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Related Subjects: Orwell, George Oates, Stephen B. O'Brien, Fitz-James Owen, Wilfred Ostriker, Alicia O'Brien, Tim Orczy, Emmuska O'Connor, Flannery Olds, Sharon Ozick, Cynthia O'Hara, Frank Orlovsky, Peter Orr, Gregory O'Brian, Patrick Olson, Charles Oe, Kenzaburo Olmsted, Marc Omar Khayyam Olesha, Yuri Karlovich Owens, Rochelle O'Flaherty, Liam Olsen, Tillie O'Siadhail, Micheal O'Connor, Barbara
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O Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

O
XQuery
Published in Paperback by O'Reilly Media, Inc. (2007-03-30)
Author: Priscilla Walmsley
List price: $49.99
New price: $24.49
Used price: $19.94

Average review score:

Great X-Query book but needs more information.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-15
The problem of this book is it doesn't give detailed information on how to implement X-Query on your computer. When you have Windows Vista, eXist doesn't work. Neither does WAMP. And unless you have heavy duty experience with SQL Server, this book is useless. The author of this book needs to include many more simple examples so that people like me can use the language. I might figure out how to use this someday, but it will be a long time before I do. That is so disappointing.

Must read... then must keep around.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-11
XQuery has its logical side, but it's pretty easy to forget all the syntax rules and nuances associated with it. Without this book, I'd easily be cursing XQuery and everything associated with it.

It was a great read to get started, but it's become an indispensable reference for day-to-day work and play. With the 30 or so sticky-notes poking out the top, I find myself constantly in this book looking for not just answers, but ways to better use XQuery efficiently in a maintenance-friendly manner.

Good Book for Database Professionals to Learn XQuery
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-04
This is a nice, comprehensive book written by someone highly qualified to talk about XQuery. The author, Priscilla Walmsley, was a member of the W3C XML Schema Working Group.

Now that XML is being added to database management systems, DBAs and database developers will need to know how to query that data. And they'll more than likely be using XQuery to do it. As such, this book would be a good way for database professionals to gain expertise on XQuery.

Walmsley's book offers a concise, yet in-depth tutorial on the XQuery language specification. After digesting these 25 chapters you'll have the knowledge required to program using XQuery to read your XML data. Whether you're coming from a relational and SQL background or you're an XML and XSLT coder, this well-written text will help you understand and write queries using XQuery.

Good XQuery tutorial/reference
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-29
I needed to come up to speed with an XML database server (Mark Logic) and I found this book very useful for learning how to use XQuery. It was concise and provided many good examples. The presentation of chapters was somewhat episodic--you had to read the later chapters to find out how some of the topics turned out. This was probably due to the newness and complexity of the topic. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a chapter reorg for the 2nd edition.

In my case, the book covers only XQuery and does not cover the XQuery extensions and specifics of the XML database system I was using. Walmsley's book makes a great companion to the vendor documentation.

A specific, valuable reference
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-07
XML programmers and database users will find Priscilla Walmsley's XQUERY a specific, valuable reference which is based on the Xquery 1.0 standards and which offers a basic tutorial on specifications and programming with the query language base. Query writers should have some knowledge of XML basics to use this, and can quickly progress into the 'advanced' category using an overview and tour of Xquery which includes guidelines for working with different types of data and an A-Z reference to the program's functions.

O
Yard Bull: A Railroad Detective's Memoir
Published in Hardcover by On the Mark! (2007)
Author: Dean O'Shea
List price:
Used price: $25.88
Collectible price: $21.95

Average review score:

Great reading!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-28
I also collect books about people who worked for the railroad in every type of job available, and while there are a bunch of books about engineers, station agents, etc, there are very few about the lives of railroad police.

I found this book to be a great read. Interesting, and at times exciting. He is a great storyteller. I hope he writes "part 2" and continues his life as a RR cop.

