V Books

This is a soft yaoi about Matsukawa a manager of an adversiting company and Nishioka a photograher who are always agruing with each other. The story starts of slow but as you go along it get interesting as they realize each other's feelings for one another.

Toko Kawai artwork is pretty good but I like the way she puts more emphasis in the characters expressions as the story develops.

I actually read this book waayy back when it was fan-translated and I made SURE to get my very own copy! The translation is better and tighter then the fan work- which is how it should be, but often is not.
Toko Kawai's art is beautiful and her characters tend to be more adult,less hormonal. Hey, these guys have carreers that DON'T depend on sleeping with the boss or a co-worker. The story itself has a slow build for most yaoi fans, but the resulting relationship is cute as brash photographer Nishioka comes to realize he has feelings for his contact in an advertizing co Matsukawa, and comes to realize that said contact has always, quietly been watching him since they first met- 5 years ago.
And hey, if you're anxious for action, the last chapter and the short- showing 18 year old spoiled, directionless Matsukawa and reveals the reasons why he is so gentle and patient TODAY- should be right up your alley!

I love this manga. I'd vaguely heard the name before but never paid attention to it until I stumbled across it on Amazon and read a few reviews, then decided to just go for it. I'm so glad I bought it!

I tend to like character development in my yaoi/shounen ai and get a little irritated with the stories that have characters go from thinking they're straight or not questioning a relationship with someone they know to sleeping with them in 0.002 seconds. That's not the case with Loveholic. I'll try not to repeat too much of what other reviewers have said though I agree with the fact that this is a great manga and I love the expressions. I actually like the art as well, and Nishioka is adorable in his glasses.

So aside from the fact that this story has a plausible plot, good character development, and likable characters (Nishioka yells and complains a lot but I find it endearing for him and Matsukawa's gentle, reserved nature conveys a sense of almost sadness at times without it ever explicitly being stated), what I actually loved the most were tiny little details in the art that made the people seem more realistic. For instance, there's a part where Matsukawa is leaning between elevator doors and the way he's posed is how I've seen real people pose in similar situations. In another part, Nishioka is staying late and he's troubled, has a lot on his mind, and is trying to act casual so his assistant doesn't notice; rather than having him sitting statically at the table, he's drawn leaning against the table with his upper arms, one leg supporting him on the ground, the other bent and resting on a rolling chair next to him. I saw that and thought, "I've done that before when I was in a particular mood."

The expressions and poses of the characters convey their own sense of emotions and thoughts without needing little bubbles all over the place stating, "And now Nishioka is feeling sad." I never realized before how much that can impact a story, and how little other manga does that, until I started noticing the details in Loveholic.

Another thing I love is that there are two little stories included in this volume that show an excerpt of each of Nishioka and Matsukawa's pasts, giving a glimpse into why they are the way they are now, and also giving an explanation as to why they could accept having some sort of relationship/ sexual relationship with each other. The flashbacks/back stories are well done, in my opinion, although Nishioka's did briefly confuse me because I couldn't tell if it was a flashback or something current and the borders around the panels weren't black. But I figured it out in the end.

I seriously wish I could buy the entire series right now. I can't wait for Volume 2...

i have been a fan of this series for a long time when it was scanlated by fans, and could barely contain my eagerness to see it in print in english. loveholic displays all the delicate touches inherent to all the works of kawai-sensei, and then some. compared to her earlier works, the themes, characterization and the writing in loveholic is a testament of her maturity as an artist and storyteller.

the manga revolves around two seemingly opposite characters; nishioka the eccentric and temperamental photographer and matsukawa, the cool, calm and collected advertising executive. both are involved through work and despite the differences in personality, both actually shares a long history and friendship. the volume slowly explores the growth of their initially platonic relationship as it deepens into a more intimate bond. nishioka and matsukawa recognizes - subconsciously or otherwise - the strong attraction to each other, and takes their time in figuring out what exactly they want from the other. their cautiousness stems from the fact that both has been scarred by personal tragedies in their past. on his part, matsukawa's maturity comes at a bitter price, while nishioka still struggles to reconcile with his past.

