Fiction Books


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Fiction Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Fiction
Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Published in Paperback by Yearling (1993-01-01)
Author: Sook Nyul Choi
List price: $5.99
New price: $1.93
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

My 3rd Quarter Book Report
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-27
This book is about a 10 year old girl named Sookan and she lives with her mother, grandfather,aunt, and little brother. They live in North Korea in 1945. Her and her mother and aunt work in a sock factory for the Japanese soliders in World War II. They had a Captain Narita and he came by and it was her sister's birthday and mother went to go get a book from older sister at the convent. Mother gave it to her and Captain Narita told his men to destroy it. Sookan's mother can't even have a garden or else Captain Narita will have his men step on them. Her father is in the military and her sister is in a convent. Also, her older brothers were sent away tp labor camps. The war ends and the Japanese lose. The Russions take over North Korea and brainwash them into loving Russia, so Sookan and her brother must go to South Korea because she thinks that her dad and older brothers and sister are waiting for them. She hopes she will find freedom in South Korea. I think that is really sad to not have your father around or older brothers and to have to work in the sock factory. Also, I liked how her and her brother stood side by side. This book is a Fantasy book and the theme is Fictional.

KCS - Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-24
Sookan is a 10-year old girl living in Korea in 1945. The Japanese have taken over and force communist ideas and laws onto the Koreans. Each day, Captain Narita inspects the house and backyard. Their backyard holds a shack that is used for sock-making. The sock-girls would work day and night trying to meet their quotas. Koreans are deprived of rice and money. The children, including Sookan and her brother Inchun, have to attend a very strict Japanese run school. When the Japanese leave, the Koreans rejoice, but are shortly taken over by the Russians. Things begin to get worse, and Sookan, with her mother and brother, try desperately to escape to the South where the Americans are.

This historical fiction book takes you along the incredible journey of 2 children as they take drastic forms of lifestyles to earn the freedom they deserve. The beginning of this book started out slow, but took fast pace when the Russians were introduced. The author has a wonderful writing style that truly makes you feel like you are part of the story, especially near the end. This is my favorite book and I recommend it to everybody of all ages. Do not miss out on this surprisingly realistic journey.

World War II in Korea
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-10
Sookan is ten years old, living in Korea with her mother, grandfather, aunt, cousin, and little brother. World War II is going on and things are very hard in Korea. The Japanese forces are in control of their country and they treat the Korean people like slaves in their own home, making them give up all valuables to help the Japanese army, putting them to work making clothing for the Japanese and sending the children to schools where they make weapons and learn propaganda about the Japanese army. More than anything, Sookan wishes she were with her father, her older sister or her three older brothers, who are all far away. Her father is working with the resistance forces, her brothers have been taken away to labor camps and her sister is in a convent.

Then after what seems like an eternity of being at war and under Japanese control, the war is over and the Japanese have lost. Sookan and her family think that things will be much better now, but then they find that their country has been divided into two parts. Rather than being helped by the Americans as they'd hoped, they are instead under Russian control, and the Russians seem determined to brainwash everyone into loving Russia. They make everyone go to meetings to show their support and those in authority are constantly looking for traitors. It becomes clear to Sookan's mother that they need to get to South Korea where the Americans are, and where she expects Sookan's father and brothers may be waiting for them. But will Sookan and her little brother be able to make the journey to safety?

I liked the descriptions of what life in Korea was like during the war. It's hard to imagine what was going on in other countries when we mostly hear about what was happening in our country. I also liked the interaction between Sookan and her brother. They were really nice to each other and probably wouldn't have made it without each other's help.

It was sad to read about the lives of the Koreans during the war; it sounds like such a horrible way for anyone to spend a childhood.

Surprisingly Engaging and Beautifully Written
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-12
You MUST read this book and the two other books by Choi-Echoes of White Giraffe & Gathering of Pearls. All three books are written from Sookan's perspective, as she grows up in the midst of the Japanese occupation, the war and in America, as a foreign college student. Aside from the cultural issues, as well as historic issues, the plot flows very well. The stories are very personal & honest. I really enjoyed these books and I know that when my kids, ages 5 and 9, get a little older, they will also. These are enjoyable and educational stories.