In many aspects a high quality memoir!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
Having read "Yard Bull" for the first time this Fall, and then having recently read it for a second time, I can highly recommend this book as a well written and moving memoir of O'Shea's life experiences. Very often this book will have you laughing at the absurdity of humanity, and yet at other times feeling the tragedy and drama in this man's personal life. And speaking as a train conductor on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway's Northwest Division, I can also say that O'Shea has created a book that is an accurate representation of what we see happening around the Seattle railway yards on an all too frequent basis. You won't be disappointed!

Captivating book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-10
I read this book to my husband on our road trip from Seattle to Denver. We laughed, I cried, and we missed some much needed Rest Areas because I couldn't wait to find out what was happening next. I had no idea what a Yard Bull was when I began but had much respect for them when we finished. It is full of adventure and even romance. I highly recommend this book, but make sure you start early or don't mind staying up late as it is hard to find a stopping place. We are hoping for a sequel soon.

Captivating Adventure
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-09
Yard Bull firmly held my attention from the first few sentences through the end of the book. Every page told more of the captivating adventure of Dean O'Shea. It was difficult to pause reading this book to do anything else.

Dean's life as a Yard Bull portrays a fascinating dimension of law enforcement that includes a great deal of working in the dark, being on foot and confronting trespassers that are often armed and have nothing to loose.

Interwoven with his daring and dangerous adventures is Dean's developing friendship with Cassie. Their humorous and romantic adventures touched a special place in my heart.

This is a book I treasure. I earnestly hope that Dean will write a sequel to this incredible story.

Lots of action and humor! Nonfiction Fan
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-07
Wow - this memoir has it all; drama, humor, crime, romance, spirituality, personal growth, tragic loss, life lessons. And it all takes place in a setting I knew nothing about - the railroad. Dean O'Shea has put a human face onto this world of metal and diesel and creosote-soaked ties. I was fascinated with the personal interactions between Dean and his police partner, Henry, while they fought criminals and each other.

O
Yours Truly, Skye O'Shea
Published in Turtleback by Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media (2003-07)
Author: Megan Shull
List price: $14.49

Average review score:

Teenage Life
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-13
Teenage Life
Yours Truly Skye O'shea by Meagan Shull is a book about a young teenager. Skye just started [...]. She is trying to juggle sports, boys, and school all at the same time. When things get tough she writes to her favorite hockey player. She gives Skye helpful advice. I would recommend it to [...] girls and up.
Skye loves playing hockey but she is stuck in the shadow of her sisters legacy. She is trying to make the Ithaca 15U girls hockey team. Mean while, she starts to fail math, so her dad gets a touter. Then she meets Ashton, she thinks he is the most sweetest nicest boy she has ever met. Everyday after school they would walk to the library together. Everything was going good, maybe possibly, he liked her? But you never know what could happen! You will just have to read the book and see!
To sum it all up this book is truly a good book and teenage girls will love it , just like I do.

Yours Truly, Skye O' Shea
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-25
Yours Truly, Skye O' Shea is great book. Megan Shull writes so great that everyone can relate to it. With the funny parts and the sad you can find yourself feeling like Skye.
Skye has the same personality as me. Funny, loves hockey and wants to be great. I would do the same thing as her when she tries out for the hockey team, be the first out to show everyone, I'm serious. I would not want sisters like her though. I would want nice sisters that actually care about what happens to me. But I'm luckier the Skye because my parents are always there for me.
I think everyone should read this book because like I said, you can relate to how she is feeling. At some point in your life you've done the same thing or felt the same way. If you ever get a chance to read, you should. You'll never be able to put it down once you start!

Skye Rocks!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-11
I'm All most done reading it but so far its Alsome! I can tell Skye and I have a lot in common she is really cool I recommed this book for ages: 10 and over and I recommed it for anyone!

My 10 yr old won't put it down
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-29
My 10 yr old daughter is reading this book currently and is almost done. She can not put it down. I purchased this book as a birthday party gift for her & her 3 friends (at the American Girl Store book signing on June 26th). Her friend said (while reading the book in the car on the way home) "You guys, this is the best book ever - you need to read it!!"
Great gift idea for any girl.

