G Books

While I firmly believe that the Prisoner of Azkaban is the true beginning of the series that is now known as the Harry Potter series, this is the novel that truly cements its grandeur. All of the characters begin to grow in this novel and Rowling seems to be truly growing as writer. She seems to have a firm grip on where this novel is going to go and she also seems less intimated about bringing in the true darkness of the "bad" characters. It was not until this novel that I saw why some parents would not think that it is age appropriate. I do not agree with this opinion, however I do understand it. There are some genuinely creepy, moments in this book, but I truly appreciate because I think of how many children have grown up with these books and how Rowling allows the characters in the novel to grow with them. I believe this is one of the series' greatest strengths. The complexity of the characters grow intensely and I also think that this is the story that truly connects Harry to the other important characters in the novel: Dumbledore and Voldemort. Rowling is no longer writing archetypal characters; she embrasses the archetypes that she has created, but truly allows them to become characters outside of the stereotypes. I always felt that Dumbledore was a little to similar to Gandalf the Grey, but Dumbledore starts to transcend his stereotypes as well as others in the novel. Defintely worth a read, however I would begin at least with Prisoner of Azkaban before jumping into this novel.

This,In My Opinion Is The Best Book.It definitly Is Where It Goes Into a
darker genre of books.I Would Just About Recommend This Exciting,Page-
turner,to just about anyone!

Summary:
This is the 4th book in the Harry Potter series. It follows the same style, darkening tone, similar formulas as the prior three books -- new mode of transport / new magic device, new Dark Arts Teacher that is obviously a bad guy and nice convenient wrap-up of the various elements introduced. I would have given this 5 stars if there is not the huge plothole of why does Harry have to be the winner of the Triwizard tournament when undercover Death Eater could have just given Harry a Potkey at anyone point in the year.

Setting:
Rowling continues to develop a great fantasty milieu for YA (Young adults). The world is a great combination of mundane and magical. The World Cup of Quiddich is inspired and does a great job of showing the extent of the wizard world around the globe. The interface between Muggles and Wizards could use a bit of work as the method shown in the book is clearly problematic for keeping the wizard world secret.

Characters:
The main characters do advance a certain amount but still a bit on the thin side. The introduction of boy-girl relationships is an interesting element and needed given the age of the characters. Harry and Ron are clearly thick with regards to Hermiene. It is unfortunate but a needed part of a boy growing up. Hermiene is handled quite well and show an advanced maturity fitting her character (she even has some fun for a change).

Action:
The action is consistent in tone and description from the prior books. Harry is entered into the Tri-wizards tournament by someone else to get him lured into dangerous situations. Note: this is a lame plot device for getting him to Valdamort. The tests could have been a bit more difficult / interesting -- the dragon task description is a bit thin for my taste and the maze was clearly there just to get some Harry character development and move him to Valdamort. The confrontation in the graveyard was well done and helped save a poor plot device.

Prose:
The prose style is basically the same from prior three novels with a bit of expansion that is done nicely in the first part of the book. The World Cup of Quiddich is very well done.

Summary:
Overall: 3 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Characters: 2.5 stars
Action: 2.5 stars
Prose: 2.5 to 3 stars

I love all of the Harry Potter books and think that JK Rowling is a master storyteller, but whoever decided that Jim Dale would be a good narrator for this series was seriously mistaken. Aside from the fact that he makes almost all of the characters sound like they are from the East End of London and have a mouth full of bread (aside from Hermione and Ginny who he makes WHINE all of the time), he also mispronounces many of the words, which is quite annoying. He says "Voldermort" without pronouncing the "t", and "accio" as assio, just to name a few! I mean, did they actually have JK Rowling listen to his reading before they hired him to do the WHOLE series??? If it is at all possible, DON'T waste your money on this audio of Harry Potter, go on Amazon.co.uk and get the version read by Stephen Fry. He reads this series the way they are supposed to be read!!! Stephen Fry is FANTASTIC!

