Languages Books

Like peeling the layers from an onion, the reader unravels the mysteries of Mennulara's life after her death. Through a series of narratives from different persepctives, the story reads like a fine mystery novel. The author has a wrting style for the descriptive and the narrative that makes it hard to put the book down. I'm anxious to start her second novel.

I found this novel in a stack at a half-priced book store.
The lovely cover caught my eye, and the title was intriguing.

What a wonderful, intricately-woven tale. Once I began, I could not put it down. I started it in the morning, and I took it with me that afternoon to the stables where my daughter was riding. Unfortunately, I left it there by mistake and could not retrace my steps to reclaim it. I was already half-way through the book, and I was furious with myself for losing it. I went out that same day and bought another copy - and finished it before falling asleep that very same evening.

Despite the unfamiliar names and the large number of minor characters, I found this to be an easy and pleasurable read. It is a mystery, a love story, a family saga all rolled into one well-written and engaging package.

Who was Mennulara, the almond picker and recently deceased servant/administrator of a wealthy Sicilian family? Through snatches of conversations, village gossip, secret letters, snippets of memories, and whispered confessions, we eventually learn ~ piece by piece ~ the story behind this mysterious figure.

It is a well-crafted story. I believe that there were references and connections that I missed the first time around, and I plan to read this novel again in the near future.

This novel is by far the best I've read in the past 6 months. It's an adult-version fable full of legends and morality. At first I was a bit overwhelmed by all the characters that swamped in in each chapter, but later I learned to keep in mind only the very key names, which in turn made my reading a lot more enjoyable.

Like one of the other reviewers, I too came upon this book on the shelf at the library and was attracted by its slight size - as I ride the train every day, I love to have small, light books I can easily carry in my purse - along with it's lovely cover. The description on the inside flap sealed the deal for me. I am particularly drawn to generational family stories - especially those that involve intrigue, deception, and potentially explosive secrets.

This book did not disappoint. I found it very easy to read with very well-drawn characters and a plot that had many suprises without making it feel overly complicated or ridiculous. The author's style was quite straight-forward and clean but brought the people and their town to life beautifully.

I enjoyed it so very much I think I read it in 3 days or less. If you are looking for a charming, entertaining, and interesting story, I highly recommend this one.

Would I have picked out this book on my own? Despite its pretty cover I probably wouldn't have. But it was the current selection for the book club I'm joining so I dove in.

To me, the first few chapters were a bit dry -- somehow reminding me of Jane Austen -- lots of characters and background stuff. But somewhere around the the third chapter or so, I was involved. I was living in this little Sicilian town and observing the nuances and mannerisms and relationships involved.

The story was delightful -- at times a "morality" piece and other times just plain good mystery. All in all, it's the first book I read straight through in a few sittings since high school -- when I used to read simply for pleasure. It took precedence over work, TV and even, on one occasion, a dinner out.

If you want to escape to a different time and place and find intriguing people -- pick up this book and dive in. You won't regret it!

Peggie Arvidson-Dailey

This book is a Caldecott Honor book! You would think at first glance that this is a photographic journey, but it is not! These are actually PAINTINGS! WOW! Talk about an extraordinary book!
*
The idea for Alphabet City came to the author, Stephen T. Johnson, as he was walking along a city street. First, he noticed an ornamental keystone that looked like the letter S. Then, suddenly he saw the letter A in a construction sawhorse and the letter Z in fire escapes. At that moment, it became clear to him that in urban compositions he could discover the elements that form the letters of the alphabet. He hopes that his paintings will inspire children and adults to look at their surroundings in a fresh and playful way! Well, it certainly has done just that for our family!
*
This book is perfect for helping to teach the alphabet because the children get to search for the letters as they "stroll through the city" and they can even trace the letters once they find them!
*
Stephen T. Johnson also has a companion book titled "City by Numbers."
*
This book has inspired me and my boys to look for letters wherever we go. We are finding most of our letters and numbers in nature. Sometimes their "finds" are obvious, like a broken stick shaped like a T. Other times, the boys really stretch their imaginations and I cant see what they see! That's when I just have to smile and say, "OHhhhhhh...." .
*
We recently drove into the city. My youngest son, REALLY thought we were in "Alphabet City." As we approached the city, he saw something that reminded him of "Alphabet City." He said, "Look mom! I think we're in Alphabet City!" He was practically jumping out of his seat (the seatbelt kept him down a bit!) and pointed out "There's the E! There's the P!" As we drove further into the city, he grew increasingly enthusiastic! He exclaimed adamently, "Mom! We ARE in Alphabet City!" I didnt have the heart to tell him that we were in "Atlanta." giggles...one day! :-) We took photos of all the letters and numbers we could find that day! What FUN!