Sixth Grade Blue Skye
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-21
Shortly after Skye enters middle school, she feels overwhelmed by her homework, her first crush, and her afterschool sports. Skye worries that she'll never be as skilled or as smart as her older sisters, twins Shannon and Shelby. At home, they always make Skye feel as though it's two against one. On the ice, all three girls excel at hockey. Even after Skye makes the big team, she thinks she has push herself even more in order to prove her worth.

Yours Truly, Skye O'Shea is just the beginning. Make sure that you read Skye's the Limit next and find out what happens when Skye goes to an outdoor summer camp. After you read these books, I bet that you, like me, will be wishing there were more Skye stories!

O
Abuela's Weave
Published in Hardcover by Demco Media (1995-03)
Author: Omar S. Castaneda
List price:

Average review score:

Rainbow of love
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-11
This gorgeous gem of a book has some of the most beautiful and colorful illustrations I have ever seen, much like the colors of the cloth woven by Esperanza and her grandmother. It's a beautiful, touching look at the traditions of a women in a family and a culture we so often take for granted.

good
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-10
The book is great, but it was delivered to me and completely bent. Could have been prevented had a piece of cardboard been slipped in with the book.

Beautiful Story!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-17
This is one of our children's favorite stories. Especially since 5 of our children are adopted from Guatemala. It is a beautiful story of love and family. The illustrations are lovely as well. My Guatemalan born children love to have me read this story to them as well as my birth children.
I highly recommend them book to all families hoping to share a little bit of guatemala with their children.

Woven with Love
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-18
A beautifully illustrated book written by Omar S. Castaneda who was born in Guatemala and teaches writing at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. The artist, Enrique O. Sanchez was born in the Dominican Republic and has worked as a graphic artist for Sesame Street. Together they create magic.

Esperanza is a girl who is learning to weave with her grandmother, Abuela. On the day of the Fiesta de Pueblos in Guate, they decide to reveal their work to the world.

"Esperanza, however, wore her favorite huipil: it was a white blouse with red, blue and green threads in the rectangular collar. Under that, the colors bled into silver and blue, and hidden within the intricate designs of the blouse were tiny quetzals flying freely in the threads the way they once flew in the great forests of Guatemala."

They have to take a bus and then finally they arrive in the city. Once Esperanza starts to hang up her work, people start to look at the elaborate weavings and some even take pictures. She sells all the items and her grandmother is very proud of her.

A loving story that follows in the tradition of Guatemala's legendary artisans.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

AWESOME BOOK
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-19
Abuela's Weave is a very good, accurate book about how the Maya people actually live. I've travelled often to Guatemala and visited many villages. The pictures in Abuela's Weave depict life as it really is in the villages... the Mayan dress, the houses, work, animals. Very good. I read this book often to my 4 year old granddaughter and use the opportunity to educate her on Guatemalan culture and to teach her some Spanish. My cousin, Dominga Sic Ruiz, was born in Guatemala and adopted in the USA. We sell weavings made by the women of a village in Guatemala. The weavings go great with the book...hand in hand...to buy a weaving write to domingasic@hotmail.com Thanks. Mary P.

O
AirWAVES! A collection of Radio Editorials from the Golden Apple
Published in Hardcover by Fordham University Press (1999-05-01)
Author: William O'Shaughnessy
List price: $26.95
New price: $8.77
Used price: $0.34
Collectible price: $25.00

Average review score:

A delightful "Who's who" in New York Radio and politics
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-09
Airwaves is O'Shaughnessy at hist best! From Mario Cuomo to Nelson Rockefeller, Airwaves gives a unique insight into some of the most fascinating figures of the Empire State and beyond. The candid conversations shed new light on the personal aspects of these rich characters who have helped shaped the state. O'Shaughnessy puts his guests at ease with a flair born from years of interviews and radio editorials that made the legendary broadcaster who he is today.

yessiree
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-04
return we us now to those days of yesteryear..

