Journals Books

I read it during my undergraduate, it was the course book for the thoery of automata course. More recently when I tried the popular "Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages, and Computation" by Hopcroft et al. for the purpose of revising the concepts, I realized how great this book is. It is definitely a better book than Hopcroft et al's, with in-depth explanations of all topics, lots of examples and exercises and in a writing style very friendly for the novice readers. Very good work!

I must say this is one of the best books I have ever read. The auther is humorous and insightful. He manages to take very abstract concepts and explain them in clear concrete terms and metaphors.

This an excellent book. Basically, the whole point of it is to mathematically define what a computer is and prove that it works. The author does this by defining and manipulating mathematical alphabets and languages without resorting to any kind of advanced math. Starting from nothing, the whole thing leads up to Turing Machines. More specifically, according to the Preface, the goals of the book are:

"(1) to introduce a student of Computer Science to the need for and the working of mathematical proof; (2) to develop facility with the concepts, notations, and techniques of the theories of Automata, Formal Languages, and Turing machines; and (3) to provide historical perspective on the creation of the computer with a profound understanding of some of its capabilities and limitations."

The author did a wonderful job of it. Plus, unlike almost all other computer/math books I've read, this book is almost enjoyable to read. Again, as stated in the Preface:

"This book is written for students with no presumed background of any kind. Every mathematical concept used is introduced from scratch. Extensive examples and illustrations spell out everything in detail to avoid any possibility of confusion."

Astonishingly, those are all true statements. At a guess, I'd say that almost anyone interested in computers could get through this book without undue stress. To make it more meaningful, I'd suggest (only suggest) prerequisites of having programmed a computer and knowing some discrete math. From that point of view, it's odd that as of last year, this book was used in Florida State University's (FSU's) COT 4420: "Theory of Computation" course, which, obviously, is a 4000 level course requiring various prerequisites that put it out of the reach of all but senior (or graduate) level students.

Now, with all that glowing out of the way, there are a couple of small problems with the book. The first is simply that the exercises don't have any solutions. For the self-studyer, that's a bad thing. In a school teaching environment, it's probably acceptable, though. The second problem is that after getting through the book, I simply have to ask: "So what? WHY should I learn this?" Again, in the Preface, the author states:

"Leaving aside the obvious worth of knowledge for its own sake, the terminology, notations, and techniques of Computer Theory are necessary in the teaching of courses on computer design, Artificial Intelligence, the analysis of algorithms, and so forth. Of all the programming skills undergraduate students learn, two of the most important are the abilities to recognize and manipulate context-free grammars and to understand the power of the recursive interaction of parts of a procedure. Very little can be accomplished if each advanced course has to begin at the level of defining rules of production and derivations."

But, in my experience, I have to say that except for one reference in one other book I've read, I've never seen any of this stuff used. Even more, I've never known anyone who even knew of anyone who used (or even knew of) any of it. EVERYTHING has been done at a much higher level of abstraction than alphabets, languages, and various levels of algorithms and machines up to Turing Machines. I'm not saying that the material in this book isn't used SOMEWHERE. But, I'd honestly have liked to have seen actual, specific, concrete cases: they'd be fascinating.

So, factoring those two nits in, I rate this book at 4 stars out of 5. If those two things don't bother you, then you could easily consider this a 5 star book.

The book has one important attribute: it's clear, undoubtedly. Having a minimum of prerequisites, I think there's no way to not understand what Prof. Cohen says through its pages. It makes the job of learning this part of theory easier than any other text.
But ... but I can't totally agree with Cohen's crusade against formalism. I agree that the first target of a book should be to clearly transmit the intended knowledge, and Cohen perfectly succeeds in this. But formalism too has its importance, thereafter. A compact and clear formalism helps to communicate efficiently, and moreover unambiguously. Like in mathematics, the first, important thing is to understand. Yet, there's no way for you to efficiently work with math without using any kind of formalism, should it be more or less "standard".
That's it: a very powerful book for a "profound" understanding of the subject; a bit more of natural formalism would make it a "complete" understanding also, and the book a five stars one.

