Non-fiction Books

As a young girl, I borrowed this book from my father's paperback collection. With time, it disappeared from my life, and I have missed it. Every so often, I have tried to re-locate it, and imagine my joy at finding it again.

What can you say about a book that has haunted you for over 45 years? It is great. An entertaining and enjoyable combination of spy and sci fi.

This is a terrible book. It is the first science fiction book I ever read and I have been addicted ever since. It produced the typical symptoms of science fiction addiction: boundless enthusiasm for individual initiative, a ridiculous optimism for the future, starry eyed idealism, and weekend reading marathons. I should have never read this book. Now I'm going to get a copy for my son. Better that than those darn computer games!

Decades before the Pentagon coined "assymetric warfare", Russell literally wrote the book on it. This is thus a classic, kept in print I suspect by orders from young officers at our service academies. Oh, and it also happens to be a great read.

Eric Frank Russell has long been my favourite sci-fi author. He creates fascinating characters who win out through intellect and logic, rather than brawn, usually, and WASP is no exception.

The book is set in the future, with the Earth up against the Sirian Combine - a galactic conglomeration of planets intent on conquering the Earth. While the Terrans (read: Earthlings) have superior weapons and technology, the Sirians have vastly superior numbers. As the war drags on, the Terrans feel the best way to defeat the Sirians is through propaganda. The theory is that if a wasp can distract the driver of a car, destroying the vehicle and all 4 adults, causing havoc, death and destruction grossly disproportionate to the insect's size, that one man, armed with the right tools, can also cause havoc to a whole planet. So they recruit James Mowry to land on the Sirian planet of Jaimec, to effect such disruption. In theory, with enough distraction, more attention and resources will be concentrating on the internal strife, enabling the Terrans to launch a quick and successful attack on the planet.

To effect this goal, Mowry creates a fictitious underground rebellion called DAG, making the authorities believe that there's a whole group set against the overthrow of the government, when in reality it's just one man.

The book can be seen as a how-to in propaganda, playing into the fears of the enemy, forcing over-reaction and panic with minimal effort and maximum results. Some of the technology doesn't seem that advanced. Granted, there's space ships that can travel between planets, but there are also cars and telephones. However, considering that it was first published in 1957 - 50 years ago - it's hardly surprising. With the brilliance of the story, it is also unsurprising that the book is still in demand - the copy I have is out of print, but there are new anthologies of the author's works being brought out.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I have read this book probably a dozen times and it never grows old. It is a fascinating story of how one man can befuddle an entire civilization. The overtones are a bit ominous in the post-9/11 world, of course, although Russell's clever hero James Mowry is hardly a terrorist. It is also interesting to read the book in light of the reality Russell based it on--the Japanese secret police in WW2. From that perspective, his description of the aliens becomes xenophobic and somewhat disturbing--but the book's story telling verve and hilarious sense of humor overcomes any difficulties. Just read it!

Brian Froud, the creator of the Dark Crystal, is a Genius.

This book is a small Bible.

Well written, and with images so refined it makes you wonder if it is all "human" made.

All your questions about the Dark Crystal will be answered.
The information contained in the book seems almost sacred,
as for the capacity for the human mind to understand it all,
that is yet to be proven...

This book is an amazing tome for anyone who grew up in adoration of The Dark Crystal. Brian Froud's illustrations and concepts are gorgeous and so incredibly creative. This book is delivered as a history of the World in which the film takes place. It is narrated by Aughra, "...the first and last," who witnessed thousands of years of creation and destruction. She monitors the cyclical suns, a spectator of the conjunctions that bring the wise urSkeks, and their division a thousand years later into the cruel Skeksis and the mystical urRu. Aughra alone knows the long history of the crystal and throughout the pages, describes life throughout the ages. There are so many subtleties that the book describes that I can't wait to watch the film again, knowing the significance of the shapes of rocks, the intricate details of the clothes the characters wear, and the elaborate symbolism peppered throughout. The art is gorgeous and the insights into the World of the Dark Crystal shed a new light on the film and its philosophy. Bravo!

A must have for any Dark Crystal fan. It contains detailed pictures, decriptios of the various races, and a breif overveiw of how the world works. It also contains some history on the making of the movie, and a copy of the orginal movie idea. Even if you don't like the movie, it would be hard not to appreciate level of detail that went into this imaginary world.

Overall: An excellent book, which I highly recomend.

