Readers Books

I love the Harry Potter series, but I was unsure of the audiobooks. Jim Dale really brings J.K. Rowling's books to life. He doesn't read--he performs. I would recommend them to anyone!

The first time I picked up this book, the first in the Harry Potter series, it was with great hesitation. Firstly, it had been a few years since I had done much reading for pleasure, so I was out of practice. Secondly, and more importantly, I had heard a great deal of hype about the series in the media, which automatically made me feel that the books were probably overrated--and I didn't want to be disappointed. In the end, around the same time the film version of this book was released, two of my close friends convinced me to give the series a try, and lent me the first book, which I read shortly thereafter.

Within a week, I had purchased and read the rest of the series (at the time, books 1-4), and was itching with anticipation for book 5. I have since purchased and read the entire series, and just recently decided to reread them all in one go.

So what makes Harry Potter so magical? For me, it was the bare simplicity of the central premise of the series that drew me in instantly. Who hasn't dreamed of having some magical powers to spice up life a bit? Not that magical powers are unique to Harry Potter; far from it, in fact. But it's much harder to really relate to grand tales of epic battles in faraway, long ago kingdoms like Tolkein's Middle Earth or so many others that have followed. What Harry Potter touches is that little daydreaming part inside of us that believes that maybe magic could be real... that it might exist right alongside us in our own "real" world.

Book 1 (The Sorcerer's Stone) will always have a special place in my heart, as it really was the book that brought me back to reading (as stated above). It is imaginative, fun, and has splashes of humor throughout. It introduces many lovable characters who will be with us throughout the series, and does a brilliant job of setting up our journey. It has a comparatively light feel (the later books get progressively darker, without question), but still keeps the reader engaged with elements of mystery and rivalry to generate conflict. And, unlike some of the later books, it is a quick read.

There are, I admit, a few times when one must employ the willing suspension of disbelief (lest the grown witches and wizards of the story seem horribly inept), but otherwise, it is a charming story and a great introduction to the journey ahead. I give it 5 stars, even though it is not my favorite in the series, mostly because this one drew me in so effectively and made me want to read the rest.

What is there to say about this book. All of the books in the series were very good. Unfortunately, I loaned this one to a "friend". Had to replace it as I have them all in hardback.

Writing a review on the first Harry Potter book seems superfluous, as it must surely be one of the most reviewed books in the history of literature.

I will therefore refrain (more or less) from summarizing the story, and instead compare my first reading to my recent re-reading of the book.

In my first reading, I met a boy called Harry, who was the quintessential "uncool kid." He grew up at his aunt and uncle's because his parents were supposedly killed in a car crash when he was a baby. That was at least what Aunt and Uncle Dursley told him. Harry was the uncool kid both at home and at school, hence constantly jumping from the frying pan into the fire. At home, "the Dursleys often spoke about Harry (...) as though he wasn't there--or rather, as though he was something very nasty that couldn't understand them, like a slug." Their spoiled son, Dudley, also did his best to bully Harry around. And at school, "Harry had no one. Everybody knew that Dudley's gang hated that odd Harry Potter in his baggy old clothes and broken glasses, and nobody liked to disagree with Dudley's gang."

Hence, when Hogwarts' half-giant gamekeeper told Harry that he was a wizard, he could hardly believe it. And when Harry stepped through the Leaky Cauldron onto Diagon Alley, everything was new and exciting. He had not had the slightest clue that such a world existed; accordingly he saw everything through the eyes of an amazed and hungry learner.

And since I as the reader always walked by Harry's side, I, too, had this "sense of awe." Together with Harry, I marveled at Gringotts Bank and its goblins, the power of the magic wands, the magic broomsticks, Platform 9 ¾ and the steaming Hogwarts Express, the gigantic school castle, the meeting hall with its enchanted ceiling, the moving staircases, the "living" paintings, the ghosts, the owl post, and numerous other things.

