Works Books


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

Works
Black's Law Dictionary, Eighth Edition (Black's Law Dictionary (Standard Edition))
Published in Hardcover by Thomson West (2004-06-01)
Author:
List price: $67.00
New price: $45.00
Used price: $47.95

Average review score:

Blacks Law Dictionary
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-28
Great classic reference book. Exactly as described, and very useful. Blacks is the expert reference book for all thing legal.

Priceless!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-19
Black's Law Dictionary is worth it's weight in gold. I used it in my research in learning about investment opportunities and basic common law terms. It is very easy to used and the price is right. I am glad that it is part of my personal library.I purchased this book in 2005 and I have been very pleased with it.

It Helps
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-28
I bought this book for a class I took while I was an undergrad, and I used this book almost as much as I used the text for the class. I was able to find almost everything I needed, and in the end, it was worth having. I would recommend this for anyone taking law classes, however, I would buy a used copy because new copies can be a little pricy.

Better than using the online version
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-15
In my opinion blacks online (through west) is too cumbersome to use. too many redirects and long paragraphs. But this book is not essential either. You'll know the phrases you need after your first month or so, and all the legal libraries have a bunch of these all over the place. Bringing it to class is almost impossible because it's so big. But it is nice to have also. I would recommend this over the 8th edition because it's so much cheaper. I don't see much difference between the two. This will sit in my office throughout my career. However it's use will continue to be limited more and more.

Indespensible Dictionary!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-10
This dictionary will be well worn! It is indespensible and sits at my desk. Clear, concise easy reading print. It is one that you can't do without. With a tremendous amount of reading to be done as a student, this dictionary was printed with that in mind making a lot less a chore to use.

Works
Carved in Sand
Published in Kindle Edition by HarperCollins e-books (2007-09-11)
Author: Cathryn Jakobson, Ramin
List price: $10.95
New price: $8.76

Average review score:

Wise, witty and memorable
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-14
Cathryn Jakobsen Ramin's honest account of her own experience guides us through numerous interventions to stem cognitive degeneration and memory loss in middle age. It is simultaneously educational and user friendly . Ramin's self-deprecating humor keeps the subject from being too heavy and helps us to digest the significant quantity of well researched information presented. Most will welcome information about basic lifestyle changes that can enhance their mental performance as they progress through normal aging. For those facing more serious issues, the path toward diagnosis and treatment is illuminated.

The Best so far . . .
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-12
The middle ground between memory loss -- with normal aging and Dementia is the diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This is the only book I have found devoted entirely to MCI. Unless you have CMI, or you know someone has CMI or Dementia, you cannot speak intelligently about cognitive problems NOT associated with the normal aging process unless you read this book. The author pursued many options to improve her cognitive functioning and documented them all. She found out she did not have AZ, and she did improve her memory using several of the options. I too have CMI. In addition to Aricept, I have had to use oxygen, alpha-lipoic-acid and other supplements reviewed by the author to maximize my brain's performance. I did extensive research on the internet, but before I tried anything, I read "Carved in Sand" as a second source for the remedies I found most recommended on the internet posts. This is an Excellent Book by someone who deals with MCI.

A.D.D.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-09
I bought this book because of all the 5 star reviews, after seeing it at a book show last year. If you want a scattershot sampling of most of the available techniques for dealing with normal/abnormal change in memory over time this is for you. However, the author herself never sticks with any method long enough to see if it would be effective before ditching it and trying the next thing. The A.D.D. drugs are effective for her, and I can see why.

A Must Read for Those Interested in How the Brain Works
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-01
Carved in Sand by Cathryn Jakobson Ramin is a must read for anyone interested in how the brain functions and what happens as it ages.

Chock full of valuable information and presented in a highly readable style this book will take its place on your reference shelf for frequent revisits as it has mine.

What is especially extraordinary about Ramin is that she is completely honest about the results of what she calls a series of "Interventions" into the world of improving brain power. For
instance she finds that meditation doesn't work for her. Hallelujah! It doesn't work for me either. At last someone I could identify with instead of wondering what was wrong with me.

