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Reviews
Cracking the AP European History Exam, 2004-2005 Edition (College Test Prep)
Published in Paperback by Princeton Review (2004-01-13)
Author: Princeton Review
List price: $18.00
New price: $22.18
Used price: $0.73

Average review score:

Comprehensive AP Euro Preparation
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-11
I purchased this book off of a recommendation from a friend who said that everything that you need to know for the AP test is in this book. He was right. I first read the information provided about the test itself. I began to read through the five chapters of history in the book while supplementing my reading with my class notes. My teacher, though, ran out of time to teach us history from about 1980s and onward, so all of my knowledge about that era came from this book, which allowed me to answer those questions on the test. The book also has practice multiple choice and essay questions that I informally sampled; they were suprisingly similar to the real test. Overall, this book has enough information in it alone to guarantee a 4 on the test, and possibly even a 5, which is what I received.

A Very Helpful Source
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-08
I strongly suggests this book because it covers everything one needs to know for the AP European history test. Since the test itself is not that long. The book, though quiet short, covers everything one needs to know from 1450 to the present day. The book almost gives you a story for every era, from the age of Exploration, to the Renaissance and finally to the Industrial Ages and the Post-War modern era. If you love history, then this book will help you a lot. There are only a limited amount of things that you have to memorize, and if you are good at memorizing things, this book is the right source for you. The questions from the test are almost identical to the ones covered on the book in a way, if you read this book well enough, you should get at least a four on the test.

Amazing book.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-06
I was taking AP Euro as a Sophmore in the year 2005-2006. A friend from the previous year ('04-'05) got this book and passed the exam with a 4. She didn't do so good in the class as she got a C in both semesters. She gave me her used book as a gift. I got a B in both semesters and I can tell you that the course is tough stuff. I took I believe 2 practice tests before the actual AP Exam. And to tell you the truth, I got a 2 on both of the practice tests and was close to giving up for the actual test. But right on the night before the actual exam, I skimmed the book. I took the test on Friday (if I remeber correctly). I answered about 45/80 questions, and did pretty bad on my free-response questions (considering I wrote about submarine warfare on a question about WWII hahaha...). I left school after that day ashamed because I felt like I failed that test. However, today I just got my AP scores and to my surprise I got a 3!!! This books rocks like A lot!! Don't buy REA, i doubt I would read that book since it's too long. Princeton Review is the way to go because I got a 3!

Great book.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-29
I had a horrible AP Euro teacher, but I ended up getting a 4 with the help of this review book. It shouldn't be used as a substitute for the textbook, but I remember my textbook being the worst, and I used the older western heritage by Mckay. You can probably buy it on Amazon as well.


Another book that is probably just as amazing as princeton is "Modern European History" by Birdsall S. Viault. For some euro classes it's even required, and it's great for just reviewing before a test. If you read both these books, you will definitely have a good chance of passing the exam.

A Great book, but use it with another
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-30
Princeton Review is a very good resource, especially for AP and (P)SAT preparation. This book has some great tips, especially with the DBQ and free-response essays. The review is excellent (though rather implicit-not too much EXplicit). This is why I STRONGLY encourage you to utilize the Cliffsnotes (excellent prep book as well, great features: timelines after every chapter, but poor review questions) books as well. Some information may be presented in this title a little better to suit your specific learning style. Nevertheless, the review questions after each chapter mimic the College Board's questions. Undoubtedly, the best feature of this book is the two AP exams in the back. I'm not sure if these exams are past College Board releases, but they are very similar. All in all, buy the Princeon Review for the review and practice exams, and buy the Cliffsnotes for its great review as well, timelines, and comprehensive layout.

Reviews
Dimensions Behind the Twilight Zone: A Backstage Tribute to Television's Groundbreaking Series
Published in Paperback by Ecw Press (2007-04-01)
Author: Stewart T. Stanyard
List price: $21.95
New price: $13.50
Used price: $12.95

Average review score:

Great Read and memories
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-08
This is a great book of the behind the scenes with many photos and insights from those around Rod Serling during the creation of the series and effects on the world because of it.

Great book on a timeless classic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-07
This was a program I had grew up on and I say thanks for the behind the scene cover stories and pictures.

A real Treasure Trove
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-29
Back in 1983 I received a type-written catalogue in the mail that advertised sets of proof sheets from the Viacom archives...namely the "Twilight Zone"! - Hundreds of rare, behind-the-scenes photos from the 1st three seasons of the show were being offered for sale! Unfortunately, I was "between jobs" at the time and was unable to purchase any of the photos. Some of the sets from the more popular episodes were already marked "SOLD" in the catalogue, and I have always assumed that the remaining ones were snatched up quickly by collectors.