Harry became like a two-year old toddler again who is excited about discovering the world, and as the reader I was a toddler with him. This is Fantasy at its best. The fact that J.K. Rowling made Harry an "outsider" to the world of magic is of great importance to the experience of the reader. Otherwise I would not have been nearly as astonished about the details of Mrs Rowling's world as I was. It also prevented the technological aspects of the Harry-Potter magic from totally disenchanting her world.

Now to my re-reading of the "Philosopher's Stone" (I still like the original British title better than the "Sorcerer's Stone").

I read the story again shortly after I finished the seventh book. Knowing where the story and characters are headed, many scenes now took on new significance. It was fascinating to read a particular passage and think: "Ah! Now I know why she put that in there." I have to complement J.K. Rowling on having planned the seven books so well.

Furthermore, reading the first book from the retrospective view of the whole series also makes a difference for the moral custodians among us. If you only read the first book, you might come away thinking that Harry Potter tries to justify the means by the end a little too much. Harry's magic is at first set into motion when he is "upset and angry", the toffee-nosed know-it-all Hermione turns likable by lying on Harry's behalf, and one of Harry's chief character traits is that of a rule breaker.

Aside from the point that novels--including juvenile ones--don't have to portray their main characters as saints, the series has, in fact, turned out to be of great moral depth. Given Harry's final moral choices at the end of Book VII, Book I can now be seen as the beginning of a "Bildungsroman." That is, a Coming Of Age Story in which Harry goes through all the stages of childhood and adolescence, to finally arrive at moral, social, and psychological maturity.

If that is not an ideal way of making teenagers aware of their own journey to maturity, I don't know what is.

- Jacob Schriftman, Author of The Crack Beneath the Worlds and Other Books

Well, This book and the whole Harry Potter Series is excelent, I love them. I'm currently thinking if I want to get the last Audio Books before the movies. I love the movies but books will always be better (although the first three movies I think are almost as good as the books). I did not give this 5 stars because I've heard the Audio Books by Stephen Fry (not sure if the spelling is right ;-P ). I have to say, in my humble opinion, Fry's voice is more grown up as a narrator and his character voices are excellent. His voice sounds over all more respectfull and apropiate. Jim Dale has done his version for the american audience which doesn't mean it's bad, but I like things in their original state. If a movie is made in the US, England, Mexico, or Spain, I usualy prefer it as it came out first. But that is my opinion. Listen to a sample of the Audio Book by each of the readers before you buy.

This is truly a great book. It is the real starting point for Harry's adventures. The Chamber of Secrets and The Sorcerer's Stone weren't able to give me anywhere near the amount of excitement I received while reading this book. I give this book 5 stars for many different reasons

Harry Potter's skills as a sorcerer aren't very impressive until this book when he learns to use the Patonus...something...I read this a while back lol. Also, the Dementors were the first creatures throughout the whole series to really strike fear into my mind. Sure there were traps that were devastating in the first book, and sure there was the basilisk who could kill people with its glare. But the Dementors were able to make a person suffer horribly through only emotions. I mean, who wouldn't be scared of having all the happiness and good emotions sucked out of you and the environment around you. The chilled air and flickering lights (maybe they actually turned off) scared the bejesus out of me.

Here's a measurement for how good this book is and how it's a turning point for this whole series. I cannot begin to describe how fast I read this book compared to the first two. The Sorcer's Stone took me a whole year because it bored the crap out of me. The Chamber of Secrets...I got up to the 2nd paragraph and actually could not go on reading it. The Prisoner of Azkaban, by far my favorite of the whole series, took me the better part of a week or two to read. The same with The Deathly Hallows and The Half-Blood Prince. Overall, the maturity of this book compared to the first two is pumped up and it is truly a masterpiece for people of all ages.

Mr. Dale has a strange way of pronouncing accio folks, prepare yourself.

We all really enjoy listening to the Potter series on audio CD. They are well done.

We've now bought all the Harry Potter audio books. My husband's not a great reader at home (newspaper and sports mags) but he drives a lot for his job. He loves listening to all these stories. We also play them in the car for the kids when we are travelling. We are big Harry Potter fans and these books have been a wonderful purchase. Now he can join in all our conversations too! Jim Dale is amazing, you completely forget it's only one person reading the book.