I didn't grow up with "The Dark Crystal" like most others who bought this book. I watched it for the first time in 2007. While I found the movie charming, it didn't leave much of an impression. Still, I was fascinated with just how so powerfully so many people love this movie. The film has such a following that a sequel is on the way after 25 years. So, I bought this book to see what it was I was missing. This book is mostly written from the point of view of Aughra, one of the main characters in the film. The art is fantastic but what I adored was the mythology I found within these pages. In this book is a vivid history of the world of the Dark Crystal, complete with philosophical and religious ideas that have a strong connection to the events of the film. If you wish to understand the films themes and events better, there is no better book than this. A MUST for all fans of "The Dark Crystal"

This reedition was long awaited and now I see it's simply delightful. Detailed presentation, awesome drawing and descriptions, it speaks for itself it's been compiled and conceived with an exquisite taste. It includes some extra copies from original designs in fine paper into some kind of envelope. This book is a must for everyone who loves "The Dark Crystal" and wants to know beyond and before... I do love this book.

Harry Mulisch is not well known in the United States -- and it's a shame. The Assault is an undiscovered masterpiece: a moral quandary is wrapped in a thriller and a deeply philosophical work; the result is stunning. The Assault is one of the best novels I've ever read; it ranks easily along works by Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Garcia Marquez, Lessing and even Tolstoy. I recommend this novel wholeheartedly. It will stay with the reader and reveal hidden layers of meaning over time.

----

I'm sorry to say I was not very taken with Mulisch's other major oeuvre, "The Discovery of Heaven." Unlike "The Assault" which is stunning in its minimalism, "Discovery" is excessively verbose and so pretentiously intellectual that it made me imagine Umberto Eco on speed.

I read this book for the first time many years ago, and I have re-read it a couple of times since then. I purchased another copy of it recently as a gift for an old friend from college. After my first reading of it, my conclusion was that it was probably the best novel I had ever read. This judgment was confirmed by a friend (a college librarian), who independently told me that she had the same opinion. I have recommended the book to many people since then. The novel tells the story of a teenager from the traumatic event that he undergoes in the last year of World War II in the Netherlands (1944-45) through several later stages in his life, and how he comes to terms with this event both psychologically and with regard to figuring out the details of what happened. The book has a beautifully crafted plot and is written in wonderful sparse prose. In the Netherlands, this novel was extremely popular and has probably become on the the most widely read novels ever.

A historical subject and a story which is full with hidden references and symbols. Mulish is always amazing and never boring. Makes excellent subject for a reading class.

I just wanted to comment on Peter Reeve's review. He says there is 'not much' of a Dutch literature.
Come on, Mr Reeve, the fact that the Assault is the only book to be found in American bookstores doesn't mean that the Dutch don't have a literature but rather that Americans can't read Dutch and that they think they don't need any more translated literature!
Mutatuli, Hella Haasse, Anna Enquist, Margriet de Moor, Frederik van Eeden, Louis Couperus, Joost van den Vondel, Godfried Bomans, F. Bordewijk, Gerrit Achterberg, Annie M.G. Schmidt, ...
These are but a few random stars of the Dutch literature. Saying there is no or almost no Dutch literature is the same thing as saying there is no American literature.

In a Haarlem street the Dutch Resistance kills an active collaborator. In retaliation the Germans have destroyed a house in that street in which live ten-year-oldAnton Steenwijk with his parents and elder brother. Anton survives, but his parents and brother are killed. As Anton grows up, he wants to suppress all memories of that time, and it is not a coincidence that he chooses to become an anaesthetist. But of course the trauma is buried within him, and affects his mental life in many ways, some that are inexplicable to him. But the members of the resistance who had carried out the assassination are haunted also, by their knowledge that their deed had led to uninvolved people being shot. All these states of mind are explored in this story, as much that lay concealed emerges over the 36 years after the event. The reader is engaged as taut knots are loosened and unwound.

During all this time the world moves on and new political issues arise - Vietnam; the anti-nuclear movement. Do they leave the old issues behind or are they connected with them?

This short book's limpid prose is very precise, profound and rich in unobtrusive symbolism. It is all very compelling

I was looking for a book so that my granddaughter could get a sense of how truly blessed she is to grow up in this century. I am not an avid reader and this was the first book I have read in a long time. The book was only 214 pages but painted a vivid picture of the life and times during the 30's. I read the book in 2 days and loved every word. Being one of the first blacks in a field that has been predomanently white for decades, I too was wrongly accused of doing things and suffered unjust conquenceses. Bravo to the author, please put this on your must read list.

This is a nice book to buy your child if you want to enlighten them on the way of life that existed long before their time where they can appreciate the resources and choices that are available to them in in this generation.

As a grammar-fiend, I must say that this book is really lacking. I realise it was written in the vernacular for a purpose, but really, after only 4 pages I found continuing to read the monstrous grammar painful. This book is practically a guide to how to speak as if one never had any schooling.