WRONG! Most of them are IN THIS AMAZING BOOK! Author Stewart Stanyard's
introduction explains how he happened to acquire this fabulous collection,
and even though Stanyard's writing is merely passable(he's not a professional author), the PHOTOS are INCREDIBLE! And there are LOTS of them, too!

I have always been fascinated by behind-the-scenes stuff, and as I paged through this book, I could not believe my eyes. I have now spent hours staring at full-page, elevated shots with cast, crew and sets from episodes such as "Death's-head Revisited", "The Purple Testament", "Static", etc....and an unbelievable shot of the dual break-away set of "A World of Difference"; great stuff!

And even though the quality of the writing is only so-so, the author at least arranges and presents his material in an intersting format. But in
the chapter entitled "Themes of the Zone", he goes a bit too far trying to
shoe-horn TZ's plots into neat and tidy categories. For instance, I was
baffled by Stanyard's assertion that bookworm Henry Bemis (of "Time Enough at Last") is a "social misfit" who gets what he deserves when he breaks his glasses, since he spent most of his life shunning the company
of his wife, co-workers, etc. Astounding! That's just NOT RIGHT!
Henry Bemis is the quintessential "Everyman", the little-guy who is hounded and misunderstood by the world, who finds comfort and solitude in reading because the real world is a harsh and uncaring place. Doesn't he try to interest his customer in the opening scene in "David Copperfield?" Doesn't he attempt to share his love of poetry with his thug-like wife, who cruelly feigns interest only to shatter her hapless spouse when he discovers that she has defaced his beloved volume of poems?
NO---Bemis' story is an example of the most cosmic sort of tragedy--- the
little guy who is crushed by the most cruel and ironic hand of fate.

Anyway, Mr. Stanyard also mixes up the two actors who play the 2-headed
Martian in "Mr Dingle the Strong"; Douglas Spencer is the guy on the RIGHT (remember him as "Scotty" in the 1951 "Thing from Another World?...the guy who says "Keep Watching the Skies" at the end?)

Also...I realize comedy is a very subjective thing.....but the author
praises "Mr Dingle", "Mind and the Matter" and the ridiculously over-padded "The Bard" as stand-out comedies, while dismissing the truly
funny "ShowDown with Rance McGrew" as merely silly. I think "McGrew" is a comic gem, with marvelously controlled performances by Blyden, Cornthwaite and Johnson in roles that could have easily veered into
total caricature. And Jesse James' arrival at the end as McGrew's agent and the subsequent change in the script cracks me up every time.

BUT WHO CARES ABOUT THE TEXT?!! It's the Photos that allow us to step back in time and peek in on the production of the legendary "Twilight Zone"! SEE Joseph Schildkraut reading his off-camera lines for "Death's Head".....SEE Brian Aherne and Pippa Scott rehearsing their night club encounter in "The Trouble with Templeton"....SEE numerous shots of Fritz Weaver being assualted in the final scene of "Obsolete Man"....SEE Ivan Dixon as boxer Bolie Jackson being photographed from UNDERNEATH the
boxing ring in "The Big, Tall Wish".....the list goes on!

GET THE BOOK!

PS. There is also a nice selection of interviews with actors, writers and technicians who worked on the series, plus a very cool reminiscence by Charles Beaumont's son Christopher.

a peek behind the curtain
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-19
I was first struck by the weight of it - high quality softcover and beautiful bond - even before opening the book - I knew I was in for a treat - This is the perfect celebration of the great series. Rod would be honored by the care and reverence, by the personal recollections thick with respect and admiration for his genius. Stanyard has formatted each section brillantly - the interviews and essays are a perfect compliment to his own contributions. And the photos - pure magic. But I was struck with a twinge of sadness because for all these years I was convinced that each episode came from the ages - certainly not from prodcuers, actors, cameramen - but they're all right there - Stanyard has pulled the curtain aside.

Interviews and More
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-22
Any book about The Twilight Zone has big shoes to fill. Marc Scott Zicree's The Twilight Zone Companion is the bible of The Twilight Zone and, moreover, one of the great books about a television show--any television show. Still, give Mr. Stanyard his due, this is a pretty good book.