Ramin's journey through the research into the brain and the methods and drugs used today to help with problems is fascinating, educational and a great read.

Natterings of a Middle-aged Coot (in reference to myself)
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-02
Ms. Ramin's book is a fun, informative and sometimes scary ride down memory lane. One part scientific research and another part a personal quest of what was happening to her, she does a fine job of balancing the two in an easy to read style. It helped me to understand certain aspects of aging. Well worth reading for some peace of mind.

Works
Cholesterol Down: Ten Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in Four Weeks--Without Prescription Drugs
Published in Paperback by Three Rivers Press (2006-12-26)
Author: Janet Brill
List price: $13.95
New price: $7.92
Used price: $8.60
Collectible price: $13.95

Average review score:

Cholesterol Down: Ten Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in Four Weeks -- Without Prescription Drugs
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-13
Cholesterol Down is a great book for people who want to lower there cholesterol without the risks of prescription drug side effects . The science behind high cholesterol is explained in detail and the ten steps to lower your cholesterol are easy to follow. Many great recipe suggestions are provided. Best of all is the fact that Dr. Janet Brill's program really works! Thank you Dr. Janet

Cholesterol Down
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-10
This is one of the best books available on market today for anyone struggling with the dos and don'ts of meal plans. It is direct and to the point and no matter where your learning curve is you will have no problem reading and gaining all of the necessary tools and tips with this very well written book. A must have for folk who have no idea where to start when the doctor says "we must lower your cholesterol".

Amazing Results from Cholesterol Down Plan
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
Cholesterol Down: Ten Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in Four Weeks--Without Prescription Drugs

All I can tell you is that this Cholesterol Down eating and exercise plan works! When I decided to get this book, I had already tried to take two different prescription cholesterol medications, but I could not tolerate the side effects. Well, the side effects with this plan turned out to be my total cholesterol going from 234 to 166, triglycerides going from 133 to 89, LDL (bad cholesterol) going from 167 to 69, and HDL (good cholesterol) went from 56 to 80. At the same time, totally unexpected, my diabetes A1c test was PERFECT (5.8) for the first time since I was diagnosed 4 years ago.

The book is well written and easy to understand. She explains what cholesterol is in a way that a lay person can understand. She also explains the science behind choosing the foods she includes in the plan.

The second half of the book includes a daily planner for working these foods into your diet, numerous suggested menus and recipes. I really didn't use her recipes much, although they looked good. I worked the foods into my diet using menus I was already comfortable with. I was already exercising 30 minutes a day and eating a healthy diet, but did not know which foods were best for lowering cholesterol before I read the book.

If you're serious about getting that cholesterol down, this is the book for you.

Be part of the healthcare revolution !
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-18
Too many of us in the US want a "quick fix" to every "problem" that comes our way, whether personal issues or public policy. The plan outlined by the author is just that - a quick fix - - or so the cover leads us to believe. We much prefer to treat symptoms than address the cause of the problem in the first place.

That said, I bought it because (1) I'm educated ( a continuing process ),(2) statistical correlation between elevated cholesterol and adverse health conditions exists, (3)"they" keep lowering the bar re total cholesterol levels, (4) the use of statins can be dangerous, in addition to being costly, and (5) my historical levels of cholesterol exceed currently accepted average guidelines.

Brill's plan had a positive impact on participants cited. It may be doing the same in my case - though I've chosen only 8 or the 10 steps. We'll see. That said, a CT scan of my heart shows zero plaque, and my calculated cardiovascular age is 15 years less than actual. I believe I'm in good health - and intend to stay that way. This is proactive choice on my part. I'm not under a physician's care and even if my cholesterol levels remain the same, I expect to continue most of the steps chosen. I've concluded they make sense.

Brill educates well in the first 42 pages. Whether you choose to adopt any of her suggestions in principle or with a specific objective, the subject matter is important. In truth, the broader issue as it relates to overall health is that of oxidation and free radical generation. LDL levels are indicators, but the culprit in CV disease from what I've read is VLDL and inflammation - - triglyceride levels are a more important focal point than LDL by itself. Neurosurgeon author, Russell L Blaylock, can provide interested readers additional comprehensive knowledge of basic mechanisms of disease and how nutrition impacts the process.