Great book when teaching the alphabet, students can see that letters are not just in the classroom but also in real life.

Cool alphabet book. I didn't even realize that the illustrations were paintings and not photographs until I read some reviews! Encourages kids' imaginations, encourages them to notice their surroundings, gives an opening for a geography/history lesson or an opening for an art discussion -- all kinds of uses including the most important one of all - simple enjoyment.

Reading these exciting words: "The paintings for this book were created with pastels, watercolors, gouache and charcoal on hot pressed watercolor paper" I feel a deep urge to take a plunge into doing art. Luckily we can see "it" everywhere, not just New York City.

Stephen Johnson dedicates "ALPHABET CITY" to his parents "for their constant belief in me and my art." Besides instilling confidence & joy, they must also have helped their son develop a sense of color & texture, humor and even x-ray vision! Now he has his first Caldecott award.

This is a joy-filled book. Children spontaneously shout the letters but also share their own made-up stories as they see beneath the surface of the paints. "M" is a favorite of mine, and "W" and "Y" (and on & on!). Who could choose a better image than the "A" of sawhorses to lead to "Z"? Sometimes obvious, and other times subtle, the contrasts in color and season are lovely and great fun. Many eyes will open much wider after experiencing "Alphabet City."

Reviewer mcHAIKU is crazy about art AND this book.

How successful an alphabet book is relies entirely on how well it conveys the alphabet to children. Sometimes books of this nature are so wrapped up in their own cleverness (like the wearily look-at-me-aren't-I-a-visual-delight, "Graphic Alphabet" by David Pelletier) that they forget who alphabet books are supposed to be FOR. Now "Alphabet City" is clever too. No question of that. But what Stephen T. Johnson has done here is whip up a book that inner city kids will immediately recognize and cling to. How many alphabet collections are there out there that form letters out of pastoral or countryside setting? Plenty. Johnson turns the idea on its head with near photo-realistic paintings of recognizable city objects and places.

In his forward to the book, Johnson explains that the roots of this project are based in his own love of the, "particular energy one senses in the people, sounds, and structures, old and new, that constitute a city". While out for a stroll on day, he found he could find letters in the most basic city structures, like fire-escapes and sawhorses. "Alphabet City" is the result. Each letter, always a capital, is presented as part of the environment around it. So the aforementioned sawhorse is the very first picture, with kids being able to readily recognize the "A" hidden in its crossbeams. No letter is going to be immediately easy to find. Johnson doesn't outline them in darker paints or even necessarily point them out in any way. The "R" hidden in leaf covered cobblestones is evident if sneaky. He also cheats a little here and there to get just the right shape. To find the "C" in the cathedral's beautiful window, a late afternoon shadow covers part of the circle. By and large, however, Johnson executes an extraordinarily clever conjunction of images. I would have thought it near impossible to find a "Q" in the city, but the wheel well of a stationary train proved me wrong. Johnson also flits back and forth between different kinds of light and shadow. You'll find yourself quite taken with his mysterious and towering "T", or the snow-covered bench that provides an "O". It makes for perhaps the most interactive alphabetic picture book out there.

