Reviews Books

It's no wonder this short little novel stood in the Argentine bestsellers list for about 27 WEEKS. I too read this book in one sitting, but not because of its lenght,(even though it helps)but but because its so good and so well written that I literaly went out and bought a copy for each of my friends for christmas last year and each one stated that it was the best gift they had recieved. The cover might be a bit tacky but hey never judge a book by its cover. there are so many things to say about this novel that there isn't enough room to write about it. All I have to say is buy it, it's worth every penny.

No wonder the novel won the price for best novel in 1983 in Mexico....it is superbly well written, misterious, erotic and captivating.

Read this in one sitting...Wonderful plot and great characters. This is what finding new authors is all about.

I have read in the longest time . I was going to write that he is the best writer form argentina , but that statement does not do him justice . I too read this book in one sitting and since then giardinelli has become one of my favorite writers . I own every one of his books . The ending is surprising and also genius. Get this book you definitely will not regret it .

I love short books that pack a wallop, pull you in and just refuse to let you go, demand that you read them at one sitting - I think of "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" by Thornton Wilder, "Night Flight" by Antione de Saint Exupery, and "The Reader" by Bernhard Schlink. I have now added "Sultry Moon" by the Argentine writer Mempo Giardinelli to this exclusive club. This is a gripping tale of one man's fascination with crime - a fascination which leads him to commit several crimes during three days under the hot "sultry moon" during December 1977, in the early days of the Argentine military dictatorship, which is a background to this story but not its central focus. Ramiro, the central figure of the story, is drawn into a vortex of crime, conscience and punishment as ineluctably as was Raskolnikov in Dostoyevksy's "Crime and Punishment". Looking for something a little bit off the beaten track to grab you one rainy (or even sunny) afternoon? Go read this extraodinary book. I think you may be repulsed but you will definitely be fascinated.

About 20 years ago, I gave myself a gift while I was in a Protestant seminary: during my last semester, I took a course entitled "Celluloid Theology" which was offered at a nearby Roman Catholic seminary which brought me to new understandings of faith and cinematic arts. Since then, I have dabbled in movies and theology, offering a movie discussion here and there in my ministry setting. Since that time long ago, I have kept in mind the lens of theology as I view movies even if I wasn't actively using the lessons I learned during that time with Father Tom Kane.

This book, though, has brought a whole new perspective to that journey. Jeffrey Overstreet has written a very readable, and often times moving, book about the intersection of Christianity (our culture's most apparent religious expression) and film (our most noticeable artistic expression these days). I especially appreciated the way that he modeled the use of movies in discussing how they reflect faith and sometimes expose us to divine truths.

I realize that the author and I probably come from somewhat different theological perspectives and I have to let go of my only frustration with the book. I feel that he spent too much of his writing explaining away why he appreciates and endorses movies that may be too over the edge for some Christians. I do understand and appreciate the fact that he gets way too much email criticizing him for pointing out the good of a particular movie that has too much violence/sex/foul language/you-name-it for the email writer. But I did grow a little tired of the repeated justifications that began to sound like apologies.

I especially commend the second chapter, "Viewer Discretion Advised," for the best essay I have ever read about the intersection of faith and the arts, and not just cinematic arts. His viewpoint is clearly written and can be applied to how we might look at any art form as a window into a bit of understanding about God.

I am rejuvenated in my interest in movies by this book and highly recommend it.

This book has a huge amount of films that Overstreet basically reviews and ties into each chapter. It is amazing how he connects so many seemingly secular films to Christian values. I'd recommend this book to anyone who thinks that every film not coming from Christian makers is garbage, because Overstreet has definitely found deeply religious themes in some very offensive films.

[...]

keen insight and well written. going to go back to movies thinking a little differently going forward.

What books were to previous generations, movies are to the present one; their ability to teach and shape our view of reality is unparalled by any other medium. Christians can't afford to be ignorant of the content and power here, and "Through a Screen Darkly" provides an excellent guide.

