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Other The Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Other The
My Family and Other Animals
Published in Paperback by Penguin (Non-Classics) (1977-03-31)
Author: Gerald Durrell
List price: $8.95
New price: $4.99
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

You'll end up reading this one over and over again...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-21
I must say this is one of the most light-hearted, hilarious books I have ever read. The story is of a world that one really may not get to see these days.. Go ahead and buy it..

Way better than Croc Hunter
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-30
In todays day and age of Steve Erwin and Jeff Corbin who go around hunting for animals, it is easy to forget where it all started. With people like Gerald, and the London zoo. In this book, he collects animals, deals with his demented siblings and his long suffering mother who has to raise four kids and fend off the advances of a really persistent Colonel who gets increasingly vulgar and `grabby' when he drinks. This is a rare story that combines a humorous story with humorous writing and I once caused passengers in a flight to turn around and give me strange looks, so hard was I laughing.

Skeleton of a Plot embellished with tonnes of vocab
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-17
My Family and Other Animals is a bare-bones story in terms of plot. The Durrell family goes to Corfu, lives through what could be termed as a soap opera, and leaves. It's humourous, but not particularly challenging.

However, the older Gerald Durrell utilises vivid vocabulary over and over when describing the setting and people of Corfu. Fifteen-letter words that paint a crystalline picture are used frequently, relieving the never-ending roller coaster that is the life of the Durrells.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining book that will keep you engaged for the week or so that you will spend reading it every spare second you have.

the funny Durrell
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-24
Gerald Durrell was not only a naturalist and a gifted writer about his beloved animals, but a loving brother and son whose descriptions of his family and their foibles will keep you laughing all the way through. This is one of those books which I've reread so many times I've lost count, and which I've given to many friends who needed cheering up. Always works, too!

I wish I could give it 6 stars!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-09
This book is absolutely, brilliantly funny. The wit and unique characterizations are woven with great descriptions of the animals and plants of Corfu. That Durrell can hold the attention of readers who have no interest in biology simply demonstrates what a fine work this is. Gerald's depiction of a larger-than-life expatriate family on a larger-than-life Greek island is a tremendous celebration of life. The variety of different Greek characters parading through this book rivals the variety of Corfu's flora and fauna. Absolute great read!

Other The
Ramona the Pest (M Books)
Published in Hardcover by Nelson Thornes Ltd (1986-03-24)
Author: Beverly Cleary
List price:

Average review score:

sooooo true to life!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-05
How I missed this classic growing up, I'll never know. But my son has discovered the Ramona books, and they are wonderful and very true to life. Ramona's thought-processes and antics are so real, I now know that my son has been behaving like a normal kid! Cleary is so accurate in rendering the child's perspective and writing about it in a way that young children can identify with, that this book can't fail to appeal to everyone, now and for years to come. It hasn't dated, and the humor holds up well. Don't miss this series--your little reader will be eager to pick up the entire series.

Another classic from Beverly Cleary
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-13
Although it was first published in the 1960s, "Ramona The Pest" still speaks to the lives of children today, as a five-year old Ramona Quimby enters the world of "big kids" and goes off to kindergarten. Funny, heartfelt and honest, this book centers on Ramona's eagerness to please her new teacher, Miss Binney, and the difficulties of a headstrong little girl trying to mind her temper and get along with other kids in a complex social situation. This was the first solo Ramona book (Henry Huggins and Ramona's older sister Beezus make appearances, but they are not central to the story) and was the start of a series of Ramonacentric adventures. It includes some classic Cleary gags, such as Ramona getting the words to the "Star Spangled Banner" wrong ("by the dawnzer lee light...") and Ramona's brief career as a "kindergarten dropout". Great stuff - still holds up today. (ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

Ramona the pest is great
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-10
I really loved this book. It was a lot of fun to read! It is great for kids of all ages, as it can remind everyone of their struggles as an elementary student.

It's hard to be five...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-23
Five-year-old Ramona Quimby is tired of being called a pest. It's not her fault she doesn't know as much as her big sister Beezus, or that she's always so eager to get things done, is it?

This year, Ramona is finally starting kindergarten. After what felt like years of waiting, she's excited at the idea of learning to read and write like Beezus.

But kindergarten is full of its own problems. As much as Ramona loves her teacher, she isn't always sure that Miss Binney loves her back -- or what she's done to make her unhappy. Ramona also quibbles with Howie, a neighborhood boy who alternates between being her friend and being so exasperating he makes her furious; longs to pull the curls of her classmate Susan, and to kiss shy little Davy.