Book Review on The Year of Impossible
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-13
The Year of Impossible Goodbyes is written by Sook Nyul Choi. The book is 169 pages in length. It is about a girl named Sookan who lives in Korea during World War II. At this time, Korea is under control of the Japanese. Sookan and her family are being suppressed by the Japanese. Sookan's mother is a supervisor at a sock factory. But, the workers at the sock factory were sent away to the war, forcing Sookan's mother to close down the factory. Then, Sookan is sent to a Japanese school, where she learns about Japan and nothing else. But soon after, the war ends! Freedom at last! Sookan and her family rejoice! But neither the rest of their family nor the sock girls have returned. Sookan is worried. Also, to make things worse, Russia took over North Korea, and they again are suppressed. But, after a couple of attempts, she and her family make it to liberated South Korea!
Sookan is kind, loving, compassionate, smart child. She takes care of others and has an unbroken spirit. She is resolute and determined.
Sookan faces many conflicts throughout this book. First, she hates her enemies, the Japanese, who have been occupying her country for many years. She is taught not to hate; yet she is unable to suppress these feelings. Sookan knows that if she spoke what is on her mind, her whole family could be executed. Luckily, she is mature enough to realize this and keeps her emotions to herself.
Another of Sookan's conflicts is her attempt to escape from northern Korea. She gets separated from her mother at the passport checkpoint and is left with caring for her younger brother. Sookan is ten years old and has neither currency nor provisions. She is by herself. Escaping is very risky and life hostile. Sookan and her brother stay alive on their own and make it to South Korea; where they are reunited with their family.
Finally, the Japanese occupying Korea is another conflict Sookan has to face. The Japanese suppress Sookan's family, forcing them to do Japan's bidding. The Japanese police take their belongings to help in the war effort and force Sookan's mother to supervise a sock factory. Sookan's patience helped her wait out the war.
The author uses the reoccurring theme of determination in her novel. An example of this theme is when Sookan gets divided from her mother at the identification checkpoint and is left with caring for her youthful sibling. Sookan is ten years old and has no money or food. She is on her own. Escaping is very dangerous and life threatening. Sookan and her brother manage to survive on their own and finally reach South Korea, where they are reunited with her family. This shows determination because she is only ten in an unknown world. She has no money and has to take care of her younger brother.
Another example of the determination theme occurs at the beginning of the story. The Japanese suppress Sookan's family, forcing them to do Japan's bidding. In fact, the Japanese police take their belongings to help in the war effort and force Sookan's mother to supervise a sock factory. Still, Sookan's patience helped her wait out the war. This shows determination because she does not give up her life and try to run away, but is patient.
The style of novel is very unique. Author Sook Choi writes in first person view and adds very smooth sentences. Most of her sentences are like this,"Listening to this boy was as refreshing as diving into a cool stream". In this sentence she uses many descriptive words and there was no comma to slow it down. Choi's sentences are both short and long. Many authors use only one kind of sentence. This is what makes this novel and author unique.
The plot, characters, theme, and style are all good, which makes this book really fun to read. It's filled with adventures and many other thrilling topics. This book is great for most ages. I recommend this book to whoever loves adventure!


Fiction
The Alley of Wishes
Published in Kindle Edition by Dandelion Books (2008-07-06)
Author: Laurel Johnson
List price: $11.00
New price: $8.80

Average review score:

Five Stars is not enough!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-21
Ms. Johnson's book, The Alley of Wishes deserves five stars for her character development, story line and romantic drama and an additional five stars for her poetic writing style which totally engages the reader in this most poignant story of two people broken by war and life. I read Ms. Johnson's Grass Dance several years ago and hoped there would be more wonderful prose coming from this exceptionally talented writer. I wasn't disappointed and you won't be either.

A hero to die for!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-12
It isn't often that readers fall in love with a book's protagonist before reading chapter one, but that was the case for me with Beck Sanow in THE ALLEY OF WISHES. The author's description in the book's dedication of how Beck came to be in her imagination was enough to establish a permanent place for him in my heart, and he never once disappointed me throughout the story.

The story of Beck and his wounded French songbird Cerise is written in Laurel Johnson's poetic style that reads like a sonnet to her readers. Theirs is a love that transcends the horrors of war, the savagery of evil men, and the debilitating sorrow of losing a piece of one's heart. The amazing thing is how the reader is left with an enduring sense of hope and joy even after enduring so much heartache with the characters, and that can be attributed to the author's gift for lyrical storytelling.

My only complaint is that Beck's parents and their own love story aren't introduced until near the book's end, because I wanted to experience it firsthand as I did their son's. I guess I'll have to hope for a prequel as well as a sequel to this unforgettable book.