Cholesterol DOWN is worth your time and the few dollars it costs. BUY IT. READ IT. SHARE IT WITH OTHERS. Most importantly, learn to identify and focus on the CAUSE of things you believe to be problems. Quick fixes are a foolish waste of time.

Amazing Results
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-05


On 11/30/2007 my total cholesterol was 220, LDL 166, HDL 43, and triglycerides 53. My Doctor recommended that I start Lipitor. Before staring Lipitor I researched the drug and side effects and decided that there must be a better way. Today 2/5/2008 after using the "Cholesterol Down" recomendations since 12/15/2007 my cholesterol total is 134, LDL 91, HDL, 31, triglycerides 58. This is an amazing turn around. I did not use the Metamucil as recommended because I was prescribed a blood pressure med at the same time. The concern was that the Metamucil would bind to the blood pressure medication and limit its benefit. I am thrilled and have thanked Janet Brill for showing me the way without drugs. Let me tell you however that you must be dedicated to the diet. It worked for me.

Works
Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome : And Other Repetitive Strain Injuries
Published in Paperback by New Harbinger Publications (1996-04)
Author: Sharon J. Butler
List price: $21.95
New price: $11.73
Used price: $5.95

Average review score:

Excellent set of stretches for large variety of carpal tunnel types
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-15
This book was loaned to me at my job as a computer engineer. I had carpal tunnel affecting my wrists & forarm. Excellent, easy stretches which really relieve the pain. I recommended it to a friend who cleans houses for a living, and she was able to stop wearing the arm brace. Great for those tiny, hard to stretch muscles.

No surgery needed!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-03
This book will cure your repetetive strain injuries. Butler describes how to stretch properly and what stretches will benefit you most depending on where you have pain or numbness. It is amazing how much better I got, and how quickly! You will need to keep up on your stretches to stay well.

Great book - the stretches work!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-24
I'd only be repeating the praises others have given this book, but I just want to say I highly recommend this book. The stretches are explained clearly and simply and they do work. I've bought this book for friends and when they follow the exercises, they get relief. Another plus, is doing the stretches FEELS so good and it only takes maybe 15 minutes.

Great self help book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-10
Excellent guide to conquering several medical pains/problems that most doctors would have to diagnose.

THIS HELPED SOME. WHAT ALSO HELPED...
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-16
I experimented with many strategies to get rid of carpal tunnel in my right hand, including learning how to write and do housework with my left hand. With these exercises and a hand brace when sleeping, pain at night went away. But if I forget to do the exercises on one day, I paid for it the next day through pain and decreased range of motion; therefore I know they were helpful. The carpal tunnel and subsequent inability to write or draw with my right hand did not all go away after several months of doing the exercises, however, just improved. Perhaps I should have done them more often. (Be careful when you do them - she is not kidding when she says go GENTLY. More force is worse.) The truth is I only fleetingly do them now, though, since I have found more complete help elsewhere.

One might need to consider some underlying health issues which no amount of exercise will cure. Could you be hypothyroid? The blood tests are -as I personally found out - not always accurate. Synthetic thyroid - as I also found out - may not help nearly as much as natural thyroid. If you have a thyroid problem, quite likely your adrenals are weak and the blood tests for them are also not yet perfected. You may need more estrogen and/or progesterone if you are a gal. Etc. Etc. I found the Stop The Thyroid Madness website to be a huuuuge help. With that info, ergonomics and massage - especially for trigger points - and medical and supplement changes (just because supplements are in a health food store that doesn't mean they are necessarily working as vitamin and mineral blood testing may reveal) I am now starting to draw and write again so far without that "tingly" feeling at night and without medication or surgery. Prayer was the biggest help of all, though. So much info out there...but how is one to know which of it is right...?

Works
Humility
Published in Paperback by Christian Literature Crusade (1974-10)
Author: Andrew Murray
List price: $4.95
Used price: $0.22

Average review score:

Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-08
A great resource for those seeking the character of Christ through humility. This book has encouraged me all the more to desire humility in the face of Christ.