This is a very good book, i thought the harry potter books would suck but they dont. they are getting better and better. This was a good book to read

My Favorite book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling. This book is funny. My favorite characters are Harry Potter and Ron Weasly. Harry's funny and adventurous. He's fun and likes to try new things and has lots of courage. Ron is funny also, and likes to do almost what Harry does. Ron and Harry make the Harry Potter series joyful.

The author's writing style is joyful and the genre is adventure. J.K. Rowling is best at setting up the setting I think Hogwarts is a wonderful setting.


The best part of this book is that ever character is different in each chapter. They do lots of mini adventures in the big adventure; to find the prisoner Sirius Black. Best yet, Harry tries to go to Hogsmeade but gets caught by Professor Snape. I recommend this book for people in 3rd and above.

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

This book is a true American legend at its best. "Seabiscuit" was written by Laura Hillenbrand based on a true story of one horse and jockey's incredible life. This biography is set in the 1930's and 1940's and takes you on a journey with someone and something that no one believed in until they were given a chance to prove themselves. The perseverance of these two characters is admirable; they never give up, no matter what. The jockey, John Pollard, was struggling in life until given the shot to show he was more than just an average jockey. Seabiscuit, on the other hand, is my favorite character; he never accepts the possibility of losing. Pollard and Seabiscuit's relationship started when trainer Tom Smith paired them together out on the racetrack. I love that they were given a chance to prove everyone wrong by winning race after race with odds stacked against them; both had been injured numerous times. Read about how they smashed people's disbelief and made history, performing one of the greatest comebacks in all of sports. The theme of "never giving up no matter what" would most likely interest people who enjoy sports novels. "Seabiscuit" is truly the greatest sports story of all time.

This narrative leaps out of the first paragraph in the same way Seabiscuit learns to bolt from the starting gate. From the start, Laura Hillenbrand draws the reader into the story with colorful, taut writing. There are no meaningless side stories in this book - each detail weaves itself back into the tale of a horse who beat the odds to become one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.
This story is gripping even if you have no interest in horseracing.

I loved this book !! It made me feel as though I was there watching the drama unfold as the unknown underestimated horse rose to champion status. The characters are real and the story is built piece by piece. If you like rooting for the underdog and enjoy the thrill of competition, this book is for you. The large print of this edition was easy on the eyes as well.

This book follows the life of Seabiscuit, an incredible racehorse in the 1930's, and the three men who were entwined in his life: live-wire owner Charles Howard, taciturn trainer Tom Smith, and reckless jockey Red Pollard. WOW. This is an amazing book. I read it because I had watched the movie and loved it, but I wasn't thinking I would actually enjoy the book. I felt obligated to read it. Well, it's probably my favorite book to read this year. The author sets up each character carefully, going back to the man's birth, or further back, and the reader really gets a sense of what drives each person. The character development for "the Biscuit" is truly great, as well. His personality really shines, and I wish I could have met him! Her insertion of anecdotes is masterful, as well. The era (the Depression), the nation's mindset, the men who loved Seabiscuit, the means jockeys undertook to maintain racing weight are all described and explained wonderfully, without the author ever becoming pedantic or talking down to us folks who don't know racing. One doesn't have to be a "race person" or a "horse person" to enjoy this beautifully crafted book. The rave reviews are well-deserved. It's the story of underdogs achieving great things. It was an exhilarating and enthralling read; better than any fiction I read this year. After reading this, I would read anything this author put out.

I did not realize when I bought these books that they were for young adults, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading about Alanna's adventures, friends and family. Alanna proved to the men again and again that "anything you can do I can do better". A great message to put out there for young girls. And even though it took me 1 day to read each book I just couldn't stop until I was done!