the sedate pacing underscores the poignant revolution of their love story and showcases the intricacies of human relations. in this sense, it is truly an adult romance. kawai-sensei's gentle touch graces the tale with a sensitivity that is often overlooked by many yaoi (even traditional romantic) mangas. it is not to say that the characters does not resonate on a sexual level; they do, but it is their deep understanding of each other that serves as the foundation of the plotline, making the manga utterly beautiful and fulfilling.

the art, as always, is typical to kawai-sensei. her character designs are lanky and gorgeous, the lines simple and uncomplicated. the facial expressions are delicate and expressive, which reflects her themes and writing style very well. i enjoy the chibi-fied forms as well. her panels are generally simple and clean, but not too sparse. the plot, while angsty, is interspersed with many comic moments, with a natural flow to it and she makes some of the most memorable supporting characters, especially kumi, nishioka's perky assistant. like most of her work, loveholic so far remains soft yaoi with not too revealing love scenes. those looking for racier mangas should look elsewhere.

this volume is a magnificent start to the loveholic series. i look forward to the continuation of the adventures of nishioka and matsukawa in the future. being a big fan of touko kawai fan, i may be biased, but this is one of the better offerings in the genre, and worth a check.

This soft core Yaoi between Matsukawa, a successful executive, and Nishioka, an independent photographer, is just the type of heartwarming and emotional romance I expect from Toko Kawai. Her artwork may not be the best but I marvel at her ability to inject so much feelings into the facial expressions of her characters. Her words may be simple but they are underlined with emotional depth and her story telling skill is remarkable.
Both Matsukawa and Nishioka are well developed characters. They have been badly scarred by their unhappy pasts and therefore afraid to love again. On the surface they seem to drive each other nuts. But deep down they do care for each other as their feelings caught up with them over the years. Here the mangaka does a marvellous job building up the emotions, from the subtly hint of attraction to full blown need for the other. Her plot is well thought out, credible, engaging, warm and sprinkled with humorous moments. The revelation of both men's unhappy pasts does catch me by surprise, especially Matsukawa's story which is deeply touching and tragic. Finally the last bonus short story is especially sweet.
A great release from Junemanga and I definitely look forward to the evolution of their love in Loveholic 2.

when i finished this book, i just wrote 'the great book' on its first page... it was very helpful to build up my historical and economical knowledge.(but it's not boring. rather the author has some sense of humor)
and you can find some kind explanations and illustrations of the writer for your better understanding within pages... i would recommend this book for high school students or freshman students of college.

The late Leo was a master of popularization. He makes the "dull" topic of economic history and theory come alive! A real Marxist classic, even though his chapter on "Russia Has a Plan" is sketchy and weak. He's too uncritical of Stalin. He should have read Trotsky's "Revolution Betrayed." But he does give us a wealth of valuable information and theory. E.g., "The Church taught that there was a right and wrong in ALL man's activities... [Nowadays] a manufacturer will do anything in his power to squeeze out his competitor... St. Thomas Aquinas, the greatest of the religious thinkers of the MiddleAges, condemned the 'lust for gain'... Traders were denied the right to get more out of a transaction than would pay them for their labor." (p.40) Complex material is simplified so that it is very easy reading. History has always been the strong suit for Marxists!

In this fantastic well written book, history is made easy to understand. Forget school books, the old pedantic approach. Leo Huberman has a way to make the reader understand the changes that occur in the world and be interesting and amusing at the same time. I read it while at school and when my daughter was studying the subject at high school I gave a copy to the school library. Needless to say that it was photocopied by the teacher and given as a compusory reading to all school students. Great book. One of the gems of the century!

How com that the moviestar never pay the cabdriver? Where did royalties get their fortune?, from heaven? Huberman explain in a very simple way how the great fortunes where made. How it come to be that the existing economic system come to happen. He point out the actual facts of where welth were created and who rely did it.