As always, Ramona is a believable character, likeable and just like any other child readers might hope to meet. After becoming introduced to Ramona, young readers will clamor for the other books, eager to find out what happens to the irrepressible girl next.

Pest? Nope, just Excited
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-08
It's finally happened! Ramona Quimby is old enough to attend kindergarten! She can't wait to do big kid stuff like learn to read and participate in show and tell. Parts of school are confusing, like the song about the dawnzer. But she is making new friends, like Davey, her first crush, and Susan, whose hair is so curly it just cries out to be tugged. But when things go horribly wrong, will Ramona ever return?

I had read this book before but had forgotten just how wonderful it was until I reread it recently. Author Beverly Cleary expertly captures the emotions and reactions of a 5 year old. Heck, I think at times Ramona is more honest then many adults are today. While some of her behavior isn't acceptable, it is understandable. And absolutely funny. There are so many wonderfully funny moments here that anyone will relate to.

The story itself is more episodic then a true novel. But that doesn't mean it isn't entertaining. I certainly didn't want to put it down.

The book was originally written in the late 60's, so it might be slightly dated, but this really is a minor issue. The heart of the story is Ramona and her new kindergarten world.

Beverly Cleary has a wonderful pen for writing. The book works well for mid to late elementary school students to read to themselves. Or it can be read aloud with absolute ease.

If you haven't discovered the joys of kindergarten with Ramona, pick up this book today. You'll laugh and smile as you are carried away to a world that was simpler.

Other The
The Glory of Their Times
Published in Audio CD by Highbridge Audio (1998-04-01)
Authors: Fred Snodgrass, Sam Crawford, Hans Lobert, Rube Bressler, Chief Meyers, Davy Jones, Rube Marquard, Joe Wood, Lefty O'Doul, Jimmy Austin, Goose Goslin, and Bill Wambsganss
List price: $39.95
New price: $23.99
Used price: $22.92

Average review score:

The Holy Grail of all Baseball Books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-21
Lawrence Ritter in his original Preface describes his book as about the early days of baseball. I'm going to make a correction. Mind you it is the only one I will make. His book is about the early days of modern professional Baseball.
With that being put aside , I must praise Mr. Ritter for his most original idea for a book. He took upon himself to travel the U.S.A. in search of the very players who established our National Pastime in the early part of the 20th Century. People talk of Shakespeare and Churchill as prolific writers of the English language. What Mr. Ritter has done is an epiphany for writing a book. His concept was indeed very simple. Why not seek out the very best living Baseball Players of the early 20th Century, and ask them to please describe their experiences.
In the early to middle 1960's when Mr. Ritter did this, he was able to talk to these pioneers of modern baseball in the twilight of their wise years. These 26 men had time to reflect on their careers and describe an age unknown to us. Mr. Ritter traveled to these men and I'm sure asked the correct questions and let these gentlemen record their responses on tape. What he captured will stir the heart of each true Baseball Fan.
For the record my two favorites are Stanley Coveleski and Bill Wambsganss. You can guess from these selections what my favorite team is.

Historical treasure
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-31
I really enjoyed listening to the stories from some of our classic baseball heros. They brough history to life. This audio book was one of the best purchases I've made. I truly enjoyed just listening to these remarkable men tell there own stories of baseball's past.

Greatest Sports Book Ever Written!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-14
I have been an avid reader of baseball history for most of my life and I first purchased this book in the 80's and wore it out and purchased another copy. There isn't a season that goes by that I don't read it again. When you read the interviews of the ballplayers, recorded by Lawrence Ritter, it's as if you are a fly on the wall hearing the conversations first hand and the ghosts of seasons long past are brought back to life.

You get a first person account of some of the most famous moments in early baseball history through the fond recollections of some of the participants. Merkle's boner, Snodgrass' muff, Wambsgan's unassisted World Series Triple play are all recounted. The most entertaining parts of the book recount tales of Germany Schaefer stealing first base, the chronicles of Charles Victory Faust, and Wilbert Robinson attempting to catch a grapefruit dropped from an airplane. You get a glimpse of Ty Cobb from his teammates Davy Jones and Sam Crawford. You get several different takes on the great manager John McGraw from several different players who once played for him.