Wisely, Mr. Stanyard has followed a different path that Zicree. After a few early chapters on history and analysis of the show, the bulk of the book is taken up by interviews. Over 150 pages of interviews with nearly 40 people involved in the show on various levels, from relatives like Carol and Robert Serling, to writers (Matheson, Hamner, etc.), actors, producers and directors. The last pages are a series of "appreciation essays" written by various people who feel their lives have been impacted by the show as well as speculations by people who knew him of what Rod Serling might have achieved had he lived longer.

Mr. Stanyard has also included a number of interesting photos and a few documents like letters and contracts. Most of the photos are backstage photos from the author's own (inherited) collection. This actually poses a bit of problem. Since the photos Stanyard received cover only a fraction of the episodes, there is a lot of repetition from certain episodes and a whole slew of some very great episodes that have no pictures.

In fact, if I were going to nail down one weakness in the book, it's repetition. Besides the pictures, the interviews also end up being somewhat repetitive as many of the people interviewed have very similar words of praise and descriptions of the show. We're all fans of the show but, with rare exception, the interviews are variations on a theme with not as much enlightenment as I was hoping for.

Still, for a fan of The Twilight Zone this is a difficult book to pass by. There are enough pleasures here to make spending time with this volume worthwhile. For newcomers to the series, I would suggest Zicree's book first.

Reviews
Into That Good Night
Published in Paperback by Texas Review Press (2000-09)
Author: Ron Rozelle
List price: $14.95
New price: $9.00
Used price: $3.00
Collectible price: $15.95

Average review score:

Beautifully written book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-14
This is one of the best books I have ever read! I devoured it in a day. Beautifully written.

Don't judge this book by it's simple title.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-08
The simple title belies a great author and an even greater reading experiance.

The author writes so that you actually *feel* you are there and know the streets and towns and things he speaks of and what you couldn't possibly see with your minds eye--he makes you feel with your heart.

A"MUST-READ" for anyone who has ever had a death made worse, by things left unspoken.

A great book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-10
Into That Good Night may well be the best book I've ever read. Having been raised in a small Texas town in the same era, it really hit home. Ron's story of life's experiences, of loves and losses, is a heart felt story that is enjoyable and easy to read. It is a wonderfully written story of growing up when racism was really becoming an issue in the south, of his beloved father's Alzheimers, and much, much more. I highly recommend this book.

MY TALENTED LITTLE BROTHER
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-15
THIS BOOK COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED ME. I LIVED IT ONCE, AND NOW I'VE LIVED IN AGAIN THROUGH RON'S EYES. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE OUR FATHER. HE TAUGHT US INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, HONESTY, AND LOVE WITH HIS QUIET WAYS AND GENTLY DEMEANOR. HE WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE TO ME. IT WAS SO HARD TO SEE WHAT HE HAD BECOME WHEN ALZHEIMERS TOOK OVER. HE HAD THE SAME SWEET DEMEANOR, BUT SOMETIMES DIDN'T RECOGNIZE US. IT WAS HARD, AND RON TOLD THE STORY BEAUTIFULLY. I CAN JUST SEE OUR DAD'S BEAUTIFUL BLUE EYES TWINKLE IN PLEASURE. THANK YOU RON FOR THIS WONDERFUL GIFT. I LOVE YOU...DIANE

Into That Good Night
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-01
A memoir called Into That Good Night by Ron Rozelle,
is the story told from Ron's point of view when he was
growing up in Oakwood and even in his present day
life. It talks about segregation in schools and in
some stores throughout the town where he grew up. This
book shows the change Ron goes through with his family
when his mother becomes sick with lung cancer. Ron
learns to appreciate his family much more as he got
older and started to realize he won't have parents
forever. He ultimately realizes this when his father
looses his battle with Alzheimer's disease. You also
see segregation come to an end in Oakwood as time
progresses. You see the town where everyone knew
everyone suddenly become very lonely and empty after
most of the population got old and passed away. There
weren't many people moving in to Oakwood because it
didn't have many job opportunities.
Ron wrote this book in a then and now format. Every
other chapter switches, describing his child hood and
what happened in the future. It is a little confusing
but you catch on right away. It's very interesting
this way because it keeps you wondering, "What
happened to Ron".
Ron's ability to describe things just painted a clear
picture of what everything was like for him back then
in my mind. He gets right to the point when he rights,
it's not hard to comprehend or anything. That is what
is likeable about his style of writing. He writes in a
very appealing manner. Into That Good Night's main
focus is about Ron's relationship with his dad.
Ron and his father were very close because Ron's
father is a very calm kind of guy. He doesn't show
much emotion where as his mother is described as moody
and not afraid to yell when something makes his mad.
This is why he had more of a connection with his
father because in many ways he was like his father.
Ron is not quick to show emotion either. Ron and his
father form a special bond.
Ron graduates high school and is drafted in to the
military. He gets shipped off to Germany for a year.
In the mean time, his mother's health is decreasing.
She is getting worse and the doctors say she doesn't
have much time left. She started chain smoking when
Ron was a kid and that led her to her deathbed.
Fortunately Ron got to say goodbye to his mom right
before he headed off to the airport to be shipped off.
He felt that finally, he and his mother were at peace
with each other.
Ron and his dad form a strong bond after Ron gets
back from the Army and gets his own apartment. His dad
comes to visit him and they spend quality time
together. A few years later Ron's father eventually
re-marries and lives with his new wife. When Ron's
father gets in his older years he starts forgetting
things. His loss of memory starts increasing and he's
even forgetting simple things like where he is. He is
diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
What is Ron going to do when one of the most
important people in his life is starting to forget who
his own son is. What is it like to die not remembering
what your life was like and what your legacy will be.
This story was very easy to relate to. It is a very
easy understanding and likeable memoir of Ron Rozelle.