This book does work on the premise that the children reading it already recognize the alphabet as it stands. How hard would it have been for Johnson to have place a large black letter in the corner of each page, allowing kids the chance to learn as well as explore? If you're a four-year-old and can't remember if "Q" comes before or after "R", this book will be no help to you. That said, for those kids already familiar with the shapes in this collection, "Alphabet City" can become a game in their off hours. They can walk down the street pointing out the letters they see in their own neighborhoods. Some pictures admittedly feel like Johnson is cheating. He obviously could have located an "L" anywhere, but did he have to make it so difficult for the readers by constructing such a convoluted image? Try flipping randomly to some of the pages and see whether or not you can figure out what letter you're on. Betcha bottom dollar you don't guess "F" or "G".

I complain, but only because I love. Truth be told, "Alphabet City" blew me away. There are all kinds of seasons here and a true love for city living that rings true. Johnson has a keen eye for the beauty inherent in urban living. Rust and peeling paint and moldering iron and missing tilework all combine into truly beautiful portraits. The alphabet has never been done so eclectically. Alphabet books with a designer bent always leave me a touch cold, but "Alphabet City" is different. Like its sequel, "City By Numbers" it's original and lovingly rendered. Consider pairing it with "Achoo Bang Crash" by Ross MacDonald and "New York, New York: The Big Apple From A to Z" by Laura Krauss Melmed for a truly urban and urbane alphabetic threesome.

I really enjoyed this book though I like the second edition better. That one unfortunately is only available through a foreign language publishing company and I can't seem to remember the name. Something like the Carlex watch....

What an amazing tool!

I think this is a wonderful book, especially for the parent who wants to start early introducing their children to a foreign language.

This is the most incredible foreign language book I've ever seen! My two children are literally glued to the book!!! Amazing...

This is an absolutely incredible book! Simple children's games turned into foreign language learning games! And the part about monolingual-friendly is amazing yet so simple. You really don't have to speak a second language to teach one...Every elementary school in America needs a copy!!!

This is a wonderful book, that will help children get a better understanding of the Spanish language.

Soy guatemalteca y supe del libro cuando una amiga argentina me pidio que la llevara a conocer Antigua pues su prima que vive en Inglaterra se lo habia regalado. Lo lei y me encanto. Me parece el regalo perfecto entre amigas. Ahora vivo en Ecuador y tengo muchas amigas de diferentes paises, asi que me encanta la idea de compratir tan buena literatura y al mismo tiempo darles a conocer un pedacito de mi bella Guatemala.

La novela está bien, la trama y los caracteres bien dibujados, pero lo que más me impresionó sobre el libro es la descripción de la ciudad de Antigua. La autora hace un retrato de la cuidad tan detallado y con tanto color que es imposible que no le entren a uno ganas de ir. Me encantaría visitar Antigua un día de estos.

Antigua Vida Mia es un libro lleno de pasion y poesia. Los personajes tienen vida propia. Me facinaron las historias entretejidas de los personajes centrales en esta ciudad llena de magia. Me enamore de Antigua al leer el libro, tanto que voy a ir a visitar la ciudad en un futuro no muy lejano.

Primero me toco ver por casualidad en el TV cable la pelicula de "Antigua Vida Mia", enganche por que me encanta Cecilia Roth donde hace un papel maravilloso en esta pelicula.
Como la pelicula me gusto mucho me anime a leer el libro que tiene algunas diferencias con la pelicula.

Tengo que reconocer que de no haber visto la pelicula antes de leer el libro me habria costado bastante mas el seguir bien la historia.

Como mujer chilena la historia me movio, removio y conmovio como pocas hasta ahora. Creo que me ayudo a pensar en muchas cosas de mi propia vida y en mi identidad. Vale la pena, no solo para mujeres, creo que Marcela Serrano tiene algo que decir a todos. No importa si la calidad estrictamente literaria no es tan fantastica (aunque este es el mejor de sus libros), al final, uno no es un academico de la literatura, uno lee para vivir.

This is by far the best book on real applications using XML. The author is an expert in the field, and the book is clear and concise, yet it deals with fairly complex applications also.
I highly reccomend this

This book covers the most popular XML application architecture patterns. Great source both for ideas and ready-to-go source code. I was pleasantly surprized to find the whole chapter (Chapter 6: Import from Any Format) devoted to the problem I am facing in my current project... Another excellent book from Marchal that really helps me to do my work.