When I first picked up this book, I was the typical bookworm. I knew every corner of my middle school's library. Most often, I'd find myself in the mythology section or classic plays. However, one day, I took a fateful journey into the fantasy section.
I was 12 years old, timid and accepting of even the worst opinions of me.
When I read it, I was enlightened. A whole five foot one, (four foot eleven at the time), I was keenly aware of her height issues and the jokes her friends made.
The way she shaped her own life made me feel as if I could do the same. And I have. I took control -- or as Alanna would say "rode the tiger" and I've made my own way in the world and I don't think anyone would call me timid now.
I'm in college now, and I know if I start to feel down or like I'm losing confidence in myself, I can just pick up my old worn out copy of Alanna (or any of the subsequent sequels) and feel better, feel like a stronger woman because of it. Tamora Pierce was a saint for writing this book. Sometimes I even feel like she wrote it just for me!

Is no one bothered by the essential lack of values in this book? Getting what you want is more important than honesty or respect for others. The main character threatens others with horrible, supernatural punishment, tricks her father, lies outrightly, and that's just in the first chapter.
What about integrity, justice, truth as foundations of doing right?
Compare this heroine with Jonas in The Giver, Frodo in The Lord of the Rings, Andy in Wolf Rider, or Karana in The Island of the Blue Dolphins.

I thought this book was wonderful. However, it is not appropriate for children under 14. The reading level is not that difficult, but the content is for upper grades. This book inadvertently appeared on my daughter's third grade reading list. She did not understand why Alanna's sheet were "smeared with blood" She also had lots of questions about fertility cycles, sleeping with men and getting pregnant.

This book started with a great IDEA. I liked the idea of Allana becoming a knight in her brothers place. It sounds like a book that can have SO MANY possibilites. However, the auther's choppy writing and typing errors were just sad. The author moves from one scene to the next, with no flow whatsoever, and simply skims the surface of the character's identity. There is no depth, and no description. It is almost a simple statement of facts throughout the whole book. Though I really want to know what happens in the series, and HOPE very much that the auther's writing has improved, I think I'll just look at the library for the rest of the series.

except for the Bible, this is the best.
It is the full and undiluted version from the first english translation.
read it, learn it,live it.
j

The book is excelent reading but please get a different version.
This version only has 580 or so pages where as other versions have over 1,300 pages. That means that this version is only half the story.
So much gets lost in translation already don't cheat yourself even more.

Although the story is well known to me, the editing of this audio book was so confusing. I absolutely could not follow it. Too much is cut out.

Story has good twists, but there are too many French places and people which makes the audio confusing.

This book is long out of copyright and so is available free for your Kindle elsewhere on the net.

(Great book though!)

I had to buy a new copy of this book because the one I got for my oldest daughter was worn out! This is my youngest daughters new favorite book! She already knows her colors but she loves the rhyming and animals are always a big hit with her.

We actually own TWO of these books... one for the car and long trips, one for home. It is definitely a favorite!

This is a great book. My 3 yr old daughter loves it! It is the one she asks for over and over.

My 7 month baby girl can't get enough of this book. She loves the rhyming verse and the big color pictures. I definately recommend it!

This is my daughter's favorite book of all time. I read it to her daily. This is definitely a book that all children should have. The colorful animals in the book are fun to look at, while the words are pleasant to read and listen to. Very nice book!

There is something truly remarkable about the Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches, aside from the intricate plot and meticulously built fantasy world. It's the characters. Vilmos, Seth, Adrina, Emel, Xith and the others seem very real. They have hopes and dreams, fears and aspirations, likes and dislikes. In this first installment of the series, the reader meets the heroes who will change their world as evil new and old threatens.

Politicall intrigues lay at the forefront of events, as Adrina must make marriage choices, Vilmos must decide whether to become a councilor like his father, and Seth must learn about the ways of a foreign culture. All three must come to grips with their futures and the heavy burdens they must bear.

The story is richly detailed in parts, laying down elements of magic and lore logically. Stanek weaves the world's history and the story together very well, allowing the reader to truly see his world.

Ultimately, this is a series worth reading, but it is important to begin with this first book in the series to understand the goings on.