Reviews
Celia Garth
Published in Paperback by Chicago Review Press (2008-12-01)
Author: Gwen Bristow
List price: $14.95
New price: $10.17

Average review score:

Great for teens
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-09
I purchased a hardcover copy from the Charleston historical society's downtown office. I was vacationing and looking for local fiction, opted for Colonial period rather than Civil War or present-day. The streets and historical character of downtown are still present and make this book more interesting. The historial accuracy is very good, although overly worshipful of Marion and his role. I understand the cultural differences between present-day readers and Colonial slaveownwers, and we shouldn't demonize Colonists for that, but CG does tend to perpetuate the oxymoron "well-treated slave" (and Charleston's place as the busiest slave trade port in the New World is ignored by the book). As for Celia, "Sassyface" certainly has gumption, and this can get annoying for mature readers. But it's overall pretty good, and for teens (especially girls), this book is a treasure.

--A classic story of the American Revolution--
Helpful Votes: 16 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-29
CELIA GARTH takes place during the American Revolutionary War in the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Celia, the main character is a "sassy" twenty-year-old woman who worked as a seamstress in a very fashionable clothing shop. The inhabitants of Charleston were divided in their loyalties. Some were Tories and supported the king and England; many others were supporters of the revolution. After two months of conflict and bombardment, British forces occupied the city of Charleston.

The local hero in South Carolina was Francis Marion, called the "Swamp Fox," by the British. His goal was to keep the British army occupied in South Carolina, and away from General George Washington who was fighting another British army in the north. Celia and her friends supported the revolution and acted as spies for Francis Marion during the two years of the British occupation of Charleston.

The book is full of the flavor and feeling of the late 1700's. Luke Ansell, an American soldier sings the following little ditty, as he walks home after his first meeting with Celia Garth.

"Now girls why act so shy
When provoking men come by?
You know you're only wondering
how you strike us--

Oh forget the won'ts and can'ts!
For since half the world wears pants,
You might as well own up to it--
you like us!"

I learned a great deal about Charleston and how the people of that town lived through the very difficult years of the American Revolution. The book gives a lot of little tidbits of interesting information. For instance, it was popular for the colonial women to name their male babies, George. They would then tell if their baby was named after King George of England or General George Washington.

This is a well-written and very enlightening story.

The Best Book Ever!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-14
At the prompting of my mother, grandmother, and aunt, I first read Celia Garth before I was old enough to even understand half of what Gwen Bristow writes about. Since then, I have read it many, many times, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. Celia is such a vivid character, and getting to see Charleston and the Revolutionary War through her eyes is like being there yourself! I cried my eyes out at the plantation death scene, marveled at Celia's courage through it all, and could barely contain my glee when she finally realizes her true happiness. I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old; if you haven't read Celia Garth, you're missing out. And if you haven't ever visited Charleston, SC--well, need I say more? You can see the harbor as Celia did, walk the same streets, see the spire of St. Michael's, and much, much more. It's not the same Charleston as it was a hundred years ago, but it's close enough and thoroughly enjoyable.

My Favorite!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-02
The first time I read Celia Garth was about eight years ago. I found it sitting on a bookshelf in my house, and I couldn't put it down. It immediately became my favorite book, and to this day still is. I just recently started reading Gwen Bristow's others, and I can't put them down either! Her Historical Fiction is amazing, and her ability to combine her fictional characters with non-fictional people and places is the best I have ever seen.

