M Books

Advanced Water Distribution Modeling and Management is not only a complete and current reference for professionals involved in water distribution systems but also an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses. In fact, what makes this book different is that it contains from basic hydraulic concepts up to the most recent researches and experiences in a comprehensive language.

Thank-You Haestad Mdthods for developing such a wonderful program. I use this book as a guide almost everyday.

This texttbook, that I recently reviewed, was for me a great experience. This is a must have book for any Civil consultant involved in hydraulics. It is both a guide to water modeling and a practical reference to water distribution operation and management. Thanks Haestad Methods.

This reference has given us an edge in satisfying client needs from the simplest capacity study to the most complex model. It has helped make our competent modelers more efficient and the up-and coming modeler function like a pro. Many common questions and problems are anticipated and clearly answered. Because the book so thoroughly covers system management issues, I believe many parts should be required reading for water resources engineers.

I wish I knew of this book's existence years ago. For too many years, I have been using several other reference books to "answer" my never ending questions and doubts on modeling and related subjects.

It even has reference on non-concontinuous flow condition. A great book with lots of "weight." The price was right, too, I received this gem free as a bonus for signing up to attend a wwebcast sponsored by Haestad.

Second Sight was recommended to me by a friend who knew of my interest in the psychic, and I am so happy she did...I could not put this book down, looking forward to sitting quietly each morning to read the next chapter in Ms. Orloff's life. A must read for anyone interested in the spiritual, psychic, or healing abilities. With this book, Ms. Orloff has inspired me to reach out and explore a long desired interest in my own psychic abilities and it's spiritual connection. Highly recommended!

This is a incredible book. You will feel like you've met a new friend in Judith. This book shows that the physic is not a taboo but a beautiful spirtual experience. Everyone who reads this book will be grateful they did.

I have been reading many different books dealing with healing, spiritual growth and energy medicine. Most have a variety of resources to offer and to guide you. In her book, Judith goes beyond techniques. She reveals the difficulties of growing up with a spiritual gift. And what makes her story so different from others is that Judith tells not only the beautiful side of what such a gift can give you, but also the challenges and the incredible responsibility that is imbedded in having psychic abilities.

Judith's book gives you her own story in a clear, passionate and courageous way. She is a pioneer in revealing what most people may not understand; and even reject in an academic and professional setting. It is not easy in such a setting to advance your career and serve others in a meaningful way acknowledging that you have psychic abilities. Judith has been able to do that and has found a way to show others that is possible to have a career without ignoring or rejecting your psychic abilities.

In a time, that many are trying to ¨have psychic abilities ¨ it is a blessing to find someone who shows that those gifts must be developed with a purpose different than just being special or have some power. As she correctly points out those abilities must be embedded in a deep connection with the divine within each of us.

Judith Orloff has a deep mystical current running through this enchanting autobiography. She writes with candor and insight into the intuitive nature we all possess and -if we are wise- whose counsel we heed. Offering a guidebook, life story, and adventure -all in one book, this is highly recommended reading for anyone who feels the tug of spiritual awakening to our mystical potential. I used this book while teaching my college class and students all loved it! Well-written, credible, and delightful!

It's like I can take a deep breath and relax now. Someone once asked me "How do you feel when you enter a room where there's a lot of fighting and anger?" My immediate response was: "I recoil and want to run out of there." I thought everybody felt this way. Granted we all feel things up to a certain level, but the notion that I feel more than most never occurred to me. Doesn't everyone? I thought. Learning I was not alone in my experiences was a huge relief and revelation to me. When I read Dr. Orloff's book I felt I had found me. I now knew who I was and could now just simply enjoy what once seemed like a curse. Feeling everything like I have been up to date without understanding it is "crazy making." I now realized no, it's a blessing, I have been given a whole 'nother level of awareness and depth. It is powerful. Hearing Dr. Orloff explain it through sharing her life- it blew the barn doors open. She talks openly about all her experiences as well as how she deeply respects her gifts and how she has combined these with traditional methodologies. Yes, there is a feeling of "safety" that she has credentials when reading this, but for me the true safety comes in how Dr. Orloff has chosen to use her gifts and live her life. She deeply respects what she has and is grateful for it. She does not misuse what she has and adds seriousness and credibility to her spiritual gifts.

I bought a copy of this book for my sister as she feels things on the hyper-sensitive scale as I. My sister gets massive migraines and has been taking medication to manage this. After reading Dr. Orloff's story and learned how she went through a phase of medicating herself to "escape" until she new what to do with what she had been given, I related this to my sister. She opened up to me and told me more things that she had experienced as a child. I now hope that my sister will be able to understand herself an accept and enjoy these gifts she has been given.