I have read the first five books in the Harry Potter series this summer. My favorite book in this series that I have read so far is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This book was so interesting that I just could not put it down. From the Quidditch World Cup championship at the beginning, to the last page of the book I was hooked. The Tri-Wizard Championship was a great new twist at Hogwarts that had never before been done, and the arrangement of the book was slightly changed from the previous three. This made this book more fun and exciting to read than the very first one, because the reader never knew what was going to happen or what to expect. The ending was the best part of the book, and was impossible to figure out until you got there. I have not read the sixth or seventh book of this series by J.K. Rowling yet, but I feel that so far this book is the best.

This is a wonderful book about an unbelievable champion - the kind we need today in America. A champion that reaches into the hearts of the people, unifies us and inspires us to prevail. The men who believed in Seabiscuit were not perfect, nor was Seabiscuit but they all managed to be imperfect winners. The writing itself might be a bit flourished but it is certainly well-researched and the story is entertaining told. Hillebrand has captured the ironies, truths, the agony and ecstasy of horse-racing and life itself as well. This one will make you cheer.

I'm usually concerned about purchasing items on line, especially books. I can honestly say that this experience was worth it. I would recommend this seller to anyone interested in purchasing good quality books at extremely reasonable prices.

Buy with confidence, I did!

I can't recall the number of non-fiction books that I've read. Little matter, this is the most incredible true story that I've read!!
Laura Hillenbrand has captured a time in American History. She is a true storyteller who has done impeccable research. It must have been the time she spent in Gambier, Ohio at Kenyon College that inspired her to such great in depth writing.
For those of you who have not read this book or have not seen the excellent movie, you're in for an incredible treat. Trust Me!!
If I were writing fiction, this true story would not have been told. Charles Howard, Red Pollard and Tom Smith are indeed the Holy Trinity. Remember these names, after reading this book, you will never forget them.
One little horse, so much history!!! Incredible!!!!

I have recently read Seabiscuit and watched the film and found both to be very compelling. We dont think much anymore about the dark days of the Depression but Laura Hillenbrand puts us right back in the middle of it. The important lesson was to look to the future as Charles Howard implored, the sun will come up tomorrow.

Three incredible characters intersect with this horse of unknown promise. Howard is the wealthy owner, despondent over the death of his son and unsure how to live the life of leisure; Red Pollard is a jockey not able to break into the big-time, due to his attitude, blindness, and injuries; Tom Smith is a taciturn man who belongs in the 19th century of his youth, not the modern world. Together they develop and promote Seabiscuit, a horse of incredible bloodlines, yet given up on by better trainers due to his work habits, attitude, injuries, and size.

Eventually the Biscuit wins all the stakes in the state of California and gets a shot at a match race with the great Eastern horse and Triple Crown winner, War Admiral. Both horses are descendants of the great Man'o'war, but the eastern elites dont want to give the western upstart his chance. After a few cancellations due to injuries and prickly owners, the match race goes off in Baltimore and the smaller horse brings it home.

The book is more enlighting with respect to the fuller stories of the characters, especially the relationship between the jockeys and Pollard's romance and marriage to a Boston nurse. The movie brings the times to life. Howard and Pollard were the raconteurs who made Seabiscuit the hero of the little guys during those lean years. Dont forget, tough times dont last but tough guys do.

Ms. Hillenbrand is an equally interesting story. She suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and is only able to work at a fraction of the typical writer. Here she focused her energy on this story and these times. Seabiscuit has been the story many times in film and books but Ms. Hillenbrand brings it to life for us.

Seabiscuit is a great story, book, and movie. If you have not read it, buy it today and start reading. You will not be disappointed.

I think it's important that I preface this by saying that I am not a Christian (which had a definite effect on my opinion of this book, if only because I was able to look past the intended "inspirational message" and appraise it as a novel.) This book was recommended to me by multiple (devoutly religious) relatives on the grounds that I would like the love story and that they had cried over it.