This is hands down the greatest sports book I have read. It's not only a great history of the early days of 20th century baseball but a wonderful piece of Americana. The book breaths humanity and paints a portrait of the ballplayers of the past who played for the love of the game unsullied by steroids and multimillion dollar contracts.

glory of their times
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-19
If you love the game of baseball as it once was and still should be this is a "must read"...some of the players interviewed by Ritter were unknown to me and I was fascinated to learn of their exploits...I ordered an additional three books and sent them to long time fans of the game...If I was a GM today in MLB I would have every member of the team read this book so that they might appreciate the game as it was in its infancy...the modern player (in most cases)doesn't realize how fortunate he is to wear a major league uniform and earn the money today for playing a "game"

Baseball's Old Testament
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-26
Statistically, baseball back then couldn't be more at variance with the game now. Cy Young threw 511 career victories, and 750 complete games. In 1909, Ty Cobb led the majors both in batting average (.377) and home runs (9). Cobb's teammate Sam Crawford hit over 300 triples in his career.

What to make of such numbers? Lawrence S. Ritter's "The Glory Of Their Times" strips away the statistical confusion by getting to the heart of Major League Baseball's early days, the players themselves. An economics professor, Ritter invested his downtime from 1962-66 in interviewing elderly men, baseball players all who knew what it was like to face a Walter Johnson fastball, or have Ty Cobb slide into the base they were covering.

"People were more unique then, more unusual, more different from each other," says Davy Jones, who played on the Tigers with Cobb and Crawford. "Now people are all more or less alike, company men, security minded, conformity - that sort of stuff. In everything, not just baseball."

Transcriptions of Ritter's interviews with Jones and 21 other former players, including Crawford and two others then in the Hall of Fame, makes up the whole of "The Glory Of Their Times," published in 1966 and later extended with four more interviews in 1984. Nearly all the interviews offer both testimony and color for the game as it was then.

Bill Wambsganss tells us about his unassisted triple play in the 1920 World Series, and how Ring Lardner once used his last name to rhyme with "clam's chance" and "Ray Chapman's pants". Fred Snodgrass tells us about his famous muffed fly in the 1911 World Series, and how his New York Giants tried to psyche out the Philadelphia Athletics by sitting on the dugout bench, ostentatiously sharpening their spikes.

You hear so much about another famous World Series moment, the Merkle "boner" of 1908, that you feel like you were there on the field, too. There's a Rashomon-like quality to hearing various interviewees give their different takes on such things as the character of John McGraw and whether "Giant Killer" Harry Coveleski was run out of the league when he was caught chewing on bologna. (Snodgrass says so, while Harry's brother Stanley, a major-league pitcher himself, calls it "a lot of bull".

Not all the interviews are riveting. One wishes Ritter could have pushed some of the old players more, like the rumors that swirled around Smoky Joe Wood involving fixes. But allowing the subjects the reins probably drew more color out of them than a Grand Jury could have. I love how Crawford keeps telling Ritter he hasn't much time to talk, while giving Ritter one of the longest and most entertaining interviews in the book, describing how players would allow themselves to be rubbed down with "Go Fast," a noxious combination of Vaseline and Tabasco sauce that made them sweat like a sauna.

"I hope I haven't said anything I shouldn't," Crawford says at the end. "There are a lot of the old-timers still left,you know, and they're liable to say, 'That fathead, who the hell does he think he is, anyway, popping off like that!'"

If you like baseball even a little, you will enjoy "The Glory Of Their Times" quite a lot.

Other The
Siblings W/out Rivalry T
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster Audio (1990-09-01)
Author: Faber Etal
List price:
Used price: $0.06

Average review score:

Awesome Reading!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-23
This book not only helped me with my relationship with my kids...it helped me understand some of the issues between my siblings & me & my parents while growing up. Must read if you have children!

It Works!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-17
Sibling Rivalry is an area that we as parents must address early on. This book is very helpful, but I think the best book that deals with helping all kids get along with each other is Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying. Through scripts, activities, routines parents learn to teach children how wonderful it is to respect and get along with each other. This is a must-read for any parent with 2 kids or children about to start school... so empowering for children.It goes so far beyond bullying.

god advice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-06
This book provides good, simple advice and interesting case studies that provide good examples of how to use the advice.

Easy read with tons of great tips
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-31
With a toddler and a newborn it's hard to find time to read anything. This book was such an easy read. The cartoons are a great help because it's simple. I borrowed this from the library but owning one is a must so that I can refer back to it whenever I need to.

Helping Children Get Along
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-04
A wonderful book on helping siblings get along. But I also highly recommend for parents and teachers the book:Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying. More than a bullying book, this really focuses on practical strategies,scripts, actual lessons and stories to teach children conflict resolution, friendship and communication skills; the importance of helping others and getting along with a great design for creating environments that foster love and peace.