As far as I'm concerned Dr. Orloff is opening doors for people and allowing everyone to relax as well as respect a whole arena of the human experience that typically gets shunned, and until very recently even went punished. And the biggest tragedy of all is that these gifts have gone unused, denied and ignored by many and dismissed as sillyness or even crazyness of some kind. With this openess and understanding of what is really going on many can now not waste what they have been blessed with and can live incredibly rich, powerful lives. There's nothing to reject or push away. In fact, this is cause for celebration. Thank you for sharing your story, Dr. Orloff.

Henri Nouwen had a truly God-given gift - the gift of explaining timeless spiritual truths in very clear, ordinary language in a conversational and deeply captivating way. His words and his explanations imprint themselves into the memory and stay in the heart, and truly help to change lives. Much of his wisdom surely comes from his own struggles, which he admits to in the book - he personally struggled with depression, pride, desire for success and fame, envy, etc. - common human ailments. He also struggled with feeling unworthy of God, and with feeling distant from God. Yet, he learned to overcome his struggles (though he admits that he is still on a journey), and he describes how.

This is the third book I have read by Neuwen. After reading Life of the Beloved I really didn't think that anything could compare, but this book, if not better, is at least just as good. It is an instantly timeless spiritual classic. The whole book is a reflection on Rembrandt's painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. First Nouwen reflects on the younger son who came back from a foreign land. Then he reflects on the older son who witnesses his younger brother's return. Finally, Nouwen reflects on the father figure. His insights are deep and beautiful. He leads the reader to a natural and yet incredible insight: that after identifying ourselves with both the younger and older brother, we must realize that rather than being either of these two brothers, we are called to become the father!

"Return of the Prodigal Son" is a wonderful opportunity to hear the gentleness and genius that was Henri Nouwen. The book was originally a talk given at retreat when Nouwen was 57, about 8 years before his death, in the time following his famous service at Toronto's L'Arche Daybreak facility for severely handicapped adults. Nouwen's humility is on display, as are his deep spiritual and psychological insights.

The impetus for Nouwen's reflections was Rembrandt's "Return of the Prodigal Son," painted when the artist was elderly, and following multiple tragedies in his own life. Nouwen's inspiration is less the painting, though, than the parable. His lecture is split into three parts, focusing on the younger son, the older son and the father. Nouwen's take on the parable is Jesus's radical break with interpretations of God that held sway in his own day as they still do in ours. The God that Jesus defines is not angry, vindictive or retaliatory, but completely open in love and forgiveness. While many will agree with this description of the Father, fewer will agree with Nouwen that this image of the Father exists the rest of Holy Scripture (both OT and NT) as well. While many of us are willing to accept Scripture's seemingly schizoid vision of God, Nouwen does not. He is completely committed to the loving father portrayed in this parable. For those committed to the God of condemnation, hell and judgment, Nouwen will be a disappointment (or a challenge). Human beings separate themselves from a God who is always anxious to take them back, teaches Nouwen.

In Nouwen's take on the story, the younger son teaches the journey from dissolution to containment. Dissolution includes dissipation of the kind associated with the younger son in the parable -- insults to parents, arrogance, squandering of resources, immorality. But dissolution extends to other activities and attitudes that spread our energies beyond our capacities. We spread ourselves too thin, spiritually, usually out of a desire to impress those in our lives whom we want to impress or influence. But by recognizing our sonship with God, we realize that we do need to impress of fathers (whether heavenly or worldly) into loving us, allowing us to bring our spiritual energies into containment and focus. The elder son often lives in our hearts alongside the younger son. The elder son's error is in resentment and separation. He cannot rejoice that "this son of yours" has returned from death, whining about his own ceaseless and unrewarded labors. But his error also speaks to a misunderstanding of the Father's love. He feels he will be loved *because* of his obedience (evidently given grudgingly) and has missed that his gift is to have been in the presence of the Father all along.

Nouwen's deep insight into the parable, whose subtlety and profundity become apparent the more listen, is astounding. The parable has the power to heal as well. For any who have felt conflict or hurt in family situations, as has Nouwen himself, the parable points the way toward a recognition of our true place in the world, and in God's eyes. This is not a dewy "I'm OK, You're OK" insight, but can lead to a profound shifting of our existential relationship with ourselves, our parents and our God. What false fronts and defenses we might shed if we truly believed in a God who loved us as beloved children -- no matter how far astray we had gone?

Nouwen's style and delivery belie the intensity of his own struggle and the wisdom of his teaching. Yet the insights continue rolling in, like waves following the passage of a ship, long after the book is over. A fascinating and potentially life-changing book.

This book opened up so many different ideas on the well known story of the Prodigal Son. I loved reading this book. It was my first Nouwen read, and it definitely will get me reading more of his books. If you are not familiar with Nouwen, this is a good first read.