First of all, "Redeeming Love" is poorly written to the extreme. It's full of choppy sentences and far too many melodramatic sentence fragments. All of the characters, and especially Michael and Angel, are incredibly dull: Angel is your stereotypical, self-loathing prostitute, while Michael marries her because a very articulate and surprisingly talkative God tells him to, displays no depth to speak of, and seems completely unable to think for himself. The plot is excessively repetitive and annoyingly redundant, and none of the "twists" were even mildly surprising.

Secondly, the book was a poorly disguised vehicle for marketing Christianity, which in my opinion degrades both the book and the religion. Some of the reviewers claim to have been moved by Angel's spiritual journey; personally, I felt Rivers relied on the faith of her target audience and the tragedy (or horror, if you prefer) of some of the concepts in the book- such as children sold into prostitution- as opposed to her strength as a writer or the relatability of the characters to produce that effect.

Many of the reviewers complained about the "graphic" sexual content in the book. I have no idea what they're talking about- the book I read was not graphic, and all the sex was either vaguely referenced or simply just implied. Much of it was in the context of marriage: I don't understand how the idea of a married couple having sex can be considered shocking.

I cannot believe that this book received over five hundred five-star reviews. It is not worth your time, it is not worth your money, and honestly, it is not worth the effort of five hundred people to type up a few mindlessly praising words on Amazon.com.

I am not an avid reader but found out about this book through a friend that told me how it changed her life. I was skeptical but still very curious so I bought the book. I finished it in three days. WOW. All I can say is that for the first time in my life I began to hear the Lord speak to me through this book! I could literally feel the presence of God's love all around me as I read this book. "Redeeming Love" has caused me to fall in love with my Savior all over again! It is a new and fresh love that I now have in my heart for Him! If you feel like you have fallen away from Him and miss His love and presence then you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! I promise, it will re-ignite your love for Him. He has always been there waiting on you to fall in love with Him again. HE NEVER STOPS LOVING US! It is US who falls away from Him! This book will prove that to you!

To give you an idea of how this book affected me, I have been an Amazon user for years and this is the first review I have ever left.
I actually bought this book somewhere else and only bought by it accident. I was really after another book that had no Christian leanings. I found this book by accident and hoped I would have a good weekend read. I started at about 9 or 10 pm Friday night and didn't stop until 5:30 am Saturday morning. After reading this I read some in my Bible to cofirm some of what the book talked about and I cried for I think a good hour or so after I read the book.
This book shows a beautiful example of God's love for us.
This is suprisingly the best book I read have on accident in my life. I have never read anyting by this author, but I will definately check out her other work.
Note: The NIV refernces are ok, but to get the beauty of the verses quoted check out the KJV of the Bible.

I cannot explain the impact that this book has had on my life. I was lent this book and after telling a friend 'I'm really not that into Chritian fiction' read the first page and kept reading the entire night. I am now reading it for the second time and ordered my own copy. I think this should be required reading for anyone who has ever fallen in love. Francine Rivers' classic retelling of the book of Hosea is beautifully written, she presents God's love for his people in a way that leaves no doubt that there is nothing we can do to make our Father love us less.

The character of Michael Hosea is absolutely mesmerizing. The love trust he has in the Lord as well as his commitment to his very worldy wife, Angel (Sarah) is inspirational. Although she has had a tumultuous and very difficult life, Michael listens to the Lord that this is the wife He has chosen for him, refuses to give up on her, and trusts the Lord in all things in their relationship.

After reading this book, I have decided to walk with the Lord in a much closer way. I think that it would be impossible for any woman to read this book and not wish that her own husband/boyfriend etc. (no matter how wonderful he may be) was a little more like Michael! This book serves as a model of what a relationship and life based on the Lord should look like. If you read one book this year, please let it be this one! You will NOT be sorry!

Time is short, so I try to read books that will improve my thinking (i.e. the classics I missed out on earlier in life). Books such as "The Tale of Two Cities" and "Emma," among others, are usually first on my list. My sister was reading this novel and said it was wonderful, so I thought I would read it with her.

After a few pages and great expectation, I could see clearly where this book was going: the same old romance format using a Christian wrapping. (WARNING - I am going to give away the ending in the following paragraphs, but I'll bet you can guess it anyway!)