This is a great book. I read the first edition many years ago, and it too was great. Everything is explained in order, and explained well - it is very accessable, even to the casual reader interested in the topics presented. It was through this book that I was able to actually write software that demonstrated Kleene's Theorem, (RE=NFA=DFA) converting between Regular Expressions, NFA's and DFA's.

Unlike many textbooks, reading this one is actually FUN. By the time I was done, I felt that I understood everything that was presented. That's how good this text is.

// CHRIS (Darien, Connecticut)

I gave it to my husband as a gift and he absolutely loves it.

This is a great product. I would be lost without it. Every time I access a new site I enter the User Name and Password in the ledger. When I return to that web site I have all the information available. No guesswork needed.

Wonderful little book, makes my MESS of post-it note internet sites a breeze to find. Don't know how I ever made it without this organizer...highly recommedned and makes a great gift too !

This is exactly what I was looking for! Large section for Internet sites with fields for site name, user name, password, notes, and more! A section for Sites by Subject Areas,and also a section for Internet purchases which will be really handy as a reference for future purchases from a favorite site.

This is a really handy book and here are my favorite features:
Spiral bound so it opens flat for easy writing.
Alphabetical organization by website name with sections for each letter of the alphabet. Many people keep their passwords on their computer somewhere, and these could be hacked. Keeping them on paper is safer.
Durable cover.
A decent amount of space for each entry, with helpful titles within each entry such as user name, password, phone number, PIN, notes.
The book even has suggestions for keeping the book secure from hacking. It is all very well thought out. It is worth paying the extra money over the other models, in my opinion. I liked it so much I am buying two more for gifts. I have been amazed at how many passwords I actually had once I started writing them all down!

I really enjoyed the heart felt and brutally honest stories in this book. Being a women in her 20's, this book spoke to me greatly.Every girl should read this at least once while in her twenties or even in her thirties just to have a laugh. I've been the girl in each of these stories and it lets me know- I will survive these years of confusion, frustrations and let-downs.

This book is the perfect antidote to the quarterlife crisis blues. Covering all topics ranging from love relationships to housing to careers to friends, whatever is bothering you, there will be an essay reminding you that yes, your 20s aren't that great, but no, you definitely aren't alone, and, the best news: you'll survive, and likely end up far happier and fulfilled than you think you will. Overall, an inspiring read, with little bites of wisdom and, yes, perspective.

It isn't set up like I expected it to be, but it's definately the truth. hah.

As a twenty-something, I picked up this book for obvious reasons. It was so heartening to learn that what I am going through, other women have gone through and no one has all the answers no matter what path you choose. I plan to share this book with all of my girlfriends.

I was in Borders when I stumbled along this book and thought " What a clever title and concept." As a twenty something professional in higher education that deals with early twenty something women on a regular basis, I highly recommend this book. It is a quick read but able to be put down and picked back up easily. There were times when I shook my head in agreement and laughed aloud hysterically.

I feel that this book is a very well written book. It has pictures that follow the plot of the book and this helps younger children. I know that many children would relate well to this book because they do not like to see their toys locked up in a box. When I read this book it reminded me of when I was younger and I had a bear that got put in a box and I went and got it! So I feel that this is a good book to read to younger children from toddlers to third graders.

One day, Bramwell Brown remembers his friend Old Bear who was put away in the attic. Bramwell and the other stuffed animals decide to get him back.

What follows is a series of failed attempts to reach the attic until finally one succeeds and the toys are united.

I like this story because it does show the process of thinking through a problem as well as perseverance (even when Duck thinks there is no hope). As with many children's books there are a few logic problems, but overall it reads very well.

Look for the other Little Bear stories as well.

"I knew it was going to be a special day." said Bramwell Bear to himself. -Duck, Rabbit, Little Bear, and Bramwell Bear struggle to capture their long lost, and forgotten friend, Old Bear. Old Bear has been stored in the attic for a while because the children played roughly with him.

Old Bear's friends are really caring friends, especially Little Bear, my favorite character. Little Bear climbs from the airplane into the attic and recovers Old Bear. -True friendship.

I remember reading this book plenty of times 11 years ago, and always treasuring it. If you like cute books with good illustrations and a group of brave, loving stuffed animals, you should read this book!