Loved This One!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-23
The Alley Of Wishes is just one of those books you never want to end! I loved everything about this story and think most readers will agree with me! Buy it today. You'll be glad you did!

A book you will want to read and reread again and again,
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-16
A friend gave me her copy of "The Alley of Wishes," to take along with me on my flight overseas. Reading this wonderful story made the long flight seems like only moments in the air. I loved this story and am thrilled to have found a new writer that I enjoy and will now go in search of more books by Ms. Johnson.

A Must Read Romance!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-20
Laurel Johnson, is a beautiful woman as well as a beautiful writer...SUCH A TALENT! ~ I have been a fan of this fantastic writer since her first book, "Grass Dance." Ms. Johnson has a way with words that make her stories come alive...so alive in fact that the characters she writes about seem to jump out of the book and come to life in front of the readers eyes. "The Alley of Wishes," by super-writer Laurel Johnson is a book I know you won't want to miss...not in this lifetime anyway! (Highest Recommendation!)

V~

Fiction
Angel of Hope
Published in Unknown Binding by Perfection Learning Prebound (2000-01)
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
List price: $11.19
New price: $11.19
Used price: $11.18

Average review score:

great
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-13
This book is about a rich girl who goes to africa or its about this girl named misty nobody likes read and you decide.

Well written and very sweet
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-15
After reading the first book in this series, I couldnt wait to read about Ambers story. I felt a lot like Amber, she doesnt know what she wants to do with her life after high school. I enjoyed the way that she grew throughout the story and know that her future held something bigger then she thought possable. This is a series that all Lurlene fans will want to read. Not only does this book talk about a world that most people never hear about, but it shows young woman that its ok to learn to spread your wings and fly. I truly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more book by this author.

*Touched*
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-15
Angel of Hope, talks about Heather dying. Her sister, Amber has decided to go on her journey and follow her sister`s shadow on her way to Uganda. She meets the most wonderful thing in her life, courage and love. Its an amazing book! Now, it`s been three weeks since I`ve read it, and yet I think about it everyday and keep on thinking about the special quotes Lurlene had put in this dramatic and romantic book. I`m currently reading "How I love thee" and the three stories stored inside, are the ones that you will never forget in your life. :) Lurlene McDaniel is the best author ever!

ONE OF HER BEST!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-25

Angel of Hope by Lurlene McDaniel is a great book if you like a romantic adventure. Lurlene McDaniel has written many books but I personally think this is one of her best. This is a wonderful book. I didn't want to put it down until I was finished reading it. It is a spectacular book about a young girl, Amber, who goes to Africa because her sister Heather became very ill and couldn't go back. She meets the people that Heather talked so greatly about from her trip on the Mercy Ship. Africa isn't at all what amber thought it out to be. She stayed with Paul and Jodene as Heather did on her trip. Amber soon met Boyce Callahan he was there working on a project. They quickly became friends. But is Amber ready for what Africa has in store for her next?

Just Beautiful Review
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-25
Heather Barlow, the main character in Angel of Mercy, was back from Africa as a missoionary, and was trying to readjust to the big Miami lifestyle she used to be acustomed to. Although she was happy to return home to her family, she could not forget about losing her beloved Ian, or about little baby Alice, the child that she rescued that needed surgery. Heather was so sad to leave, nothing could detour her mind from returning, so she talks her mkom into returning with her, this would help because her mom is a surgeon. Her mother decides to go. A week before they leave Heather becomes ill, Amber her sister found her lying in a pool of blood on their bathroom floor. Heather's plans are then shattered because the doctor orders to stay in bed for at least two weeks. Seeing how upset her siter is about being away from Africa, Amber decides to take her place. When Amber arrives in Africa, she has no clue what to expect or what fate has in store for her.........
I loved this book, I loved the fact that it touched me so much. I cried reading the very end of it. I never expected what happened to happen because until the end it had you guessing. On a scale of 1-5 stars i would give it a 10, it was absoluetly beautiful!

Fiction
Ann Likes Red
Published in Library Binding by Putnam Pub Group Library (2001-10-01)
Authors: Dorothy Z. Seymour and Dorothy Jane Mills
List price: $5.05
Used price: $20.22

Average review score:

family mantra
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-28
I read Ann Likes Red so many times to my daughters, that it became a family mantra. Mashed potatoes Susan? No, Ann likes red! she would reply. Stringed beans, Emilie? No! Ann likes red. Imagine my surprise to find that the book is still available through Amazon, and that others loved it as much as we did.