FINE WRITING AND FINE HAIR CARE!!! WHAT A GENIUS!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-06
The book is implemental to the collections of book lovers everywhere. I'm the same age as the author and I have not even half the amount of stories he has to tell. And, I don't even have half the amount of hair. WOW! What a book!

Fantastic! A must for fans of great writing.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-19
Nobody captures the essence of society's colorful characters like O'Shaughnessy. His perspectives on freedom of speech and The First Amendment are inspirational.

I've Met Him... And I like Him.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-18
William O'Shaughnessy is everything we love about the Irish. He's irreverent, colorful, warm, and kind. This collection of radio editorials would be worth far more than its price if you were to receive only pages 61-64 for your money. (Think of the other 387 excellent pages as coming "at no extra charge.")

I was conducting a seminar in Manhattan for the great Joe Riley when I was introduced to Bill. I gave him a copy of my latest book and he gave me a copy of his, this (just released) Airwaves. I wasn't expecting much... but then I'm an idiot.

William O'Shaughnessy beggared America by limiting his radio commentary to Westchester County, New York. He should have been a network anchor.

Even though the book has a somewhat regional "New York" flavor, (I'm from Texas,) I liked it.

Bill! Write us another one!

O
Amusement Park Guide
Published in Paperback by Globe Pequot (1999-06-01)
Author: Tim O'Brien
List price: $14.95
New price: $15.55
Used price: $0.11

Average review score:

A must for every enthusist!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-17
This is a great book!! It is well worth your money. If you are planning a vaction, then buy this book. It has theme parks from Disney to Universal Orlando, to Cedar Point, all of the Paramount Parks and many, many more!! The ultimate guide to rollercoasters is this book!!

Review that could have helped.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-14
I had gone to the conference with much knowledge about the subject. I was told about the book from there. Could I have obtained it, I would have been the top in the list of performers.

A Great Guide To Amusement Parks!
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-01
This book is a must for all amusement park fans. It gives all the information you would need to have a fun and exciting day at any park in the U.S. or Canada. Mr. O'Brien has done a masterful job of helping you plan your visit by giving the operating times as well as the best rides and shows. There is also a listing of all the roller coasters in the park. His vivid description of the park gives you the feeling of being there. I would recommend this guide book to anyone planing a trip to an amusement park in the future.

Must-Have for Amusement Park Fanatics
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-29
This is, truly, the bible of amusement park guides. I am always amazed at its thorough coverage of parks, both large and small, in the United States and Canada - is there an international edition in the works??? If so, put me on the list of buyers.

It's difficult to think of a park that isn't listed here - from the mainstream parks such as Disneyworld and Universal, to the tiny, neighborhood parks such as Weona and Nelly Bly, they're all here, and beautifully documented. Signature rides are listed for each park - from the big, modern coasters, to the rarer flats. As a huge fan of Flying Scooters and Lusse Auto Skooters (you fellow park nuts will know what I'm talking about, here), I love that such rides are included. Park histories are here, as well, for all of us preservationists.

Directions, websites, and further information are included for the parks, also, which greatly helps if one wishes to visit a park. Also, common-sense tips for park visitors are here, as well as little-known secrets that assist with getting around a park to the greatest efficiency.

I was fortunate enough to find this book while visiting Knoebels Grove (the best park in America, as far as I'm concerned), and couldn't put it down during the entire ride home. It's addictive, informative, and, well, a must-have. What with the summer practically here, run, don't walk, and get your copy NOW.