Celia Garth
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-21
I first read this book in high school many years ago. I have not been able to find another copy until Amazon. It is probably one of the best historical fictions next to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. Gwen Bristow is a great writer as you can also experience in her Santa Fe Trail. Anyone interested in the Revolutionary War from a woman's prospective will love this book.

Reviews
The Continuing Mission
Published in Hardcover by Star Trek (1997-11-01)
Authors: Judith Reeves-Stevens and Garfield Reeves-Stevens
List price: $35.00
New price: $14.00
Used price: $1.16

Average review score:

Splendid!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-27
This book tells it all, breaking everything down about the show, you name it, this book tells it.
A wonderful way to celebrate an anniversary!

A Worthy Tribute
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-28
This book is something special in that it combines the usual prose of a "Making of..." with a wealth of large-size images and illustrations as well as a detailed guide to the seven seasons of TNG. Included are sections on "Generations", "First Contact" and, in the newest edition, "Insurrection". Although some of the images are already known from The Art of Star Trek, this is another great look behind the scenes. More than the rather loosely arranged images in the The Art of Star Trek, this book really tells the story of a series that is developed through seven seasons.

The Continuing Mission is probably the best book about TNG with all of its aspects. It was obviously written to be entertaining in the first place, so it never gets too profound. Nevertheless, we learn a great deal, for instance, where Guinan's name comes from, how many writers mingled together the script for "Yesterday's Enterprise", or how a shuttle may become a big starship. The only slight criticism I have about it is that the text is mostly separate from the images. Although there are captions, I would have liked to know more about several of the images.

The sub-title of the book is "A Tenth Anniversary Tribute", and it is a worthy tribute in any respect.

Inspirational, Dedicated, Essential - A Fine Tribute to TNG
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-04
This book is essential reading for any Star Trek fan. Even if you may not be a big fan of TNG (I myself prefer DS9), this beautiful tribute will surely improve your understanding of the days before, during, and after the creation of TNG series.

The text is written in a very amiable, intimate and lively manner, obviously showing the authors' love and dedication to the TNG world. Content-wise, the book is utterly fascinating: there is everything from the stories behind the casting ("But he's bald!"), to the creation and incarnations of the spacecraft of the show, to interesting anecdotes both clever and funny, highlighting special episodes, audience reaction, notes on production; even clear and non-technical explanations of various financial aspects of producing TNG and the movies. Absolutely nothing comes across as overly technical.

The book is divided into chapters tracing each season and movie involving TNG cast; each "season" also includes episode-by-episode synopses by the side - very helpful not just as an episode guide, but as a way of guiding the reader throughout the TNG journey. In fact, one of the best things about this book is its strong sense of chronological unity - reading the book from front to back, you are surely and rapturously guided through the entire TNG history - it feels like getting to know an old friend anew.

The book is made even better by the tons of colour photos throughout - ranging from pictures of props to sets, to ships, production designs, cast, scenes, costumes, production... it's just fantastic.

A lot of intelligence and dedication has gone into producing this book. I really can't praise it enough except to say: now I admire Star Trek: The Next Generation even more.

Essential for your Star Trek collection!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-09
A pure celebration of Star Trek The Next Generation! A tenth anniversary tribute that does justice to the show and to all three movies through it's date of publication. It give some very good details on all the shows, some insights from a lot of the people that made The Next Generation. The pictures and drawings are stunning to say the least. If you're a fan of Star Trek, this is definitely essential to your collection.

If you own one book about TNG, let this be it.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-04
First of all, this book is huge. Really. It is tall and wide as well as being hefty. It does the amazing task of covering 7+ years of television history regarding the show responsible for renewed interest in science-fiction.

The history is indeed an interesting one. Many tidbits are revealed, and if you are a trivia junkie, it will fill the endless void nicely.

The pictures are great, as well as commentary and brief interviews of folks. The only thing I felt that could have been done better were episode summaries. They fell by the wayside a bit; but the sheer volume of information contained in the book makes up for it.

It is well-constructed, and has lasted repeated flipping and reading. That and its size make it an excellent coffee table book. People who have no interest in Trek pick it up and are fascinated by the information. It makes a great gift, for yourself or the TNG fan in your life. Or even, the television trivia buff as well.