This is an excellent life changing book. Presents the core truth of the Christian Gospel in a way that touches everyday attitudes and struggles. A book so personal and touching you may find that Nouwen is addressing your own unique circumstances. I certainly did. You may find yourself thinking about a new way to live. This book changed my life.

Everyone needs to reflect upon their life at some point. This book is excellent in helping one to see how their journey in life has brought them closer to God.

This book was delivered to me before time and also paid a decent price for it.

The book is really perfect and is exactly I hoped.
However, the main and only bad critic I want to highlight is the shipping.
The package was very light and the book cover arrived damaged: the corner were maltreated.
No really, only a box including 2 plastic bubbles is not serious and totally insufficient to correctly protect such kind of nice books.

An excellent book. The only comment that I have that has not been covered is that you should know c++ templates to use this book... theres a problem with that, most if not all template books require you to know STL. You will have to read both in conjunction if you do not all ready know templates.
Once you get past that little pit fall though, this book is invaluable to any c++ programmer.

This is far and away one of the best written programming and reference books I have purchased in 20+ yrs of programming.

It gives a perspective on state-of-the-art C++ style, language constructs, and technique that only a choice few people in the industry can offer. The book has all of the meticulous attention to detail and design formalities that one could expect of the finest academic.

Bravo, Mr. Josuttis, and THANK YOU!

Tutorial? Hardly. Reference? I can find better, more complete, and more accessible reference material in 10 seconds with google. Whenever I open this book to find information about some aspect of the STL, I end up googling for the same information a few minutes later.

The examples are near useless. They are all minimal examples of basic functionality and offer no help in using the library for real-life tasks. They do show you which header files to include, which is a plus.

Hash maps are completely left out of the book. While not officially part of the stl, they are still a significant part of it, and one that requires more explaining than the rest.

I am to understand the +5 reviews were because there are no better books on this subject, similarily my +2 review is because there are not enough negative reviews of this book.

As both a dog and cat owner, and a would-be everything-else owner, too, I love this book! I have several "Chicken Soup" books, plan to add several more to my collection, but this one is probably my favorite so far. It keeps you between tears and laughter from beginning to end. All pet lovers will see themselves and their furry, feathered or finned friends somewhere in here, I'm sure!

Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

This particular volume involves stories with animals. The relationship between animals and people of all ages can make for some of the funniest, most heart-warming, most sad, and most meaningful stories. There are contributing authors of some note (Barbara Bush, James Herriot, Jimmy Stewart, Gilda Radner, Art Linkletter) among other authors who had stories to tell and volunteered them. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers.

Few animals are left out here, as many animals have come to be companions with humans over the centuries. Dogs and cats feature prominently, as do horses and other farm animals, but there are also wolves, birds, dolphins, deer, wild turkeys, gorillas and even a Christmas mouse. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including pets as friends and healers, animals as rescuers and performers of other amazing feats, animals whose companionship meant a lot, and finally on the sadness and meaning of saying goodbye to an important family member.

Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; the story about the wild turkeys and the story of the Christmas mouse are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Marty Becker and Carol Kline, authors and animal-professionals in various capacities.

My cats give their paws-up to this!

Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

This particular volume involves stories with animals. The relationship between animals and people of all ages can make for some of the funniest, most heart-warming, most sad, and most meaningful stories. There are contributing authors of some note (Barbara Bush, James Herriot, Jimmy Stewart, Gilda Radner, Art Linkletter) among other authors who had stories to tell and volunteered them. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers.

Few animals are left out here, as many animals have come to be companions with humans over the centuries. Dogs and cats feature prominently, as do horses and other farm animals, but there are also wolves, birds, dolphins, deer, wild turkeys, gorillas and even a Christmas mouse. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including pets as friends and healers, animals as rescuers and performers of other amazing feats, animals whose companionship meant a lot, and finally on the sadness and meaning of saying goodbye to an important family member.

Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; the story about the wild turkeys and the story of the Christmas mouse are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Marty Becker and Carol Kline, authors and animal-professionals in various capacities.

My cats give their paws-up to this!

I didn't quite know if I was going to make it through this book. Through about the first 8-9 stories, I kept on crying. I was thinking "This is ridiculous. I can't read one doggone story without crying after I read it." I kept thinking of my dog, Shep, who died a couple years ago at the age of 91 and how badly I want another dog. There is a dog beach by my house so usually everytime I see a dog, Shep pops up to mind. I pretty much had sunglasses on when I read this book in public so people wouldn't think I was completely crazy. Somewhere towards the middle, I hardened up and was ready to read this book without blinking a thousand times.
These were wonderful stories about everything from cats, dogs, snakes, bears, gorillas, and birds. I enjoyed every last one of them except for the one about Bush's dog. It was very impersonal and told the whole story like it was some sort of nursery rhyme. That was the only reason the book got four stars. I don't even understand how that story made it past submissions.