The Bible of park guidebooks---absolutely outstanding!!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-19
This book is just awesome...it reviews over 350 theme parks, amusement parks, and waterparks all over the U.S. and Canada, providing everything you'd want to know about every park...the great roller coasters and other thrill rides, costs, operation schedule, directions, special tips, insider facts and trivia, historical milestones, etc. Also gives phone numbers and website addresses for each park. The author is a life-long park expert and senior editor of a major park industry publication...he really seems to know his stuff, and he injects some fun and personality into the book. It's a great guide to use to plan your park trips and to carry with you for quick reference. It's also fun to to sit down and read through it because it gives so much interesting trivia on the parks. Just a fantastic, authoratative, fun, easy-to-use resource on parks.

O
The Angel Connection : Divinity in the New Energy
Published in Paperback by O Books (2006-03-25)
Author: Christina Lunden
List price: $19.95
New price: $4.98
Used price: $1.36

Average review score:

A Great Lightworker Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-30
I wandered onto this book on the web and ordered it. I just finished it last night and I loved it! I wish it was longer but I found out that Christina offers several cds on her website so I'm going to look into those soon. (
It's refreshing to read a book that that combines angelic content with information about our ascension process from the 3rd dimension thru the 4th and into the 5th. This book was great validation for me on many levels and it's written in such a conversational way that it's like talking with a dear friend. If you are a fan of Karen Bishop's lightworker books, as am I ...you will resonate with Christina Lunden too.

This is a must read for anyone who loves angels
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-13
Christina writes the book in simple, easy to understand language and leaves you with a feeling of empowerment that you too can have direct communication with your angels just like she does. The messages from the angels are inspiring and encouraging. The book will leave you with some questions, but this is good because it gives you the burning desire to connect to the angels for yourself and begin to receive the information on your own.

Maybe she will write a follow up book with more answers for those who aren't comfortable enough to trust their own connections yet. I also recommend scheduling a private angel session with her in person or over the phone. I actually met with her before I read the book, and I was very touched by the loving messages that came from "my" angels that only they would know. We are never alone, for they are always with us, waiting to assist and help if we will only ask for them to intervene. My life has a new etheral quality now as I see that everything has a divine purpose and even the "past" that may have been difficult was for a purpose in my spiritual and soul growth. You will definitely be glad you had your session and will walk away from it with tools and insights that can help you in your walk, not to mention a new sense of hope that no matter what, there are angels watching over you and wanting the very best for your life.

Wonderful messages from the Angels and practical guidance from a gifted teacher
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-02
Christina Lunden's book, The Angel Connection is a wonderful book. I ordered it, received it one day and was finished reading it by the next day--and this is not something I usually do. But it's such a joy to read, so compelling, and full of great practical guidance for connecting with our own Angels--and staying connected. The way she shares her personal experiences throughout the book is great--it brings these Divine teachings back to Earth so we all can feel and know these Angelic experiences are within our own reach, too. If you're at all interested in learning more about your Angelic companions, I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

Wonderful & Enlightening
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-12
Christina is a wonderful spirit and brings to life amazing expierences to show others that this is possible for everyone. I apprecaite the book's insight and perspectives. I recommend it for anyone who is on an angelic journey.

A Delightful Journey With Your Angels
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-29
Christina Lunden shares with you her journey with the angels and gives you an open door to walk through to talk and counsel with your own angels for wisdom and guidance in living your life to its fullest. With the help of this book you can experience inter-dimensional living - living with one foot on Earth and the other in the Higher Dimensions.

Christina writes with honesty, humility and humor. She brings examples from her own exprience to help you understand what she is teaching and to help you also understand that it is part of the human experience to talk with your angels. You can do it too, and here is how!

This book is a love letter from the angels, given through the heart of Christina Lunden. Enjoy your love letter!

O
Apache Pocket Ref
Published in Paperback by O'Reilly Media, Inc. (2000-06-20)
Author: Andrew Ford
List price: $9.95
New price: $9.95
Used price: $1.98

Average review score:

Excellent!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-05
Very comprehensive... a lot of bang for your buck in a little book. I keep it in my laptop bag 24/7 now.

