Essays Books

Book 1 in Song of the Lioness series
I first read this book aged 13 and have read it at least once a year since then throughout my teens and twenties. This book is an inspiration for girls everywhere - if you want to achieve something badly enough then you can.
Set in the fictional kingdom of Tortall, this book is an excellent start to Tamora Pierce's universe of magic, myths, adventures, excitement, and romance.
Alanna is the daughter of a noble and expected to grow up to be a noblewoman, to marry, have a family and care for her husband's household.
She does not want this life and seeks to escape it and find adventure. Alanna becomes Alan, a page at the Court of Tortall and a potential knight.

This should be recommended reading for every girl from 10 years upwards.
I think it might be the first book ever to deal with female puberty appropriately - providing information and a situation girls can relate to without being the focus of the story.
Thanks Tamora Pierce - please keep writing.

Review: These books are my comfort books. In fact, all of the Tamora Pierce books from the Tortall series' are in that category. This is the first of Pierce's quartets ever published, starting with Alanna: The First Adventure. They all have a very strong female protagonist, who takes her destiny head-on and finds a way to train as a knight, even though such a thing is only for boys and men. She is a lovable, and tough character, who is very full of honor, pride, and hard work/determination. She goes through her moments of confusion, especially in times where she is out of control, but it never stops her for long. It's just enough to add a dynamic and believable honesty to her character.

Recommendation: This should probably mainly be read by kids/young adults. While I have known people who read them only when they were older, they generally only ever liked the books, not loved them. As I re-read them now, I do notice the lack of development in the writing style and story lines - but I still love them, because I have loved them for a long time. They are generally appropriate for middle school students.
--Note that I say "middle school", because there is some confusion about menstrual cycles and sex. Nothing is very explicit, and all of it is done in a very naive sort of way, since Alanna doesn't understand much about womanly things. However, there are some parents who wouldn't think such things were appropriate for their little girls until at least middle school - if you make them wait until high school, however, they probably will miss out on the wonderfulness of the tale and the great values that are displayed. Personally, I read these in 6th grade.

Here are the other books in this wonderful quartet, in order:
#2: In the Hand of the Goddess (The Song of the Lioness)
#3: The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (The Song of the Lioness)
#4: Lioness Rampant (The Song of the Lioness)

A tale of growing up and acceptance with a strong female lead who shows, without being ultra feminist, that girls can accomplish anything that boys can.

Admittedly a huge fan of the "women-warrior, disguised as a man" characters, I have been disappointed time and again by peoples take on them, but not this time. The take on magic, the involvement of the gods, and the world, which holds different morals, gave to a very interesting atmosphere for the books to be set in. Alanna is a character that I couldn't help cheering for, and identifying with.

Granted as others point out, this is very obviously a first novel that will kick-off a series. And while I did enjoy it, I do prefer to have series of novels have the ability to be stand-alones.

A terrific kick-off, to what I hope to be a wonderful series.

The first two books in this series are a good read for 6-9 graders (advertised for these grades) but the 3rd and 4th series have some serious moral issues for this group. Alanna sleeps with three different guys in the last two books. I don't want my 6th grader to read these.....

My daughter started reading this book at age 12, and has had it for 2 years. She still loves to go back and read selections of love, hope, courage. Give your teenager something worth reading! :)

I bought this book as a gift for my 16yr old niece. The very next day, she told me how much she loved the book. She even cried reading it. I think it's nice to find reading materials that can move the minds and feelings of teenagers.

I skimmed through the book before I gave it to my granddaughter who just turned 13. I thought it had some well written stories that a teenager can relate to and a lot of food for thought. She was so happy to get it, since she had the one for pre-teens also and really liked it.

Once again, "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books has a hit. This is a wonderful gift for young teens with its easy read of short stories on pertinent topics and experiences teens face. Teens I have given it to as a gift have loved it and purchased the next in the teen series. Also a source of good talking points for those anxiety ridden moments or social issues teens face.

I am a teacher in two high schools and I like to read the stories of the book to my students from time to time to inspirate them and reinforce their teenage self esteem! I suggest it to all teacher to make the same with a nice calm background music.