As a filmmaker and a Christian I am always striving to find an articulate voice able to handle the spiritual as well as the cinematic. With Jeffery Overstreet's Through a Screen Darkly I have found a strong one. The book traces Overstreet's own experience with cinema as an artist, a Christian and a human being. The book serves to open readers' eyes not only to their own experiences, but to the larger questions of artistic as well as moral excellence. Highly recommended.

Alex McNeill's "Total Television" is one of those reference works which is useful both for settling trivia arguments at parties and for helping those engaged in serious scholarly study of television programs and their impact upon popular culture. As of this review, "Total Television" is in its fourth edition.

The book is basically an alphabetical encyclopedia of thousands of television programs in every possible genre: dramas, sitcoms, game shows, cartoons, and more. Each entry lists the series' air dates, principal performers, and other relevant data.

In addition to the main body of encyclopedic entries, the book includes a wealth of supplemental features: lists of Emmy winners, a chronological gathering of one-shot specials, and more. Particularly interesting are the programming grids, which show the nightly lineups on each network for each night of the week. You can turn to a season (say, 1951-52) and see what choices the American TV viewer had each night! This feature is great for historians.

Although most of the entries on each series are brief, McNeill spends more time and space on certain series of outstanding impact. These extended articles on "All in the Family," "CBS Evening News," "Dallas," "The Ed Sullivan Show," and more are truly fascinating.

TV has been derided by many with such epithets as "the Boob Tube" and "The Idiot Box." On the other hand, it was praised in an episode of "The Simpsons" as "teacher, mother. . . secret lover." McNeill captures TV in all of its facets: from the depths of inanity to the heights of cultural significance. This book is a great achievement whose reputation, I believe, will increase with future editions.

This reference is superb in it's completeness. Anything you want to know about any program broadcast from 1948-1996 is in this 1251 page book. The 88 page index of names of performers appearing during those years is unbelievable. It includes specials, miniseries and the top 20 rated shows for each of those years. I use this reference at least 2 to 3 times a week.

Where this book is not as easy to use as Brooks and Marsh's "Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows"(see my review for this one), it offers more-as far as the addition of daytime shows and more explanation of the entries. I like the other guide mainly because it's a good quick reference for prime time. However, if I'm really interested in detail or, again, a daytime program-like some Saturday morning cartoon of my childhood-then this is the one to get. I have both books, actually-for reasons specified here.

First, we might note that "... To the Present," in the book's title, means through late 1995. So nothing in the last ten years is included. For years, I have enjoyed "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present" by Brooks and Marsh. I prefer the format of the Brooks and Marsh book to that of the NcNeil book--e.g., the cast is in list form, which makes for easier and quicker reading; the showing time is also included. The chief advantage of the McNeil book is that it includes daytime TV, which the Brooks and Marsh book does not.

Alex McNeil's "Total Television" is the Mother of all TV reference volumes. If you can't find it here, it ain't worth knowin' about. How he was able to compile all this information covering 50+ years of TV is beyond me. Crack open this book at any page and you will be reading for hours, probably days.

Seriously, I think a lot of this book. The artwork is wonderful; the story is wonderful. We had to buy this copy because we wore out our first one.

Another great book by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson. Nice story and great artwork. Recommended if you already own and like Ferdinand.

So glad it's back...this classic book on how different people can get along. Not just for kids.

"Wee Gillis" is a classic of children's literature, and this is an excellent new reprint. There is no dustjacket, but the book has a very strong cardboard cover and good quality paper.
The book combines an interesting commentary on the cultures of the Scottish highlands and lowlands with a simple and rather old-fashioned story of how a boy takes his place in the adult world.
The black and white illustrations complement the text beautifully, and almost tell the story on their own.