There are already lots of 5 stars here and it seems unnecessary to vote another 5 stars. Anyway, I would like to give some personal feedback.

1)This book is short in length but rich in content.

Chapter 1 convers XML in a standalone java application, SAX parser is used in this chapter; chapter 2 shows a survex project using SAX parser and servlet; chapter 3 demonstrated how to use DTD, CSS within XML editor XMetal; chapter 4 covers XML publishing, same content can be published with different style sheets for HTML, WML and RSS; chapter 5 and chapter 6 describe the conversion between XML and EDI using xsl; chapter 7 is devoted to an e-Business project, using xsl and servlet; chapter 8 can be read after chapter 4, it is also devoted to publishing, with dynamically generated xml content; chapter 9 is devoted to a stock tracking project, which uses SOAP as the communication protocol, it can be read after chapter 7.

In a whole, this book covers:

a) XML parsers in chapter 1, 2, also java, servlet, design patterns Builder, Visitor.

b) XML editor in chapter 3, also CSS, DTD,

c) Publishing (XSLT) in chapter 4 and 8, also servlet.

d) XML and EDI in chapter 5 and 6, also XSLT.

e) e-Business: chapter 7 and 9, also servlet, SOAP.

2)This books is written for java developer, good understanding of java and servlet is required.

3)There is no chapter on JSP and XML, although there are application of XML with servlet and you can transfer some servlet into JSP; there is no chapter on JMS and XML neither, you may hope to find this kind of example in a JMS book.

4)This book is surpringly easy to use. I read it several times, from the beginning to the end. I tried EVERY EXAMPLE in the book, and every example works.

To be more honest, I only find one problem in the example (I just want to prove that I really tried every example): on page 81, third paragraph, first line, the author talks about how to chnage display style in XMetal:

Choose Tools, Editor Display Style

I found "Editor Display Style" in the menu "Format" instead of menu "Tools", so maybe we shuld replace "Tools" by "Format".

5)This book uses a JDBC database HypersonicSQL, and it is on the CD. So no preinstalled database is required.

6)The servlet container used in the book is jetty, the author provided batch file to use it without any difficulty. However, if you use Tomcat or Weblogic or jrun or another servlet engine, you need to configure it.

This book has many projects, which gives insight into various parts of XML. Basic knowledge of XML is required though. Implementation of these projects is a good way of learning XML. Nothing like hand's on experience.

The author's writing style is also good, he gives reasons choosing any particular implementation.

If you really need to know XML, buy this book.

The author presents very practical example projects in each chapter. The project in Chapter 9 is especially clear on demonstating the SOAP concept. Buy this book to jump-start your XML/Java knowledge and experience. You'll never regret buying this book.

This book really is great for anyone just starting out in the playwriting field and if you've got experience writing plays behind you. I was in the midst of writing a new musical when I picked this book up for graduate school. Reading this book while writing helped to immediately put into practice what Hatcher was saying. It also helped me to answer a few questions I had about my own piece as well as keep me on course with my project.

This is the only book on the market that makes the process clear and exciting without long, dry chapters of lecturing. Hatcher gives you inspiring exercises along with a dose of terminology that balances perfectly. Buy this if you are teaching playwriting at the college level, or if you want to give it a try on your own.

Wonderful book. It's like taking a college course on playwriting, with a great teacher. It's very helpful.

I checked this book out from the library, but now I must buy my own copy to keep. I've been having problems developing second act story complications without completely deconstructing my original set up and concept. The suggested techniques in this book of asking questions --somewhat like a reporter or investigator would in uncovering a life mystery-- to find the story are unique. I actually found myself with pen and paper WANTING to participate in the questions and exercises. No other manual has inspired me this way.

Keep re-reading it over and over again. Don't ever let it leave your bedside table. Written with razor sharp simplicity, organised ingeniously and written with a scholarly expertise.