All other books I have read after refer me to this book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-21
Agree possibly the best book ever written on the subject, deep, slow read so much you must hit the breaks, should be a must read, old English but so powerful, get it if you are wanting to go deep.

A Masterful Exposition And Fundamental Fruit
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-30
Murray has left us a legacy of a high standard to emulate. This Christ-like virtue is not found in any religion.

This work has definitely got to be the best and most profound on the subject of humility, the fruit of the Spirit. There is no other challenger to this title today.

The matter at hand simply cannot be overstated enough, and if applied, is sure to bring fruit to all Christians alike.

A Christian classic.

I Never Understood Humility Until Now
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
I have read about humility in books, including the bible for over twenty years. I have searched for what it means to be a humble person, as I always interpreted it as being a doormat. Andrew Murray talks about humility using the life of Christ as our perfect example in such a simple way. I can now apply these very simple principles to my everyday life and I feel free.

I also love and appreciate that this is a small, very simple book. Andrew Murray gets to the heart of the matter without throwing in a lot of extra words.

After reading this book I bought five more copies. As God puts a person on my heart, I give them a copy of this book. this book is a wonderful spiritual journey.

Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-01
This is much more that an book. It is truely a handbook for every believer. Keep it with your Bible and close to your heart. Give it to everyone you know who has a hunger for more of God.
God bless,
TDH, NC

Works
The Lupus Book
Published in Hardcover by Oxford University Press, USA (1995-12-21)
Author: Daniel Wallace
List price: $25.00
New price: $3.75
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Factual medical knowledge for the lay person
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-02
I bought this b/c I thought a relative had lupus. While she does not, I am still keeping the book b/c it is a wealth of information on all types of arthritic diseases, the origins of the disease, symptoms, various treatments and what to expect from the treatments. I am keeping this as a great medical reference book !

The best, most comprehensive book on lupus available at this time.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-19
And trust me, I've read them all. The only thing is - if you have ZERO background whatsoever on this disease, or in science in general, don't start with this book. Instead, start with one of the more general, introductory books like "living with lupus" or "lupus q and a" to just get a background because this is one heavy-duty book, laden with science that is very thorough, comprehensive, and sometimes complicated. It's amazing though, and a must-read. I'm VERY happy this exists.

An excellent resource!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-10
As I am newely diagnosed with Lupus, after years of confusing symptoms,this book has become the most important resource I have found. The information is clear and concise.I now know how to ask questions of my Rheumatologist, and to understand the test results.

Extremely Useful Tool
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-28
I have been struggling with autoimmune diseases with them potentially evolving into Lupus. This book has been helping me get through some really tough times. It also has helped to be able to talk to doctors with a clearer understanding of this disorder. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and this book along with Dr. Wallace's fibromyalgia book have really put things in perspective for me. I have read many books on the subject and this book by far is the best!

The Definitive LUPUS Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-12
This is the book whether you are a patient, a family memeber, or just trying to figure out if you might have Lupus! I've had multiple life-threatening manifestations of Lupus over the past 10+ years and I always go back to this book for answers. I have yet to read anything that comes close to covering all the bases...and since there are SOOOO many bases to cover with Lupus, start here. More than likely the it's the only book you'll need. I bought many other books but this is the one I always reference first, and I usually don't need to look further.

Works
The Magic of Tribbles
Published in Kindle Edition by Star Trek (2001-10-19)
Author: Terry J. Erdmann
List price: $5.99
New price: $4.79

Average review score:

What's great about this book...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-25
Everything!

The Star Trek Deep Space Nine Companion is an "absolute must" for any DS9er or Star Trek fan. I owned this book for several years and would occasionally read about specific episodes. But this summer, I decided to watch every episode and then read what the author wrote about it. Now, I know why it's called a companion.

The book supplies, what I believe to be, an appropriate amount of information to introduce the reader to (or remind them about) the show and then continues with a behind the scenes "peek" from the perspective of the writers, directors, cast members and crew. Frequently, the author reveals the inspiration of the episode. And it is a very common occurrence to learn that the finished product was not always what the writers originally imagined. Without saying it, the author conveys all the hard work, patience and persistence associated with each episode and a glimpse into the Star Trek universe.