First, the style of writing is lacking depth in every sense of the word. Where are the wonderfully intriguing character studies that I so love in Jane Austin's books? Where are the complicated sentence structures? It was very, well, predictable.

She is bad, he is good; she is still bad, he is still good; she finally repents, he finally wins her heart. I know God is mixed in, but really, He doesn't talk to us like that. We are to search Scripture to find the answers, not hear them in our heads, and especially not in bold print in a romance novel.

I got through one half of this book and couldn't stand it any longer. The dialogue was extremely weak, boring me to tears (a different kind of tears than other reviewers seemed to have shed). I had to skip to the end to verify what I already knew would happen. He got the girl, they lived happily ever after, ta-da.

A more realistic ending would have been that Michael got syphilis from his lovely wife and became disillusioned at the least, at the worst, he would have died. A book with a memorable ending that comes to mind is Edith Wharton's House of Mirth. I didn't necessarily *like* the outcome, BUT it had a powerful impact. It was REAL.

Get this from the library if you must; just don't spend money on it. Well, actually, don't even spend time on it if you have better reads waiting on your shelf.

As for those who have said that this is the best book they have ever read - there is a world of romance out there, but it can be clothed in beautiful layers of rich silk and embroidery, not only in plain sackcloth.

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.

This book among others written by Dave have left me riveted. I can't put them down. All I see is a man who has overcome the circumstances placed before him. He is such an inspiration, I only wish more people would read his books and make something out of their lives, instead of playing the victim (which is much easier to do)

The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family by Dave Pelzer is a sequel to the heartbreaking memoir, A Child Called "It". Pelzer explains what happened after he was taken away by his abusive mother and neglectful father. This book is really uplifting and moving. I highly recommend this fascinating story and his quest to find a foster family who will love him unconditionally. Enjoy!

This book helped open my eyes to what children go through in Foster Care. It helped me to relize that you can't judge a book by its cover. That the struggle for acceptance,love acknowledgement or to be recognized can consume & overwhelm a child...to even the point of doing something you know in you heart is wrong. This book makes me want to work hard, so I can buy a big house, Just so I can provide enough love and support and room for not only my three children, but for those children in need of a place to call home & to know that they have someone who care about them.

This is a story about a young boy who gets abused and treated unfairly. He doesn't have any clothes besides the ones he caries in a brown paper bag. He runs away from the world he hates. He has no home to go to, then he finds hope. To find out more information about this book find it and venture into it.

In my opinion this book was excellent and amazing.Why? Because it made me cry on the first page, some parts I felt like going in the book, because the suspense never ends. I would recommend it to those who love to read soppy, exciting books that are true.

This book, along with another came in on time and for a great price. I Love this book.. I am now waiting to read the two books left that tells the rest of Dave's Story. There are 4 all together!

This is a big and detailed book, not for the faint of heart. But, if you love history and/or politics, this is a book for you. Truman was an unlikely president and this book captures the man's personality, humility, and dignity. Carefully researched and described, the book opens the door to one of our nation's most unique and dinstinguished characters. An epic book about an epic man. Delightful.

I couldn't have been more pleased with this book. I love David McCullough and he never ceases to amaze you with this intimate portrayal of Harry Truman's life. He brings the President to the level of an average man who finds himself in an above-average position. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an in-depth look at one of our most interesting Presidents to-date.

I have to agree with a previous reviewer: upon reading this, I have such a desire to meet and converse with HST--that's how interesting and honorable he was.

As always, McCullough's narrative sweep is impressive. Truman as a lonely and bookish boy, Truman as a soldier, Truman as a failed businessman are the most interesting parts. When it comes to Truman's presidency, McCullough turns up little new grounds, however. It's the usual conventional wisdom about a guy who made tough decisions that turned out right. Read Perrett's "Commander in Chief" for a harsher and more surprising evaluation of Truman's decision-making and his monumental blunders.