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul is a fantastic book for anyone who has a special place in his or her heart for animals. The book was made up of many different stories describing the special qualities that make our pets and furry friends unique. I rated this book a 5 because I found myself crying one minute and laughing the next. There are stories that will make you giggle, one in particular describes buffalo playing a game on ice. It made me realize that there are many things about animals that we don't understand- and never will. Who would have guessed that buffalo play games? The book also included stories that sent tears down my cheek. The story that stands out the most in my mind is a story about how far a mother cats goes to save her kittens. The love of the mother cat can relate to human mothers as well, they will do anything to protect their children. I believe that animals are fantastic teachers. One story in the book talks about how a gorilla helped to rescue an injured (human) boy after he fell into her area in the zoo. The author of that story explained that what is truly amazing about the gorilla is that she helped the boy without caring about recognition. She helped the boy because she wanted to, she didn't know that recognition was even a part of the act. That is exactly what us humans can learn from these animals. We need to help somebody because it's the thing to do, not because we want to be remembered as a hero.
I would recommend Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul for anyone who enjoys animals or just wants to read a book that make you warm and fuzzy inside. The stories in the book will show you exactly why pets are teachers, healers, heroes and friends. You will realize how special they really are.
Also check out Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul for stories about teenagers that will inspire you.

This book is one of the many Alex Rider books; this is defiantly an action thriller. This takes place all around Europe from Venice to England. Its theme is about a young teenage spy who has to solve mind puzzlers to saving damsels in distress. It starts in a little town in Europe when Alex and his new friend Sabina are on a vacation; But Alex ends up seeing Yassen Gregorvich, the man who killed his uncle. After Alex sees this man everything starts to go wrong. The adventure involves a famous singer named Damian Cray; this man is also the man who made the new game system called the Game Slayer. This seems nothing more then a way to make money for Cray but really it is really to fund Cray's evil plan.
One part of the book that I think you will really enjoy is a chapter called "Pain Synthesis". This chapter is when Alex has to face real challenges that are in a video game for the Game Slayer. Also Alex has to face a deadly python, gods, flying spears and electric vines.
The climax is at the end where a crazy super star is in control of weapons of mass destruction. The turnout is incredible on Air Force One. But I can't tell you the turnout you have to read the book to find out what happens.

This is a compelling, shocking, and thrilling book. this is about Alex Rider a teenager being forced to do spy work again to save his friend but this time he must do it alone. This is an action/adventure/suspense/thriller fiction novel. Four and a half stars out of five because, it had nonstop action and kept me guessing what was going to happen next throughtout the entire book. people wgi enjoy Darren Shan or Christopher Polini will enjoy this. tgis is a wonderful read for people of all ages.

I read all of the Alex Riders (not including Snakehead)and Eagle Strike is the best. It has so much action from start to finish. The best part is when Alex is thrown into a real life replica of a violent video game. It's so good you won't be able to (willingly) put the book down.

Bought this for my very active 12 year old (kiteboarding, surfing, skateboard, video game enthusiast, and musician) who has not been particularly enamored with reading--considers it "not fun" --like going to the dentist. He says he couldn't put it down. Read it in 4 days during the school week. Claims it's the best book he has ever read. Granted, hasn't read many, but getting him to enjoy a book this much is a major victory. He wants me to get all the books in this series.

"Eagle Strike" is an amazing book. I have read it many times and every time it is just as intense as the time before. The book is very well-written, with graphic descriptions and intense sequences where you don't know what is going to happen next.
Alex Rider's resourcefulness is amazing and definitely very handy in tight spots, such as the time when he took wire and half a spear and tied it to look like he was impaled in order to trick the guards who were trying to kill him. I wouldn't have thought of that.
Another interesting aspect of the book is the villian. Damian Cray is a man who has good motives but bad ways of accomplishing them. He thinks that the ends justify the means, (spoiler alert) but using America's nuclear weapons to blow up all drugs isn't a very nice idea.
This book puts a new perspective on the life of a spy. To Alex, the people at MI6 are cold, manipulative people who will do anything to get their way, and they just want to use Alex to accomplish their dangerous missions. Also, any person in the organization is portrayed like other adults in the series and won't believe kids when they tell them that an extremely famous and influential person is an insane killer.
"Eagle Strike" and all the other books in the Alex Rider series are very well written, and I can't wait for the newest book to come out.

"I think I shall be a great poetess or a distinguished novelist."
That is Emily Starr talking, the young blossoming writer, that will touch your heart, with her creative and interesting, ways and ideas.

Within just the first chapter of the book, you'll already be intrigued by Emily's charm, and her topsy-turvy imagination. All through the story, Emily meets new people and friends. Some will help her on her way to becoming a writer, "a painter that uses words". Others will shoot her dreams down, as if they were nothing but mere dust. Just watch her take on all the distressing incidents that she overcomes with an intellect beyond her years.