If I could've given this book 10 stars, I would've. I'ma 19 year old inner city black male--that said, I was on the verge of tears while reading parts of this novel, and crying isn't something regarded as "ok" to do where I come from (or for guys period). Emotionally maturation is a must when reading this. TRUST! This is my first review of any book. I've never felt so compelled to write one, to ask people "Hey you ever read a book called Billy?" The book is excellent, and I highly recommend it. And as far as the "grammar fiend" review up above--the dialect in the book is reflecting Southern talk from the 1930's and it only adds to the book, it captures the time period beautifully. Please (future readers) dont let that become an obstacle!! (And after the first 5-10 pages you get used to it)

1937. Mississippi. Two teenage girls. Two young boys, ages ten and twelve. A fight ensues and one of the girls ends up dead. The community is outraged and more interested in revenge than justice. Why? The girls are white and the boys are black. Should that matter? Regardless, it does. French unapologetically drops the reader right into the times with all its prejudices glaring. It's impossible to avoid an emotional reaction to Billy. The grief of the families' losses, Billy's confusion about what's happening to him as well as what happened during the fight, and the blatant racism all serve to make the reader question whether things have really changed since 1937 or whether all that racism really just boiling under the surface searching for any excuse to break free.

I never wanted to 'get into' dancing or acting as a child, but this book makes the
world of a child theatrical performer (70 years ago) come alive. I read this so many times. It was just so entertaining. Great book!

"Ballet Shoes" is probably the most popular book in the "Shoes" series, but "Dancing Shoes" is also very good. It tells the story of two girls, Hilary and Rachel, who are training to become dancers on the stage. It is similar to "Ballet Shoes," but for anyone who enjoyed any of the other of the "Shoes" books it is worth reading.

I've been wanting these books for years now. I'm glad I finally got 2 of them. They came very fast and I love them. Thanks.

I received this book when I was about 8 years old. I took one look at it and thought, "I am NOT going to read this. It's a BABY book!" I never touched the book again until 3 years later, when I was 11 years old, and decided just to try out the book. OMG! Was I wrong! This was not a baby book! The story of Rachel and Hilary Lennox and their lovable (in a villainy way)conceited cousin, Dulcie Wintle, is a charming book that every one (and I mean EVERYONE) will love.

Rachel and Hilary come to live with their Aunt Cora, who runs a dancing (ballet, acrobatics, musical comedy, etc.) school, when their mother dies. Aunt Cora is set on making them both "little wonders" but Rachel finds that she disdains it, having no talent for those types of things. Hilary, however, finds that she loves it, and has a real talent for it, too! But Rachel doesn't want Hilary to be a "little wonder," let alone love it! Hilary was going to go to the Royal Ballet School of Dancing before their mother died, and Rachel is set on making her go after her mother's last words for her were to make sure Hilary went on with her dancing.
Misunderstandings will get in the way, as Hilary grows more and more with the "bad" type of dancing, becomes competition with Dulcie, and Rachel comes to find that dancing may not be her thing, but that doesn't mean that stage is not...

Dancing Shoes is a similar formula compared to Streatfeild's other books. After Rachel and Hilary's father dies, they are sent to live with their Aunt Cora, who owns a talent school and troupe. While Hilary is a very talented dancer, she wants nothing more than to have fun. Her sister, Rachel wants nothing to do with dancing, but she does want Hilary to go to the Royal Ballet School to study proper ballet, as her family and old dance teacher wished for, even though Hilary doesn't want to. So everyone, including their mean and selfish Aunt Cora, believe that Rachel is jealous of Hilary. Meanwhile, Aunt Cora's talented, and conceited, daughter now has competition with Hilary.

The book is full of the same charm as her others. While not as endearing as Ballet Shoes and Theater Shoes, maybe only due to the nastiness of Aunt Cora and how mean she is to Rachel, it is still a wonderful read. Any fans of Streatfeild's other books will surely love this book as well.

Robin Jarvis's Dark portal is an exiting, action filled thriller.Some might say it is a weird and an odd topic,but the characters being mice and rats gives the story an extra push, rather than cats and dogs.Everybody reads about cats and dogs.I like this book mainly for 2 reasons:1.there is lots of violence and action. & 2.when you read certain parts where she refers to other events it kind of makes you reread the event she is talking about so you can completly get understand what is going on.
Children 10 and younger probably shouldn't read this book because of the major violence and gore(fighting and blood).