The book itself was a winner - a gift for my husband. He "devoured" it. The only disappointment was how cheaply and poorly-bound the paperback was. Even with extreme care, it fell apart within the first 70 pages. The replacement nearly made it to the end, but not quite. Buy and read this book, but go for a better-bound version unless you like handling it in pieces.

I have read most of McCullough's books, and so I knew that after reading this I would understand Harry S. Truman more deeply than I ever had. What I didn't know what was that I would learn so much about 20th century American history. McCullough is a great story-teller. His use of historical details to recreate the man and the times is magnificent. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

If you've seen the movie, you've only gotten a taste of what this book has to offer. The movie is only an abbreviated adaptation of the first half of the book, and the sequels are simply spin-offs of the first movie. This book has so much more to offer! It's a story about the importance of imagination and fantasy, self-discovery and identity, and the importance of discovering what is truly important in your heart. At the very least the story in these pages is one of the greatest fantasy stories you will ever read... and if you truly open your heart to the story, you will walk away a better person after having read it.

This book was interesting to read because I thought it would be like "The Neverending Story" movie, but instead the book goes through both "The Neverending Story" 1 & 2. It has alot more details and you find out how far off the movies ventured from the book. The first few chapters are similar to the original movie then the rest of the book is about Bastian losing his memories and trying to get home. It is an interesting book, but some parts get rather dry. Enjoy with a grain of salt.

Originally classified as a children's book, this is really a deeply spiritual parable written for all of us. Your children will be dazzled by the imaginary creatures and fantasy lands, while you will discover deep spiritual messages and awe-inspiring symbolism that is prevalent in every single chapter.

Travel with Atreyu, Falkor and Bastian as they take on the journey into the heart of man. One of the best parts about this book is that just when you think it couldn't get any moreentertaining or profound, it surprises you by being even more of both.

If you've paid attention throughout the book and learned the lessons it
aims to teaches, then when all is said and done, you too may understand
what exactly is "The Neverending Story."

I don't often read books. I think I can say that I've read about as many books as I have fingers. I also can say that this books is so precious to me that I have it in hardcover. On top of that, this is the first review I've ever written.

I'm 29 years old and this by far is and is not a children's book. It's good fantasy for a child's mind, but it is so much more. If you aren't into philosophy, then you will miss so much that this book has to offer. But to each their own.

Being a child of the 80's, I had certainly watched and enjoyed the movie. But the movie totally misses the point of what Michael Ende was trying to convey. And I don't blame Mr. Ende for wanting to have nothing to do with the movie (they snuck his name in in the credits). I hope to see a remake of the movie that actually sticks to the story within my lifetime. Regardless, I have the book.

The message of this book is so powerful. The journey it takes you on is necessary for the end to have its full impact. The way it touches on reality is so phenomenal.

If you want to read about the human journey, this is the book for you. The conclusion brings purpose, not only to the main character, but a reminder to you.

What are we living for? Read and find out.

Many reviewers have already given a synopsis of this fantastic story of a boy literally drawn into a book he is reading. So, I wanted to comment on this particular edition.

I was hesitant to spend so much money on a book that has been in print for so long and is readily available in cheap paperback copies. However, this is a beautiful hardcover edition. Collectible quality. The dust jacket has lovely artwork. But, the best aspect is the two color text. The majority of the book is printed in green typeface. Bastion's sections are printed in red typeface. This allows for a smooth, but noticeable, transition between the two stories. I think this makes is easier on younger readers to keep track of what's going on, as well as being visually appealing. The paper feels thicker than in most books, and seems to be high quality. Bright white pages showcase the color text very well.

Fans of "The Princess Bride" would enjoy the story. Book collectors will be happy to add this to their shelf.