Never leaves my side
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-30
I, incredulously, bought this book not expecting to refer to it because I know everything ( ;-P ). I have found that it a most invaluable resource. If you know (and love) Apache, this is the synopsis you need sitting on the left hand side of your keyboard.

Good info, good price, ok binding.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-22
For material that's mostly already online, this book is a good investment. I get really tired of window-switching references, and sometimes I like to sit away from the computer while I'm looking up stuff on directive syntax or whatever. For that, this book is worth the price.

I'd still like a more suitable binding for a small book with a font chosen for density. Lord, won't you make me said book so it will lay flat? That would make this dealie a five-star pick for me.

Up-to-date!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-31
This little book covers the latest version of Apache, and was packed with info for its size. If you're already familiar with other releases of Apache, then this is the perfect book for you - and all you'll ever need!

Perfect volume for the price.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-10
A large system of configuration commands and syntax is a useful and powerful tool for allowing people to easily control complex pieces of computer software.

Large configuration files have one major problem; you tend not to look at them often enough to get the language and syntax down pat. You find yourself making too many tiny errors in command name or syntax and struggle with one window editing the file and one or more windows open displaying the documentation.

With Apache I have this problem in spades. The configuration system may be well designed and the syntax as easy as possible, but most people will still struggle to keep every detail in their head. I know what I need to do, have a fair idea how to do it, but the details elude me.

That's where this little volume comes in immensely handy. I have several of O'Reilly's pocket references and find the PHP, Apache and Perl ones never stray far from my computer. This one provides a wealth of reference information packed into a small, inexpensive little volume. It has enough information about the exact name and sytax of the Apache configuration directives that I donĂ½t need to go to a larger book or delve into the manual.

Oh, and for those that want this volume to lay flat. I ran my copy through a paper cutter and trimmed the spine off. After punching holes in the pages I then had a loose leaf version that allowed me to add my own pages of notes in various spots and lays perfectly flat. It only took a few minutes. Sorry, O'Reilly - but it is more useful if it can lay flat and being able to add notes is great.

O
Ask the Rabbi: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How of Being Jewish (Arthur Kurzweil Books)
Published in Hardcover by Jossey-Bass (2003-10-03)
Author: Ron Isaacs
List price: $22.95
New price: $12.01
Used price: $5.75

Average review score:

Ya gotta love it!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-05
Chatty, easy to read, easy to research question and answer format. Just like having the rabbi right there with you.

Hooray for the rabbi!
Helpful Votes: 24 out of 29 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-08
I read Rabbi Ron Isaacs' book, "Ask the Rabbi", cover to cover over the weekend. It was my catharsis from mind-pollution inflicted by the antagonistic tome of a Jewish feminist, purportedly addressing resurgent anti-Semitism. Being a non-Jew, it's beyond my comprehension how she could feel comfortable fabricating odium without any reluctance for her community's rebuke. Surprisingly, "Ask the Rabbi" is my illumination.

"Ask the Rabbi" is a primer specifically for American Jews inactive in Judaism and wishing to discover what they're missing. It's too introspective for non-Jews only wishing familiarity with another religion. Rabbi Ron has collected questions and answers over the years, and has organized them into chapters based on category. Many answers have repetitive elements favoring readers who selectively skip around. By the end, most all transliterated Hebrew terms are explained, but if you start out not knowing your mikvahs from your mitzvahs, "Ask the Rabbi" makes little accommodation. A glossary would be helpful for what I'm sure will be a second volume.

Judaism excites Rabbi Ron. He explains major differences between the four popular movements of Judaism in America. There are adequate explanations of the ceremonies, the rituals, the importance of certain prayers, and even satisfying anecdotes about how melodiously the cantor chants and sings. In my own synagogue visits, I was dumbfounded as the rabbi offered thanks for making us Jewish. Rabbi Ron well-explains that such statements are not to be regarded as insensitive. They are mere positive expressions of the honor bestowed by the Torah. Rabbi Ron's services are conducted in Hebrew, and he gives useful tips for people without language skills. There are also good pointers for keeping a more perfect Shabbat. However, the ceremonies, prayers, and rituals appear focussed on process for its own sake. Inevitably, a question deals with this appearance of process versus purpose, but the answer is redundant.