From the first day I brought this book home, my daughter has loved it. "Old Bear" was one of the first phrases she said. This book teaches that by trying new ideas and working together, you can accomplish anything. It's a wonderful life lesson for toddlers, with captivating drawings and warm, loveable characters. I would highly recommend this book, along with any others by Jane Hissey, to all parents.

Every morning our eighteen month old daughter starts the day by exclaiming 'Old Bear!' - the cue that one of us must read it with her without further ado. If it's not left in her cot at night, she often says, 'Oh dear, Old Bear?'. In short this book really wins the toddler vote. Our toddler learnt how to wobble by reading this. She also learnt the meaning of 'sad'. Old bear is a story of lasting friendship, teamwork among stuffed toys, and a daring airborne rescue bid. Contrary to one review, the pictures are not 'sugary-sweet', Our very discerning daughter loves them, and actually, so do I. We have found that we've read the book so often that the words are imprinted in our memories - but amazingly we don't mind. All together now: 'One day the toys were sitting by the window when they remembered their friend Old Bear...'

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

JOURNAL BUDDIES is a wonderful journal designed to help boost girls' self-esteem. Daily affirmations and journal buddies (friends who contribute to the journal) make this book a must! My daughter loves hers, and a huge bonus: I'm one of her journal buddies. :-)

An excellent and practical read which is very highly recommended to young women, especially those with artistic aspirations, Journal Buddies: A Girl's Journal For Sharing And Celebrating Magnificence by Jill Schoenberg Girma is an eloquently written guide for assisting young women on their path to discovering the better half of their artistic abilities. Readers will find easy access to their muse after reading through the delightful, idea-filled pages of Journal Buddies. Nearly every page has room to write so that the young women may write their thoughts on each given subject.

Reviewed by Peta Andersen for Reader Views (2/06)

"Journal Buddies" is a self esteem system. Targeting pre-teen girls, the book focuses on having readers work with a partner to discover what is special about themselves.

The idea of looking at what is positive about one's self is not new, but Schoenberg Girma's approach is fresh. "Focus on what you love, like and enjoy -- and your life will become more of what you love, like and enjoy...even when you're having a hard day, in fact especially when you're having a hard day!"

Covering a thirty day period, each entry offers a focus word, inviting the reader to write what that word means to them. Some words grow repetitive - synonyms for the same concept - beauty and beautiful, for example. Others are a fresh and warm surprise, tempting as a loaf of new bread.

For this reviewer, an infrequent journaler at best, writing in "Journal Buddies" each day was, at first, slightly chore-like. There was the task of finding a buddy to help brain-storm positive things about me - though Schoenberg Girma offers the chosen buddy could be a beloved pet, I did not feel quite right talking to a parakeet, mouse, or ferret. Next came the actual writing. Focused writing is difficult for writers; for a pre-teen it would be very much like a school assignment, or an offering from the school counsellor. After a few days, however, the process grew easier - sit down, talk about my positive attributes, write about the focus word and the good things that had happened to me during the day. Good things are one of Schoenberg Girma's key points - "Journal Buddies" is not a place for self-pity and the like. It is about positivity. "Most importantly," says Schoenberg Girma, "by using this journal a girl learns how to strengthen her sense of self-esteem and self-confidence by developing and enhancing a positive outlook of herself with the help of buddies."

At the end of the month, how did I feel? Good, for the most part. After a rocky start, I have to say I enjoyed the process of "Journal Buddies." It lacks the bells and whistles of other journals in the teen and pre-teen group, but it is this simplicity that helps to draw the journaler inward, and appreciate what is special and unique in herself.

Growing up in today's beauty-obsessed culture, young girls need all the help they can get to establish self-esteem. We can't all be runway model-slim, movie star-charming, or pop idol-talented. But we can be happy, helpful friends and family members, comfortable in our own skins, and supportive of those around us. All it takes is channeling our emotions and actions in a positive direction -- and this book is a great tool for accomplishing that, by helping girls focus on positive traits in themselves and others -- and making them even more real by writing them down and reviewing them. When friends and siblings start concentrating on what's good about each other and how they make each other happy, they become better at the game of life, confident they can succeed. JOURNAL BUDDIES is all about making the good things in life bigger, and learning how to express that is a valuable thing indeed.