As someone suffering for years with migraine, I too was at the end of my rope. My migraine episodes (sometimes lasting for days, sometimes 1/2 the month) forced me to give up my job, were making me depressed (I entertained thoughts of suicide), and were ruining my family life ( I have two young kids). After having read this book, I started following a *very* restricted diet right away. I cut out everything listed in the book, plus soy and all soy products (you have to be very aware, and very good at reading labels for this one - it's everywhere). Although in the book he says that he is 'unsure if soy is a trigger' - let me tell you it's a HUGE one for me. One thing this only just touched on in the book is the role of estrogen (and xenoestrogen) in triggering migraine. I believe that I also suffer migraines due to 'estrogen dominance'. I urge all women migraineurs to look in to this in addition to diet restrictions. I got rid of all perfume containing things in my home, changed detergents, shampoo, and got rid of all things that contain xenoestrogens (vaseline, etc). I also use a bio-identical, natural, paraben-free progesterone cream. In a period when I normally would have suffered upwards of 20 migraines, I have had only 3 (all my own fault - brought on by running for too long, eating pepperoni, and flying - changes in barometric pressure). I would recommend this book to anyone still suffering with migraine. There really is something that can help you. Please remember to follow the restrictive diet to the letter in order to achieve results. It's hard work to cut all the trigger-food out of your diet, but the rewards are amazing! I wish everyone good health.

If you have been paralized with the pain of repeated migraines, then READ THIS BOOK. It was the turning point for the healing of my years of agonizing hedache pain. But you have to do what it says. I am headache-free now!

I came across this book on the Amazon website last year in October. I have been suffering from migraines for about 20 years, which were worse around my menstrual cycle. I had a headache every month and they were bad enough to last for up to 4-5 days. My husband was having to take time off of work each month to look after our two preschool children. When I was pregnant with my first child, I suffered from headaches daily for the first 6 months of pregnancy and had to be written off of work for this period of time. After the children were born, we planned whatever activities we did around the dates when my migraines would occur. Our lives were dominated by my headaches. One day my 3 year old son asked my husband, "What is that black thing in the bedroom?"- referring to me kneeling on the floor unable to cope with the pain.

After reading the book in 2007, I stopped drinking tea and coffee immediately. I suffered a terrible rebound headache that lasted for about 10 days. I then waited to see what would happen at my time of the month; I didn't have a headache and could not believe it. Since following the advice in this book, my husband has not had to take any further time off of work. The headaches that I get now are all to do with whether I have followed the diet or not. They are not nearly as severe and respond to medication right away.

It is now August 2008, and I have just had the first bad migraine since following the diet. The reason for this headache was due to drinking rooibos tea which I was using as a substitute for regular tea. For some reason, I had a bad reaction to this tea and realize that it is better keeping to herbal tea.

This book has saved our family life and I am so grateful to Dr. Buchholz for giving me an escape route from agony. It is with great pleasure that I do not pay much attention now to my time of month and if I do get a twinge of pain, it goes quickly.

I highly recommend this book to any migraine sufferer and add my positive comments to the many others who have found this book to be so helpful. I have also mentioned it to my doctor and she said that she would suggest it to her other migraine patients. If you are in any doubt that this diet will work, try it and see whether it does or not. It will be an experiment well worth trying.

I first saw Dr. Buchholz 12 years ago for severe headaches. I had been to numerous doctors and had tried many things including sinus remedies, acupuncture and Imitrex injections. With every failed treatment, I felt physically and emotionally worse.

It took me awhile to buy in to Dr. Buchholz's program but I was desperate so finally gave it a try. After 2 weeks I felt better and after two months I was having only minor headaches. Four months after starting the program, my headaches were almost completely gone. Over the next seven years, I was able to re-introduce many foods with little headache recurrence.

When my father passed away my headaches returned but this time with a number of new symptoms including terrible neck and face pain. I read this book and immediately knew what was going on and what to do about it. Again, within a matter of weeks, I was able to get my headaches under control.

Dr. Buchholz is a brilliant doctor and this book is invaluable to anyone who suffers from any type of headache. Dr. Buchholz not only thoroughly and simply explains how the migraine mechanism works but he provides simple, logical steps for healing yourself. The book is a wonderful resource - I highly recommend it.