An indirect question about 'who is a Jew?' needed to appear earlier, because "Jew" is ambiguous. One can be a Jew by descent (Yehudim) as an offspring of Yehudah, or his brothers Benyimin and Lewi, those who also inhabited the Southern Kingdom and later Roman province of Judea. Or, one can be a Jew by the religion of Judaism. While not universal, the two often coincide. Rabbi Ron's convoluted answer touches on both keeping the commandments and the nation of Israel's contentious Law of Return authorizing the Orthodox Rabbinate. It begs the question, 'What is Judaism?'

"Ask the Rabbi" lacks a clear definition of Judaism. From the time of Mosheh, through Shelomo, and up to the Babylonian Captivity, there was no Judaism. The children of Yisra'el are simply commanded to observe the Torah as their way of life. Judaism, as an organized religion overseen by the rabbi-teacher, began during, and as a response to the Babylonian Captivity. After the Temple's destruction in the pre-Christian first century, messianic-Jews, the Yehudim who believed on Yahushua (different from today's "Messianic Judaism"), were ejected from the synagogues and shunned, because they were pacifists in the rebellion against Rome. The artifice of labeling a Jew overtly by membership in Judaism further excluded messianic-Jews. For all such questions that continually baffle ordinary Jews (e.g., Avraham was not a Jew), Rabbi Ron appears to safeguard uncertainty, without purposely misstating fact.

"Ask the Rabbi" earns its fourth and fifth stars in the latter third, where through advocacy of liberal causes, it presents a useful illumination into the Jewish-American psyche. I had previously believed that the damage being inflicted on our society by secular-liberalism emanated from misguided elitists and other misfits. Rabbi Ron shows that for a broad spectrum of Jews, the motivation is religion-based. While not alone, American Judaism encourages feminism, homosexuality, abortion, and the funding of stem-cell research. Incongruously, Rabbi Ron perceives that Judaism is threatened in part by intermarriage and a low birth rate.

A lucid appreciation of liberal issues would find them at odds with Torah. However, from answers to questions ranging from eating Chinese food to beard shaving, one understands that Torah-observance is more or less optional in American Judaism. And as the Messiah discovered, Judaism self-righteously pursues other commands to unnatural extremes, e.g., wholly separating dairy from meat, and not misusing the Sacred Name by consciously overlooking it. Running from the Torah and embracing secular causes seems unwittingly self-destructive.

Yet, Rabbi Ron has misplaced anxieties about Christians, believing that missionaries are specifically targeting Jews. He might refer all future questions about Christians to an informed friend. Messianic Scripture expressly forbids door-to-door proselytizing (Luke 10:7). Out of hundreds of Christian sects, only three violate that stricture: Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and Seventh-day Adventists. I doubt whether representatives from these sects have a better command of Hebrew and the Tanak than ordinary Jews. They don't systematically target Jews; they target the unaware. However, there is extra credit for snaring a Jew. Therefore, don't point to the mezuzah cueing the missionaries' leave.

The messianic message was predicted to be imminently and utterly corrupted. Thus, we have the living amalgam we call Christianity. Christianity's interpretations will never be acceptable to knowledgeable Jews. So, it amazed me to see that Rabbi Ron quotes the Messiah's commitment to the Torah into the far future (Mattityahu 5:18). Rabbi Ron justifiably denounces Christianity for misrepresenting the Messiah and His stand on the Law. The Torah is a framework for unsurpassed goodness and freedom. Knowing this truth is what harmonizes the so-called Old and New Testaments. Given his stunning recognition, I was sad to leave Rabbi Ron, knowing that he'd reject further investigation.