Dean and I have read both series. I personally loved both The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches and In the Service of Dragons and thought both held my attention throughout. Usually in a book series, the books get kinda dull as you go on. But not this series. It just gets better and better as you go.

This well-written book is terrific reading for all ages. Cool monsters, strange goings on and bad guys abound. This is one of those series where you just gotta get them all. Good thing all four books are available.

Robert Stanek, in my opinion is one of the greatest writers of all time. I can't wait for the third series to come out. Dean and I will be the first in line!!! Once again... two thumbs up to Robert Stanek!!

This book is not good. At all. It has overwhelming positive reviews, but if you want to see what it's actually like, I suggest you click on the front cover and read the first few pages. That should be enough to permanently put you off reading the guy. This book suffers from poor prose, wooden characters, abominable pacing, and really just sucks.

Comparisons to Lewis, Dahl and other great writers are right on, Stanek's Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books are some of the best I've read in a long time. Kids in my classroom have enjoyed these books for years and I always enjoy seeing when all the books are checked out of my class library. In this first book, Stanek introduces the characters and his amazing fantasy world. The reader gets a firm understanding of the characters motivations through their actions, words and thoughts. The mysteries and the glimpses of the villians and the evil spreading into the world help to pull the reader deeper and deeper into the story. A grand start to a fun, fast-paced series.

I discovered Robert Stanek's work about a year ago and have been happily reading ever since. Great writing like this speaks for itself! This is such a wonderful book and beautifully illustrated. The author has created a fantasy world with depth and made it real. This is a book that deserves to be read by readers the world over.

This is the most disappointing thing I have ever bought online. Actually, I don't know because it hasn't come yet. I ordered it over a week and a half ago and it still hasn't come. Why sell when you don't deliver?

Wild Magic, a book by Tomora Pierce and the first book in the series The Immortals, is about a girl named Daine. Daine was always good with animals. Then she leaves her home and realizes she is more than good with animals; she has magic. Her magic allows her to talk to them and they obey her. Her magic is about to run away with her when her new job sets her in the company of a kind mage named Numair. Numair helps her learn how to control and use her magic.
My favorite part was when all the birds in the story help Daine fight off several Stormwings. Even though they all die, Daine's powers seep out and bring the birds back to life, fix broken wings, and heal their wounds. This book would be great for anyone in to fantasy and fiction books, more for someone in 6th too 8th grade. I don't really know, older groups of people might like it as well. I give this book a 10 on a scale of 1:10.
This book has sparked my imagination. I am always thinking about how life would be if we had magical powers. This book is very entertaning and keeps the adventure going. I hope you read the other books in the Immortals series. This book captivated me. I hope you enjoy/ enjoyed it as much as I have.
-- Skylar Rowan

This is an excellent book. Tamora Pierce is a great author. I just bought another copy of this book because I misplaced my first copy.

The story is fantasic, and the audiobook really brings it to life. There are different voices for everyone and it keeps your intrest. It also keeps at a good pace, but not too fast.

Not only is this an EXCELLENT story but it's also the best audiobook I've ever heard. The casting is EXCELLENT (OK, I'm wearing that word out, but I can't help it. LOL); I've heard many audiobooks, but never one with so many actors. A full-cast is new to me, and it felt like listening to TV, a statement I intend as a compliment. Sarge's bellows and Onua's gleefully saying that she was going to "torture some trainees" were so realistic I had to laugh. I had some difficulty understanding the boy playing Tom (a 6-year old character), but, then, young kids' speech isn't always easy to understand anyway. The music adds to the presentation, unlike being a distraction in other audios. I'm not 10, 42, in fact, but I VERY highly recommend this audiobook to other adults who enjoy good fantasy.