This book probably saved my life. I was having headaches so bad I was afraid I might not be able to work and have to go on disability. I discovered the book about 2 years ago and my headaches have almost disappeared. When I do have a headache, it is because I have cheated on the diet or eaten something that I didn't realize was on his list of foods to avoid (yogurt, for example).

Although many of my favorite foods are on the list to avoid (cheese, salty snacks that may have MSG, peanut butter, etc.), it is a small sacrifice to avoid them as much as possible. When I follow the diet strictly, my head is completely clear, not fuzzy or "headachy." I now no longer fear getting a headache at work and having to take sick leave.

In the rare occasions I do get a headache, it is nothing compared to the ones I used to get that made me vomit (not fun). Taking Advil or Relpax, only when absolutely necessary to prevent the rebound headaches, usually clears them up.

I was desperate before finding this book. I recommend it to everyone I know who suffers from migraines.

I was amazed at what an excellent writer Michael J. Fox is -- his story was candidly written with insightful accounts of his incredible journey. I was also impressed that the proceeds from the book all go to research for a cure for Parkinson's disease. Way to go, Michael!

I bought this book on the recommendation of my Medical Terminology teacher. We were discussing neurological diseases and when we got to Parkinson's Disease (PD) she mentioned that she had read his book and how much she enjoyed it. So I got it. I was not a huge "Family Ties" fan but I have paid attention to Michael J. Fox's career especially of late since his disclosure of having PD. In the last few years he has been on a show here and there as a guest. He was on Boston Legal and I thought he was superb! You could clearly see that the camera did not stay on him very long but his acting was top-notch nonetheless.

That said, his book is written with extreme openness, heart and humor. He has such a wonderful outlook on life especially in the wake of learning he has PD. He writes from a place that we wish more stars would be able to go - the very sincerest depth of his being - so much so that I found myself in tears a few times as I read. He writes as if he were telling you, the reader, the story in person. He is himself more in this book than I've ever seen him in an interview on TV. This is a very true, revealing, heart-warming story that definitely gives the definition of what it takes to be considered a Lucky Man today. I highly recommend the book.

Michael J. Fox opens his 2002 memoir in late 1990, in the moment he first notices the pinky-finger tremor that leads, a year later at age 30, to a diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Then he backs up for a hundred pages to describe his growing-up years in Canada and rising-star experiences in Hollywood -- including an interesting theory of "celebrity" (that it is a gone-haywire extension of the suspension of disbelief/emotional connection that are required of an audience during a performance). He devotes chapters to his PD diagnosis and treatment (including his concealment of it) and to his descent into career and personal crisis. Though it seems PD would top his list of problems then, he notices it doesn't even make the list which includes alcoholism. Fox finishes by describing his redemption, his "coming out" about PD, and his work toward PD research.

The memoir's structure and writing exceeded my expectations and I wondered about a ghostwriter -- until I read Fox's acknowledgements, where he mentions the writing of it and thanks his writing-mentor brother-in-law ... Michael ("Omnivore's Dilemma") Pollan! Lucky Man is an informative, engaging, and insightful memoir.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Would it be just about Michael J Fox's life or would it center too much on his Parkinson's disease. I'm not usually big on reading celebrity autobiographies and memoirs.
This one is definitely worth reading! Mr. Fox shares his story with humor and humility and a wonderful honesty. He speaks honestly about his struggles with Parkinson's and trying to hide it in order to continue working. He also speaks honestly about his personal struggles with alcohol and depression. But the struggles don't dominate the book. There are many fun anecdotes about his years growing up in Canada and about the world of acting.
In the end, what made the biggest impression on me was his gratitude. Gratitude for the life he was able to have as an actor, for his family, and ultimately, even for the disease that changed his life.
This is a book that I would recommend for anyone who is interested in celebrity biographies. And I would especially recommend it for anyone who has Parkinson's disease or has a family member or friend who has this disease. When you have a disease such as this, it can be difficult to articulate to others just what it is you go through without sounding sorry for yourself.
Now when I need to explain this to someone, I can just hand them this book and say, "READ IT. NOW."
Thanks, Mr. Fox!!