This is not a highly technical Oracle book but it does demonstrate how many of the Oracle features rely on intuition instead of science. It is not the kind of book that you will refer to later, but it is an excellent one time read

This book is a great place to start to learn about performance tuning for Oracle. The book covers the different type of performance tuning methods in a neutral and matter of fact manner. I like the candidness of the author and the fact that he does not push or suggest one method is better than any other. Use this book to start to understand the different methods then move on to more in depth books on a particular performance tuning method. Take a moment and look at the Table of Contents

Lawson gives the Oracle DBA many useful ideas on customising your Oracle database. He pretty much assumes you already possess a reasonable background in Oracle. There is no wasted space on elementary SQL or Oracle tasks.

Perhaps the key chapters are 7, "Oracle Pathologist" and 8, "Analysing SQL Bottlenecks". Later chapters add important refinements. But if you are in search of quick gains, chapters 7 and 8 could be the most fruitful. The ideas in those might not have to involve a major overhaul of your architecture.

Great book,nice and easy to follow approach,fine life examples.

Among other things the author very intelligently also reiterates

the importance of a good self image and the importance of a

good relationship to co-workers in a very casual,realistic and

non intrusive manner

The technical Oracle performance tuning section doesn't start until Chapter 5. The first 94 pages of the book is spent on topics such as "Maintain a Healthy Skepticism","Blame should be Avoided","The Cost of a Poor Working Relationship", and "The Universal Law of Reciprocity". Although the author's advice on these matters is sound, the first 94 pages clearly does not provide what the users are looking for.

The crown jewel of this book is its technical explaination of wait events. Its explaination of v$SQL, v$system_event, v$session_event, and V$Session_wait tables is well worth your money and your time. If you do not know of these tables, then do yourself and your Oracle users a great service and buy this book and master its contents. You will not regret it.

The weakspot of this book is in the resolution of Oracle's slow performance. Although the book provides strong hints that most Oracle issues can be resolved with better indexing and index hints, the book does not emphasize it as much as it should. It also doesn't provide a whole lot of suggestions on how to optimize the SGA.

This book is part of the curriculum for 3 year-old children at private Carden schools, along with Good Night Moon. Both are Classics and belong in every child's library. The pictures, although sketches, look like the real animals, which is a plus compared to many cartoons, and the premise Disney's more modern Baby Einstein is based on too. It introduces children to the Real World. It also teaches the quality of being giving and sharing what you have, and how a gift doesn't always have to be tangible, since a hug can be a great gift to give and receive too.

Ask Mr. Bear is a wonderful little classic. I like to read it but more important, my 3 littlest cherubs love to have it read to them. It has a good storyline and the older artwork adds variety. They love the ending -- a big bear hug for mom! It is a favorite at our house with the under 7 year old group.

Wonderful children's classic to add to your child's collection. Heartwarming story about a little boy wanting to buy his mom a birthday gift and along the way he asks all his animal friends. The end is sweet and endearing.

I loved this book as a child, now my children love it. It gets them thinking about gifts they can give, and understand that a hug and a kiss for Mom is one of the best presents they can give. I've gotten a lot more of them since reading this book to them.

I can recall reading this book to my much younger siblings and then to my own 4 children; now I am reading it
to my grandson. I especially like the way the animals help the little boy find a gift for his mother with the perfect
gift not being something material but just a lovely big hug. What a wonderful message to pass on to a child.

My only concern was if all the words are for real. And they are. Trust me. Join the world and buy at least one.

As popular as the "Blair witch project" is for the movies, "Bad Words Dictionary" is for the world of letters. Four thumbs up Sir Voy Sobon (the prince of great ideas and obscenity)GREAT ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

I have spoted this book on Amazon.com. It sounded very interesting, but the really kick began when I got this book in the front of my eyes. And it's not too easy to bring me to laughing. But I just could't stop it. Untill tears in my eyes. I swear...Ever since I bought ten copies of this one of kind source of entertainment for my closest friends. They all just love it. You can not resist it. What an idea for a book! Big KISS for Voy Sobon,whoever you are!