Heart warming account of a man and his dog. Loved the conversations with Merle. For those with dogs you can understand the level of communication that goes on. Only downside is that this is an atypical man/dog relationship in that Merle is allowed (and encouraged) to roam freely through town, etc. For most of us, even those living ruraly, this is neither an option or a good idea. It is wonderful though to see and live such freedom through others (dogs). Loved it.

Not all of us are as fortunate to live in an environment that affords the perfect dog-human arrangement. But, this example of what dogs really want and need provides us all with a guide as to how we can be better canine companions.

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of being loved by a dog must read this book. The story of the symbiotic relationship between Merle and his owner Ted is a story of true love, friendship and compassion. Unconditional love in its purest form. In addition, there is a lot of scientific information regarding the innate traits of dogs and other non-human species that left me wondering who, really, is more evolved.

Touching, tender and true, this book continues to reside on my bookshelf along with other classics that I will never give up and I have gifted it to several of my canine loving friends.

I enjoyed the book very much. It's a good read and well written. However, I was disturbed by the author stating that the squirrel Merle caught in Omaha was a Grey. As far as I know Omaha Nebraska only has Fox Squirrels of brown or black color phase. I am surprised the author didn't know this. Perhaps he used Omaha as his girl friends' home town to mask her true residence and identy and has never really been there. For a noted and well published naturalist and outdoor writer as Mr Kerasote, I find this lack of attention to detail disturbing. It actually made me question some of his other observations.

In this true, honest, and touching novel, Ted Kerasote tells the story of Merle, an intriguing stray dog that chooses Ted as a lifetime companion. The two of them live a wild and adventurous life in the mountains of Wyoming, which Kerasote recounts with vivid details.

Kerasote makes scientific detours during the telling of his story to explain how dogs evolved and why they have certain attributes. The factoids are at times so interesting, and Kerasote's observations so astute, that I realized how little attention I pay to my own dogs' idiosyncrasies, and how shallow my own observations are.

While the recounting of Merle's life is very entertaining, I do take issue with one of Kerasote's tenets. He discusses at great length how whenever possible, dogs should be given as much freedom as possible in order to become all that they can become, and he seems to attribute Merle's personality and intelligence to the fact that Merle had tons of freedom and he never forced his will on Merle. Mr. Kerasote, I have news for you: Merle is an extraordinary dog. He would have been extraordinary even without all that freedom, and whether or not you ever tried to force your will on him. He was, simply, an amazing dog.

Although some readers have taken issue with the "conversations" that Merle and Ted have, and at times it seems somewhat anthropomorphic, I have no doubt that they understood each other that clearly. I have shared my life with more than fifteen dogs, and each one of them was unique. One, in particular, was stellar, like Merle - and that single dog was an astute communicator. He never had the type of freedoms that Merle did, and I did, on occasion, impose my will on him -- yet he was still brilliant and amazing.

This book was a very enjoyable read, but don't try the last couple of chapters without a box of tissue handy.

C.A.Wulff, author of Born Without a Tail

This book is simply amazing. It has to be the most useful utensil in any kitchen. As a scientist, I love the in-depth treatment that is given to almost every aspect of almost every edible thing on earth. It may not be the most appropriate book to everyone. You must be willing to dedicate a lot of effort to soak in all the knowledge available in it.

Delivered within the allotted estimated time period and in excellent condition. Went all the way to save the book from delivery damage (bubble wrap, peanuts; everything!).

From history to the chemical make up.All food items are explained and studied.It will give you a different aspect when you cook next time and an excellent conversation ice breakers around the dinner table.
Good reading

I purchased this book as a gift to a friend with culinary interests. He was immediately smitten, as were other foody friends. It had been recommended to me by a friend in the culinary field as "a cooking bible"

Remains the "go to" source for scientific evidence based food knowledge and a good read

Just as I expected it to be, an excellent read. Jim Norton is a true comical genius. Picked up this right after reading "I Hate Your Guts" because I was dying for more. Jim definitely doesn't disappoint.