Other The
The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family
Published in Paperback by Julian Day Publications (2002-10-01)
Author: Eleanor Payson
List price: $14.95
New price: $14.95
Used price: $21.86

Average review score:

A very good book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-06
This is a great book about a subject that it seems is not addressed much. I found it hard to read becuase of my own pain but I am glad that I found it and am trying to work my way through it. At first I did not get the Wizard of Oz connection because that is not the sort of movie I paid any attention to but now I do get it. You can check my reviews for another title on this subject that was a total waste of money for me.

Excellent Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-28
I read a couple of books years ago that were very helpful about Narcissism, but I had let myself forget what I had learned. Finding myself dealing with a very self-centered co-worker, I decided to see what books had been written about dealing with a Narcissist in the workplace. This book was very interesting, so much so, I passed it on to my son who had recently told me about some problems he was having with someone. My local bookstore, however, told me the book was "out of print". Fortunately, I was able to get it quickly from Amazon. I wish more was available to help people cope with Narcissistic people in their lives--it is epidemic! Thanks to the author and to Amazon!

Hidden Gem
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-27
This may be one of the most important books that you will ever read about relationships. Contrary to common belief, narcissism is about self-absorption, not self love. Most of us are self-absorbed. In fact, self-absorption is ingrained in American culture.

Recognizing narcissism is a great step toward being able to deal with others. You may even find that you are a narcissist. There two main types of narcissism. And they feed off of each other in an endless, unhealthy dynamic. Both are very needy, rooted in poor self-esteem. In fact, narcissism is almost the opposite of self-love: self-hate.

Reading this book is like getting special glasses for social interactions. Totally fascinating. And useful.

A Must Read for All People!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-03
This is the best self-help book I've read in a decade, and I've read hundreds. It's clear, insightful and most of all VALIDATING for anyone who's been in an abusive relationship with someone who has NPD. We don't know we are being abused, so we blame ourselves, doubt ourselves, and ultimately sacrifice our being- Ms. Payson sheds light on the dynamic not just in personal relationships- but in family, work, and friendships. As a result of this book, it inspired me to create an anchored, authentic and whole relationship with myself first, so I can have the same in relationships. Don't buy one copy, buy 10 and give them out as gifts.

Uncanny
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-23
If you have a relationship with a narcissist, you will see it described with uncanny insight in this book. The bad news: you realize how incredibly destructive a narcissist is on the psyches of the people around him. The good news: you can begin to disarm his destructive power - and even begin to have some compassion, from a safe distance - once you understand the ugly, inescapable little pod that a narcissist is trapped in. Likely it comes by way of some wounds he sustained from a narcissist parent, and you can thank God you can keep yourself out of it.

The book describes my relationship with my ex, and it's almost like a template: the dynamics between a co-dependent and a person with NPD are so familiar. Also uncanny - and more frightening - is the description of the narcissist's relationship to his or her "chosen" child and the terrible burden that imposes upon the child. I've seen this in two generations of narcissists and now I worry the "narcissistic wounding" will be passed on to my child. But I did find some comfort: the "unchosen" child, while neglected, ends up doing better in the long run. Neglect is a good thing when your parent has narcissistic personality disorder.

Other The
Ferrets For Dummies
Published in Kindle Edition by For Dummies (2007-10-05)
Author: Kim Schilling
List price: $19.99
New price: $9.99

Average review score:

Excellent
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-15
We had just rescued a ferret and needed information quick. So we started with Ferrets for Dummies. It's a good book and it answered all our questions. Easy to read and understand.

Ferrets For Dummies 2 book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-08
I love this book just as much as the first one. Everything was excellent. The seller was terrific as well couldn't have been better.

Fantastic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-08
This book has lots of good information and it's easy to find. It works for the beginner or the experienced owner. It's my favorite ferret book.

Too much of a sales pitch
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-25
I had previously owned 3 ferrets, who were quite a wonderful business to have. Now that I am a Stepmom, I am considering getting a ferret for my son. I called the local ferret rescue and spoke with the woman for about an hour discussing what we were looking for and what she had. She informed me that she would feel much happier if I purchased this book and read it with my son since it has been over 10 years since I have owned a ferret.

I purchased the book used and my 7 year old and I sat down and read a chapter a night. On this whole, this was a very good beginner's guide to owning a ferret, though I did have some minor problems with it. The over all information was fairly accurate and should give someone who has no clue what they are getting into, a better idea of what a ferret is.