I found this book great. It is a lot of fun! It would only be better if we could sort the words and expressions not only by English, but also by the other idioms as well (probably possible only in a CD version). BUY IT AND HAVE FUN !

It is lot of fun for everyone who values alive languages of everyday use on the street. There is no F... way one will not laugh while reading those hilarious words aloud. Even my father was laughing, although it is not easy to bring him out of his serious mood. Great value for travelers. I am waiting for next volumes with additional languages.

Through the years I've read heaps of marketing books, some great, and some not so great. This book falls into the category of great books!
As always Jack Trout makes tough and complicated things easy and comprehendable. As all of his books this is a great read, but if you haven't read 'positioning' and 'marketing warfare' I would highly recommend you to read them first.

Since you are not tasting an apple I can Not Help you to feel it, have one and you will see the result, THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR ANY ONE WHO IS LIVING ON THE PLANET OF EARTH, In this Book You can learn either LIFE lessons OR Business Lessons, So if you are looking for others idea like ME, Invest on it, IT IS WORTH 10,000,000,000 MORE than its price, God bless JACK TROUT!

Few marketing books has the enjoyable read character. it is safe to say that Big Brands...Big trouble leads the pack. Concise yet informative, the book focus on the notion that marketing is about winning your customers' minds and hearts.

By going through ample examples of famous brands, Mr. Trout dispel some of the conventinoal strategies most companies blindly undertake. Line extention according to him, has done nothing but damage to At&T and Miller Brewing. The giant P&G has lost big on the toothpaste line becasue they forgot what made their brand a hit. Fashionable outlets such as Levi' and M&S needs to rise out from the past and look more into the future by developing their own unique "brand lifestyle".

On the dark side, the book is relatively redundant and by the end of it, it looses out. Also, the recurring negative remarks on another business guru "Michel Porter" was needless and hence lost the book the full the mark.

¡§Big Brands Big trouble¡¨ is a very interesting and comprehensive book. This book have a clear organization which comprise several types of popular mistakes with different big brand cases, how to select a board of directors and how to be a good CEO. I think this book is suitable for anyone who is interested in Marketing or Branding because you could gain a lot of insight from it. After reading this book, you will understand why some brands cannot be established well even they have spent a lot money on advertising, introducing many new products.

This book impress me the most is that Jack Trout illustrated all mistakes clearly by showing how the big brands, like Levis, Burger King, AT&T and Marks and Spencer made in the past. Then you may discover that some of the existing well-known brands are actually making mistakes for their marketing strategies. Moreover, you may get surprise that some of the popular marketing strategies, like line extension, benchmarking cannot promote your product, conversely, they will hurt your company seriously. So you must read this book if you want to surpass your competitors by using appropriate marketing strategies for your company.

Overall speaking, this book is easy to read and understand because Jack Trout delivered a concise and important message in the book ¡V ¡§Marketing is a battle of perception, not product¡¨

¡§Big Brands Big trouble¡¨ is a very interesting and comprehensive book. This book explains several types of popular mistakes with different big brand cases, how to select a board of directors and how to be a good CEO. I think this book is suitable for anyone who is interested in Marketing or Branding because you could gain a lot of insight from it. After reading this book, you will understand why some brands cannot be established well even they have spent a lot money on advertising, introducing many new products.

This book impress me the most is that Jack Trout illustrated all mistakes clearly by showing how the big brands, like Levis, Burger King, AT&T and Marks and Spencer made in the past. Then you may discover that some of the existing well-known brands are actually making mistakes for their marketing strategies. Moreover, you may get surprise that some of the popular marketing strategies, like line extension, benchmarking cannot promote your product, conversely, they will hurt your company seriously. So you must read this book if you want to surpass your competitors by using appropriate marketing strategies for your company.

Overall speaking, this book is easy to read and understand because Jack Trout delivered a concise and important message in the book ¡V ¡§Marketing is a battle of perception, not product¡¨