She's always on a new enchanting romp, that'll keep you guessing. From giving up her beloved cat, to clashing with Miss Brownell (her unjust schoolteacher), to unraveling an age-old puzzle with her whimsical mind, you'll stay right by Emily's side the whole time.

Here's a small excerpt that I especially enjoyed:
"But there is a destiny which shapes the ends of young misses who are born with the itch for writing tingling in their baby fingertips, and in the fullness of time this destiny gave to Emily the desire of her heart---gave it to her, too, on the very day when she most needed it."

Personally, I have to state that this book is very inspirational for anyone endeavoring a priceless dream. I have read the entire set of the "Anne of Green Gables" books (that are written by the same author), but in my opinion, "Emily of New Moon" is much more enthralling! It is at the top of my list of my favorite books.

It is difficult for me to write an objective review about this beloved classic. Emily is like a childhood friend to me. Created by the author of Anne of Green Gables, she is a more complex character than Anne - introspective, determined, and deeply sensitive to life's joys and shadows. Her love for writing, or her need to write, defines her; indeed, much of the story is told through her writing. And yet this first book of the Emily trilogy is mostly lighthearted, though not without its passages of intense experience. Emily is orphaned in the beginning of the book, and moves to the farm of New Moon to live with two estranged aunts and one uncle, their brother. She thrives and flourishes in the beautifully prosaic, quaint world of New Moon and Blair Water on Prince Edward Island. Though she is a private and secretive person, she gives lavishly of herself in her closest friendships.

Montgomery's writing is at times indulgently over-descriptive, but not without vividity, wryness, feeling, and rich character development. Perhaps the most eloquent aspect of Emily of New Moon is its flavorful honesty about life both light and dark. Emily is a complex character, full of both faults and virtues, neither of which are expressed simplistically. The reader's sympathies are always with her. Montgomery's indirect insights into the writing life are also very valuable. Emily has writing in her blood, sees it as something intrinsically personal and sacred but wants to share it, does it with abandon yet later throws it away, and yearns to climb the ladder of fame. In this sense, I feel more kinship with her than with her more popular sister Anne Shirley.

Sheltered by her loving father, 10-year-old Emily Byrd Starr has never minded her isolated life. What child notices poverty and a lack of playmates when her intelligence and imagination make each day special and exciting?

Then one terrible day, Emily finds herself an orphan. A mass of never-before-met aunts and uncles descend upon Emily, criticizing and making plain the fact that whoever takes the child is only doing so out of their sense of duty.

Still reeling from the loss of her father, Emily must also leave her beloved little home and pets for New Moon, her mother's childhood home, where unmarried aunts Elizabeth and Laura currently reside. It is with stern matriarch Elizabeth, gentle, loving Laura and "simple-minded" Cousin Jimmy that Emily must now learn to form a family.

Despite the hardships, Emily's new life is quickly filled with many joys, as she makes friends at the village school and develops her interest for writing. Emily also experiences -- at the most unexpected moments -- "the flash," her word for the brief startling glimpses of other-worldliness, which has the power to change both her life and the lives of others around her.

Ask most people what they associate with L.M. Montgomery, and they'll likely say Anne of Green Gables. Yet despite the fame of Montgomery's "other orphan," the Emily books are quite possibly even more memorable and beautifully written. Like Anne, Emily is thrust into an unfamiliar world, where she must make the best of circumstances; but unlike Anne, Emily is possessed of a strangely adult maturity even at the tender age of ten, a glimpse of darkness which will accompany her through the years. This streak makes readers both more concerned for her well-being and perhaps more able to relate, as she is not nearly as happy-go-lucky and childlike as Anne in her early years.

If you enjoy this book, be sure to read "Emily Climbs" and "Emily's Quest," which follow the girl through her years at high school, through romantic relationships and her writing career as a young woman.

It's a shame that most people like either Anne or Emily; I've avoided the whole question by loving them both. The Emily books give a picture of a girl with lights and darks, reacting naturally (and therefore not always cheerfully) to the events of her life. She is far from perfect, but as L.M. Montgomery says about her, you may like her, you may hate her, but you'll never forget her.

If what you love about Anne is the sparkling, bubbly world she creates around herself, then you probably won't like Emily. But if you like L.M. Montgomery and would like to see her go a different route, the Emily trilogy is a great read!!

From the opening pages the reader is submerged in Emily's world.

In my mind Emily of New Moon is the begining of one of the best book trilogies ever written. A story about the courage it takes to be true to ones self no matter the opposition, the power of real determination and true friendship. One cannot help but be moved by the powerful truths, and innocent loveliness contained in this book. EONM is quite simply a multi faceted masterwork that could hardly be improved upon in any way. A deeply moving and relavent novel who's beauty only grows with time. Mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, read this book then gift it to someone you love.

