggest this: don't try to read the book cover to cover, for the long introduction is actually the most "ponderous" part! Sometimes I simply pray over this book, asking, "What do You want me to see today?" - and then I open the book, and the words are wondrously alive and helpful to my personal spiritual journey. Sometimes I have been in awe at how deeply, precisely, and personally God has guided me with this book. It is a true, timeless scripture written by a great Master.
Other times I simply go to the chapters that pertain to the season. For instance, there are several deep chapters on the Last Supper, Good Friday and the Resurrection. I find all of it deeply helpful to my inner understanding and personal devotion. I believe this book will be very helpful to any sincere seeker who yearns for a deeper understnding of, and inner relationship with, the living, mystical Presence of Jesus.



I liked the pictures
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
Ponderous. Very difficult to read. The writing style is so formal that I feel entirely disconnected from the subject which in fact, interests me very much. A shame.

The Second Coming of Christ
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-25
The book is one that is required reading for a class. It is a beautiful book. The print is not too small and is very easy to read. The pictures are exquisite. Of course, as one would expect, it is not fast reading as you have to go slowly in order to take in all the new concepts that are being presented. I have found that I stop a lot just to say "AMAZING". Reading this is a pleasure. It is also a joy to know that the knowlege imparted in these teachings is allowing my Soul to travel further along the path it so desperately wants to follow. This book is truly an incredible interpretation. As I read it, I am amazed at how these words resonate for me, more so than any of the other interpretations read or heard that are circulating today among "Bible scholars". To again hear the true meaning of the words of the Christ is a treasure and the fact that everyone has the opportunity, especially at this time, is a true gift. I thank my mentor for allowing me the opportunity to refresh my memories for, without his guidance, I would never have found this book.

The Second Coming of Christ
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-01

Paramahansa Yoganada's presentation of the Second Coming of Christ is beautifully written, and has much to offer all seekers of wisdom. This set of books have impact and clarity to the subject. The words were brought to paper through daily meditations over a long time span. The quality of paper, pictures are of the finest quality and the subject matter is full of new and old wisdom. I highly recommend this set and have opted to offer it as presents to those I care for this season.

Christ's words revealed
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-20
When I first learned of Christ's teachings and life as a teenager I was deeply moved. I followed His message as best I could but, there were so many things I didn't understand and had to take on faith. These volumes have revealed so many deep and profound truths which before were shrouded in the obscure and mysterious language of ancient parables. For the first time many confusing and obscure biblical references have been clarified in ways which I hadn't thought possible. It has deepened my faith and given me a whole new appreciation for the depth of Christ's life, sacrifice and legacy and our place in God's creation.

Far from being distracting from a Christian life, these volumes increase ones faith and understanding and love for Christ. It's a must read for anyone who is serious about deepening their spiritual life.

Enjoy!

Works
Beezus and Ramona
Published in Hardcover by Hamish Hamilton Ltd (1978-09)
Author: Beverly Cleary
List price:

Average review score:

Beezus and Ramona
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-04
Beezus and Ramona is a good book! In this book, you meet Fred, Ramona's imaginary pet lizard. Ramona also happens to destroy a library book! How do you spell Ramona and Beezus? F-u-n, f-u-n, f-u-n! I'm not allowed to tell you anything else. So how do you find out about this? READ THE BOOK-NOW!

Delightful!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-17
Is there *anyone* on the planet who doesn't like Beverly Cleary's books and the wonderful characters she created?

Beezus and Ramona (along with Henry Huggins and the rest of the gang on Klikitak Street) were part of my childhood. 40 years later, they were just as appealing to my own son. And don't tell anyone -- although we bought these audiobooks when he was about 8, at 12 he still likes to put these on ocassionally and listen. Why? In large part because of Stockard Channing's masterful performance here. Her rendition of Ramona is EXACTLY how we imagine this impish little creature would talk.

I highly recommend these books, both because of the delightful stories and characters that Mrs. Clearly created for us, and because Stockard Channing has brought them to life so perfectly here. The stories are reminiscent of simpler times and will take parents back to their own childhoods while providing toddlers to tweens with good, wholesome entertainment.

We listened on road trips, and unlike certain kids entertainment (a certain purple dinosaur comes to mind), you won't want the kids to wear headphones to preserve your sanity. You'll want it on the main speakers for everyone in the car to enjoy.

Five stars!

TOTALLY ANNOYING LITTLE SISTER!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-29
Beezus really got annoyed with Ramona, she wrecked the art class, she bite into all those apples,etc. I would have probably screamed if I had Ramona for a sister! I like Beverly Cleary's books. I own this particular book of hers, and I read it again and again! It's awsome! I totally recomend it, along with Cleary's other awsome books!