What I would have liked to have seen that wasn't there:
1) This book reads an awful lot like a sales pitch, extolling the virtues of ferrets. Though I personally love them, they really are not the right pet for everyone, and I feel that a much more unbiased reality check on what a ferret is and is not should have been included to deter people from getting a pet that would not be right for them. The book glosses over the scent issue, saying "its not and worse than a dog or cat" well sorry to say, ferrets have a VERY distinct, musky odor and the room you keep them in is going to have that smell. It didn't bother me all that much, but I had friends who wouldn't even enter that room in my home when I had them in college. And I cleaned their litter box daily and cage weekly.
2) The Poo factor - ferrets create a LOT of poo, and unlike a cat, they aren't going to bury it so you need to scoop out their box daily. Also they like to dig, so there is a good chance that they will play in their litter box and you will find poo on the floor around the cage.
3) The colored poo factor - The book tells you that you can feed your ferrets cat food, which you can, but nowhere does it mention that if there is dye in the cat food their poo will contain all of the dye (I thought mine were dying because their poo was neon red) also the dye WILL stain anything the poo touches.
4) Deafness - Many ferrets with white heads are deaf, I had one, it wasn't a problem for me, but we didn't know he was deaf for a long time.
5) Baby ferrets WILL nip, you have to teach them not to, and it's not as easy as they imply in the book.
6) Ferrets have no fear and will commit suicide if you aren't careful. They will climb your bookcase and leap from the top, they will get under your oven, and they will end up in your neighbors apartment by climbing through a hole in the back of your cabinets that you didn't know was there. They CANNOT be left unattended - EVER.
7) There should have been a chapter on how to make appropriate toys for you ferrets, and more on what you should NOT give to your ferrets to play with (IE paper towel rolls can suffocate and kill them)
8) More on ferret proofing - IE pictures of places that almost all homes have which need to be taken care of, but that you may never notice until your fuzzy has made it known to you. Like little holes up under your cabinets, blocking off your kitchen entirely, holes where people have run their cable themselves, etc.
9) Updated section on ferret diseases, particularly warning signs. Too many people think of ferrets as giant hamsters that never need a vet visit.

On the whole this book gave okay starter information on the colors of ferrets, their history, what kind of cage you should buy, and some basic diseases they can get. But in the end it felt more like a sales job to get people to purchase a ferret. And they do a great sales job, my hubby was against a ferret purchase, read the book and was suddenly sold on them. I hope that there will be a future version that is a little less like a sales pitch and a bit more informational.

Lots of Info!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-03
I am so happy I bought this book! It was recommneded by some users on a ferret forum. What a good idea! So much information, I've referenced it a few times about my problematic ferret: he's a biter! Some useful information about switching diets, some recipes, ferret-proofing, etc. Good to have, excellend place to check for questions, and if you still have more- take what you learned to a ferret forum and they can answer your question more detailed! This is a must-have for any ferrent!

Other The
Push Not the River
Published in Paperback by St. Martin's Griffin (2004-09-01)
Author: James Conroyd Martin
List price: $14.95
New price: $8.25
Used price: $6.98
Collectible price: $14.95

Average review score:

A TRUE CLASSIC: ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER WRITTEN
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-04
Push Not the River by James Conroyd Martin is a one-of-a kind truely unique novel that is bound to become a classic for many years to come. The novel's concept is unprecedented as the author uses the diary of a real life Polish Countess, Anna Maria Berezowska, (1791-1794) and mixes facts with fiction to creat a truely outstanding historical fictional novel.

The novel is based on the real life story of a young polish girl who's diary is found after passing down generation after generation. The author discovered the diary from a friend who had translated it from his great great great great grandmother and then spent many years researching the historical period it covered.

This novel is beautifully written with intricate details which allow the reader to identify with the main character Anna. I was so encredibly moved by this novel. I found that I shared all her devastations, hopes, losses, loves, betrayals and despairs. It is a novel about loss, love, hope, betrayel, despair and redemption set in the tremulous period in 1790's Poland. I also found the historical content of Poland very interesting. It was a time when Poland was being torn apart by surrounding countries.