I really enjoyed reading this book and found it nearly immposible to put it down and I would think about it during the time I wasn't reading it. I don't generally enjoy books about animals, but this one was fantastic. The society of mice and bats and rats were fantasticily conciveed by Jarvis, who clearly delivered all aspects of the story. I plan to purchase the second one as soon as possible!

it is the first book in the trilogy and is a great book. the end leaves you thinking that there isn't anymore, but just wait till you read the Crystal Prison. anyway, this is one of the best book having talking mice and other animals. way better than what i have read of the Red Wall series.

The Dark Portal by Robin Jarvis is 5 stars for excitement and survival.
Albert's life is on the line and his daughter Audrey would risk her life to save him. Albert is very kind hearted and is near death in the scariest place that any mouse would want to go! Will Audrey be able to save her father or will they be eaten by those horrific rats?
I life this book because it shows us that mice have a life that is just like ours.
This book is recommended for all kids that love excitement and really dark places.

I just don't like rats. They are vile and digusting creatures. I don't like planet Jupiter either. It is a dumb name.

Im not a good guitarist but after going thru this book found that im able to follow the style and the CD was a great help. Mark H. did a good arrangement and this book serves for an intermediate guitarist.

Excellent choice to learn how to fingerpick and play songs, step by step and very well done, Mark Has many other books but I would start with this one for easing into guitar playing!!

I picked up guitar a few years ago and have been struggling finding a good book that would allow me to teach myself at my own pace and at the same time leave me feeling like I was accomplishing something. This book shows really nice melodic chord changes that will have you feeling good about your playing almost immediately!!! I recommend it for any beginner-intermediate guitarist who is looking for a book to help them FEEL and HEAR the guitar in a new light!!!

It is a good book on fingerstyle guitar. When I bought it some months ago I was able to play arpeggios and some picking patterns. The first lessons are easy to follow but the last ones are hard. You will need time to get some patterns.

I agree with some reviewers. All the studies sound very nice but not all studies sound as the "professional" ones.

However, my main complain is the lessons are written twice. I mean, the book has the complete partiture in a sheet but the previous sheets are the same partiture divided into bars. The author try to explain how to play every bar but sometimes it is just an unnecessary introduction. I'd prefer another kind of previous exercises (some lessons require them) and/or references to the main partiture. I did read before, it seems as if the author or publisher need to use more pages in the books.

Targeted to a range from beginner - intermediate players. I really love the piece arrangement on this book. Shows simple yet produce a really good sound. You will definately have a fun time playing while learning through this book. Definately recommend this book to anyone, also look around for other Mark Hanson's books.

I have read over a thousand historical novels,and this definitely is the best. Not just in court history, but it falls into the category of the most well written book ever to grace print. Could not put it down...

I have read many fictionalized biographies of Elizabeth I, but this one is the gold standard. It is quite remarkable that Kay is able to detail Elizabeth's entire life in under 500 pages, yet I did not feel anything important had been overlooked or shortchanged. This would be a terrific first read as well as entirely satisfying to someone already very familiar with the details of the Virgin Queen's life and reign. Kay's depiction of Elizabeth's psychology rings very true and, although she answers the age-old "did she or didn't she" question differently than many historians have, her portrayal of Elizabeth's intimate relationship with Leicester is completely believeable. Kay has managed to synthesize the "feel" of the period without bogging down in unnecessary, dry historical discourse. I felt I understood Elizabeth and her motivations and inner workings more intimately than in any other biography of her I have read. There is no white washing of her shortcomings or exaggeration of her virtues. In my opinion, this author comes as close as possible to capturing the essence of this queen, both as a woman and as a ruler. Remarkable and exceptional writing. Very highly recommended.

Unlike the trash heaps by Philippa Gregory or Laurien Gardner, Susan Kay actually wrote a compelling novel AND kept history intact. A tough balance act but she managed it. Ever the master of human emotion Kay builds up Elizabeth's emotional turmoil from Anne Boleyn's miserable end to the execution of her last favorite, Lord Essex. Chilling and colorful this book brings Elizabeth to life like no other novel I've read before or since. One can hate this Queen Bess at one moment only to love her at the next, like the real life queen Kay's Elizabeth keeps you guessing and when she reaches the emotional breaking point over having Mary Stuart executed one cannot help but feel for this woman. EXQUISITE in every way!

This book absolutely deserves all the glowing reviews it has received on this site. I am so happy my local library had a copy of it. I was hooked from the very first sentence and I didn't put the book down all day.

I have read many books on the life of Elizabeth I, but this book ranks at the top. Susan Kay's prose is stunning and her story-telling capability is masterful. Kay truly transports you back to the time of Elizabeth to such a degree that you can smell the rushes on the floor of the palace, feel the piercing gaze of Elizabeth's eyes on you, and feel the tension and danger of court intrigue.