Can recite the whole book. I always buy this for baby showers!. It is a fun and happy book and I always loved reading it to children.

My grandson loves this book. He's only 18 months but loves to cuddle up w/this book.

i enjoyed this book as a child, so
i got it for my grandson[17 months old]. I hope he will be happy with it as well.

this was one of my favorite books as a child, and when i picked it up after 35 years, i remembered and recognized the illustrations and scenes as if i had read it yesterday. this is a pleasure to read with its simple verse-like writing, its wonderful drawings, its bright colors, and its loveable characters. i couldn't reocmmend a book more highly, especially good for young dog lovers, like our son. don't bother with the board book version, which takes down 76 pages to about 6. this original is easy to read and a joy.

Is there a better childrens book than Go Dog Go? Great colors, simple but satisfying pictures, and of course, lots of dogs. Finally just wore the cover off the original with the third kid. If your child age 3 to 8 doesn't like GDG perhaps you should make an appointment. With a lot of Barney/Pooh Bear/TV tie in knockoffs out there, get an original. Also good are: the Bernstein Bears, the Olivia series, Roosevelt and the magic pebble, Ten apples up on top, Are you my Mother?,and for girls the Madeline books to name just a few.

A petty thief wrongfully convicted of murder by a French court in 1931. The bulk of this narrative, and it is a tremendous one, is this man's incarcerations in penal colonies in French Guyana: the many escape scenarios and attempts; the final escape to the mainland; and 2 years living with the local Indians.

Charriere's writing style is spontaneous, lucid, and totally without pretense; real storytelling prowess. The storylines are inbued with perserverance, grit, and undercurrents of humor. He never surrenders to despair; his sense of intrepid survival and courage sustain him throughout the 13 years of his imprisonments. The will to live is the engine that drives these riveting episodes.

The question of the authenticity of this narrative, like the Castaneda books, arises; but ultimately, it doesn't matter if this story is true or not. This is an adventure story; and hyperbole is always involved in the narration of any adventure, regardless of degree. It is the power of the storyteller that mesmerizes the listener/reader in this, a hero's journey. In this case, it is a journey of liberation from a series of hells.

After reading this book, you will come away feeling enriched by this man's intrepid spirit. Highly recommended.

Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts

Charriere's book was impossible to put down. Whether novel or real, his story as a prisoner is unforgettable. Highly recommended.

One of the great adventure books of any time; certainly had had huge impact on my childhood as it was more mesmerizing and novel and gripping than any of the more conventional classics. There it was: a documentary that once again proved that the human spirit at its highest truly becomes indomitable and cannot be destroyed.
The writer erected the monument to the spirit that went unbroken even in the harshest brutality of the Guyana's tropical gulag.

After reading the book, I almost fancy committing a crime with the hope of a prison sentence and the chance of escape! This is an excellent read! I have traveled in Guyana and around the southern Caribbean to some extent and the sea is very rough. He must have been some sailor!

Guyana is such an amazing and beautiful country, sadly remembered for the horrifying stories of "the bagne", its tropical deadly diseases, its giant ants and migales, its poisonous snakes, frogs and spiders, etc. During colonial times and later, the living conditions were indeed so difficult that diseases, i.e. dysentery and typhoid fever, would spread by the day or hour, mainly due to the lack of hygiene and the lack of access to medical facilities,. Malaria and yellow fever also caused more deaths among inmates than the internment horrendous conditions and other atrocities. The name and reputation of Guyana has not yet completely recovered since that time. The "bagne" was officially closed down in 1943. I can only wonder how one would ever think of an escape from it. Guyana is in the middle on nowhere. North and South is just the plain, thick, green, giant rainforest. What about Rivers, cricks? Then, probably only an expert Wayana could paddle a canoe and maneuvers through the strong stream of the Maroni or the Oyapock muddy rivers.

I visited what remains of the internment camps in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, which gate stayed opened wide like a dead man's mouth, and the one in "Ile Saint-Joseph": a few compounds without doors or roofs still stand, black walls falling in decrepitude, zinc and iron bars rusted by the rain and the humidity... Surely, much of the tales of Charriere are pure fiction. Anybody (except of course the native Amerindians) will get lost and die just trying to find his or her way through the maze and thickness of the rainforest, and escaping through the sea doesn't looks such a better idea either. It is said that the sea, which is blue at the "Iles du Salut", is full of sharks who regularly swim about and around the islands to prey for sea turtles. Plus, there are at least 15 miles between the islands and the coast...