Michael J. Fox's memoir "Lucky Man" is a great and inspiring read. One thing I admire about Fox is that he's basically an average guy who was dealt some wild cards and has managed to thrive in life - including, not in spite of, his circumstances. One thing I found consistently striking and inspiring is Fox's courage throughout all of his life experiences to be true to himself. In some instances, this meant following his natural instincts in his career, and in others it meant hiding his disease from the public as a delicately-timed and balanced lifestyle. His honesty and lack of pretension is also refreshing; he talks not only of the Hollywood lifestyle he had when his career took off, but also of his self-doubts and fears.

If you were also inspired by this honest perspective on enjoying life to
the fullest, I highly recommend the books Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, as well as Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Can Instantaneously Transform Your Life, by Ariel & Shya Kane. The Kanes talk specifically about living in the moment as a way of discovering magic in your life - how to do it, how to not do it, and how it is easy and effortless. In his book, Fox talks about how "his 'job' is whatever he happens to be doing at the moment - whether it's giving a speech, changing a diaper, writing a book," etc. If you'd like to discover a sense of truly being here for each moment and living your life as wholly as possible (without having to experience a major tragedy or disease), look no further than these wonderful books.

To get the most enjoyment from this beautiful book, buy the original Katherine Woods translation.

This is a wonderful story and a great book I was able to share with my students. The only drawback with the book is that the pages are not in color, but the extremely low price allowed me to purchase the books for my students out of my own pocket.

Katherine Woods' translation is the only English-language version of The Little Prince which captures the beauty, simplicity, clarity, and profundity of the Antoine de St. Exupery's classic, penned in French.

(The newer translation is appallingly horrid and bland, mistaken, and frankly perplexing.)

This is really not a children's book, although older children will appreciate it.

Don't measure the value by the thickness of the book. De St. Exupery, himself a WWI pilot, writes with a great economy yet produces here the most beautiful poetry with a delightful playfulness and childlike innocence -- a fresh vision which thus sees clearly and does not obscure the profound.

Mr. Fred Rogers used to quote from de St. Exupery, whose image and illustrations once graced the 20-franc note (in the days before the euro).

There simply is no other work like this one. It is an exceptionally rare treasure, a masterpiece.

Be sure to read Katherine Woods' translation. Read it privately, when you have time to savor each word. And keep a box of tissues nearby.

The Little Prince has often been heralded as a youthful book, required reading in elementary and high schools alike. In delivering it this way I think The Little Prince is missed by the only audience that is likely to truly appreciate it, that is adults. It is not an uncommon misconception that this is a children's book. Indeed, I keep the pictures stored on my computer, and am often asked where they came from. I reply that they are from one of my favourite books, and without fail the response is along the lines of, 'I don't mean to be rude but is that a children's book?'. 'No', I explain, 'it is not'.

The Little Prince is most needed, I think, by adults. It is easy to be caught up in, as De Saint-Exupery describes it, 'matters of consequence' and forget that it is not these matters which bring meaning to life. By pointing out the futility of professions practised endlessly and in isolation of other people, it becomes clear that the Little Prince, with his rose, is the only character with a life of consequence.

This book is beautifully written and translated by Katherine Woods. It speaks volumes through its simple tale, strange though it seems that matters such as these only become clear when they are somewhat removed from reality. Matters such as love, innocence, imagination and priorities. The Little Prince is a gentle and stirring reminder to never forget to see the boa constrictor from the hat.

I was an adult when i read this book, and i really appreciated the lessons in life that Saint-Exupery shares through the Little Prince.

A great book, full of beautiful illustrations, easy to read, while fun and sad at the same time.

I personally read it as if Exupery is sharing with us the conversations he has with his own inner child, in the image of the Little Prince. That is why the Little Prince would ask many questions, but rarely answer the ones he was asked. Like all our inner children he's been hidden inside and kept silent for a long long time, and now that he was given his chance, he will speak. And we better listen, for he is an integral part of our psyche, who will take us through the most unbelievable adventures.