Originally published in 1938, this one is a delight to see back in print thanks to New York Review Books. The Scottish setting is charming and the central message, to be who you are, is important. Not content to be a hunter like his father's family or a farmer like his mother's family, Wee Gillis finds his own place in this world as a bagpiper. Baby boomers will be familiar with Robert Lawson's illustrations from such children's classics as Rabbit Hill, Ben And Me and The Story of Ferdinand, also written by Munro Leaf. I adore this book so much I named my dear and very independent Cairn Terrier puppy Wee Gillis.

As a current director of human resources for a F-500 company, I can honestly say this is one of the most useful books I have bought. My only regret is that I didn't have this great little book years ago as I struggled to find the correct word or phrase.

The quality of your written communication is critical to one's overall career or the lack thereof. Furthermore, I have found through the years that your written communication can often make or break you in a court of law. In essence, we are not simply talking about making our jobs easier with this book, indeed, we could be talking about profitability or loss.

I highly recommend this book for everyone in management.

Michael L. Gooch, SPHR - Author of Wingtips with Spurs

This product was a quick way to finalize a review. It has great phrases that are very useful. Ever have one of those days where you just can't think of the greatest way of putting a sentence together? These phrases help put everything together in a well written manner.

excelent book, easy to read and to understand.
excelent seller, quick shipping and great shape.

This is a great little book. It covers just about very situation. It gives, on the money, phrases. It also provide phrases to use for recommended improvements. I'm the newest member of management in my corporation. When my boss read first reviews, he was totally impressed. It is definitely worth the money. I highly recommend this book.

Excellent tool for assisting managers with written comments on the performance reviews they are required to do on their employees. It especially helps managers with new phrases for employees they have been reviewing for years.

I find that I agree with all of the positive reviews, but indeed what most haunts me about Mutis is his deeply introspective writing style. I read the book in Spanish (my native language, btw) and the language is enthralling and personal... If you took away the background, most of Macqroll's fears and feelings are rather universal, and as you read the book (especially that WONDERFUL! first chapter) the book becomes an introspective exercise, made bearable simply because Mutis takes you there with the gentleness of his writing, the magic of the geographical settings (and their descriptions) and the company of the most human and flawed characters (Ilona being my personal favorite).

Ah, this is a wonderful book for a sunny or rainy day. It is so perfect in all does. The stories are fascinating and amusing -- often poignant. You will never forget ANY of the characters, especially Maqroll. And Bashur. And the Mirror Breaker. And Jamil. If, since childhood, you have dreamed of tramp steamers and ports around the world, as I have, your ship truly has come in in this book. Well, I could go on just spitting out adoring adjectives, but, like all the other reviewers here, I enjoyed this book immensely. It won't be long till I pick it up and read it all over again. A book I'll always remember. A classic.

Alvaro Mutis wrote several superb short novels about the travels and trials of his creation, the wandering sailor Maqroll, gathered here in one volume in an excellent translation. Adventure, friendship, obsession, loyalty, bad judgment, and hilariously (sometimes tragically) desperate situations play out in obscure and exotic locations. "Maqroll" is an excellent companion for your own world travels.

It is densely written and discursive . . . relentlessly so, for 700 pages. Perhaps you will find this poetic, profound, or even titillating. Perhaps not. Perhaps, instead, you will think that Mutis is a brilliant, verbally gifted man in need of lithium and a good editor, or both. In all fairness, he gives plenty of warning up front. Page 17: "Our mistake is to think it's going somewhere, . . ." Page 19: "makes his sentences difficult to understand until we grow used to the rhythm of a language intended to conceal more than it communicates." Page 20: ". . . filled with long, rambling circumlocutions that made no sense." I think this award winning "emperor" is feeling a bit chilly, but laughing his chillies off.

Yes, I agree with the other reviewers who have asseverated that this is a great book. But they don't seem to want to spell out why exactly it is a great novel, or, rather, series of picaresque adventures. - Perhaps they're simply tired due to the 700 page literary trek. - But, come now, a great novel because of tramp steamers and the sea? While the sea is certainly the element in which Maqroll feels most at home, there are, literally, hundreds of novels about the sea and the love of it (In particular, there's one author who's made himself into a multi-millionaire by churning out these books like a sausage-machine).