In fact, Charriere's publisher, Robert Laffont, revealed in an interview before he died that Charriere submitted the book to him as a novel. However, Laffont, who had a true-life series of books on the go, persuaded him to present it as a true story. He also said that Charriere combined the experiences of several convicts (and we can only speculate how much they exaggerated their exploits)into his book.

Indeed, it is highly likely that the book was ghost-written anyway. Yet, you should still read it.

No, there's no need whatsoever for some poor sod to re-translate the whole book! It still reads beautifully. But, and this is a BIG but, the translation is, today, WAY TOO TAME. The quaint, oblique, charming English expletives he employs now badly interfere with the book's mood and thrillingly immediate, rough flavour. He translated this book way back in 1969; even the English aren't so delicate any longer. Please, isn't it time to honour Charriere's original manuscript, and dirty things up a bit??!

I don't read a lot of historical fiction, in fact the only other novel of that genre that immediately that comes to mind is Gone with the Wind, but I had heard only good things about this epic, the story of a young British boy who grows up in colonized India. Stretching over several decades and including many historical events (though with a few fictional locations) and a detailed portrayal of the culture and traditions of India, "The Far Pavilions" is certainly comparable to Margaret Mitchell's Civil War masterpiece.

Orphaned at a young age, Ashton Hilary Pelham-Martyn is born at the time of the Indian mutiny against the British Empire and the East India Company. As the son of an Englishman, six-year-old Ash is in terrible danger, and it is up to his Indian serving woman (who becomes his mother for all intents and purposes) to disguise his true nature, rename him Ashok, and raise him as an Indian. It would be wrong to give away too many of the wonderful twists and turns of this novel as Kaye recounts Ash's extraordinary life, but she manages to create a rich and vast experience without it ever seeming unrealistic or melodramatic. Although Ash's fortunes do hinge on a lucky turn of fate, he is very much the master of his own destiny, and the story itself never spirals into the realm of the silly (and I only say that because many historical-fiction-epics *do* tend to do this).

The story is quite episodic in form, with the events of Ash's life told in reasonably structured segments: his childhood, his time as a servant in a rajah's palace, his romantic youth, his great love story with Anjuli, and his time as a spy working at the time of the Afghanistan war. Naturally, some of these are more interesting than others: I loved reading about Ashok's time in the Indian court of the spoilt and pitiful Lalji, a young rajah who is surrounded by friends and foes - but has trouble differentiating between the two. It is here Ash befriends a young Indian princess named Anjuli who is an outcast in the court, despised by her stepmother and ignored by most of the court.

Years later, Ash and Anjuli are to cross paths again, but in the most impossible of circumstances: Anjuli, along with her little sister Shishula, are being sent as brides to a dangerous and loathsome rajah. As they attempt to keep their passion for one another secret, Ash desperately tries to find a way to help her escape from her arranged marriage, whilst Anjuli is torn between her love for Ash and her devotion to her little sister, whom she feels she cannot abandon to a loveless marriage. It's heartbreaking stuff, as these two lovers - who are obviously meant for one another - fight within themselves between their duty and their love for one another, in which you're not entirely sure what is the best course of action for them both. As in all epics, there are some sluggish parts and I must say that after the romance between Ash and Anjuli comes to its conclusion, the novel slows down a bit.

Since I've never studied Indian history or culture, I have no idea how accurate it all is - all I can say is that it certainly *seems* accurate. Kaye writes with a confidence and genuine interest in the historical workings of India during this time, and provides enough detail to bring India to life in the reader's mind. However, the real spirit of this novel lies in the rendering of the culture clash between two great countries, and within the protagonist himself. As an English boy who has been raised to believe he is Indian, and then returned to England to complete an English education (and returning to India as part of the military), he stands with one foot in both camps, empathizing with both, but belonging to neither.

This conceit provides a wonderful look into the inevitably tragic occupation of India by the British Empire, and the seemingly-impossible historical situation that this creates. On the one hand, only natural that the Empire would want to control India for the sake of Progress and Trading - and in the meanwhile, they did outlaw the terrible custom of the suttee (the burning of widows alive). On the other hand, it is absurd to suppose that any country or individual has the right to take over another country for the reason that they cannot be expected to run it properly themselves. In one of her best passages, Kaye has Ash wonder if his imperialist uncle would enjoy his household (which is full of corruption and tyranny in the servant's quarters) being taken over by an Indian man who could run it better than himself.

It is for this reason that Ash and Anjuli are perfect for one another, as Anjuli too is half-caste and so fated to belong nowhere. Throughout the story the couple make many friends from many different faiths, but in all cases in which they are shown kindness, there is also the sense that they are not given acceptance. Amongst Muslim friends, they are aware that they are considered infidels, among Hindu friends, they are aware that they cannot share the same food utensils, among British friends, there is the sense of social snobbery and bemusement. This sad sense of separation among the members of the human race permeate the entire book, and linger long after it's been finished.