I picked up this book later in life after many family hardships befell me. Rather than looking to religion or self help books an honest and humble friend read versus from this book to me. Having loved poetry and free verse most of my life I was struck with vivid beauty in the simplicity of the words that graced my ears that night. Kahlil Gibran in his day was renowned for his prose and how he carried it with the same simplicity that met my ear that night. In his finest work he left an indelible mark on my soul, not just for his words but how his words and their importance can change to the reader throughout their life. Regardless of religion, social preference or upbringing his words have the ability to stir the soul and to channel emotion to a strong degree. Once a gift for my late mother in her dying days it remains not a pillar of strength but a pedestal on life. Not a road map but a way to look at your surroundings when the path before you seems clouded. It gives you not direction but focuses on finding a clearer path. I've read several of Gibran's other works since then but this stands the test of time. If I could ever call any writing a masterpiece, this would be it, for I still read it and still draw from it every time I pick it up.

I've just recently been introduced to Khalil Gibran's work, and I am very thankful for it! His words are profound and thought-provoking. I find myself reading his lines over and over -- there's more to ponder everytime. Not only is his writing beautiful, but truly meaningful.

One of the most profound books I have ever read. You can learn alot about love, life and relationships after reading this book. Very insightful.

When I first started writing poetry at age 12 or 13, I was encouraged to read other poets. Something I refused to do because I thought it might influence, "My Style"...

:)

OK, so I was hard headed... I later was introduced by a Brother In Law to Kahlil Gibran and it was like finding a kindred soul. I now totally encourage any one that want's to excel in poetry to read the greats. And you won't find many of the caliber of this man!!! His words sing from the page both in his poetry and in his short stories! I love "Martyr's To Man" (It's been a while but some of the words are still singed in my brain... And I think it truly speaks of the time we are living in now more than ever... From memory so not verbatim...

Are you a soldier?
Who must forsake wife and children?
And go fourth into the fields of battle?
For the sake of greed
Which your leaders miscall duty?
Than you are a martyr to man!

There's more but the gist of what I am saying is if you love poetry and you haven't read any Kahlil Gibran you're missing out on one of the greatest poets to ever live!

And if you write poetry, I firmly believe Kahlil Gibran should be recquired reading!!!

Not that you will feel you have to plod your way through it...

You too, will fall in love with his immense gifts!!!
Sincerely,
And best wishes to all
Chase von
Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak

I read this about a year ago and can't recall a great deal of the book. From what I do recall it was like a poem all the way through. While the writing was beautiful, I found it ambiguous and befuddled with meaning that I could not identify with. When Gibran speaks of God, I cannot identify because I have since abandoned those philosophies. It is thus difficult to revisit them in this book. I have the feeling a may have missed something great about this book. Indeed, I pulled wisdom from parts, but rather than go back and read it again, for now, perhaps I will move on to another of the many books out there that are enlightening and worth reading. Someday, I would like to read this again and dig deeper.

I have to say, who doesn't love Dr. Seuss? My daughter is graduating high school this year...she is going on to be a teacher and in her high school years she has been involved in RIF (Reading is Fundamental) and has "taught" at a local preschool during school class hours. She loves to read to "her kids" and Dr. Seuss is always a favorite. I didn't THINK of this as a Graduation gift, but saw that someone else did and I thought it's the PERFECT gift for her. She loves Dr. Seuss and she loves to read to her kids...this book says it all to her...Oh, the Places You'll Go. I love her so much and don't know what I'll do without her, but...she will go places...she has brains in her head and feet in her shoes...HAPPY GRADUATION BABY.

I love this book. It is honest but hopeful. I have 2 copies of this book. One for my son and one for my daughter. Neither of them know about them. I have been having their teachers sign a little message to them at the end of each school year and will give it to them when they graduate from high school.

A true classic whose message is relevant through almost any stage of a person's career and life.

Forget the multitudes of self-help and inspiration books that are out there to help with your career, busines, and life - all the advice you need is contained in the colorful pages of this slim volume.

"Oh, the Places You'll Go!" was purchased as a gift to my daughter upon her graduation from college. It's message applies to all ages and offers encouragement to anyone undertaking a new adventure. The book was in excellent condition and arrived promptly.

there isn't much else to read, apart from the free excerpts available everywhere. Otherwise, a great book for all ages.