Wonderful Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-07
This was my youngest daughter first book and we read it over and over. Now I am getting it for my granddaughter. Can't wait to read it to her over and over.

Ann likes Red--republished
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-07
this is a republished version of the original story from 1965. It looks JUST LIKE the old one and 5 year old daughter LOVES it as much as me and my sister! Thanks for bringing back such an oldie but goodie!

LOVE IT
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-13
Like the others, this was my favorite book as a little girl. I serched for it approx. 7 years ago when I had a daughter with no luck.
A wonderful easy reader!
I purchased 2, one for me and one to give my mother as a gift (she loved it as well!)

A Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-27
I can't believe this book is still in print. This was the first book I could ever "read". Of course, I couldn't really read it, but I had it completely memorized :). I still do. I like Red, Red, red! What great memories.

Fiction
Biting the Sun
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (2000-05)
Author: Tanith Lee
List price: $15.25
New price: $15.25

Average review score:

I loved this book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-23
This is one of my favorite books. It is a fantastically-told tale of spiritual malaise in a hedonistic utopia.

(Warning: spoilers!)
In a idealized, futuristic world, humans live in cities under fabulous domes where robots cater to their needs. Adolescence in the domed cities typically lasts for half a century, or more, and the life of a single individual might span centuries, until the soul becomes weary of living and voluntarily requests "personality dissolution," which is not even death, but a kind of deferred reincarnation. Young people in this world are encouraged to indulge in all manner of hedonistic activities, and even suicide is mostly recreational, as new bodies are routinely custom-made for everyone. Gender can be changed on a whim, and it is not unusual for inhabitants of the cities to request bodies with wings, or fur, or bodies monstrous in appearance. In this world, senses can be distorted for pleasure, dreams can be ordered up, and work is virtually non-existent.

This book tells the story of a young girl who has every experience, and every object she could ever desire - and who is profoundly unsatisfied. She begins her quest for meaning by denying that pleasure and safety are the goals of life, moves on to breaking the taboos of her culture, and ends up leaving the magnificent life of the cities behind for good. Her life as a member of a community of exiles in the desert is harsh and terrifying at times, but it is also filled with meaning and deeper joys than the ones she knew before.

The book ends on an optimistic note, with the human spirit asserting itself against the protectionist and machine forces which seek to oppress it - by which I mean all those busybody, paternalistic robots that make up the city's "Committee." Thought-provoking, entertaining and highly recommended.

All-Time Favorite, to be sure!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-21
I was having the most stressful four months of my life, and every time I picked up this book, I was instantly transported to the no-responsibilities, no-danger, money-free, superficially-gorgeous, pleasure-dedicated, high-tech world I imagined could solve all my own problems, and then entertainingly placed into the mind of our nameless, i'm-not-taking-your-bull-crap, teenage protagonist, who proved to have more guts and dreams than anyone that knew her could have imagined.

For anyone who has felt trapped and restless, who has fought depression by means of the external world, and has failed attempt after attempt, the beginning of this story will ring all too true, but through her self-discovery, you, the reader, will embark on an increasingly epic journey and find that society does not make who you are, or anyone else with true heart.

In the second half of "Biting the Sun", she showed me the beauty of OUR world, which I was not expecting. I will not dare to explain that, because that aspect more than any other in this book, I believe, is best solely left to the interpretation of the reader. ;)

If you are interested in all of this... and the human condition!... then you should give this book a go!!! This 1st person writing style is quick and easy, almost immaturely & confusingly so sometimes, but that's just another off-beat quality that makes this book so grand -- the protagonist is a teenager, and this is the future, so what the heck? It fits!

This is my first Tanith Lee book ever. There is so much I love about this book --- the language, the pictures it makes in my head, the setting, some incredibly inspiring quotes among so much that is vague --- that I cannot imagine another of her books topping this off, but I hear that this is one of her early works, so c'mon, surprise me some more Tanith Lee!!!

wow!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-20
Lee really gets you into this book. Set in a time when dying holds no consequence since you can come back and design a new body and when you can design your own dreams, one young jang girl rebels. Tired of the same thing she tries at first to move up a stage to an older person when that fails she tries at working. She tries all things from digging up artifacts in the desert to making a child and breaks the few rules that the society had set and ends up being thrown from civilization for killing another person against their will. Ready to experience new things she starts her own garden in the desert and oasis of freedom she was exiled to where she can live and be happy until others want that same freedom and the society she was desperate to escape from starts meddling its way back into her life.
Good book, had romance, adventure, fantasy, I loved it. It was long though (I read it in one sitting) so don't buy it if you'll just read a page every other day that really takes away from the story.