Leo Huberman's masterpiece is a fantastic work, unfortunately out of print abroad but published in India and available in select bookstores.

In an age where belief in the Left is scorned and the free market rules supreme, this book is as relevant as ever, reminding one of the perils that can arise when a market is too free.

Huberman explains economics in its historical background and shows the user the reason why he is against free markets.

A valuable work from a brilliant American economist! His bibliography is also excellent

This book is still available in India!

I thought this book was hilarious but to call it a sex guide? sure it has basic tips for beginners but to call it a sex guide? that's...pretty inaccurate. It's incredibly addictive and entertaining but if you're looking for a sex guide you should find something more realistic. anyways the book is an adorable story centering around two newly married virgins. The girl Yura is one of those unbelievably innocent passive girls that Japanese anime is famous for. There are a bunch of other characters willing to offer the two advice and the story is about them getting better at sex. It's a step up from your usual love story (explicit pics)with a few sex ed tips thrown in (including the occasional diagram). Seems to me like the book is for comedy or to educate unbelievably sheltered people(not really). I still enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to other people. I'll probably buy the sequel as soon as its out.

This book, as said before, is not what one should expect, but it is a cute love story that most of the age group can read.

This book was great! I read it in 2 hours! I couldn't put it down!

When I ordered this manga, I thought this was going to be a spicy story but mostly story with a bit spice. Then I got my copy and saw that it was sex guide! A SEX GUIDE! Oh no! I thought. I don't need a sex guide!

I thought about sending it back but curiosity being what it is, I decided to go ahead and open it and read it.

And for once, my curiosity didn't smack me upside the head (see: A Night to Remember by Eve Vaughn which is an example of curiosity that should have been left alone).

Although there are a lot of interesting (and surprisingly helpful) tidbits about sexual relations (this is a sex guide after all), the story of newlyweds, Makoto and Yura, (along with Yura's sister and Makoto's family) is a refreshing hoot.

Makoto and Yura are 25 and married via a marriage broker service. They are both virgins. As the story unfolds, one will read about a honeymoon night with long pajamas, the near misses moments and the almost-theres, the too much info brother, the too experienced sister, the sex under the family roof, thin walls, the too soon, the too much, and the "don't worry we can try again" scenarios and all the funny humor that can result from such situations.

And it is all told in a non-judgmental, easy reading style with appealing art to accompany the story that made this buy a completely enjoyable surprise.

So whether you've had sex (or just read it in a book somewhere), this series is worth a look. The story and its characters are very likable and one might just learn something new.

When I picked up this title I was sort of expecting it to be a more typical hentai manga, contrary to the cover symbol which reads "a Guide to getting it on". When I cracked it open I found that I was actually quite wrong. However I was wrong in a good way.

The characters are very well written into the story. The character's personas are memorable and very heart-felt. Their attitudes and the general way the book is written gives it a very light hearted and uplifting feel. Sure, the characters of Yura and Makoto have their share of problems (in bed) but they give off a good vibe of understanding and caring. Makoto's brother tries to help him with his inadaquecies and give him a few pointers to help Makoto pleasure his wife. Akira (Makoto's brother) isn't overbearing in his attempts to help his brother and doesn't stick his nose in too far (like a lot of other similar manga characters do).

The book is wonderfully illustrated with beautiful artwork. Its pretty obvious that the artist did a lot of anatomical study for his art. The sex scenes, although very well done, are done in a more tasteful manner compared to most other hentai. The art is sexy and the layouts of each page are well thought out.

What surprised me was the length of this book and its size. Easily its double the size and thickness of a regular manga. It's got a very easily feasable plot, it's not "over the top". The characters are very down to Earth, very memorable and even adorable. The facts and tidbits are also very interesting (it is a "sex guide").