No, what makes this book great is the underlying fatalism of the work sweepingly on display in Maqroll and the several other characters, and in the finely wrought passages on what this life offers us, picaresque vagabond or not. Many comparisons have been made to Don Quixote. - But not in the right way - Maqroll is Don Quixote's Twentieth Century doppelganger, or spectral double: Spectral, as is the case with many doppelgangers in fiction, in that he is the Knight's opposite. Where Don Quixote is chaste, Maqroll is licentious, where Don Quixote is naïve, Maqroll is instinctively wise to the ways of the fallen world etc. etc. --- In literary terms, Don Quixote is a Romantic. Maqroll is Tragic.

I wonder, reading the other reviews, if the other readers may have just possibly skimmed over the philosophical passages that glower at one on every other page or so. It is these passages, these lyrical, defiant, essentially dark reflections that make this much more than any mere sea novel or rollicking picaresque.

For Example, for starters:

"...it's not worry I feel but weariness as I watch the approach of one more episode in the old, tired story of the men who try to beat life, the smart ones who think they know it all and die with a look of surprise on their faces: at the final moment they always see the truth - they never really understood anything, never held anything in their hands. An old story, old and boring." P.24

And again:

"He thought that the real tragedy of aging lay in the fact that the eternal boy still lives inside us, unaware of the passage of time. A boy whose secrets had been revealed with notable clarity when Maqroll withdrew to Aracuriare Canyon, and who claimed the prerogative of not aging, since he carried that portion of broken dreams, stubborn hopes, and mad, illusory enterprises in which time not only does not count but is, in fact, inconceivable. One day the body sends a warning and, for a moment, we awake to the evidence of our own deterioration: someone has been living our life, consuming our strength. But we immediately return to the phantom of our spotless youth, and continue to do so until the final, inevitable awakening." P.261

And again, and again, and again...

Yes, there are mad illusory enterprises throughout the book- And jolly fun they are to read - But, like a requiem continually droning in the background, we are given, in Maqroll's reflections, that he is aware exactly how mad and illusory these enterprises are.

Fatalistic literature has never been popular, in America especially, which was founded on principles contrary to it, and where the recurrent mantra is, "You can be anything you want to be." This book shows, time and again, that you can't. It's no wonder Maqroll is enamoured of, among others, the Ancient Greeks.

Summing up, this is a great book because Mutis does the seemingly impossible here, giving us the pleasurable, lilting melodies of the sea yarn and adventure story, all the while beating the steady drumbeat of mortal doom.

As a pre-nursing student, the competition is fierce to get into a program. When I first received these study guides I thought I had paid way too much for what I got and thought the material simplistic. What I found is that 25% to 35% of my test questions were very close to the examples given. If you are a serious student, these guides are another tool in your total study regime. They are not intended to be your ONLY source of study and review. There are no easy ways to learn the Sciences, but these focus on some of the commonly tested areas. I wanted all the resources I could find and it paid off with A's.

As a pre-nursing student, the competition is fierce to get into a program. When I first received these study guides I thought I had paid way too much for what I got and thought the material simplistic. What I found is that 25% to 35% of my test questions were very close to the examples given. If you are a serious student, these guides are another tool in your total study regime. They are not intended to be your ONLY source of study and review. There are no easy ways to learn the Sciences, but these focus on some of the commonly tested areas. I wanted all the resources I could find and it paid off with A's.