My First Experience With SF/Fantasy
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-21
I've seen most reviewers class this as SF - but I'd put it in the fantasy section. Other reviewers have given you excellent information on the content of the collection of two novels. I read Drinking Sapphire Wine first as a teenager (my FIRST SF/Fantasy experience)and it's great as a stand alone novel. Reading Don't Bite the Sun gave me the background to understand the heroine/hero's (as you can switch body genders!) actions and why she/he chose instead of PD (where your personality is wiped and you "return" as a child to "utopia"). I identified with the main character, who's name is never mentioned in either novel, as she/he was a loner as I was and still am to most extent and saw the world in a different light than others as well as had a love for pets, archaeology and the desert. I admit to having read this book over and over and over and still enjoy it today as an adult, along with the Sliver Metal Lover these are my favorite novels from Tanith Lee's great volume of work. When I was a teen I indoctrinated my friends to these novels and we used the Jang slang in our everyday language and notes. My first copies were LOST by a friend who SAID they were stolen out of his locker - HA! I don't BELIVE it. He was either obsessed with me (which he outgrew and married a lovely lady) and wanted my property or didn't want to buy his own copies to read and read! Along with the SF of body and sex changes there is the background of human emotions, which have been squashed to only "good" emotions by hypnoschool, revealing some of the darker emotions of the characters and love which will endure the ages. Exiles from the four Bee's, the main character and her/his friends/lovers and followers and some desert animals struggle to make an existence outside the dome - which except for a little android sabotage (AGAINST their programing!), turns out to be a better life than in the cities and the main characters find true love instead of having love of the domes. Would I read this again - yes I have - over and over.

Familiar theme, done in a totally new way
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-09
I was surprised that no one saw the connection between the theme of this book and the theme with Dostoevsky's "The Underground Man". Whereas Dostoevsky takes the idea that man is inherently lazy, selfish, and easily bored and illustrates it in subtle ways in what was the present for him, Tanith Lee basically magnifies everything Dostoevsky has to say in a way that you can't ignore it, and puts it waaaaay into the future.

For those of you who haven't read Dostoevsky, as it isn't common with teenage sci-fi lovers, Dostoevsky was basically a conservative in the 1800s when communism was just begining in Russia. Russian communists beleived that through communism, man would live in a paradise, with all needs met, and do work for the sake of work and his love for his neighbor. Communism placed way too much trust in the goodness of human beings. Dostoevsky knew that no matter what, humans would never be content with what they had, and "The Underground Man" was a sort of warning against this idea.

Anyways, Tanith Lee understood all of this, and in her book takes us into a future where everything runs on the power of human emotion, and the need for human workers has completely vanished. Because human emotion is vital to make the city run, humans are encouraged to indulge in their every whim, to unleash all their restraints and do whatever it is they beleive will produce emotions within themselves--happiness being the preffered emotion, for when one is happy one does not question or think or ask for more. Death cannot touch the citizens. You can do anything you want without risk.

Initially, the reader may be confused, because the psychology of the citizens seem reversed. They actually enjoy in some way feeling unhappy, but soon the reader realizes why--in a world where you are pampered and all your desires met, the only way one can really feel anything is to experience a bit of dissappointment.

Anyways. It's a fabulous book, a good introduction to these deeper questions of humanity for the seeking teenager, but I think readers of all ages might enjoy it, if one can only relax themselves into the story and put their faith in the author.

Fiction
Bleach, Volume 1
Published in Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (2004-06)
Author: Tite Kubo
List price: $16.95
New price: $14.22

Average review score:

Vol 1: Strawberry and the Soul Reapers
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-27
(from the back of the book)

Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn't change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and member of the mysterious Soul Society. While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who displey phychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family; but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy. Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits and, along with Rukia-who is slowly regaining her powers-it's Ichigo's job to protect the innocent from Hollows and help the spirits themselves find peace.

I recomend trying this book out, one of my favorite manga books!