The companion contains numerous quotes from the writers, actors and directors. Included are their assessments of whether they considered the episode to be good, great, or not-so-great. The opinions and experiences of the guest stars, supporting cast members and even the stunt guys are also included. And the author delays revealing the back-story until the very end of a story arc, on those occasions when a particular story spans several episodes, to prevent the reader from getting too much information. Special treats include "close ups" on secondary characters, maps of Bajor, drawings and pictures of artifacts used in the show. Even a pronunciation guide for one of the episode titles is included.

This book is the perfect complement to the series. It's more than an episode guide. Future Star Trek companions will find this book to be a tough act to follow. I highly recommend it!

great product for Trekers, good price
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-31
Love this in my Star Trek collection. Helps you to remember all of the great episodes of this series.

The companion book I compare all other comapnion books to.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-10
This book really set the standard for me for what a companion book for a TV show should be. A nice essay on the shows creation, lenghy season overviews, detailed synopsis' for each episode, and at least a couple pages (note these are big pages) of behind the scenes information on every single episode. With all due respect to a previous reviewer I don't understand how one could say there isn't enough behind the scenes information. This book is basically everything you could ever want to know about the TV show Star Trek Deep Space Nine. I now only buy companion books that follow a similar format. For anyone who likes DS9 this is the book to own.

Embrace Your Inner Geek
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-24
This book is just too good for words - I actually was a little stunned to see it existed, and when I received it, I could not have been more pleased with the content. In-depth articles on each episode, illustrated by nice B&W photos and great interviews with cast and crew up and down the list.

Definitely NOT for the casual fan, but for those rare DS9 fans among the Trek fan base, this is the one.

Also, for those of you who enjoy the current "Galactica" series, this is a good window into how Ron Moore learned to write serialized, relevant sci-fi. If anything, this show is superior in many ways to "Galactica," if only by allowing a few rays of light to shine through the perpetual gloom.

Only complaint, and a very minor one: no interviews with either Marc Alaimo (Gul Dukat, nose-to-nose the best villain in Trek, along with Khan and Q) or Cirroc Lofton.

Indispensible tome; the gold standard for episode guides
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-05
I'll just add to the heaps of praise for this massive work covering the complete Deep Space Nine series. The plot of every episode is described in detail, as one would expect, but this volume goes much further, devoting a great deal of text on each episode and season, primarily offering points of view from the writers, story editors, producers, directors, and other production staff, and occasionally from the actors. What's especially great, aside from all the detail that fans salivate over, is that everyone involved with the production is generally pretty candid about what does and doesn't work, so the less-inpsired episodes aren't subjected to faux praise for the sake of selling DVDs.

It's not flawless, however. Too much detail is sometimes given about how a story evolved into what finally aired, whereas there are often other questions about plot and character development, or lack thereof, that would've been more compelling to read. Also, there are spoilers in some of the behind-the-scenes info that could've been better disguised; it makes it difficult to share the book with someone who is watching the series for the first time. Those are small nits to pick, though. No other Trek episode guide comes anywhere near the level of depth and quality of this one, and I can't recommend it highly enough to fans of the series, even those who don't consider DS9 their favorite part of the ST franchise.

Works
The Never War (Pendragon Series #3)
Published in Paperback by Aladdin (2003-05-01)
Author: D. J. MacHale
List price: $8.99
New price: $2.50
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

best yet
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-09
The Never War was better than the first two in the series put together. This book was much more realistic than the first two.

Excellent time travel series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-05
The Never War (Pendragon Series #3) This book came as part of a box set containing the first 3 books in the series. They are quality paper backs. They will probably stand up to a lot of re-reads. I had been in search of a series to fill in the void left from the conclusion of the Harry Potter series. I have found that D. J. MacHale's series about time travel by a teenager and his friends to be an excellent transition from Harry Potter. I am currently finishing up book 8 in the series. I have purchased 7 of the books from Amazon and will buy books 8 and 9 when they come out in paper back. I would highly recommend this series to fans of Harry Potter. Trust me, you won't be disappointed and you will love the adventure.