This book made studying the Nervous System In Anatomy and Physiology very easy, being that the nervous system is one of the hardest topics to learn. This sudy guide helped me gain the knowledge thoroughly. The questions were thorough and covered all the areas of the nervous system

As a pre-nursing student, the competition is fierce to get into a program. When I first received these study guides I thought I had paid way too much for what I got and thought the material simplistic. What I found is that 25% to 35% of my test questions were very close to the examples given. If you are a serious student, these guides are another tool in your total study regime. They are not intended to be your ONLY source of study and review. There are no easy ways to learn the Sciences, but these focus on some of the commonly tested areas. I wanted all the resources I could find and it paid off with A's.

I think this book was the difference between an A and a B. I liked that it was quick, to the point and relevant.

This is one of the best books I have ever read on the Christian walk. I would highly recommend this book to any new Christians. It is deep without being overwhelming. After reading this book, I immediately began ordering more Ellen White books. I haven't been disappointed with any of them.

Without a doubt, once one has read this gem of a book, it will be confessed that Steps to Christ is one of the Greatest Christian Classics of all time! One of the greatest things that the author, Ellen G. White, has done, is take the complexity out of a relationship with Christ that has been portrayed by too many who do not clearly understand. She shows a clear and steady path that can be followed by any and all who sincerely want to come close to Jesus. Because the author had such a great understanding of what it means to surrender, trust, and to follow Jesus, she is able to give in simple, easy to understand language, step by step guidance to bring the child of God into a life of humility, repentance, forgiveness, prayer, and service! As I was recommended to by my University Professors, to read this book at least once a year for the rest of my life, I have found over and over again deeper and deeper insight to my relationship with Christ, bringing me closer to His desire for me! My hope is that you will pick it up and read it too, that you may know the Sweet Jesus that I have learned of!

This is one of the best Biblically-based books that I have read on the lift of Jesus! I absolutely love it and would highly recommend it to anyone who would like to learn more about Jesus Christ. It's a must buy, in my opinion.

Of Ellen G. White's many astounding books, this is probably her best seller. Literally in the tens-of-millions. A beautiful guide to understanding and personally accepting Jesus Christ and His Grace. The perfect gift for anyone even considering following the Son of God. And despite false accusations from many, after reading her inspired works you'll better understand why she is America's all-time best selling female author, and most widely translated of any gender. A beautiful light to the real Biblical Jesus.

"Steps to Christ" is a wonderful book! If you could just read one book, this would definitely be the best one to read indeed! It brings God's love closer to you than you could ever imagine. It opens your eyes to just how much God really loves you, a love that none of us deserve. This is a must-read classic! I would highly encourage anyone to get this book and read it and pass it on! You'll never be the same. It opens to the heart the great impact of the Gospel and shows the way, the only Way, to salvation-Jesus Christ.

This book is easy to read and understand. It reads like a book, not like a laundry list of signs and symptoms so it's easier to remember concepts. I used this book in conjunction with the PASS CCRN CD. I never used the PASS CCRN book though. I recommend this book to all my colleagues who plan on taking the CCRN. I can't say enough good things about it. I passed the CCRN with the first try.

Both interesting to read and understand. The information is not too in-depth to cause overload but adequately covers each topic. You get what you need.

I would have to say that this is the best CCRN review book out there. It is easily readable, comprehensive, and includes many practice questions to help you determine if you understand, can apply, and can remember the material. I have bought other review books, but unfortunately, they have been in outline forms and not as valuable. They get boring quick too! I have no problems with the little bits of extra infomration included in this book that may or may not be on the exam as it helps you comprehend the other information and serves as a review. I have bought other books that only have questions for review and I must say that I tried some of them without this book and did so so, but not great. After reading the sections of this book, I went back to those questions and others I had not done and did much much, much better, as I had reviewed the information and had a better understanding of the material! I certianly think this is a good book for anyone planning to take the CCRN exam or wishing to brush up and learn more about critical care nursing in general! I definately believe this book is the book I need to help me pass the CCRN. I am planning to take the exam in September- I will leave and update to how I do after! Thanks again for this book.