Reviews
Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume Two
Published in Paperback by Titan Books (2007-05-08)
Author: Joss Whedon
List price: $24.95
New price: $12.82
Used price: $12.80

Average review score:

Another warm fuzzy for any Firefly fan
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-07
If you're reading this review, then you must not own volume one of Firefly: The Official Companion. If you did, then you wouldn't need a review to sell you on this one. So I have a piece of advice for you: buy both books. If you have a place in your heart for Firefly, then make a place on your coffee table for these books. Each one is overflowing with behind-the-scenes information about every episode of Firefly. There's sure to be something to interest every fan. I particularly enjoy all the prop info. You get detailed views of props and weapons, along with insight from the prop team as to how they made or modified each item. Fascinating stuff, and indispensable if you're a gamer.
Treat yourself to these books. You won't regret it.

Must Have for Fans of Firefly
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-30
Great resource for the true Firefly fan. The show scripts are fun to read, especially with the chinese words translated, so you know what the gorram they were really saying. I loved the section: Jayne's Weapons, with a detailed look at Vera, one of the most notorious guns ever to grace the small or big screen. They discuss how they designed Vera, where the original gun came form, and how they added the special touches to make it unique to the Firefly 'verse.
A plethora of inset comments from the actors, and production crew, throughout the book, add insights into the action behind the scenes of making the show. Floor Plans of Serenity, and displays of various prop models of the ship, and many other props used make a nice addtion to the wealth of information.

Shiny!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-23
This is the follow-up and completion of companion books to the cancelled-but-still-growing-its-fanbase Firefly television series. It provides the shooting scripts ans photo stills from the remaining episodes, as well as numerous sidebars featuring backstories and insights into the actors, crew, props, and the inner thoughts of series' creator, Joss Whedon. This glossy volume is heavily laden with color photographs, costume concept designs for the various characters, and pre-production sketches. If you have a love for the series and the Big Damn Movie ("Serenity"), you will feel compelled to buy this book.

What a hoot! Get this if you just "liked" Firefly
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-09
I missed Firefly, the first time around, and didn't discover the series until after I'd rented Serenity. I can't call myself a confirmed browncoat, though I really *really* liked everything about the show.

But when I saw this book on the library's New Books stack, I grabbed it. I think you should grab a copy, too, even if you're no die-hard fan. Because this book is _fun_.

Most of the book is episode scripts (half of them; the other half are in Volume One). That's worth the price alone, because the scripts are immensely readable. Like other intelligent shows, the dialogue is both fast and thoughtful, and you might not have caught everything when you heard it the first or second time around. In particular, the scripts include the translations from the Chinese expletives, and most of them are _very_ funny.

And the "stage direction" is not the dispassionate descriptive sort ("Man enters, wearing a hat"). It reflects the entire mood of the show:
INARA walks towards them, heading for the stairs up to the shuttle catwalk. She's dressed with stunning elegance.
KAYLEE: Hey there, 'Nara. Heading off for some glamorous romance?
Simon turns, momentarily stunned by her elegance.

If you're a screenwriter, this is absolutely a must-have.

The book is also peppered with cast interviews, stories about the creation of Firefly's theme song, production explanations on how, for example, they created Niska's Skyplex. In this book, you can spend an enjoyable few hours investigating how a show can be done *right*...even if the network screwed it up.

Basically just the scripts -- not what I expected.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-18
Just to let future buyers be aware....this book (and Vol. 1) are basically just the scripts to the (REALLY FUN) shows. As my husband put it, "It's just the lines, without the wonderful delivery the actors achieved in the shows." I thought it would be more like the various other "about" books that exist about popular movies/TV shows - full of pictures and other fun "about" stuff. In my opinion, these two books were not that.

Reviews
High-Yield Neuroanatomy (Board Review Series)
Published in Paperback by Williams & Wilkins (1995-01)
Author: James D. Fix
List price: $15.95
New price: $12.00
Used price: $0.25

Average review score:

First and last Aid for USMLE Step 1
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-27
Very good review book for Step 1 neuroanatomy section - since this is very high yield. Cover all you need to know to tackle this field on exam. Covers more than FA but is not as exhausting as Kaplan notes.

Get it for Step I 'cause First Aid doesn't cut it
Helpful Votes: 17 out of 17 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-27
First Aid is money for most subjects, but it's weak on neuro. This book is a very good balance between too little and too much for this overwhelming subject. The High Yield series keeps improving in quality, and in the newest edition is even better at showing clinical scenarios and integrating other subjects like pathology or physiology (I used an older version and it's still pretty good, though).

I would like to say this is great for course work, but at least at my school they tended to test on obscure minituae hard to find anywhere.