My vote: Worth buying.
This book is worth every penny for those who have had sex, are planning on/hoping to experience sex, etc. The story is excellent. The plot is uplifting and adorable. Yura and Makoto are very engaging protagonists. The book was all worth it.

I recently finished plowing through the collected paperback editions of the classic 1940s/1950s "Little Lulu" comics, and wanted to put in my vote... yes! yes! yes! True, it's a little disappointing that the strips are reprinted in black-&-white and not in the original color versions, but the real genius of these works is in the draftsmanship of artists John Stanley and Irving Tripp, and once you get onto their wavelength, even these half-size B&W reprints are a pure delight. They can say so much with such economy -- a single panel of Lulu's unbridled mischief can have you laughing your head off, and here, in this multi-volume collection, you've got a real treasure trove of some of the best graphic-art humor produced in the 20th Century. Great stuff, highly recommended, and major kudos to Dark Horse for making this artwork both available and affordable.

This is classic. You'll laugh and laugh. Especially when Tubby takes Little Lulu treasure hunting in the lake.

I was very pleased to see that Dark Horse Books have taken on the task of reprinting the Little Lulu comics. Much like the Peanuts serial reissues this book (Vol 1) gives you all the LuLu comics from issues #6 - #12. Vol 2 & 3 are soon on their way. These comics (besides the originals) were only previously available in very expensive reprint bindings that cost well over one hundred dollars and are long out of print. The price on these books is well affordable.
The comics are printed in Black & White Ink (but so were the earlier expensive reissues)but they are very crisp. If you have ever seen the "Little Lulu Show" with Tracy Ullman voicing Lulu, you will recall many of these comics.
I am still giving this collection 5 stars and my only suggestion is that I wish they had included the original cover art at the start of each # issue. I also am wondering if issues #1 through #5 will see the light of day.I hope they keep churning these delightful books out, until they covered them all. I've waited a long time for Little Lulu Comic Reprint Books and I know she, Tubby, Alvin, Iggy and Annie have many fans who will be pleased as punch to have them back.

I've brought home a great many different books in an attempt to get my seven-year old boy enthusiastic about reading.
Of all the books and comics he's examined, Little Lulu is the one that keeps him coming back for more. These are books he will pick up and read without prompting, and they can hold his attention for hours at a time.
At first I was surprised, thinking he would prefer some swashbuckling action hero, but then I read the stories more closely in an attempt to understand their appeal.
It turns out that my kid is a pretty good critic. These are solid, amusing stories with memorable, amusing characters. They beat the pants off 99% of the pre-packaged film/video game tie-ins that pass for kid's reading these days.
So hats off to Little Lulu, Dark Horse Publishing, and the simple appeal of a good, funny story well told.

In the early '90s, Another Rainbow Publishing embarked on a gargantuan task: to publish the entire run of Marge's Little Lulu comic books in an oversized, slipcased, hardback collector's edition. That beautiful series is now collectible and rare, the holy graal of Little Lulu collectors, but Dark Horse, with these new, affordable editions, has brought Marge's unsinkable moppet within reach of everyone. How do the series compare?

Amazon calls "Lulu Goes Shopping" volume one, but the Dark Horse edition is labeled #4, and contains seven comics that were originally published between November 1948 and June 1949 as "Marge's Little Lulu" issues six through twelve. This roughly corresponds to volume four, set two of the first series of the Another Rainbow set, which contained comics 6-11. The comics in "Lulu Goes Shopping" are in black and white, as were the Another Rainbow sets, with a full color cover featuring Irving Tripp's original art from issue number six. The AR set included color plates of all the covers, and a short feature in the comic, "Lulu's Diry," left out of the DH collections.

All of which is to say that Lulu lovers may still want to track down the AR sets which are far easier to find than the original comics, but at about ten bucks a book, Dark Horse has done a great job with Marge's Little Lulu, which is sure to win new fans and readers as it has every time it's been republished since Marge's first single panel comic in the Saturday Evening Post in 1935.