You can also watch Bleach the TV series on [adult swim]

Welcome to the shadow world...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-20
Ghosts are everywhere. Ichigo Kurosaki knows this because he can see ghosts. But his life takes a huge change when he runs into Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, and he learns about the spirit world. In fact he joins it to protect his family. For the first volume it packs a lot of details, setting up the world within the book and the characters who live within it.

Good concept
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
I really enjoyed to whole concept of this series. This book does a good job in setting it up.

bleach 1
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-17
the first bleach book, it takes you into a fantasy world that is impossible to put down.

Death and a strawberry
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-19
Ichigo "Strawberry" Kurosaki is just your average teenage boy... except that he can see spirits wherever he goes. Ghosts, evil spirits, accident victims, all kinds.

So it's not exactly surprising that he gets involved in wild, dangerous adventures, at the start of the humorous, action-packed "Bleach." Since this is just the first volume, Tite Kubo's art and plotting experience some basic growing pangs, but the stories are fast-paced, amusing and sometimes incredibly poignant. And the spiky-haired Ichigo has the makings of a great manga hero.

One night a strange girl appears in Ichigo's bedroom, and is shocked when he can see her. She explains that she's a Soul Reaper, who helps the dead pass on to the Soul Society (a sort of afterlife... thing), and purifies evil spirits called Hollows.

But when Rukia is injured in a fight with a Hollow, all her powers are transferred to Ichigo -- and with them, the responsibility of killing Hollows all over his town. Ichigo is not enthusiastic about his new role, but he can't pass up the opportunity to help innocent spirits. And he finds out that it isn't easy juggling his new responsibilities with his everyday life -- especially since the powerless Rukia is now attending his school in a fake body, and living in his closet.

Even worse, his extra duties with Hollows are affecting his friends. First pretty, flaky Orihime is stalked by a Hollow she is very familiar with -- someone who was closer to her than anyone else. And Ichigo's enormous, mostly-silent pal Chad is given a "cursed parakeet," and immediately dangerous things start happening to him -- what is the parakeet's "curse," why is a Hollow pursing Chad, and why does his new pet seem to be intelligent?

The first volume of a manga series is usually the bumpiest ride, since the author/artist is busy introducing the characters and the main storyline. So it's not surprising that "Bleach's" first volume has a few bumps in the road, especially in the first couple chapters -- getting Ichigo into the whole Soul Reaper situation, introducing about half of the main cast, and to the whole worldview of this particular series. Things get much more complex later on, but at this point Kubo is just laying out the groundwork.

The artwork is also rather sketchy in the first few chapters -- Ichigo looks almost prepubescent and a bit thuggish in the first chapter, and the action panels look abrupt. Fortunately by the time Orihime's storyline rolls around, Kubo's art has settled into a smoother, more even style -- if still a bit rough around the edges.

Primarily this is an action manga, with lots of monster-slaying with swords (in Ichigo's case, a freakishly huge one) and a complex battle between Ichigo and a grief-maddened Hollow. But Kubo fills these scenes with a sense of pathos, such as Chad's fondness for the little parakeet, or Orihime's fond memories of her older brother, who saved her as a baby from their horrible parents.

Don't worry, there are a lot of comedic moments too -- Rukia's awful drawing skills, Ichigo playing baseball with pepper bombs, and Ichigo's kooky classmates and family. Not to mention Chad's quiet explanations ("Yesterday... I collided with a motorcycle").

This is our first introduction to the various characters, but Ichigo "Strawberry" is a pretty good hero, albeit in the mold of most action-anime heroes -- rough, fight-prone, determinedly lonerish, but very good-hearted. He doesn't want to go out and just be heroic, but he can't pass up a person who needs his help. The smart, prickly Rukia and sweetly flaky Orihime round out the cast, although gentle giant Chad hasn't been explored much yet.

The first volume of Tite Kubo's "Bleach" is a warmup for the bestselling series, but Kubo really hits his stride -- with art and story -- in the second half. Definitely worth getting, if nothing else to acquaint you with the world of the Soul Reapers.