I'm only half way through this book of filth and it's had me laughing the whole time. I even bought a copy for a friend for the great consumer holiday (JC's birthday), what can I say about this book that hasn't been said? It's an honest open look into the tragedy of Jim Norton's life. some of the greatest comedy comes at the price of a little comfort, on the part of the reader and the author. One of my favorite parts was his description of fantasizing about another hand job artist while getting a 'special massage' from a not so talented technician. like I said, I haven't read the whole thing yet, but thus far it's awkward and honest and Jim says the things we think about but don't discuss in 'proper' society. a great piece of scum. he's judgmental and honest and mean, he does well to push buttons without totally ejecting the reader from continuing. I feel sorry for him, I'm repusled by him, and yet drawn to care for him. I don't know if I'd shake his hand or punch him in the face if I met him in public. probably both. :)

If you like Jim Norton, you will love this book. If you don't like Jim Norton, your opinion is pretty much worthless anyway.

I was expecting a lot more, I don't know why. I am a big fan of Opie & Anthony and got caught up in the hype. Jimmy is a funny comic on radio and at his shows, but not a writer. I will definitely not buy the new book.

I find the writing Of Mr James Norton quite inspiring. Since reading this masterpeice I've made at least 7 people puke by making them smell my belly button. Bravo *Himmmy* and Happy Birthday!!!

There are two duds in this book, the one about a college in the dessert, that I'm not sure even exists, but whatever, and the one about museums. But after that I think it's an intersting twist on what 'essays' mean. okay

Now that the hype is over, please can we finally agree that John D'Agata is 100% the worst writer this country has ever produced!

Let me preface this by saying I was a classmate of John's at the Iowa Writers' Workshop in the mid-90's. I remember discussing several of the essays included in this collection, and being incredibly impressed with both the work and the author. The time, imagination, detail, obsession, intelligence, honesty and humble nature of both the essays and the essayist should at the very least inspire a more attentive read than several of the other negative reviewers chose to give.

It's time to give the Iowa Workshop a break. Just let it go. I mean, really, whether it's jealousy, or a rejected application, or just some strange anti-MFA vendetta, there seems to be a pervasive, generic attack on all who spent time at the school. People, it's just a school, good or bad. It's not some factory that automatically frankensteins each poetry student into some Jorie Graham/Michael Palmer avant-guardian. We actually have our own minds, styles, and ideas, and some of us even hold onto them well after we graduate. Imagine that.

I can assure you, there are few labels that would accurately portray all Iowa workshop students across the board, especially in the poetry program. You have no idea what it was like there unless you were there, and it varies from year to year. I would be uncomfortable judging people who've just graduated the program on the same standards, attitudes and practices I found during my '95-'97 term.

I'm not saying you have to like it, but review the work itself as it is given to you, not the Workshop or the writer's personal life. Why do people have to dismiss or attack writers and their works simply because they come out of a specific school, or because they are popular, or because the author has some success at an early age? Good writing has come out of Iowa, bad writing has come out of Iowa, just like every other MFA program, publishing house, school of thought, or geographical area.

This is an incredible work. Truly dazzling.

And to the reviewer who slams John for "plagiarizing" Dave Eggers, I can tell you that John had already written several of these essays, and published at least one of them in a journal (the Martha Graham piece)years before "A Heartbreaking Work..." was even published.

John is an exceptionally gifted writer and person, but even with all of his talent and imagination, I don't think he has the ability to steal work that didn't even exist at the time. To that reviewer, do your homework before you use serious words like "plagiarism" - John has clearly done his.

It seems pretty clear that the world has gone insane, since this is in fact the WORST book ever written in nonfiction, instead of what the insane reviews on here are calling the best. So from now on, every good review that this book gets I am going to counter with a negative one. It seems only fair for a book that is not only unreadable but that has copied better efforts by better writers, which has been camoflaged with lots of "experimental" techniques that are neither experimental nor very technically able. John D'Agata is overrated, untalented, and the least informed writer of his generation. These aren't essays, but just masterbatory effects.

Let me give you the scoop on John D'Agata. I am a student of the Writer's Workshop at the University of Iowa. Before I came I made a point to read everyone's books. I haven't had John D'Agata as a teacher and haven't even seen him yet because he's a freak and a hermit. But this is what I think about his "brilliant" book. Halls of Fame is D'Agata's first book, and you can tell it is. Now that the love fest with him seems to be over, I hope people will be willing to think about this book intelligently. It is a waste of paper. And definitely a waste of money. His "essays" ,if that's what you want to call them, are just hodge podges of bits of information and "observations" that are about as profound as a bowell movement. Just because a guy uses some "experimental" styles while writing in a conventinoal form doesn't make him a "breakthrough!" Get with it people. This is not a good book.