The genius of the comics is writer par excellence, John Stanley (Melvin Monster, Thirteen Going on Eighteen), but the back cover depicts the latest Lulu incarnation, CINAR's delightful cartoon series, seen on HBO, The Little Lulu Show, collected on DVD as "The Best of Little Lulu" (see my Amazon guide, "Cartoons Without Cable" for more information). "Dark Horse is really galloping" is how The HoLLywood Eclectern, the newsletter of all things Lulu, described the new Dark Horse series. The best kept secret in comic collecting, Ed Buchman publishes the journal as a labor of love and sends it out free to Lulu fans young and old. Write: "The HoLLywood Eclectern", PO Box 4215, Fullerton, California 92834.

Already undoubtedly the best marriage and family text on the market, the new 6th edition of Marriages and Families: Changes, Choices and Constraints is better than ever. Not only is it an in-depth treatment of important issues or marriage and family life, but it is highly personalized. Readers will feel as if they're engaging in a conversation with the author and will get to know her as a person, one who understands them as human beings rather than merely as research subjects.

This is probably the best Sociology books that I have ever read.It's both informative and thought provoking. Not only is the book full of useful chapter material that anyone... not just students, can use in everyday life. It is also filled with interesting history in "changes" boxes and fun filled facts in "choices" boxes. Even the "ask yourself" quizzes are worth reading. You definately learn more about human nature, relationships, and even yourself with how this text is written.

Before I got this book I had a lot of questions about relationships with family, etc. This book breaks down so many things having to due with marriages, famileies, friends, just relationships in general. I have applied a lot of what I have read in this book to my every day life and you wouldn't believe the amount of changes I have made since then. Reading this book has given me a better understang of a lot of different things.

This is far more than a textbook. Filled with fascinating history and trends, this is a literary cornucopia on marriage, children, gender roles, dating, sexuality, and much more. Although written by a reknowned sociologist, the information can be equally utilized in a college class or by an individual, who is seeking current empowering information. Benokraitis provides a multitude of data on the changes in the structure of marriage and families, the choices that social groups are offered, as well as the constraints that place limits on many families in contemporary society. The book poses questions, offers insights, and summarizes critical concepts on the roles of the evolving family.
I will be utilizing this text to teach a Sociology course on Marriage & Family. It is filled with exercises, simple graphs, personal anecdotes, and outstanding summaries. This is the 5th edition, but I studied the 2nd edition 11 years ago as an undergraduate. If possible, this wonderful, comprehensive book is even better now. I cannot recommend it enough!!

When discerning the human social condition, I always refer to this text; when conversing with family and friends about the construct of what drives humans to make relationship choices, I refer them to this text. If I have read this text ten years ago I would have not have gotten married. Knowledge is EMPOWERMENT...the information in this text will knock your socks off! From what theories drive human interaction, to learning gender roles and sterotypes, the perpetuators of gender sterotyping. We still choose who to marry by how we look, as opposed to intrinsic factors of humanness. Poverty? this book identifies why we need it and who benefits from it. Women and Children?....the most vulnarable population...is it governmental priority?....not hardly! Global male dominance?...alive,well, and thriving! This text should be required reading on every college prep and university campus.

GREAT MANGA!!!!
I'm in my twenties and this is one of the best mangas

I read alot of mangas but I'm not really into the high school dramas but I read this one and it just captured me. It's about every high school girls students dream, to be the one that goes out with the most popular guy in school. That was not the same for Kira Aso, who just wanted everyone to just leave her alone and let her paint. That's when Rei Kashino, the most popular guy in the school starts to fall head over heals for Kira.They find out alot about each others past good and bad but that does not bother then because they love each other and nothing or no one is going to stand in there way. I don't want to ruin the rest of the story cause it starts to get really good. It's pretty much about how a hight school love can turn into something even greater. Trust me this is one manga you are going to want to read

I've gotten my friends where I live addicted to Manga books. We all went to Tokyopop.com and looked at the books and most of us wanted to read MARS. And then my friend found it in our school library and we were instanly hooked. MARS has a storyline that is simplistic and easy to follow, nothing where you have to memorize which robot is which and whose screwing who. MARS is about love, its how a good girl can chagne a bad boy forever.
Kira and Rei are the obvious main characters of the book, and the story revolves around their love. I personally love it because of the leassons they learn and the realistic problems they face (such as jealous ex-girlfriends, jealous bestfriends, and a world of sex).