Push Not The River is a truely epic saga that you simply cannot miss. This novel has everything in it and is a truely universal book. It is a novel that all genders, ages and cultures would appreciate. After you read this book, read the sequel, "Against a Crimson Sky" and look for the last book that he is currently working on. The author also received the Polish Culture Award from Poland for this novel. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

A sweeping romantic epic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-31

"Push Not the River" is a gripping tale of love and loss, not just on a personal scale, but on a national scale, as the Polish nation is finally taken over by the Russians in 1794. "Push Not the River," is a story based on the Countess Anna Maria Berezowska's diary which she kept from 1791-1794. Her story is fascinating, compelling, and will have the reader anxiously turning the page to find out what happens next.

The story begins with seventeen-year-old Anna reeling from the loss of her immediate family. Her father is killed in a fight with a peasant, and her mother, grief stricken, gives premature birth. Anna's infant brother and her mother also pass away. Anna goes to stay with her aunt and uncle, the Gronska's. They live in Halicuz, a town in southern Poland. They have a son, Walter, who is in the Russian army, and a daughter, Zofia, a couple of years older than Anna. Zofia takes a liking to Anna, and befriends her.

While exploring the countryside, Anna meets a young man, Count Jan Stelnicki, who is only a few years older than her. Anna finds herself losing her heart to him. When she finally comes out of mourning for her parents, she spends a wonderful day riding with Jan and he asks her to marry him. The moment is ruined as Zofia arrives - jealous that Anna has captured Jan's heart when she wanted it for herself. A fight ensues and Jan leaves. Anna has sprained her ankle and Zofia goes for help. While Anna waits, she's raped, and doesn't recognize her attacker. Finally, her uncle and Walter arrive to take her back to the house.

Anna is pregnant as a result of the rape and is forced into a marriage she doesn't want to Count Antoni Grawinski. The marriage is unbearable for both of them. Antoni and Jan duel over Anna, but it's not Jan who kills him, but a mysterious sniper. Just as Anna and Jan are about to give into their feelings, Poland is threatened by yet another partion, and Jan goes off to war before Anna can tell him she loves him. Anna stays with Zofia in Praga, near Warsaw, but Zofia, now Countess Gronska, is an enigma to her cousin, and Anna can't help but wonder if Zofia is continuing to keep her from Jan. As the Russians burn Praga, both Anna and Zofia face the ultimate challenge.

"Push Not the River," is wonderfully paced in a grand, sweeping style that will keep the reader enthralled in Anna's story. The plot is tight, expertly weaving between the destruction of a nation and the love story of Anna and Jan. Anna's story is so very human, it's one that leaves the reader thinking about her even after they put the novel down.

A Polish Love Story in the Time of King Stanislaw
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-03
This excellent novel, which gets its name from the Polish proverb "Push not the river; it will flow of its own accord", is the story of two cousins, both countesses, who are in love with the same untitled man in a period of eightieth century history, a time when Russia, Prussia and Austria were bent on conquering and dividing Poland.

The characters are well developed, the dialogue is free flowing, and the plot is fast moving, interesting and convoluted. It is a superb five star piece of work.

Simultaneously Fascinating, Frightening and Fantastic
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-12
James Conroyd Martin has taken the diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska and created a dramatic and moving historical novel.

A friend of Martin's, a direct descendant of the Countess's shared her diary with him, he thought her life was fascinating and spent years researching the historical setting for this novelization. He was unable to get his work published and so initially published the book himself.

Many times while reading this story I found myself impressed that Martin could write in a woman's voice so perfectly. I later learned the author said he employed almost all of the events and much of the dialogue from Anna Maria's diary.

Anna Maria sadly lost her parents when she was only seventeen. She went to live with her aunt Countess Stella Gronska and her family in Halicz. Her cousin Zofia is a year older yet far more worldly than her country cousin. Zofia's older brother Walter is serving Empress Catherine of Russia.

Not long after her arrival Anna Maria meets a handsome young man named Jan Stelnicki who is impressed by her intellect and appreciation of nature. Anna Maria is happy to have something to take her mind off the deep sadness she feels because of the loss of her parents. However her cousin is also interested in Jan Stelnicki and Zofia is manipulative and conniving and willing to do anything to get what she wants.

While Anna Maria seems an innocent and weak young girl events happen that shape her into a strong and persevering woman. She is a heroine to admire.

I enjoyed this story very much. The backdrop of political unrest made for even more dramatic events in the lives of these people. The history of Poland's fight for democracy as well as independence from Russia, Prussia and Austria was all very interesting.

I also enjoyed the special little things included in this book; the historical maps of the locations in the story that show the changes Poland underwent during this period in time, the Polish proverbs as well as the Wycinanki (folk papercuts) by Frances Drwal.