I bought this as a gift for my daughter-in-law. She had begun reading the book when I talked with her, and was already fully in its grip. I look forward to hearing what she has to say after she completes it.

I really like this book because I learned about the Iraq war from a Marine's point of view. Dogs are wonderful and it was a blessing that animals can be there for our military. Hopefully the rule to not let dogs and cats (and other animals) help our young men and women in the military can change.

Thank you for writing this book!

One silent November evening during the first week of battle in Fallujah, Iraq, in the year of our war 2004, Lt. Col. Kopelman, battalion commander, led his troops through a seemingly empty street sided by seemingly empty houses when one of his men heard click, click, shuffle sound. Sticking his rifle into the doorway he found a yipping, tail-wagging, and nail-clicking fur bundle of puppy.

This discovery began a five month odyssey of puppy rescue. "Lava," the puppy, made it to the United States, in spite of rules forbidding the transfer of animals.

It took a band of conspirators to get the puppy out of Iraq by air to Chicago's O'Hare Airfield, then on to California in April 2005, where "Lava" lived happily ever after.

"From Baghdad, With Love" is one of the better stories to come out of Iraq. With a lot of heart, a few tears and a lot of system spoofing, this well told tale of Marine and puppy is well worth a read.

Richard N. Larsen
Reviewer

Several times throughout this book I cried. I love that this Marine cried too. A tough guy with a BIG heart for a puppy. Definitely the kind of person I like. I had a hard time with reading about what happens to animals at war time. Honestly, I never thought about it much. Now I know. I'm a veg, 20 years, since I see what happens to animals. I find I always connect with people who go above and beyond for animals, so I knew this would be a good read. I highly recommend it. Now on to book two.

In other reviews, some people said they "didn't like the language" or "the way the book was written". I am not sure what they were expecting! I have been a lang. arts teacher for over 30 years, and I thought this was a great story, and it was written the way I would expect a "war story" to be told. It definitely showed me a different side of the war, as well as giving some facts I didn't know at all. I actually read parts of it aloud to my 7th graders. Anyone who has a heart for taking care of all the canines in the world would love this story too.

This is one of those books of photos that will cheer you out of your foulest, darkest moods. It is a collection of "cute" animal photos with simple captions that relate to foul circumstances that humans often find themselves in. While some of the animals are adorable, many of the photos are of animals like bulldogs, hippopotami, camels, rhinoceros, primates and wart hogs. In any case, it is a simple book that is an excellent gift for someone with a mild case of the downers.

I found this book at a thrift store. It is one of those books I will want to keep. The photos really tell it all even better than the words. It talks to you on every page. It already knows how you've been feeling and what your weaknesses, insecurities, work problems, and strengths are. It tells it all and makes you cheer up and take a fresh approach to life. The photos are worth a million words. It's no ordinary little book. It no ordinary little gift book. It just one of those gems of a book to keep on your coffee table and enjoy talking about and sharing with your company, or sending to a friend who is feeling a little lost in their life. It's a great book. Everyone should have a copy.

I bought this for someone at a time when they were seriously contemplating suicide. This person had basically shut down. It was like nothing was getting through anymore. The Blue Day Book made him genuinely smile. That meant everything in the world to me. I knew he was still in there somewhere. It is now several years later and he is doing well (in case you're wondering). And maybe the book didn't save his life, I mean I can only attribute that to God. But the book is the first thing that was able to shine a light into his endless darkness. I guess it goes without saying that I HIGHLY recommend this wonderful little book.

The Blue Day Book is the ultimate coffee table book. It always lightens my days when I'm feeling down. The pictures are well matched to the sayings.

If you've got photographer friends, this book will be an inspiration for them. But the black and white photos also provide a great pick-me-up for anyone you know who's down in the dumps.

The volume describes myriad ways in which we all may feel under the weather sometimes--all of them illustrated with fetching postures and facial expressions of a large group from the animal kingdom--polar bears, pigs, lambs, monkeys, mice, dogs, kittens, lions, hippos, camels, sea lions, penguins, pelicans, even an anteater--and so on.