My group of friends and I are really into manga books. I never really was, however. One of them handed me MARS #1 and I read it within 3 periods. I flipped out. I needed the next one. MARS was an addiction. A combination of wonderfully drawn artwork and a twisted story. I say twisted because it has everything, humor, violence, love, fear, sadness. I loved it. I still have not read 11-15 but am eager to. The cover says something about it being a story for teen girls but I am a 16 year old guy and I still liked it. I think other manga fans will too, despite their gender!

There are inumerous shojo manga (girl's comics) artists in Japan. To pick one that would describe them all would be to choose Fuyumi Soryo's Mars.
The story follows the standard good girl meets bad boy and love developes despite all odds. What could very easily fall into the "overbeaten" path has actually blazed its own way into being a highly believable and totally addictive tale. Fifteen volumes in all, TokyoPop has released about five or six volumes so far.
The story revolves around the shy and reclusive artist Kira Aso and the overly popular motorcyclist Rei Kashino. Kira has always found the rebelious Rei to be obnoxious and loud, way too much for her quiet artistic life to accept. When a chance meeting in the park ignites a stirring romance that blossoms in the very first volume, readers will become totally enthralled with every twist and turn fate deals out for the two young lovers.
Angsty and yet humorous (take a look at Tatsuya's shirts and Rei's cigarette pack for a little extra english humor...), Mars proves Fuyumi Soryo as one of Japan's great shoujo manga artist/authors. The artwork is stunning and brings the characters to life on every page (sometimes I could just 'see' the motions of the motorcyle racing, particularly in volume three). What could have been very stereotypical and very forgetable is, in actuality, simply stunning! It's a great read through and through! I would recommend this to people who like Marmalade Boy, Paradise Kiss, Maison Ikkoku, and Peach Girl.

GREAT MANGA!!!!
I'm in my twenties and this is one of the best mangas

My 2 teenage daughters love the Mars series. So far, #8 has been their favorite. I finally started reading the series myself and it is a wonderful animae teenage love story.

I guess its a very typical premise. Bad Boy/Good Girl get together and have turbulent relationship.

I've only read to volume 8(And that's only because I can't buy them all at once!). As of today I've that's what I've read. And I love it, its addictive.

And maybe the characters syart out stereotypical, but I think they break them with a lot of character development. I mean I really understand where Kira is coming from. Maybe that person thinks she's damsle-distressy. And maybe so, but some people are like that. Or wish they were(Despote all the feminime, we shouldn't be like that and are'nt like that stuff.). I mean I've been through some stuff similar to Kira. And well I guess unless you've been through it you may not think her actions are realistic or whatever. But I really saw a lot me in her.

And whether or not its a pretty overused story-line, I think Mars is a *great* Manga. The characters(Like Harumi, I thought she seemed all B**** at first, and she'd be the typical girl you love to hate, but she ends up being really nice. :D) to me are quite intrueging(And no, I'm not a sheltered little kid, I, in fact make studying people my hobby. :D). And I'm always wondering what will happen next, I figure they'll probrably end up together in the end, but maybe they wont. Either way I'm more concerned with what happens along the way.