Fiction
The Book of Nod
Published in Paperback by White Wolf Publishing (1995-12-01)
Authors: Sam Chupp and David D. Gragert
List price: $10.95
New price: $59.95
Used price: $10.00
Collectible price: $69.95

Average review score:

book of nod
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-02
thare is no real story to speek of its more a colection of WoD historys and myths but thows not into the "world od darkness" may not want to or nead to read this but its still intresting

classic liturature well illustrated
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-15
well illustrated version of the classic liturature to those who dont read anything befor the 16th century, informative the parts "left out of the bible" or taken ut. good read tok me less than2 hours
if any one knows of a better version of this book let me know
Still G

Great tool for any Vampire game
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-05
This is quite an enjoyable book. The Chronicle of Caine is complimented with Beckett's alternate theory of Clan Caine and Clan Abel. The Chronicle of Shadows is full of wonderful quotes a Noddist character could recite. And the Chronicle of Secrets is perfect for bringing about Gehenna. But while this book is worth buying, I just want to point out two problems with it that bothered me.

The first is that "The Tale of the First City" goes from pages 46-55, and has only one footnote throughout it. Some scholarly insights would have been useful. The second is minor, but worth correcting. On page 53, substitute the name Giovanni with Cappadocian. The Giovanni clan came long after the Cappadocian clan, and were not a part of the original Antidiluvians.

Otherwise, this is a wonderful source book and a good read as well. I highly recommend it to storytellers for Vampire: the Masquerade.

Great read. A little short
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-02
Exactly like as the title says. It is a great read, but unfortunately the book will leave you wanting for more.
The Book of Nod presents the history of the vampires as thought for Vampire:The Masquerade. This novel can be enjoyed even by those that are not familiar with the Masquerade setting and other novels. It offers the big picture, explains how the vampires came to be, has great quotes and "commandments", if you will, that vampires are supposed to live by. You will understand the vampire clans and what their traits are and the reader is bound to have a favorite one out of the bunch.

Awesome little book.
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-20
This little book was made to be a resource for the Vampire Masquerade game but it can definitely be read and enjoyed by fans who have no idea what Vampire Masquerade even is.

This short book, which can be read in like 30-60 minutes, shows the origins of the vampires, and their sects, and shows their 'fall from grace' from heaven and why they were shunned by all.

And while the book might be extremely short in length, the build quality easily makes up for that. There are wonderful drawings, indexes, and footnotes litered throughout the book. And the silver lined pages, attached cloth bookmark, and smooth hardcover scream quality like no other.

This book is a must read for any vampire or horror fan who wants to learn a bit more on vampire history and their origin.

Fiction
Childish Things
Published in Paperback by Vanilla Heart Publishing (2009-01-01)
Author: Brian Naranjo
List price: $13.95
New price: $13.95

Average review score:

What goes through the mind of every new recruit...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-30
Childish Things by Brian Naranjo portrays the thoughts and memories of what goes through every kid's head that is about to depart the civilian world and enter the demanding duties of the military. While reading this book all I could think about was how well I could relate to the main character, Kevin, and what exactly he was going through in his hotel. And even to Eugene, Kevin's cousin and best friend, and the all the crazy plots he thought of.

If you enjoy books that make you laugh, gasp, and even make you tear up, I highly suggest this book to you. It is one of those books that you pick up, and never put down. And once you finish it you want to read it again.

Wonderful book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-10
I absolutely loved the book. I couldn't stop reading it. I loved the story, it made me feel like I was a kid again along with the characters in all their adventures. I highly recommend this book.

Wonderful
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-04
Once I got home with the book I couldn't put it down. Although it's supposed to be fiction, the author's emotions come through loud and clear and I believe he is writing from the heart. The book is so descriptive of young boys lives and the deep bond that exist between them. Tremendous effort for a first time author. Highly recommend the book to everyone.

Page Turner
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-04
What a great book.! This book is a real page turner. You will not want to put it down once you begin reading it. I could actually see with my minds eye, all of fun, trouble, and pranks they were doing. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to laugh or cry tears of happiness. Thank you Brian, for sharing your cousin's life events with us.

God Bless you as you continue your career in the U.S. Navy.

The best first novel I've ever read
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-18
Simply put, I think this is the best first novel I've ever read.

I don't know just how autobiographical the book is, but it certainly matches what I and a lot of men went through at one time in our young lives. Even though Mr. Naranjo is young enough to be my kid, I had the same feelings, the same thoughts, the same fears.

It's a coming of age story. Specifically it's the story of a young man who is leaving home for essentially the first time and going off to Navy.

As I've grown older I recognize just how well the military understands young men. Of course they've been working on the problem since the Greeks invented the phalanx a couple of thousand years ago.