But the bottom line is that life goes on--and that people are "only young once...and never old twice." In other words, pick yourself up and enjoy life to its fullest, despite your blues, while you can.

Fabulous.

--Alyssa A. Lappen

This book has touched my heart and soul. I have learned to communicate with the soul world in such a little time. I used to spend countless hours poundering over a decision. Now all I need to do is soul communication and a trustworthy anwser is given in about one minute. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The teachings in this book have transformed me. I learned how to use Soul Language to heal and bless myself and other people, and to hear The Divine speaking to me more clearly to help me make decisions. The answers I receive are very clear and loving and have helped me to make better choices. The exercises to develop the Third Eye are easy to follow. I have been searching for simple ways to quickly develop my Third Eye, and to open my Communication channels and the author shares his techniques that are simple and produce quick results. I use my Soul Song to boost my energy. After singing my Soul Song, I feel energized and peaceful, filled with joy and love. I enjoy sharing my Soul Song with my family and friends and teaching them how they too can do this very easily.

I take the book 2 pages at a time but after a while of using the exercises i already feel more at peace with myself... i guess what i mean to say is that i feel less scattered. I would recommend this book to anyone lookin to take a moment and center themselves or just breathe.

I have read many books about awakening intuition and receiving Divine guidance. I practiced the techniques in those books and experienced modest results. However, since I have been practicing the techniques described by Dr. Zhi Gang Sha in Soul Communication, I have experienced dramatic results. The amount and frequency of information that I receive from my clairvoyant and claircognizant channels has increased significantly. I am very thankful the wisdom in this very special book.

I have read a variety of books in the spirituality realm and something about this author doesn't strike me as authentic. I have read many reviews here and the most disturbing are the ones that give little detail as they blindly praise this author's divinity and wisdom.

Here's the thing that I find most uncomfortable: You don't have to sell spirituality. No one has the perfect way that you can only find in his book, or shall I say "series" of books. There are many ways to reach forgiveness, peace, harmony and love. This teaching gives me an uncomfortable feeling of exclusivity. In fact, I wondered why a book about the soul, as written by Sha, was not published by Hay House--a very inclusive, "try everything that works for you"-type of company. After reading the focus and tone, I realize why Hay House might have passed on this manuscript.

I became skeptical early on, but I tried to keep an open mind and give his lessons a try. I only got as far as "Soul Language" in Soul Wisdom when he gave me a number to chant over and over, but I don't know what the number means--it's a secret and he promised to sell that secret to me in another book later on.

"Master Sha" allowed me to call on his soul as I performed my Divine Download, as long as I paid him the common courtesy of returning it when I was done. Perhaps this is an Eastern practice I have never heard of, but it felt too much to me like asking the Priest to bless my relationship with God. The way I believe, I never needed the priest to communicate with God and I don't need Master Sha to "be with me" as I meditate and find peace and wisdom from within.

I feel duped by the five-star reviews and the lack of information here posted on Amazon. I bought this book because of its previous best-seller status and the quantity of high reviews, but I agree with a previous review: something's off about the system here. I would go so far as to say that Team Sha posted more than half of the reviews to promote his "teachings."

The world is in need of and has a desire for a spiritual movement, unfortunately I feel that this "soul series" is cashing in on the market. You can find wonderful, inclusive lessons from Hay House Publishers. I recommend Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, Jerry and Esther Hicks--to name a few from that camp.

If you don't want Hay House, try Martha Beck, who writes wonderful books about finding your soul's purpose and following your destiny. Surprisingly, none of the authors I have mentioned require you put their books to your chest in order to invoke the healing power. Save your money.

I am thinking about buying this book, is it a good choice to buy it--or not?

"All Creatures Great and Small" is the first of four books in this brilliantly written series. The companion volumes are "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "All Things Wise and Wonderful", and "The Lord God Made Them All". James Herriot (whose actual name was James Alfred Wight) began his veterinary practice in 1939 and continued serving his community for half a century. Each story that he penned carries the reader deep into the Yorkshire countryside of England and into the lives of many colorful and entertaining characters, both people and animals. You will be captured by the tales and find yourself laughing out loud at the antics of man and beast, relecting on the beauty of the close friendship of a pet, and weeping over losses that we all suffer when one of our animal friends pass. These are books to read again and again because they show the depth of compassion that one man had for God's creatures through a life lived in simplicity, and yet his writings are a profound example to all who love and care for animals.