So I say give Mars a shot, I mean its made me think a little about myself, and make me try to get over some things in the past. So it can't be all bad. :D

And well, its not for everyone. So maybe you'll hate it and maybe you wont. And there is vulgarity, violence, and sexuality. So beware.! :)

God Bless ~Amy

This series has the best qualities that you wish every story had. The plot is intersting and well formed, the characters are lovable and have alot of depth, the artwork is beautiful (especially the character designs, Rei is hot!), and so much more. I usually stay clear of most romance and shoujo(girls) manga, but I've become addicted to this series. I even got my sister (who NEVER reads anything) to read these books and she's in love with them too.
Mars is a classic series and it's easy to see why tokyopop picked this title to help launch their manga collection which has become such a huge success. (check out the publisher's other titles if you get the chance)

In this volume, Kira's past is revealed. Kira tells her boyfriend, Rei about when she was raped by her stepfather, shocking Rei. Kira reveals that their is a side of herself that she's afraid of. Kira goes to school the next day and Rei picks her up and takes her out on the beach to relax. They discuss Kira's past and Kira tells Rei about their first real meeting and how he is special to her. Rei and Kira go out at night and Kira and Rei kiss. Kira goes home, very happy, until she finds out that her stepfather, the one who raped her years ago, has returned to live with them. How will Kira react? How will Rei react? Read this great volume to find out!

GREAT MANGA!!!!
I'm in my twenties and this is one of the best mangas

GAWD this book was one of the best in the series. Kira and Rei! It finally happens! Sucks for Shori from earlier volumems but I digress. This book is great for Mars fans 13 or older, how ever, there are some young budding fan girls (younger that 13) for whom this would probobly be inappropriate. It is, how you say "graphic" inthe nudity depo. Not too much, but just enough that I strongly recommend adhearing to the age lable on the back. For all you appropriate readers however, GO READ IT NOW. DONT DELAY. MAY SOME RABID OTAKU SMACK YOU ON THE NOGGIN IF YOU DELAY ANY FURTHER. Well said my peice. Enjoy.

This book has made me fall in love again.Not only is this my favorite book but this has one of the best pictures ,(especially the sex part).I recommend not sharing with this with kids under 13.This book is great and it's so romantic since there getting back together.

I am 12 years old, and this book was kind of innapropriate, so i suggest, that yea, while the label says 13 and up, 12 year olds who are obsessed with the series should be able to read it too. Oh, and i just wanna say, MAN!!!THAT LADY CAN DRAW!!!! But anyone under that age shouldnt be able too. I mean, i'm pushin' the bar here, but, if you have a little kid that wants to read it, no acceptions. Besides, it might be hard for them to understand anyways. Now that i've rambled, i want to say, in the series up to this point, the author has created a wonderful storyline, well developed characters, and exquisite art that should be admired by all.....people over 13 that is.....

Soryo's work keeps you captivated and begging for more! After reading the first book, I not only fell in love with the story but the characters and artwork. Unlike some "manga" books, the artwork is clean and smooth, and not sex obsessed. This is the only book in the series with any sex that may not be appropriate for younger readers (under 12 or 13). At first glance this may seem like the stereotypical bad boy-good girl love story, but the twists and turns and emotions you get are something completly different! This book is more than worth it! I just count the days until I can read the next one!

First, a disclosure. I know and respect Dr. Flaherty.
I agree completely with the prior reviewers. This book aims at being an accessible, authoritative reference for trainees. It definitely achieves and even surpasses those aims. It is useful for non-neurologists as well.

It is an excellent and very practical book about what we do every day, reminding us quickly of all the steps to have the best results for our patients. I highly recommend this book to medical students, internists and neurologists.

UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE BEST 'RESIDENT FRIENDLY' NEUROLOGY BOOKS OF ALL TIME. BUY IT TODAY IF YOU DONT HAVE IT YET. USEFUL FOR WARD ROUNDS. OTHER USEFUL BOOKS / SOFTWARE I FOUND INCLUDE THE SOFTWARE NEUROLOGY TUTOR 1.01 WHICH I DOWNLOADED FROM www.peakdoctor.org AND ADAMS AND VICTOR (which you can find on amazon.com)

This thin handbook is as indispensible as your neurology tools during residency training. It packs a lot of information in a tiny space and covers many topics. It does not have references or prognostic stats, but it will help you in DDx, basic management issues, or just simply act as a reminder when you can't quite remember details about something. I was pleasantly surprised at how much info is in this book. Highly recommended.