Clever, funny, and irresistible
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-01
Ask any older sibling about younger siblings, and you'll get one common answer...they're A-N-N-O-Y-I-N-G. They steal your toys, throw tantrums, and constantly steal the spotlight. But, even the most perturbed older siblings know that, deep down, it's impossible not to love younger sisters and brothers - sometimes.

Nine-year-old Beatrice "Beezus" Quimby has always been a quiet soul, content with spending her time embroidering pot holders, helping her mother do the sheets on Saturday's, and reading the countless books she checks out of the Glenwood Branch Library on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, her four-year-old sister, Ramona, is the exact opposite of her. Ramona has one thing on her mind, and that's making as much noise as possible, and driving the whole family out of their mind. Beezus can't stand it, especially since the responsibility of taking care of Ramona, and ensuring that she behaves, is often delegated to her, so that her parents can get their work done. Ramona, however, refuses to obey Beezus. Unless, of course, she's reading one of her favorite books - The Littlest Steam Shovel, or Big Steve the Steam Shovel - to her. But even that doesn't keep Ramona occupied for long. When Beezus is in the midst of creating pictures for her art class, Ramona is there to cause a mess, and challenge Beezus' imagination. When Ramona is offered two marshmallows as a snack, she uses them as powder puffs, as opposed to putting them in her tummy, where they belong. During checkers games with Beezus' pal Henry Huggins, Ramona destroys the checkerboard, and wreaks all sorts of havoc - even some involving Henry's beloved dog Ribsy. In Beezus' eyes, she can't win - even when it's her birthday. But as she gets older, and learns more about her mother's relationships with her siblings, Beezus begins to realize that, as obnoxious as Ramona is, she's still her sister. And even though she may become angry at Ramona for her crazy antics; she still loves her - just not all the time.

I fell in love with Beverly Cleary's RAMONA books when I was five-years-old, and now that I have decided to re-read them, I'm finding that I can't help but fall in love with them all over again. I feel as if I have reverted back to my five-year-old self, and can actually relate to the mishaps that continually take place during both Ramona, and Beezus' lives. Beezus is such a fun character, who seems wise beyond her years, and is serious to a motherly extent. Ramona, on the other hand, is carefree and impossible to handle. Her wacky thoughts, and determination to always have her way is humorous; while some of the debacles she finds herself in are downright cringe-worthy. Cleary has penned a book here that is essential to read aloud to both older and younger children. The message of love is clear on every page, and truly helps to bring siblings together. Clever, funny, and irresistible.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Wierd names, good book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-07
If you have a little sister and think she's annoying, think again. Does your sister think Bendix is the most beautiful name in the world? Does she ruin your birthday cake--twice?! Sometimes little sisters are annoying, but Ramona is impossible! Beezuz, Roamona's big sister finds out that no matter what happens in her childhood with Ramona, they will think it funny when they grow up. I hope you'll enjoy this book!

Works
Building the Bonds of Attachment: Awakening Love in Deeply Troubled Children
Published in Paperback by Jason Aronson (2006-08-28)
Author: Daniel A. Hughes
List price: $38.95
New price: $27.10
Used price: $28.83

Average review score:

Heartwrenching and powerful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-07
Excellent book! A must-read for anyone who works with children. It includes information that I believe anyone around children can utilize. Great information on how to deal with children who have been traumatized but it also has important information about parenting in general and helps us understand how children see the world.

Changed our life!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-20
We adopted a son with RAD and worked with an attachment therapist. Adopting the methods in this book made an enormous difference in our lives! Don't hesitate if you are considering this book!

review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-11
This is a readable and usable book for those who work with children. RAD is under recognized in the mental health field. More focus on RAD needs to occur in the adoption and foster care systems.

eye-opening
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-02
I teach At-Risk 4 year olds and in reading this book I was struck once again with the fact that our words have such power with children....with everyone! This book documents a journey of positive, healing language and loving hope between a foster mom and her daughter. It reinforced to me that the best I can do with the limited time I have with my students is to be consistent with "the attitude," always separating the negative behavior I want to correct from how much I value the child. Excellent resource! I will read it again and again and pass it on to my colleagues!

A Must Read for all who work with foster/adopted children
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-09
This book is like a step-by-step instruction manual for helping foster/adopted children with Reactive Attachment Disorder. It is told in the form of a fictional story in order to draw from many different real-life cases. It tells the moving story of a RAD child from birth to age 8. You learn how this disorder happens, how it is often misdiagnosed and mistreated. Then, best of all, you learn all the right things to do to help the child find the healing that it is needed in order to have a happy, healthy life. It is thoroughly engrossing from the first page to the last. You are quickly invested in discovering more about this little girl, and her journey of healing. It has helped me to finally understand the puzzling, and extremely frustrating behavior of my own adopted RAD child. Once I understood the motivation behind his outrageous behavior, and learned the techniques necessary to help him find the healing, I began to see improvement right away. We have also found a therapist who has experience wortking with RAD children, which has made a big difference.