This is all you should need for Step, which does feature a decent dose of neuro (about 10, more like 20 questions). It's also very good at developing as essential foundation of knowledge applicable for future use, which sometimes gets lost when scrambling to cram for course exams.

My big qualm is the pricing. It's a thin book, not a main text. Use the library, borrow it from a friend, split the cost, etc. High Yield makes a nice line of books but they need to trim prices for medical students.

HY neuroanatomy
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-07
Getting confused with studying anatomy of the brain? This is a book for you! It is far better than dozen of other neuroanatomy books! It gives you a lot of details and it's easy to read, too! I'm studying for the USMLE step 1 exam and I will keep it handy all the time!

Great resource for Step 1
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-02
The USMLE has become increasingly focused on neuro over the past few years, and First Aid has become more and more inadequate with respect to neuro. This book is a great way to prepare for the neuro questions on Step 1. It's a slender book and is thus a very quick read --- heck, I'm a slow reader and finished it in 2.5 days. At the beginning of the book are several images of brain sections, with arrows pointing to the most important structures. The book also has radiologic images (MRA, MRI, CT) which were very helpful for me when I took Step 1 --- actually, I remember having 3 distinct questions with an accompanying MRA image. The book does a good job of explaining the basic function/organization of the different parts of the brain in a concise manner. There were a few sections that I thought were a little too detailed for Step 1 --- especially the cerebellum section. Overall, though, it's a wonderful book and it will help you to nail the neuro questions on the USMLE.

All you need for step 1.
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-06
This is an excellent book and it's really all you need to prepare for your step 1. I used this book and answered every single question on neuro correctly.

Reviews
Joseph
Published in Paperback by Review & Herald Publishing (2002-07)
Author: Terri L. Fivash
List price: $22.99
New price: $8.00
Used price: $7.41

Average review score:

Fantastic!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-24
I rarely buy books to keep for myself after I read them. This book was loaned to me by a friend, i read it in one week. One of THE best books ever...and i have read a few. The writing was great and I felt as if I was reading a best selling novel and not a religious book.

Amazing Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-29
This was a great book. My husband and I could hardly put it down. It really helps you realize what it must of been like for Joseph with great detail of the era in which the story took place.

Joseph, a real person
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-23
In this book you live with Joseph through his dealings with fate. He is portrayed as human, with struggles and emotions, a developing deepening faith in God. A more accurate portrayal of the time and area than I have seen elsewhere. A great movement from favorite son of a rich man to slave to second ruler of Egypt.

One of My Favorite Books
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-07
I enjoyed this book so much that I have read it at least four times. In fact, it has been just about long enough for another re-reading.

The Bible says little of the daily life of Joseph, dwelling on the high points of his life. Terri reminds us that Joseph was a real man, with real feelings, likes and dislikes, and questions and doubts about God just as we all have. And yet God worked through him to bring about a rescue, not just for the children of Abraham, but for the entire known world.

Excellent!

I've read it 10 times!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-18
I've had read this book ten times. My father gave it to me. Joseph is one of my favorite stories from the Bible. I hope Mel Gibson buys the movie rights and makes a movie out of it in the same way he did with the Passion of the Christ. Thank you Mrs. Fivash and God Bless you and Your family.

Reviews
Kaplan NCLEX-RN Exam 2007-2008 (with CD-ROM): Strategies for the Registered Nursing Licensing Exam (Kaplan Nclex-Rn Exam)
Published in Paperback by Kaplan Publishing (2007-02-06)
Authors: Judith Burckhardt and Barbara J. Irwin
List price: $35.00
New price: $17.99
Used price: $13.12

Average review score:

Recommended
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-09
This is a great reviewer. You will learn strategies on how to answer questions on the NCLEX. It will improve your critical thinking skills. It also contains practice items in the book as well as in the CD-ROM. And yes, I passed the NCLEX! :)

Kaplan Products aregreat passing tools
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-13
Kaplan products tell you how to approach each question on the NCLEX exam because exam is very different than the real world of nursing practice. Also exam is not about testing your knowledge and how well you know the facts,for example it will not ask you what CHF or DVT is instead it will ask you how you will utilize the knowledge about these problems,which includes critical thinking and establishing priority. I found Maslow's hierarchy very very helpful in prioritizing client needs. I highly recommend kaplan course,I know it is expensive but it worths passing the exam.

Excellent Study Guide
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
This book is an excellent resource when studying for the NCLEX, I would recommend this to anyone preparing to take the NCLEX.
Thank you

Kaplan
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-12
My husband enjoys this product and so far is trying to utilize it daily to hopefully succeed in his future test. Thank you for shipping it out so quickly. And thank you for making this affordable and available.