I hated the thought of this book ending. This adventure book became one of creativity in survival with some interesting twists and turns, too exciting to put down. When I finished the last page I knew there had to be a sequel....here's hoping to see the next adventure of Millie!

This book was a fabulous account of the growth of a middle aged woman from someone always dependent on her man (father or husband) to a self assured independent individual. I hope no one ever has to go through the process through which she learned her true self, but the story pulls you in and holds you fascinated, always taking a twist that you did not forsee. It was easy to read and made a cold, rainy weekend bearable.

This book was a fabulous account of the growth of a middle aged woman from someone always dependent on her man (father or husband) to a self assured independent individual. I hope no one ever has to go through the process through which she learned her true self, but the story pulls you in and holds you fascinated, always taking a twist that you did not forsee. It was easy to read and made a cold, rainy weekend bearable.

Mildred is MY kind of woman. A real survivor. She uses not only her physical strength, but her mind to overcome the obstacles placed in her path. I really liked the way the book was written in the form of a journal. I found that I could read a while and then if I had to leave it for a day or two, it was easy to pick up the continuity of the story. Mildred was portrayed in a very realistic way and Ms. Purtee's descriptions of the problems she encountered were at times mind-boggling. Good work, Georgia! When is the sequel coming out?

As a man, I thought I wouldn't like this book. My wife almost forced me to read it so we could "talk" about it. But after the first few pages, I got hooked and could hardly put it down to go to supper. Again I say, "What a woman!" She's a little paranoid, but has to be, I guess. Anyway, when Mildred finally finds her inner strength and begins to kick butt and take names, i almost yelled out loud. This book had the two things I like most, humor and action. I didn't like one or two of her descriptions, that's all.

"Journey In" is a fresh and fun way to inspire your creativity! This journal provides the path - a way to quiet the multitude of things flying through your head and lets you concentrate on whatever you choose. Whether it's a challenge you're facing or if you're searching for new ideas, following the journal provides the path for your journey. It's a perfect gift so I bought several copies and had lots of fun giving them to friends!

I enjoy the pictures and love to color. But meditation was something that was always hard for me. I couldn't believe it when I was able to relax and destress from the day, in the time it took to color a picture. I enjoyed the guidance in journaling. It was just the right amount of prompting to get me started in journaling. Which is something I had never done before.
Thanks Janell and Michelle.

This book is great for helping to create those much needed quiet times along with fostering your creative spirit. I have given it to people of all ages and they love it. Give a gift of peace and renewal to yourself as well!! A great way to start your new year.

At times I envy gerbils, who can at least jump off the exercise wheel when they grow tired. I seem to get caught up in my daily treadmill of life, to the point that even if I sit down, my brain is still spinning. It is often hard to slow down enough physically and mentally to meditate. This coloring journal is just the right aid to focus simply on the present. There is something so calming and healing about the repetitive strokes of coloring and picking out colors that appeal to your senses. You find yourself breathing deeper, and muscles relaxing that you didn't know were tense. Likewise, all the petty details of life, that seem to speak so loudly in your brain, quiet down and you are able to focus on the things of value. I love this book and I have heard raves from friends I have shared it with.

What an awesome, unique gift! The designs are so neat, and addicting! Who doesn't still love to color? It's such a great way to relax. What a great gift to give someone in the hospital, it belongs in every hospital gift shop!

There was a brief stage in my college career when I hoped to get into newspapers. Unfortunately, I'm a very slow writer. I would sweat bullets over remarkably simple stories, and my editorial prowess was equally dubious. It was at that time I discovered Carl Hiaasen and his remarkably subversive novel, TOURIST SEASON. His author's bio indicated that his newspaper setting was drawn from authentic experience -- he was a columnist for the Miami Herald.

Unfortunately, the web was just in its infancy, and access to Hiaasen's newspaper writing was apparently one of the few exclusive benefits of living in South Florida. KICK ASS turns out to be just the sort of collection that I had been craving for many years.

KICK ASS does not disappoint. It begins with a nifty introduction that provides a smattering of biographical information on Hiaasen, as well as a context for the subjects and tone of his columns. Hiaasen clearly resides in a longstanding tradition of muckraking American journalism, and I mean that in the best possible way.