I think there could have been a better title for the book. For some reason I didn't care for the title Push Not the River which is taken from a Polish proverb 'Don't push the river it will flow of it's own accord'. I didn't like it before reading the book and I still don't, I just seems like there could have been a title that was a more reflective of Anna Maria Berezowska's indomitable spirit. But that's hardly worth mentioning.

I did finish the book wanting to know more of what happened to Anna Maria. And I subsequently discovered that there is a continuation of Anna Maria's story. Yay! It's called Against a Crimson Sky, and I will be reading it.


LOVE THAT FLOWS LIKE A RIVER
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-20
PUSH NOT THE RIVER is a dream of a book for lovers of historical fiction, panoramic sagas and/or romance novels. Based upon the actual diary of an eighteenth century Polish Countess, Anna Maria Berezowska, this tale sweeps the reader into an adventure in Polish history as they experience the Third of May Constitution which granted freedom to noblemen and peasants alike. The resulting violence and intrigue generated by the Constitution produced an outcome that devastated Poland. It was repeatedly partitioned by bordering countries, an act which literally erased it from the maps of Europe for over 100 years .

The book itself covers three exciting but turbulent years in Anna Maria's life. Readers will find a story that resonates with meticulous historical detail and adventure coupled with a fabulous love story that continues to echo long after the final page is turned.

If there ever was a story that lent credibility to the adage that "truth is stranger (and in this case more hauntingly beautiful) than fiction..........this is that story!

Other The
Biblia cronologica, La: The Daily Bible
Published in Leather Bound by Editorial Portavoz (2008-04-23)
Author: F. Lagard Smith
List price: $49.99
New price: $32.92
Used price: $35.40

Average review score:

The Daily Bible
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-19
The Daily Bible® Compact Edition
I received this book in excellent condition and in a timely fashion.

Me encanto!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-10
A mi me encanto esta Biblia. A mi me gusta mucho la historia, y le encuentro mas sentido a las cosas cuando estan en orden. Esta Biblia te presenta todo tal como sucedio en su orden historico, en el cual puedes ver lo que dijeron los profetas en el tiempo que lo dijeron, tambien veras a las epistolas de Pablo ahi en los Hechos. Es una buena inversion - y tambien te ofrece un plan de leer la Biblia en un año.

Biblia Cronologica
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-19
La biblia Cronologica es una biblia muy clara y presisa. Es una buena inversion para aquellos que quieren entender y vivir cada pagina de la palabra de Dios. Uno siente como si estuviera dentro de cada hecho que ocurre. De verdad se las recomiendo. Al igual La biblia de Joyce Meyer.

Excellent Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
This is a wonderful book, easy to read, logically arranged, and provides a better understanding of the Bible.

If You Ever Thought.....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-15
.....you wanted to read the entire Bible, this is the way to do it. Being chronological, scripture is drawn from various books as best they could determine in sequence. Makes for a great story and allowed me to put things in perspective.

Other The
Emotional Blackmail
Published in Paperback by Bantam Books Ltd (1998-05-01)
Authors: Susan Forward and Donna Frazier
List price:
New price: $24.04
Used price: $18.40

Average review score:

Emotional Blackmail
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-14
This Book is great on its own. The transaction was easy and the book came as described.

lifechanging book, but...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-22
The book IS great, you can read about its value in every other review on this site. I will not repeat them, instead I will tell about the little "but..": most of "healthy" or "non-pathological" relationships we support is not of the bipolar model of the offender and the offended one. Usually we use some forms of lightweight blackmail in one place where receive it in another: it is very hard to draw a distinct rule between asking and manipulating, and the more we need/want/desire something from the partner the blurrier is the border. And unfortunately you will find anything but help in "double blackmail", "crossfire", where BOTH sides of the story can read the book and find that they are the victims. The only hope is that they both get smarter with reading the book and start talking to each other. Which is very likely, as the book IS great indeed ;)

If you think that you have ever been abused emotionally
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-28
This an amazing look into the reality of emotional abuse. As a therapist I have been recommending this book to my clients. Watch out for an eye opening read!

Enlightening
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-03
I felt this book provided an eyeopening perspective on how we are manipulated by others and in fact may manipulate others. I think it helped me to gain perspective and move forward as I have emerged from an abusive marrige.