Helped me pass
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-01
I purchased this book instead of taking their review class because let's face it, the class is pricey. It was so very worth it. You can review facts all you want, but the thing that makes this book awesome is that it teaches you how to think through the questions and pick the "best" answer. I passed my boards and then lent the book to my friends and co-workers who were taking the boards because it was so helpful for me.

Reviews
Keep Watching the Skies! American Science Fiction Movies of the Fifties (Mcfarland Classics, 3) (Mcfarland Classics, 3)
Published in Paperback by McFarland & Company (1997-11-01)
Author: Bill Warren
List price: $49.95
New price: $49.95
Used price: $39.94

Average review score:

Sci-Fi Ambrosia!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-03
This is a terrifically entertaining and informative compendium of 1950's science fiction movies that, for fans of this inexplicably overlooked genre, will serve as an almost endless supply of delectable brain candy. Other reviewers have nicely captured the essence of this book; I'll simply add that this is the one volume you'll want to keep by your bedside and savor night after night.

the way things were
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-09
do you ever wonder about the old days? how people thought about space and time, and oh yes, giant monster bugs? then look no further than this fine and funny volume. from 1950 to 1962, warren covers the best to the worst with a wry sense of humor and a clear love for the subject. almost everything is covered, from obscure jungle movies, to elaborate space epics. if you want to know about these old films, and have a laugh or two, then by all means pick up this book.

A Monumental Work of Epic Proportions
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-18
If you're a fan, or even a casual watcher, of science fiction movies of the 1950s and early 1960s, this exhaustively researched, 2-1/4-inch-thick tome deserves a prominent place in your library. It is, quite simply, THE definitive reference book on the subject. Period. There is none better. The conscientious reviewer MIGHT point out only one minor "problem"--but more on that later.

Mr. Warren does an unbelievably thorough job of presenting the most minute details of virtually every American science fiction film produced from 1950 through 1962. The classics are all here, of course. "Destination Moon," "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "The Thing From Another World," "Forbidden Planet," "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "War of the Worlds" each receive 10 or so pages of treatment (in very small, closely spaced print, mind you). Mr. Warren tells you everything you could ever want to know about the script, the director, the actors, the special effects (such as they were, in those days), the budget, the editing, the musical score and the reception that each movie got on its initial release. He includes meaningful, interesting details and fascinating anecdotes, many of which I can't imagine how he managed to dig up. Lesser films such as (to pick a couple at random) "Mesa of Lost Women" and "The Rocket Man" get only a page or so, but still with full discussions of each film's production and how it fits into the genre. Well-chosen still photos, typically printed in full-page size and in many cases not the same ones seen in other books, illustrate some of the movies.

I found that the best way to use Mr. Warren's monumental work is to refer to it just after watching one of the films that it covers (which means ANY science fiction movie of the era). With the screenplay fresh in one's mind, reading the relevant chapter adds immeasurably to the viewing experience, much as a director's commentary does on a DVD. You can, of course, read "Keep Watching The Skies" through from cover-to-cover, but only at the risk of information overload. Its usefulness is sure to last for many years--as long as there are VHS tapes, DVDs or (if you're very lucky) old 35mm prints of classic science fiction movies to watch and enjoy. It adds new meaning to the term "reference book."

Now, for the one and only "problem" with "Keep Watching The Skies." The book consists of two parts. Part 1 covers the years 1950 through 1957; Part 2 covers 1958 through 1962. Both parts were apparently once issued as separate volumes. For this reissue, both volumes are bound together. Each part has a comprehensive index, but ONLY for that part. Thus, it can be a little difficult to find a specific film if you don't know its year of release, especially since many films in Part 1 are referred to--and thus indexed--in Part 2, and vice versa. A single integrated index would make Mr. Warren's magnum opus much easier to use. With that single tiny quibble aside, I give "Keep Watching The Skies" the highest possible recommendation. Five stars is not nearly enough. It deserves a galaxy of stars.

Best reference book of it's kind!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-14
Bill Warren is obviously very knowledgeable concerning classic science fiction films, having spent a lifetime researching the subject. "Keep Watching the Skies" is not only factually accurate, it is also extremely entertaining to read.

Highly recommended for all fans of the genre.

Great!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-18
The best science fiction book I have ever read.A must-have for everyone fond of golden age movies and classic science fiction.
I read the book in one go.I wish I could read another book like this!


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