This is no mere sampling of his work -- there are more than 200 columns here, organized by topic, and just about every one of them meets the mandate stated in the title of the collection. Hiaasen has a passion for the environment, consumer protection, crime control, and good government. His portrait of a Florida reeling after the flood of growth and development of the last three decades is even starker than the one in his novels. Speaking of the novels, it is also fun to see where he "lifts" some of his ideas for the things that happen in his books. The overamorous dolphin of NATIVE TONGUE appears in KICK ASS as well.

If there is anything to regret about this book, it is that the topical organization often generates confusion for the reader when certain figures re-occur. Some of them almost develop a roguish charm. After all, us non-Floridians don't have to live with the direct consequences of local corruption. A little wrap-up to let us know how some of the notorious figures and controversies ended up would have been nice. I always hated that device at the end of his novels, but it would be perfect for a collection like this.

As a lifelong resident of Florida (albeit a ninetten-year-old one), I have seen Florida at its best and worst. Hiiasen's columns represented in this book illustrate the "politics" and people of a great but confused state. If you live in Florida, have visited, or even have heard of it, this book will both amuse and depress you, as is the nature of the state. Everyone will identify with the outrage Hiiasen evokes over the disregard of the envirnment, the sham of politics, and the overall life in Miami, and indeed, all of Florida. This book will remind readers of what Marjorie Kinnan-Rawlings and Marjorie Douglass once experienced in Florida, and tells both the good and the bad of what has happened after a hundred years of exploitation If you want a non-stop laugh and a big dose of reality, read this collection - it's one of the best books in print right now.

This book is; to borrow another Hiaasen title a real Hoot. He is without a doubt not only informative,and thought provoking but he does it while leaving his readers in stiches. I think he shows a genuine affection for the idiots he writes about

I've never set foot in Florida, but I can't get enough Carl Hiaasen. I've read every single novel he's written and I have to say his columns are just as worthy a read.

From the opening column of the book (Carl Hiaasen's Florida Stress Test) to some of the more serious writings (the group of prostitutes he talks to, the crumbling county health building) Hiaasen writes it all with a razor-sharp flair and zeal that can't be matched. You know this guys just loves going to work every day.

Who else would refer to the newly elected mayor of Miami as a "pernicious little ferret"?

Keep them coming, Carl. I'm waiting on Volume 3.

Sidenote: I also wrote this review for "Paradise Screwed" b/c it's the same book, just different selected columns.

If you've ever read a Carl Hiassen book (or Tim Dorsey for that matter) and you wonder where he became so cynical, or where he gets his outrageous ideas from, read this book. Taking only the best of his newspaper columns, this book gives little glimpses into the absolute mess that was Miami/South Florida in the 80's/90's. Taking on anything from connected land developers, to cartel-backed politicians, to prostitute employing evangelists.

Each column is 1 to 1.5 pages in length making it the perfect length to read here and there, or big bites at a time. If you're a fan of Carl Hiassen, try this book not for Hiassen's opinion, but just for the shear knowledge of ludicrisiosity he imparts.

encyclopedic, thorough, with a little humor thrown in.

a must-read before you buy any spirit.

my palette is not nearly as good as f. paul, but i try to focus on each glass of spirit with his analytic approach, and use his tasting notes to try to train my palette, educate my nose and taste buds.

i don't always agree with him, but i can use him as a pretty consistent barometer of what i will or won't like.

most important point: let that glass of high class booze "air -out" for 10-15 min before you even start drinking. it does really help with bringing out more subtle tastes.

one negative point: still need those 1997-2000 reviews

Kindred Spirits 2 was worth waiting for! We use them constantly in our liquor stores. Since we can't taste all the products, we let Paul Pacault do the work for us. We wore out the original Kindred Spirits and anxiously awaited the second volume with all the new products included. A must have! Our customers love this book and we suggest they get one of their own. You will love the descriptions! Thanks Paul.

Paul Pacult really understands his stuff. He is honest and straightforward in his reviews. The reviews are easy to understand and should be used as the source if you are in the biz or not.

I recommend people use this book when looking for a new product to try and buy.