This story is not about military training, it's about young men. The author understands them as well as does the military, and he writes with clarity and understanding that the military does not.

Highly recommended.

Fiction
Dancing with Rose
Published in Kindle Edition by Viking (2007-05-31)
Author: Lauren Kessler
List price: $24.95
New price: $9.99

Average review score:

Great story very real
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18
I would give this book 4 1/2 stars if it was available. This story was moving and funny all at once. I just thought it was a little long. It gives you a real inside look at Alzheimer's and you see that even in the midst of their dieses they have a life and are still people. I really enjoyed getting to know the people of Maplewood. This is a great story for anyone who is dealing with or knows someone or has an interest in Alzheimer's.

A Must Read for those in Long Term Care
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-14
"Dancing with Rose" is neither mystery nor animated action story, but for those of us in long term care, it is definitely a page turner. Lauren Kessler's warm approach takes one inside the hearts and minds of the staff, families and the residents of Maplewood. One can only imagine that long after reading this book, Kessler must still be visiting the residents, who became more like family. This book validates why those of who continue to work in long term care are there and will be there every day.

Best Book on Altzheimers yet
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-29
When I was told my Mother had early stage altzheimers I was at sea. I bought three books on the subject and while each had a different "slant" for those who are watching this terrible disease they were very helpful in finding out what was happening and what I could expect. This book, tho but everything into human terms. It is a companion book to "Learning to Speak Altheizmers" . I highly recommend this book to anyone who is trying to learn more about what happens to a family member as they go on this journey.

Very moving memoir
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-15
This book really touched me in many, many ways. From the personal level, the relating to Lauren's job, and in the residents that Lauren took care of. Sometimes I had to put the book down from a few minutes--to a few hours to allow me time to reflect. Thank you Lauren for sharing your experiences with us the reader. I look at Alzheimer's disease in a better, deeper way then before I read this book. :)

Perfect pitch
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-12
This author took a job as a caregiver in an Alzheimer's facility with the idea of working through her relationship with her mother, who suffered with the disease, and writing a memoir that would help others understand people with the disease and the system caring for them. As a psychologist and daughter of a man with Alzheimer's, I would say she did a wonderful job with both.

If you have elderly parents or are getting older (and who are we kidding, aren't we all?), this is must-read. A touching, heartbreaking look into the world of dementia care facilities and a wake-up call for all of us about our futures as we age.

Fiction
Daughters of the Moon #8: Possession (Daughters of the Moon)
Published in Hardcover by Hyperion Book CH (2002-09-02)
Author: Lynne Ewing
List price: $9.99
New price: $1.44
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Possession (Daughters of the Moon book 8)
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-15
I love this book. It is one of my favs. out of all 13 books

one of the best books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-11
i have read all of the daughter of the moon books several times
they are all totaly awesome.serena is getting possessed she is not acting like her self.you will not regret readingthese books i've allready gotten friends to read the books and one of my teachers wanted to read it!!!!!!!!!!

awesome !
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-12
i thought this book was amazing ! it was so good but it was also really sad with stanton...i think serena is just so cool and i lyk that she has that dark side which cna keep her with stanton

oooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-30
This book was good. We find out in the end that Serena has a 3rd choice, unlike the other Daughters. You have to read the book becasue I am not telling you what it is. This book is also revloving around Serena and Stanton again. Hopefully thought her next one won't be.

Daughters of the Moon: Possession-Book#8; By: Lynne Ewing
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-14
Payasa


Possession was an AWSOME book, like all of the other Daughter of the Moon books! It was about a girl named Serena who can read minds. All of her friends have powers too. She was running away from Jerome, a boy who has a total crush on Serena, but she tottaly hates him, and she bumps into this old lady who gives her some potion stuff. She wakes up hours later and walks home, but a black Lexus follows her. She went to sleep with an awful headache. She wakes up to find herself in the kitchen with words writen in her own blood'"YOU'RE NOT ALONE ANYMORE". Her friend, Catty's, mom invited them to read the future in a coffee cup, and she saw snakes, which means "an enemy has come to visit". Serena gets spaces in time where she can't remember anything. She starts to get really freaked. She finds the old woman and she is able to undo the curse by fighting the followers that the old woman is leading along with Lambart.This is a great book and I highly recomend it for readers that have read the rest of the series because it just gets better with every book. For those who haven't read any other books in the series, I recomend it if you like present day fantasy based in Los Angeles.


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