I too thought that the first chapter was hard to get through--the cardiovascular section is extremely thorough and has quite a bit of information that really isn't addressed on the exam. The remaining chapters, however, were much easier reading, and the explanations are so much better than what I have found in other books. The book also has an extensive collection of practice questions, and while it does not give rationales for the correct answers, it does direct you to where it was covered in the book. I used several resources to study for the exam and this one was by far the most complete. I am currently in a graduate program working on my CCNS and I still use this book all of the time as a reference for my assignments.

I attended AACN's NTI critical care conference in 2007, and had the privilege of attending lectures by Thomas Ahrens. After studying tons of material in preparation for the exam, this was the last book I purchased. It should have been the first and only one I purchased. Ahrens simplifies complex concepts in an interesting manner, and covers material you WILL SEE on the exam. This book was the most helpful resource I utilized! He presents hundreds of scenarios and practice questions, which were priceless when I sat for the exam. I passed the paper-and-pencil, full-length CCRN exam on the first try. Great prep indeed from Ahrens - a valuable and brilliant critical care expert.

Tip: If you want in-depth info (down to the cellular level), try using the "Core Curriculum" from AACN as an added source. Although Ahrens' book is the most in-line with the actual exam, if you desire advanced pathophysiological data, you will require another source.

Wow...words cannot begin to describe this book! A very detailed, and well researched book about one of the greatest female singers ever to grace us with her beautiful voice and music! After reading this book I found myself lost and up in the clouds because I have never, ever been so into A book in all my life. I just wish I was old enough back then to have fully appreciated Cass, The Mamas and Papas, and the music explosion of incredible people, songs, and albums(I was born in 1968). I guess I will have to settle doing it now. I hope Cass knows somehow that she has so many fans who adore her to this day!! It's very sad to think that she's not here today to feel that warmth. Well, I'd like to think she does know, and is smiling at those fans who continue to be touched by her spirit, music, and humor. Some say Michelle was the "Pretty" one in the Mamas And Papas...I honestly have to say, nahhhh. Cass was as beautiful on the outside, and she was on the inside. The only thing I believe I would maybe tell her, if I had meet her back then...I wish, was to stop the drug use. After reading the book, I learned that she was making big steps to clean up that aspect of her life at the time of her death. The drug use would have turned me off for sure, but this was the mid-late 1960's. If you are A new Cass Elliot fan, purchase this book. You will learn so much about her life, and become even A bigger fan. If you are already A huge Cass fan, and don't own this book...you are doing yourself an in-justice. You will also learn new things like I did! Kudos to the author for an incredible treasure! We still miss you Cass!

A thorough, carefully researched biography of the infamous Mama Cass. Through interviews with Cass' family and friends, the author debunks the Ham Sandwich Myth which has been urban legend for years. If you want a detailed biography of this talented woman, this is a great one to start with. Cass never really wanted to be a folk-rock/pop singer; she was a Broadway Baby and her love was Broadway musicals. But without her, The Mamas & The Papas would not have had the success they did have in the 1960's, in my opinion. Her larger-than-life figure and personality, plus her knockout voice really made that group.

I like the book I recemend it to anyone who is a mama and papas fan

This book was very good, but it was sad to find out how really pathetic these talented people were. John Philips was the worst of the group, what a egotistical and controlling as*hole! I was totally blown away by the actions of this famous group! I understand that this was the 60's , but not everyone was doing drugs and laying around stone out of their minds. Cass Elliott brags that she dropped acid 5 times during her pregnancy and her daughter turned out perfectly normal! She was considered a "good" mother by her friends?!! (I have to wonder what her daughter really thinks about that.) To me, being very talented is not an excuse for being irresponsible. I'm glad I read this book, It was a real eye-opener about who the Mama's and the Papa's really were.If you Love this group you HAVE to read this.

My mom went to Forest Park High School in Baltimore. Cass Elliot went there also. There is a picture of her in my mom's yearbook, 1959....Who knew? Love you Cass, always have, always will!!!