Kay Olsen

Kindred Spirits 2 is an incredible, unique resource for spirit lovers everywhere. Page after page, KS2 delivers engaging, hard-hitting insights about individual spirits across the full product and geographic range. White or brown spirits; consumed before, during, or after meals; familiar names or rare products, Paul Pacult covers it all with encyclopedic professionalism. It is probably impossible to find such a valuable reference book anywhere else.

I have used individual issues of Spirit Journal (from which the KS2 reviews come) to compare my impressions with Paul's for familiar spirits and to identify some new spirits to try. But the real power of KS2 (as a Spirit Journal review summary) lies in helping readers build better spirit inventories and expand their knowledge of individual spirit categories.

As soon as I received KS2, I went through my personal spirit inventory and identified areas where quality could probably be improved cost-effectively. I bought several new spirits (like a different everyday blended scotch), tasted them side-by-side with my current spirits, and replaced several current spirits. There are also clearcut improvement areas for me in white spirits, cognac, and brandy. These changes will be made easily and quickly, because of the confidence I have in the integrity of Paul's reviews.

KS2 can also be used to develop a better spirit inventory for a public restaurant/bar or a private club. The potential payoff is big. Such a wide-ranging spirit audit and improvement program would not be possible without a resource like KS2.

I found KS2 so useful that I just ordered another copy to give to a very demanding spirit lover as a birthday present. Of course, I renewed my subscription to Spirit Journal so I will be up-to-date until KS3 is published.

Paul Pacult's rainbow of 2400 spirit reviews, "Kindred Spirits 2", is eminently useful and very entertaining. Pacult is independent and of impeccable integrity and authority. This isn't some snobby book that lauds all the expensive fancy quaffs and denigrates the familiar favorites. He sniffs out the gems regardless of price and debunks overpriced rarities that are past their prime. (This doesn't mean that some of the top ranked items aren't expensive; sadly the marketplace is what it is). The reviews are single paragraph paragons of brevity - but never lacking in descriptive detail. Pacult knows his craft and has a well developed palate and vocabulary. His reviews are instructive, insightful, sometimes moving, and often funny. Time after time I find his reviews spot on. I can't think of single instance where I thought he was just flat out wrong. This is quite a new experience for me with liquor reviews.

It's ridiculously ambitious to attempt a book that reviews the full spectrum of spirits spanning whiskey (scotch, irish, bourbon, rye and more), brandy (cognac, armagnac and much more), vodka, tequila, rum, gin, grappa, cachaça, slivovitz, eau de vie, and liqueurs - but "Kindred Spirits 2" does a credible job. The VAST majority of spirits I know are included. It's virtually impossible to be completely comprehensive, however, and I noticed a few omissions such as Jägermeister, Sortilege (an obscure but amazing maple liqueur from Quebec), and some manner of Kummel Caraway. There seems to be only a single listing for an Akvavit (but it's a cracker). All the Springbank malts are covered, except the 21, my personal favorite. You could nit pick any attempt. However, the deep strength overall more than compensates. The reviewed selections are eclectic - highbrow and lowbrow. There are many single cask and limited editions included - as well as standards and classics. The vast breadth makes for both interesting reading and a definitive reference. In addition to the listings of reviews there are brief section introductions that orient the reader, a brief FAQ (Appendix A:) and a listing of the authors 111 favorite spirits regardless of type (Appendix B:). Appendix B: is the only place where Mr. Pacult ranks hierarchically within a given star level. This is the land of the 5 stars and they're all great - but Pacult takes a stand on which is better than which. This is a lot of fun - but it's the most slippery ground and it's here that I find I disagree with him most - but it's a happy disagreement. Everything on this list is KILLER. Degrees of love is a happy debate.

The real power and magic of this book comes in discovering these highest rated five star gems. I recently attended a tasting of the top ten from Appendix B: and found the experience utterly astounding. Virtually every selection was revelatory and blew away my preconceptions of what these various types of spirits were (e.g. the bourbon tasted so good it almost wasn't recognizable as bourbon - don't even get me started on the Rum Agricole - an amazing variant I had never even heard of). The flavors were huge and complex - transcending expectations. Mr. Pacult's taste preferences emerged - sweetness, purity, floral and citrus notes, huge long finishes. I find myself heartily in accord. Incredibly, 6 of the 10 retail for under $100 a bottle. The big lesson of this book is that artistry and genius are not synonymous with rarity and cost. This is a great desk reference - but it can be far more; a gateway to epicurian experience (especially if you have to courage to use it to go beyond your "comfort zone" (i.e. try types you don't normally drink)). Using this book as a guide will save you a ton of money in bad choices. Much more importantly than this, it will expose you to the best spirits the world has to offer - highlight experiences you might otherwise disastrously miss. Many of these lofty spirits will be surprisingly affordable - and many will utterly blow you away. My highest recommendation.