Although it's a negative, denying the Messiah seems to be the only constant in Judaism, and its millstone. Because it's the principal motivation, Judaism's misperceptions about Christianity, causes it to waste energy by being reactionary. For no other reason, if Christians are fervent, Judaism is secular; if Christians vote Republican, Judaism supports Democrats. It seems oddly simple, but it's an extremely helpful and worthwhile insight. My blessings and sincere good wishes go out to Rabbi Ron Isaacs and his family!

Easy reading reference book
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 41 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-01
Since the questions for "Ask the Rabbi" came largely from Hebrew School and Hebrew High students, one would think it to be a children's book. However, the breadth of the topics, the depth of the answers, and the almost conversational style of the answers make the book suitable for readers of all ages. Whether you start at the beginning and read straight through, or as I did, skip around to topics of particular interest, the reading is easy and informative. Rabbi Isaacs makes a point to explain many of the answers from the standpoints of the different branches of Judaism. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about the Jewish religion.

Excellent book for Jews and non-Jews alike!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 50 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-30
This book asks and answers hundreds of questions about Judaism in a user-friendly and easy-to-read format. Especially enjoyable are Rabbi Isaacs' personal anecdotes which fully engage the reader and add to the value of the book. The book inspires readers to come up with their own questions and in fact, if you go to Rabbi Isaacs' website you can ask your own "ask the rabbi" question! This book is highly recommended for children, teenagers, and adults alike!

Great introductory resource
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 24 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-04
This looks more like like a children's book from the cover but I was pleased to find that it really is written for any audience. The author does a great job of clarifying but not over-simplifying topics so it may even be better suited to adults. Rabbi Ron is from a conservative congregation but is exceptionally even-handed when discussing all movements within Judaism-he devotes a whole chapter to Reform and Orthodox Judaism and briefly discusses Renewal. He also makes for a pleasant, funny tour guide and an engaging representative of Judaism today.

The book is well-organized and easy to skip around if you aren't interested in a particular subject. With chapters ranging on topics from the Torah, holidays and customs, branches of Judaism, history, relations and comparisons between Jews and Christians, and the Kabbalah you'll find enough to at least answer questions if not pique your interest. This was the first book (and obviously not the last) I picked up when I was considering conversion so it's a sentimental favorite. I hope you'll find it as enjoyable and fun as I did.

O
Barbie: A Visual Guide to the Ultimate Fashion Doll
Published in Hardcover by DK CHILDREN (2000-09-01)
Author:
List price: $19.99
New price: $12.23
Used price: $4.20

Average review score:

On our 3rd copy!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-04
My daughter loves this book, and we are on our 3rd copy because she has worn it out taking it on trips, in the car, etc. Her favorite part is the international dolls section, where she enjoys looking at national costumes from around the world. The layout and photos are very well-done, and it brings me back to my childhood as well!

Wonderful!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-27
This beautiful book is a must-have for any girl who loves Barbies. It is a children's book and is a visual delight...not a dry guide for adult collectors. The pictures are crisp and labeled, as the other DK books are; "corduroy hat" and "red patent leather pumps," etc. A huge hit with my 9-year old niece.

The Best Book in the World
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-22
I love this book. This is the neatest book in the world. It has almost every Barbie I have in there. My favorite Barbie was the Olympic P.J. I use it to help me surf on Ebay. If you like Barbies, get this book now!

Beautiful book! Nice pictures!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-24
This book is really nice, the pictures are gorgeous, and it has some index on Barbie dolls by year, also Barbie's friends. Not so much on collectible dolls, but there are some dolls with gorgeous pics, some are different from the publish pics and a few are the same. Nice information for dolls and furniture. Great book! The cover is stunning!!!!

For Fun, not Collections
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-04
My kids like it. It's got excellent layout, clear crisp pics, but isn't comprehensive. Great to look through, and point to - look, I had that one when I was a kid..... (YOU were a KID?) I don't use it with my collection, but I am glad I bought it - it makes a pleasent just for fun.


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