The Never War
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-10
The Never War is the third book in the Pendragon series. I thought this book was amazing this book I think was the best of all of the pendragons. This book brings back the characters Mark, Courtney, Spader, and Bobby and a new traveler Gunny. This book brings you back into 1937 on first earth. At the start of world war two and ends with a big ending that may shock you.
I would totally recommend this book because it envolve your own world and it makes you brush up on your history. This book is definitely the greatest sci-fi I have read. The Never War is a book that you never want to stop reading it keeps you on the edge of your seat through out the whole story and this book always has you thinking of what could happen next.

Really interesting historical fiction
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-12
This is a really interesting book for probably one reason: the historical fiction.
This book takes you to First Earth, where life is eternally 40 yeaers behind our Second Earth. The plot of this story is where Saint Dane is trying to alter things that have already happened to cause chaos throughout Halla. This is about the Hindenburg. Saint Dane offers Bobby a chance to save the Hindenburg from crashing but what will happen if he doesn't?
This is book is chalk full of good historical fiction. I liked it, A LOT!

The Adventure Continues...YESTERDAY!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-08
D. J. MacHale wrote for television for years before turning his attention to novels. He created ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?, a long-running series on Nickelodeon in the United States, but it also showed in Canada on YTV and Cinar.

For the last few years, he's been writing the adventures of Bobby Pendragon, a boy who's destined - hopefully - to save the world. Several worlds, actually. Bobby is a Traveler, one of those who have the power to "flume" from world to world. He's brought into the adventure by his Uncle Press. As Bobby was growing up, Uncle Press also took Bobby scuba diving, mountain climbing, to martial arts, driving, and several other things that gave him skills he needs to survive against enemies he encounters. All during that time, Uncle Press was training Bobby to be a Traveler.

Bobby's greatest foe is a villain called Saint Dane. Saint Dane has the ability to change his appearance at will and constantly hides in different worlds while working his nefarious plans.

THE NEVER WAR is the third book in this exciting series. In it, Bobby travels to First Earth, which takes place in the year 1937. The gangster era isn't new by any means, and I was slightly let down when I discovered I wasn't being taken to a new world. I especially loved Cloral, the world Bobby went to in the second book, THE LOST CITY OF FAAR, and I look forward to returning there hopefully in one of the later books.

Still, I'm older than the average Pendragon reader. The 1930s and the Hindenburg are familiar to me through several other books I've read as well as history I've researched.

For all the familiarity with the time period, though, MacHale tells a fascinating and fast-paced tale. Bobby and his new best friend Spader land in the 1930s while pursuing Saint Dane. They're immediately met by machine-gun toting thugs that try to kill them. Bobby figures out how to escape and gets Spader out as well. Spader is way out of his depth because he's never seen anything as "technologically advanced" as the 1930s.

One of the best things about the Pendragon books is that Bobby usually gets to save the day in a down-to-earth manner. He doesn't have any really special skills or powers that help him. At this point, he's fourteen years old and can do what most kids that age can. This makes the series more believable in some ways, and I think it draws the Pendragon audience in a little closer.

MacHale's sense of timing and pacing is excellent. The story moves quickly, and I got a real sense of urgency throughout the book as Bobby tries to figure out what Saint Dane is really doing. Many of the chapters end up on cliffhangers that will draw you rapidly into the next chapter. The dialogue is fantastic and sounds real.

One of the other facets of the series that I really enjoy is Bobby's friendship with Mark Dimond and Courtney Chetwynde. The closeness they share, even through Bobby's journals, feels real.

MacHale also mixes in adult heroes with his young champion. Vincent "Gunny" Van Dyke was an excellent grown Traveler in this novel. He was kind and gentle, and guided Bobby and Spader throughout the adventure.

I did miss the world-building in this novel, but I know MacHale gets back to it in later volumes of the series. But for kids who haven't researched the 1930s much, this should be a fun book and on equal footing with fans of Artemis Fowl and Alex Rider.