For those in need, I highly recommend this book!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-25
I myself am currently in the FOG that she describes in this and it has hit home very well and helping me redeem myself. She's VERY good at explaining and assisting. Sometimes I feel she's right there. Very informative about the different types of emotional blackmailers. I'm not done reading, but have gotten 3/4 of the way and I am so happy I bought this book. It caught my eye one day browsing through the bookstore, never bought it out of fear probably. My friend coaxed me into buying it and I'm glad I did. If anything, it will bring confidence and give you some sort of support while trying to figure out what is going on. Put you in the right direction so you can be free and clear! Basically, this book is AWESOME, INFORMATIVE, and a must read for current victims of emotional blackmail.

Other The
The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family
Published in Paperback by Berkley Trade (2008-01-02)
Author: Martha Raddatz
List price: $15.00
New price: $3.97
Used price: $1.04
Collectible price: $15.00

Average review score:

This should be read by everyone
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-23
I have just finnished reading The Long Road Home and must commend Martha Raddatz on her brilliant book. I have been a friend of the Weibleys(Trysha)for years and decided that it was past due for me to read. It was not political or opinionated in any way, it was factual and desctiptive like nothing I have ever read.Since There is one part of this book where Seth gets out to clean a windshild..knowing him the way I do, I HAD to laugh through the tears. It was just soooo something he would do.
Thank you for writing this amazing book for the world to read. It is integral to all Americans to know what REALLY happend that day. I know that the Weibleys apreciate it as do I and all that I will be passing this on to.

Extremely Relevant Story, Mostly Well Told
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-03
I saw Martha Raddatz speak at the Pritzker Military Library last week (June 2008) and bought the book there on the spot. I have read it straight through in a couple of days and wish that every American would read this book or one with a similar story. It seems that Iraq has become background noise in light of the energy crisis and the country's economic woes.

It's easy to forget that we are at war and that American servicemen are losing their lives. This book brings that reality home. It's not a fun read - it's a distinctly uncomfortable and sometimes depressing one. But reading stories like this might go some ways towards breaking through this desensitization we seem to have as a country when it comes to the war in Iraq.

I think that the portions of the book written from the view of the soldiers are solid and really brought me into the action of that awful battle. I won't ever know what it is like to be a soldier who engages in battle and is wounded or sees friends wounded or, worse, killed in action. But this book at least makes me really think about it and gives a good description of how these soldiers felt.

On the other hand, I did not think that the parts of the book written from the perspective of the families was as strong. I am not sure if this is the result of Ms. Raddatz respecting the wives of the killed soldiers and not interviewing them directly or just because her passion lies with the stories that these men have to tell more than with the stories of their families. Either way, it made the book feel a little unbalanced to me.

All that being said, I think that this book is important. The story that it tells is important not only because the battle it details was a turning point in the war but because it reminds us that our fellow countrymen are going through unspeakable things. This war remains relevant and I applaud the efforts of Ms. Raddatz and others like her for fighting to keep it in the media.

Must read in this election year
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-23
This book is a must read in this election year. Put all else aside, pick up this book and struggle through the reality of what is going on and few of us bother to realize. This is not a pleasant read, this is not a feel good story. This is the truth of what happens when politicians make decisions based on their own legacy in mind. This is how those decisions affect you, me and our neighbors. These kids are in a horrible situation in Iraq. If the evidence to enter the war was real, OK, this is duty. In retrospect, this is a sin. No one should face 10 minutes of what these husbands, boyfirends, sons and daughters are going through. Martha Raddatz did an incredible job of piecing this story together. If 10 % of this is accurate, no one should be subjected to this kind of horror. I can tell you, having had a brother serve in Vietnam in the late 60s, there is nothing you hope to avoid than a taxi, your parish priest or minister, and a stranger dressed in a military uniform in the middle of the night. Soldiers,, families are all suffering, the problem is, they are in the minority. The majority of us simply bitch about high gas prices. We don't have a clue what is going on. Read this book and become informed. When you vote in November, consider what you are doing, seriously. Is this war in the middle east worth it? Is it winnable? Is there an honorable way out. Don't just assume there is, understand what these soldiers are going through and make sure the way you vote is not going to prolong this disaster.

Good Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-13
In Iraq right now and had to read this. Wasn't as good as I thought it would be but it gives a perspective.

The Long Road Home
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-27
Excellent read about the war in Iraq. I bought this book after I found parts contained action my son was involved in. Found my son's name and picture of truck he was in. He was trying to save Cindy Sheenan's son Casey. He was ambushed also and was hit in his foot. They lost eight good soliders that day. I hope they make a movie someday. My son is a IV and he was shot on 4-4-4 in Sadr City Iraq. He now has PTSD and is divorced from the woman he loves. Where is Cindy Sheenan now?


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