Everyone who works in Children's Services, every child psychologist, every foster parent, and potential adoptive parent should be required to read this book. It completely changed the way I viewed my son's behavior, and, therefore, helped me learn more effective ways to deal with his behavior. Until you understand the RAD child, your typical, conventional ways of dealing with oppositional, defiant, deeply troubled children will most likely remain ineffective, and you will become frustrated and overwhelmed.

Works
By Reason of Insanity
Published in Paperback by Chicago Review Press (2007-05-28)
Author: Shane Stevens
List price: $14.95
New price: $9.44
Used price: $8.60

Average review score:

A total freak out
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-28
I read this book years ago. It scared me so bad then that I would have to put it down and walk away from it to regroup and I have never forgotten it. I read it again recently and it scared the @#$% out of me as if it were the first time. I have never read a book that totally sucked me in and took me on such a freakish, disturbing nightmare into a killers SICK life. It's just plain old scarey, terrifying, horrific and captivating. You have to keep pinching yourself and keep saying "Its only a story...its only a story." If you like to get scared THIS is the book for you.

newscast from hell
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-09
Thomas Bishop/Vincent Mungo is THE most heinous killer ever committed to print, all the more so because he appears to be an all-American, apple-cheeked, tousle-haired young man. He's a complete psychopath who believes he's on a mission to kill women. And what he does with the bodies ... well, the book leaves a lot of that up to the imagination, but it must be pretty awful.

The book is an epic, beginning a generation before the killer's career and bringing in a huge array of cops, reporters, psychologists and politicians (usually with self-serving agendas) who are part of the nationwide manhunt. The book is written in the dry, clinical prose of standard nonfiction, which makes it even more chilling. No purple prose at all. No book has ever better described the kind of horrifying childhood abuse (his mother is a real piece of work, as frightening in her own way as her son) that creates psychopathic killers.

Absolutely fascinating, but profoundly disturbing. I lent it to my brother, a tough customer, and even he was shaken by it. Forget Norman Bates and Hannibal Lecter. Vincent Mungo's the real deal.

Clever Plots And Well Researched
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-15
In "By Reason Of Insanity" author Shane Stevens's 511 page novel depicts a scenario where the convicted rapist Caryl Chessman raped a woman prior to his capture and later execution in 1958. She did not report the rape, but she perceived that she had gotten pregnant from the encounter. Her husband was soon killed in an armored car robbery, but their relationship had been rocky from the start, and after his death, she began using her maiden name of Bishop, and her son was born as Thomas Bishop.

As her short life progressed, she slid into insanity, which included many beatings of her child. Finally, at age 10, Thomas Bishop committed matricide and he was confined at Willow, a local insane asylum, probably for life. In a brilliantly planned and executed escape, the 25 year-old Bishop began a nation-wide rein of terror, leaving a trail of murder and mayhem as he traveled east to New York City.

A nation-wide magazine was running a special edition on Bishop, and thus enters our hero, the hard-charging and experienced reporter Adam Kenton. I generally don't care for books which glorify lawyers, politicians and especially reporters which are generally both lazy and clueless and rate right up there with used car salesmen and aluminum siding telemarketers. But Kenton's character was an exception. With skilled and well thought out snares and traps, Kenton tried to first correctly identify Bishop, and then run him to ground. The narrative depicted his many defeats and minor victories as he fought his way towards the climax of the story.

Mechanically, the book was difficult to read in some areas and was too long as a result. As an example, in each of the towns Bishop visited, the author felt the need to describe in minute detail, exactly where he was in the town which was of no interest except to current or former residents of the location. There was also an excessive use of our character's dreams; word-filling narrative, which the reader quickly learns to skip on through.

With that said though, Stevens' clever and well-laid out plot carried the day. A solid 4 1/2 star effort and the reader's time is well spent with this one.






Well written
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-07
This is an amazing book when looking into the insane mind. The political aspect is mainly ignorable but the main function of the writing is very worthwhile.

One of, if not the best serial killer novels ever
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-24
I bought and read this book when it was originally published way back in the 70's and after all these years I have yet to read another serial killer thriller type book that equals it. Why this was never made into a movie is beyond me. If Silence of the Lambs gave you the chills and you enjoy serial killer thrillers then you'll love this. It's no doubt the Grand Daddy of them all! Belongs in the Hall of Fame for serial killer novels...highly recommended!