Works
The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America
Published in Paperback by Harper Paperbacks (2008-03-01)
Author: Joe Posnanski
List price: $13.95
New price: $8.09
Used price: $6.07

Average review score:

Good People Stories whether you Love Baseball or Not
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-17
Poz is one of the best writers in the business. Thanks for writing a really great book about a great baseball man. Buck's is a great American story and the way it's written makes you feel like you're on the road trip with them.

Wonderful book about a great man!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-25
This book got to me, in a very good way.

Buck's stories are funny and poignant, and we as readers definitely learn some history if we pay attention. But even more than that we can learn from Buck O'Neil's outlook on life. He was patient, caring, outspoken in an articulate and positive way (something our politicians should learn how to do), and he had grace. More than anything else reading about Buck O'Neil was a lesson on how to live with grace.

I want to tell you the last words of the book, but I won't.

If you like baseball, people or life you will like this book.

Highly recommended!!

A Worthy Life Written Well
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-08
Sometimes a great author writes a 5-star book, and sometimes he must only get out of the way and let 5-star material shine through. "The Soul of Baseball" is one of the latter. This isn't a knock on Joe Posnanski. The decision to tell the story by reporting on a year in O'Neil's life, rather than interpreting O'Neil's history, was a brilliant judgment. The reader benefits from Posnanski's willingness to set his writer's ego aside.

Another good Posnanski decision was reporting O'Neil's occasional querulousness. Rather than seeing O'Neil as a mindless happy face, the reader sees O'Neil as someone who must work to maintain his positive approach. The occasional lapses serve to highlight the effort that O'Neil makes to bring the light into the lives of those around him.

But ultimately, the star of the book is Buck O'Neil. Not because he was a great ballplayer or manager. But because he was a decent, good-hearted human being whose attitude toward life is worthy of emulation.

I give few 5-star rankings, but this book deserves it several times over.

The Soul of Baseball
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-12
Reading this book gave me insight into the Negro Leagues and more importantly into Buck O'Neil. Buck O'Neil was a man today's player should study and revere; not only because of his courage but for his respect of the game.

The Soul of Baseball is a history lesson I encourage any fan or player to read.

Great Gift From Son To Father
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
My son, Jeremy, always gives me good books. He doesn't just pick up the latest best-seller, but takes the time to choose something special just for me. He hit a home run with The Soul of Baseball by Joe Posnanski. It's the story of an extended road trip Posnanski took with legendary Negro League player and manager Buck O'Neil. The lessons learned along the way are great ones for sons and fathers to share.

Posnanski, an award-winning sports columnist for the Kansas City Star, chose not to write a biography of the irrepressible O'Neil, even though the story could bear to be told over and over again. Instead, he penned a moving memoir of the year he spent with the then-93-year-old O'Neil as he toured the country promoting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City and the memory of those men who played the game in the days before whites and blacks could share the field. The trip takes them everywhere from Nicodemus, Kansas, to New York, New York, and O'Neil has a fascinating story to tell at every stop.

He talks about Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, and Josh Gibson, names that will always be enshrined in baseball's collective memory. But he also tells the tales of forgotten men like Dan Bankhead, the first black pitcher in the major leagues, who would have been a great hurler if he hadn't been afraid to pitch fastballs inside against white batters.

The key theme of the book is Buck O'Neil's spirit-lifting embrace of the best in every person he met. Despite years of back-breaking struggle, O'Neil never turned bitter, never condemned anyone for their prejudice, never had a bad word to say about the often ugly conditions the black ball players endured. Even when he failed to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Buck O'Neil refused to be angry about it. To make up for the egregious mistake, the Hall awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award after his death.

The lessons Posnanski drew from his experiences with O'Neil are well worth telling and the book he created from them is well worth reading.

Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds: A Novel of Scandal, Love and Death in the Congo

Works
This Is Not Your Mother's Menopause: One Woman's Natural Journey Through Change
Published in Hardcover by Villard (2000-04-25)
Author: Trisha Posner
List price: $21.00
New price: $5.86
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

You are my heroine!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-26
After reading some of the enthusiastic and grateful reviews for this book, there is little that I can add. Clearly, everyone who reads Trisha's tale is able to extract something that aids female life in today's world. Apart from cessation of hot flashes following Trisha's suggestions, the most important information for me was that menopause does not immediately throw ladies into the visage of dried up sexless old crone. No one should start gulping hormones in fear of losing youth and good looks--Trisha has blazed the trail for all of us, looking much, much younger than her years and living and loving life.