No other neurology handbook packs as much useful information so succinctly. I wouldn't be without it on the wards. Lots of imaging coverage. It also has relevant coverage of psychiatry, medicine, and neurosurgery.

I am the formless form
I operate on myself in this way so that I am continuously arriving
And I am the knower of this field of Description.

As you start reading, your heart will lock it's claws into the book while your brain boils away in a fit of rage.

This is the Most definitive translation of Rumis's Grandest and most Important work. So literal a very few times that it may loose accuracy. Yet surprisingly loyal for being the work of a western scholar.

If you want to drink Rumi with a glass of wine on a slow afternoon then this work is NOT for you.

This is because in this work his mysticism interweaves deep Islamic thought you cannot conviniently delete or distort.

Potiential readers should be aware that this is the diffinative English translation of this spiritual classic. It is sometimes referenced by native Farsi speakers because of it's accuracy. However, it is difficult to read. Know that the work required to read this translation will be well rewarded for anyone with a heart.

Jalaluddin Rumi, b. 1205 in Balkh, now Turkestan, d. 1273 was founder of the Mevlevi order of Sufi Dervishes. He was known among followers as "Mevlana" or "Our Master". The Mathnawi, "Song of the Reed" is often referred to as the Koran in Persian, and ranks among the classics of world spiritual literature.

A series of 3 volumes, the Mathnawi is an ingenious series of allegories, fables, parables and tales, often no more than a page or two in length. The sprawling scope of the subjects covered include everything from accounts of the famous saints of Islam, Christianity and Judaism; told in symbolic and allegorical form to deeply mystical interpretations of life and a renewed call to faith. The quality of the writing is best described as ecstatic prose verse. They are rich with detail about the cultural life of the period.

Rumi dictated the 3 volume series to a scribe, after the loss of his closest friend, guide and spiritual companion, Shams of Tabriz.

Shams was a wandering mystic of astonishing accomplishment who came upon Rumi in his mature middle years and through their relationship, helped carry Rumi into further phases of his development. Their bond was so close, it aroused suspicion and finally jealousy among Rumi's followers, who plotted against Shams and eventually had him killed.

Rumi was inconsolable. According to the tales, the famous turning of the Whirling Dervishes was invented as a form of meditation and praise to God after the wrenching loss of his spiritual companion.

The richly layered stories of the Mathnawi will prove inspirational for the spiritually-inclined of any faith, as well as students of comparative religion, and those open to inner adventures describing the mystical travels of one of the world's greatest, and most literate saints.

Forget all the 'new translations' 'new interpretations' blah blah blah they are nothing of the kind, they are all just re-writes of this classic. Save yourself the money and the time reading books by people making money off the backs of scholars who given years to produce this masterpiece and buy this.

Nicholson based this translation on manuscripts in Konya at the Mevlevihane during the early part of the last century. It must have been particularly hard during those troubled years in Turkey. He studied the commentary of the great Mevlevi Sheikh Ankarawi and the 2 volume notes and commentary (sold separately) are actually translations of that Sheikhs works.

Modern day Sheikhs have said openly that this is one of the best interpretations of Rumis works around today. Sefik Can one of the last great scholars of the Mathnawi who continued the commentary Tahir ul Mevlevi the Turkish commentary on the Mathnawi praised Nicholsons translation so that should give you some idea of the quality of this book.

You may wish to also look for the Discourses of Rumi also by Nicholson and the works of his student A J Arberry. Of modern scholars only Schimmel has come close with her excellent work 'I am wind and you are fire' and Chitticks translation of chapters of the Mathnawi (Chittick is a scholar in Persian, Schimmel is multi lingual) Save yourself the time and money, avoid the thousands of other books on Rumi and buy this one.