Works
The Day I Died
Published in Paperback by Regal Books (2006-01-30)
Author: Steve Sjogren
List price: $12.99
New price: $1.02
Used price: $1.01
Collectible price: $12.99

Average review score:

Reflective
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-12
The title should be a better match for the book's content. I bought the book expecting to read about the author's death experience only to find that topic touched on very briefly. Most of the time is devoted to lessons he learned as a result of that occurrence. He gives some very solid, practical advice about putting one's house in order before death. It is a great kindness to surviving family members. I also like the advice he gives on writing out goals in a prayerful way.

One common epiphany people going through such experiences usually share is a focus on doing things to please God. Building a name for one's self in this life or accumulating wealth lose their attraction. Another realization than comes about is the need to invest time in relationships.

Sjogren talks about filling his mind with positive motivational material. People tried to tempt him to have a bad attitude toward medical people whose negligence and lack of professionalism resulted in permanent negative consequences for him, but he refused to do so. An additional lesson he said he learned was to be a receiver. He notes, "Generous people are creative and energetic."

i can relate
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-16
I can relate to a lot of this book. We don't always know why things happen, bad things that is, and god doesn't always take away the pain. I guess part of me wanted to see the opposite. I felt somewhat disappointed in the end, but also encouraged ,that this man marches on and now cherishes every moment of life.

More practical than you'd ever guess.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-19
Simply and directly written, Steve's experience is one that every busy or driven person should read. Steve does not dwell on how he died so much as how we should live, more fully and personally, slower and deeper.

Thought Provoking
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-11
This is an inside look into eternity, first hand. It helped me understand many facets of my own spiritual journey and experiences.

Once dead but now alive more than ever
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-18
This is an excellant book about the meaning of life, and the encouragement to live a life to the fullest. I was not disappointed in the quality of the book; it's a fine read for those not already acquanted with "life after life" experiences. However, the title and Jacket suggest the book will be primarily about the dying and the immediate recovering experience. Instead, I found this book to be more of an evangelical inspiration book. If that's what the reader wants, this is a good one.

Works
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
Published in Paperback by Bookmart Ltd (1999-09)
Authors: Michael Murrey and Joseph E. Pizzorno
List price:
New price: $128.05
Used price: $1.69

Average review score:

Staying healthy naturally
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-30
I purchased an older version of this book and now plan to get the updated version. I am really impressed. The book is easy to read, has lots of great information, and answers many questions. It is easy to follow and I think a PLUS for any one who is interested in natural medicine. Too bad more conventional doctors don't have a copy of this book.

I've saved thousand$ on doctor visits!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-05
I've owned the earlier edition of this book for over 10 years and have used it exclusively for all ailments. It has always provided the most sensible advice. My father frequently called me for medical advice from my book so I bought him this latest edition. He says it has helped him in talking to his doctor by providing good information on the disease, cause, treatment options. It takes the naturopathic approach to treating illness, avoiding pharmaceuticals, and focusing on natural remedies. I would not be without it.

Great Resource
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-27
As a former skeptic of naturopathic medicine, I would like to tell people that are considering purchasing this book that it is a balanced, well-written resource.

I appreciate the fact that it cites what we know from mainstream medicine and then illustrates how alternative natural therapies can be applied to various conditions. I also pleased that for each condition, multiple therapies are recommended instead of just one. This allows the reader the ability to tailor their treatment plan to their needs and available materials.

Very educational and well written. Would highly recommend.

A must to have book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-19
An Excellent book with great info. A must to have book at an unbeatable price makes it an excellent value for money. The info are up to date and usefull.

Natural Medicine at it's best..
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-17
This book is the single most amazing book I have read on medicine and medical conditions. I have many medical books, and although they are quite definitive with regard to illnesses and mostly orthodox medication as a remedy, this book will open your eyes to a whole new world. The medical community does not treat the body holistically, and i do not mean that in a hippyish, spiritual way, but genuinely. There are so many specialists in the world, each being specifically trained as a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, etc,. but only clinical diagnosticians seem to view the body as a whole. Mr. Michael Murray has extensive knowledge on psysiology and anatomy, and it is clearly evident that he has insight into the genuine reasons for so many illnesses, as he is not under the thumb of pharmaceutical companies that doctors rely on so much. He has covered all the areas of the body, trying to be understandable and as succinct as possible, (this is an encyclopedia, not a text book per se), while not undermining the integrity of the medical information he dispenses. EVERY SINGLE home that can get their hands on this book will benefit for their lifetime. All I can say is there is no other book on medicine that for the lay person, will help them, inform them, and possibly cure them, like this book!


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