Thank you!!!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-29
I had heard about this book but when I went to get it in the hardcover it was out of print. Well, when it hit my local bookstore in paperback, I got a copy and devoured it in a few hours. It's been a lifesaver! Thank you Trisha for not making menopause into the negative journey that most books cast it as, and thank you for not only giving those of us who fear hormones a choice, but for so clearly setting forth a natural path that works. Since going on Trisha's regimen, my hot flashes are history, and I feel much better and in control (not to fail to mention 12 lbs lighter on the scale!)
With all the new news on hormones, this book is a MUST for any woman approaching menopause!

THANK YOU, TRISHA!!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-25
I have long been troubled by the two available sources of menopause advice: 1) questionable medical research relying on broad generalizations and possible drug company resources; and
2) women who have "passed through," and present their experiences as if they had just fought the Gulf War single-handedly.
I've never trusted "research" on HRT, and I'm very tired of the "rite of passage" horror stories.
There's also the unasked question--HOW DO WOMEN WHO ARE CURRENTLY VERY PHYSICALLY FIT AND EATING WELL FARE IN MENOPAUSE?
Those of us who have been following many of Trisha's suggestions for years are lumped in with all other women and told we're going to shrink/dry up/get fat/fall apart at exactly the same rate as the rest of the female population. I don't buy it. And I'm glad Trisha has written a quick, personable, and very readable book about the alternative opinions and options.
I'm 52 and I've been resisting HRT now for several years. I work out for an hour six or seven days a week--I'm a black belt in Shotokan Karate. I welcome Trisha's suggestions for the non-HRT path. I'm with you, Trisha!

Raves! Read this book.
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-20
Anyone facing menopause either directly or indirectly (you men out there could benefit from reading this book, too) should read Trisha Posner's account of her own battle with the changes being forced on her, and how she dealt with them. From the most common - hotflashes - to the least - auditory hallucinations (one which I have experienced) - Posner lists the symptoms and side effects of menopause in a highly organized and informative way.

Posner's own interest in a less clinical approach to menopause arises out of her family's history of breast cancer. She had a very real fear that hormone replacement might trigger cancer in her own body, and so she went out to research the alternatives. She's a professional researcher, and has done the research for her husbands books on history and current events. She is meticulous in her work and it pays off for her readers here in the assurance that she has thoroughly investigated the available information on each aspect of menopause.

While she never prosletyzes for any regimen, she does outline her own program very throughly (exercise, nutritional supplements, particularly soy; dietary changes) explains the thinking behind each point, and gives the reader an honest assessment of her progress. It is not her intention to persuade any of us that this is the right way, only to show that there are always alternatives to medical intervention for treatment of menopausal problems.

Her research is persuasive, her plan of action one that virtually anyone could follow. That doesn't mean that everyone will be won over to her way of doing things, but that's okay, too. The benefit of this book is in its wealth of information, not in any plan or magical formula. I recommend it for anyone who wants to understand this life passage a little better, and recommend it highly for those who want to take more control over that passage.

Did this author sleep through the 1980s?
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-04
According to Posner, reducing fat intake, running, and weight training are a really great way to lose weight and reduce menopausal symptoms. She expresses great suprise about this, which makes me think that she slept through the 1980s. Who wants to pay for yet another book that discusses this subject in great length without adding a single new thing?

I found the author's perspective rather difficult to take. She repeatedly makes reference to her wealth, yet make no reference to how expensive her herbal recommendations are. She repeatedly makes the point that men are attracted to her still, that everyone is shocked that she's old enough to be going through menopause, and that her husband is the most supportive man on earth, which, frankly, he seems a bit creepy in the book.

If you're not bothered by her narcissicm and ignorance of excercise and diet information popularized in the 70s & 80s, you might find value in her herbal recommendation, so long as you can afford the hundreds of dollars it will cost you each month.

Instead, I recommend: New Menopausal Years : The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed.


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