I bought the book for my 11 yo cause it was recommended. i ended up reading and enjoying the book, but how someone can imagine it suitable for youngsers under 18 is beyond me.

The classic story based on the real life experience of a veterinarian in Yorkshire, England. James Herriot comes to Darrowby during a time when jobs are scarce and he needs to stay. But he finds he loves the people and the animals.

His associates are a lively bunch. His boss, Siegfried Farnon, is kindhearted, but has an annoying habit of contradicting himself (and then blaming it on James). Siegfried's brother, Tristan Farnon, is the younger almost-vet who is stuck with the worst jobs, loves the ladies and a drink or two. The farmers and neighbors are generally are hardworking lot. Their stories give the true color of the place and time. James also meets Helen Alderson, the beautiful and enchanting daughter of a farmer.

The classic tale was also turned into a BBC series (7 seasons). I would highly recommend both!

Mr. James Herriot is an uncommon writer, possessed of extraordinary skill and a mastery of the English language. When speaking of works of fiction, he is my favorite writer. His ability to choose perfectly appropriate and descriptive words, phrases, and metaphors to verbally illustrate unique characteristics, landscapes, feelings, and situations still has me mesmerized.

"All Creatures Great and Small" is autobiographical in that Mr. Herriot is the central character of the book, though James Herriot is the pen name of the real author, Jim Wight. However, since the work is defined as a novel, then one may assume that Mr. Herriot took certain liberties in relating many of the tales he unfolds. Mr. Herriot is a veterinary surgeon, and much of his novel specifically involves dealing with particular cases of sick livestock and ailing house pets. One should not quickly conclude, however, that this story is merely about the ramblings of a country animal doctor who at times finds himself in interesting situations, as some reviewers would suggest.

Instead, my feeling is that Mr. Herriot utilized his visits to multiple and varied farms and residences in the British countryside to highlight the individual conditions, attitudes, and distinctive persons he discovered at each location. The book becomes absolutely delightful and poignant, for instance, when Mr. Herriot kindly sits at an aging woman's bedside and tenderly comforts her with his voiced belief that her devoted, loving dogs and cats are indeed possessed of souls and that she need not fear that they will again be her companions in the afterlife.

And I do not believe I have laughed out loud so frequently while reading one book. Some of my personal favorites are when his brakes go out on his car and he must navigate a steep and winding descent to the bottom of a low valley, where his next veterinary visit is scheduled, and when he finds himself on his first date with the woman he is destined to marry and the only respectable dress suit he owns is several years out of fashion and far too tight-fitting, which is partly why he becomes far too nervous and a bout of awkward conversation and actions follow. Additionally, much might be said here about the quirky relationship Mr. Herriot has with his unpredictable and explosive yet perfectly harmless and generous employer, a Mr. Siegfried Farnon, and Siegfried's younger brother, Tristan. Farnon's demanding attitude regarding his veterinary business affairs, especially in the face of Tristan's irresponsibility in mishandling assignments and responsibilities, is often the basis for much of the hilarity in the book.

In speaking of his relationships with those to whom he is closest on a personal level and the frequently visited owners of his animal patients, Mr. Herriot has an especially profound gift when it comes to praising the best characteristics that are found in the human race. He speaks with eloquent fondness when describing the beautiful traits he sees in his lovely Helen, his soon-to-be wife. And when he stumbles upon a man or woman who he feels is in ownership of certain admirable exceptionality, such as industry or thrift or honesty or discipline or gentleness, his written accolades of such persons is heartwarming and deeply inspiring.

Thus I would say that this book has everything. It touches upon the topics of death, faith, humor, love, devotion, stewardship, human strengths and frailties, prosperity and poverty, work and idleness, occupation, and the list goes on. Given that these interesting topics are handled so capably by Mr. Herriot's writing talent, I doubt that any sensitive reader would find this book to be anything but delightful and praiseworthy.