If there is anything this book has taught me, it is that there is no escape from the human condition. No matter if you are living as a monk in the woods or living in the midst of 9-5 city life, there is no real sanctuary from the struggles of humanity. Merton's writings on his struggles to reconcile his desires and remain true to his vows are enlightening. These are the struggles that all of us face, in one form or another. You can't help but love and appreciate Merton, the man, found in this journal.

This was actually the first I ever read or heard of Merton. I read this book at a time when I was going through a bit of a struggle myself in regards to who I was and what I believed. I was raised Catholic, but no longer felt that I had any place in the Church and then I felt guilty for having those feelings. What Merton does so beautifully and bravely is to show his own struggles and his own humanity to the world. He struggles with the idea of being a hermit vs his desire to change the world; with his love and devotion to the Church vs his love of a woman; with his need for solitude vs. his need to be surrounded by other intelligent, compassionate minds. It's a fascinating read. I think one of the things that struck me most about it was how unselfconsciously he writes about what he's going through. It's not a book overflowing with self-judgment or condemnation. On the contrary, it's a book filled with the idea that he is as human as the rest of us and has the same flaws and desires, yet what he does with those flaws and desires is really up to him. That's no small discovery. It's one we could all stand to make about ourselves.

"Learning to Love" captures the ache of forbidden love better than any work I have ever read. Merton's honesty, as mentioned in the other reviews, sets the gold standard for how we should converse with ourselves and with God. Ultimately, through meditation and prayer, Merton decides that his affair has opened his heart so that it holds a greater love for God, and the experience of going against his vows humbles him.

Anyone who is a true believer, who struggles to live that belief in daily life and who tries to reconcile the faith and the heart will enjoy this book. I can also recommend this book to people who are interested in journaling, as a example of "getting to the heart of matter" (Graham Greene) and to people who want a good introduction to Thomas Merton. I have gone on to read a number of his journals and his other books. He is most well-known for Seven Story Mountain. The Merton in that book is far younger and more naïve than the erudite and humble Merton displayed in these pages. Had I read Seven Story Mountain first, I never would have picked up another Merton book. Luckily for me, I picked this Merton book up first.

here is the volume that was much anticipated, the volume of Thomas Merton's diaries that dealt with his "love affair" with a young nurse, Margie Smith. By this point in the diaries, Merton has become a full time hermit{as someone once remarked, the busiest,most voluminous hermit in history. Or,as Merton wrly titled one of his diaries, A VOW OF CONVERSATION}. Moving further away from the obdient young novice of volume 2,Merton as always in full tonged battles with his Abbot,James Fox,,has been exploring eastern religions,trying to find the center which unites all. Then, he goes to a louisville hospital to have back surgery,and falls deeply in love with a young nurse. Always honest with himself,Merton knows where this is heading, and knows, even in his early entries, that this will not end well for her. There is a sweet episode when Joan Baez arrives,and after Merton tells her about his new love, insists that they drive straight away to Loiuisville to go to her{they do not.}There is nothing salacious here,and Merton comes to grips with his poor treatment of woman in his early life{he had fathered a child in London, and mother and son had died during the blitz in WWII},and finds another side in himself. Interspersed within this is the usual Merton gold, the ability to see through modern problems for what they are{fleeting}, and come up with crystalline insights{his commenst on his prayer life while he is essentialy leading ,for him, a compromised life, are very interestin.] This is top flight Merton, now on the top step, cleansed and looking east,where on the horizon, is the next and last volume, and the Asian journey. Essential,non-sensational,always edifying.

As usual, his journal style leads me into deep contemplation, but his honesty in dealing with all issues reminds the reader that he is a man before a monk or priest. I reccommend this book to all Seminary Students and those seeking quiet prayer and contemplation.