It is a brilliant book and a must read for anyone interested in Elizabeth I. (Or anyone who appreciates exceptionally good writing) Oh, and this book has no business being out of print! It is far superior than most Elizabeth I books that are on the shelves of bookstores right now.

AWESOME! An absolutely brilliant portrayal of Elizabeth I. The only thing I've ever seen come close to capturing Elizabeth so clearly and brilliantly is the old Masterpiece Theatre series on PBS done back in 70's or 80's with Glenda Jackson. All the charaterizations in the book are incredibly well drawn and detailed, particulary Elizabeth, Dudley and Cecil.

The author also has a wonderful way of describing the times, the scenes, the clothes, etc. The author's opinions on Elizabeth's virginity (or lack thereof) and as to who killed Amy Dudley are very intriguing. Anyone interested in reading about this very complex and powerful Queen should put this on their reading list. With the resurgence in popularity of historical fiction and all things English, I can't imagine how this incredible book can be out of print. As another reviewer wrote, go and and it now.

I used to give copies of this book away. I would "lend" it to a friend, but knew it was never coming back. I had to stop doing that when the paperbacks became harder and harder to find.

I don't often re-read books, but I've certainly read this one at least 10 times. If you like technology and a good story with interesting storytelling, don't hesitate to pick up a copy. You won't regret it.

...that I give to any friend who is looking for an introduction to Science Fiction. This is the first book I get into the hands of any new friend (and Sci-fi fan) who has not yet come across Daniel Keys Moran. These books are on the same shelf as my Frank Herbert, Larry Niven, Robert Heinlein, William Gibson, Neal Stephenson, Asimov and Tolkien.I'm hard pressed to think of any higher praise I could offer on its behalf.

Trent, thought to be one of the Castanaveras telepaths that caused the Troubles and drove tens of thousands of people instantly crazy, is at the top of the U.N.'s most wanted list. The problem is, while genetically perfect, Trent is not a telepath, and just wants to live a quiet life as a master thief. Now that one of the U.N. Peacekeeper Elite cyborg officers is on his trail, Trent is forced to run and maybe, just maybe, pay the Peacekeepers back for the cold-blooded murder of everyone he knew and loved.
This book is fast paced, funny and occasionally thought provoking. It is a nice easy read. It is also my all time favorite. I actually own two copies, one is a limited edition hardcover. I have read this book easily over a dozen times.

This book has redefined the way i view science ficiton the writing is suberb and Trent is the man. Make sure to read emrald eyes first and catch the last dancer for a little bit more about his adventures.

I wish I could write well enough to give this book the kudos it deserves. I cannot, so I will not try. All you need to know is that as of this review, this books rates 5 stars on 19 reviews. That should be more than enough to convince you that you need to read 'The Long Run' & 'Emerald Eyes'.

I ordered this for my 37 year old sister, because I had this book as a child and she has always loved it, but could never find a copy. The version I bought is hard back and Sooo much better than my old copy. Fantastic, thank you so much. And, I live in Australia and didn't have to wait long to get it. Even better!!
Bianca

My mother read this book to me as a child. In the years since, as I have reached maturity, there has been no other book that as remained poignant and heartfelt in my mind as the Maggie B. The book wraps itself around the reader as snugly and securely as a cotton blanket on a cool autumn evening. I have received many gifts in my life, and I consider the pleasure of reading this book one of the finest.

So much is done for kids these days. The toys talk to them, even some books do. They lead very passive lives. This book is about a child and her imagination and the sea voyage she dreams of one evening. It is a great story complimented well by great illustrations and is sure to enccourage your child to dream "in color." Also, with the songs, it makes an excellent read aloud book.

I have wanted to buy this book as a keepsake for both of my children, since I read it to them when they were very small. I worked for the State Library of Florida, and had the most special opportunity to read this when I was asked by the Children's Consultant, to give my opinion, by taking it home to read to my son and daughter. The imagination of Irene Haas, along with her beautiful illustrations, captured all of our hearts and minds. We believed we were on the boat with Margarent Barnstable, and her brother James. The little songs, gave me further enjoyment with my chidren. Now that both of them are married, and in the future, hopefully having children, I wanted them to be able to share this truly "enchanting" book with them.

My children, now in their twenties, loved this book when they were little and we love sharing it with the children in our lives today. The story of brave and loving Maggie in a sometimes stormy world reminds us that we can create warmth and safety for ourselves and others. The artwork makes us all want our own 'Maggie B.'