It's a pretty hefty volume, but I definitely think it's worth the time it'll take to read it.

After being banned from watching the mini series as a child of 10years
I was captivated by the images of Anjulie and Ashook based on the previews of the mini series, I decided that I would eventually watch it and was convinced at the time that my parents were being unfair since I had watched Chariots of Fire with Ben Cross. At that time I had watched every single Ben Cross mini series, so what was different about this mini series? Forbidden fruit?

Imagine my wonderful surprise when I found this book 4 years later at a neighbour who was planning a garage sale and needed help "SORTING" things for such sale. I immediately claimed it and felt as if I had come upon pirate's treasure.

I finally had my hands on the book and it was a treasure indeed! This was a major challenge for me at the time because of the volume of the text itself and the theme however I have read it several times since then and have come to list this novel as one of my favourites of all times.

The journeys that MM Kaye took me through the Himalayas and through the cultures of both Britain and India really ignited my imagination. A truly great book where the characters develop and you live their experiences with each chapter.

I have to say that this was the book that turned me into an avid reader who learnt not to judge a book by the cover.

I have to agree with the others that this book is one of the best of its kind. I purchased it after reading the great reviews (thanks Amazon - found M.M. Kaye after Ordinary Princess recommended for my daughter - wonderful story). I had no particular interest in India but have much more so after reading this book. I just saw a picture of one of the regions where this takes place at the Afgan/India border on the cover of Newsweek - fascinating. I also recommend her other books (so far haven't read even a mediocre one). I'd also recommend BUYING her books so you can loan them to people. And lastly I'd save this for vacation or sometime when you know you'll be able to read it in chunks because you can just loose yourself in it and it's painful to put down (and end which I'm going to do today).

This review is purely a little tribute to my Mom, who would have been 76 today (9/21/2007).
My folks loved to read, and that rubbed off on me. I was surrounded by books in every room of the house, and I can't think of a better, more long-lasting gift for a parent to give a child. Books have made my life so beautiful in so many ways. I will always love and thank my parents both so much for that.
My Mom loved historical fiction above all other genres, especially Victorian and Raj tales. M.M. Kaye was one of her most cherished authors. The Far Pavilions must have been her favorite, because she had every book Kaye ever wrote, and The Far Pavilions was the one that seemed to show up now and then on the coffee table and on her nightstand, year after year. I guess she read it a number of times. I think she savored it like a fine wine, pulling it out every few years to see how the vintage was moving along. I saw her reading thousands of books when I was a kid, and this was one of the only ones that showed up repeatedly.
To be honest, it's not a genre I know much about, and I haven't read any Kaye at all (might be time!). But I know that if Mom were alive and was asked about her favorite books, The Far Pavilions would be at or near the top of the list. So, I just thought I'd share these thoughts, and maybe, if they have a good broadband connection in heaven, she'll read this and remember how much I loved her.
Happy Birthday, Mom.

This is a book that I have been recommended countless times and always declined reading. I can no longer really remember why, except that the first page always seemed a stiff and confusing. But this year, upon seeing the number of pages the book was (1200 pages in mass market paperback) and being recommended it one more time I decided to give it a shot.

All I can say is wow! This is one of those historical epics that ranks right up there with Gone With the Wind in terms of scope, romance, and underlying issues. It's just an amazing novel.

This is the story of Ashton, who is raised from birth by a Hindu foster mother while his father treks around Indian on linguistic missions. When his father dies and the sephoy mutiny happens, his foster mother Sita (a women with real courage) discuses the already dark skinned Ash as her own son and takes him to a remote state where the violence against the British has yet to spread. Here he becomes the servant/playmate of the heir to the throne and the boy's half-sister, Juli. But the heir is in danger from his wicked stepmother who wants him dead so her own son will be heir and when Ash prevents this one to many times he and Sita must flee for their lives. It is then that Sita revels Ash is really British and sends him off to find his own "people."

Of course later Ash will find Juli again-when he is assigned to escort her and thousands of others to her wedding in a far away state. You can guess what kind of turmoil this turns up.

While a great deal of this book is a romance, an adventure, a war story and a exploration of a culture, it is also about the search for identity for poor Ash, who is really neither British no Indian but "two men in one skin-which is an uncomfortable thing to be."

There's also fantastic (and quite sensitive towards Indian considering it was written by a Brit) descriptions of the imperialism of the British and the stupidly of them in some situations (like the Afghan wars.) and a truly touching sentiment about finding a place in the world free or prejudice or danger where you can just be whatever you turn out to be.

Anyway, this is an amazing book. The absolute only thing I didn't love was the ending, which seemed a little out of place with the main plot, but the last few pages tied it back in and then it was just perfect.

Five stars. I should have read this long ago, and look forward to reading others by the author.