References Books

Gina's engaging little book RADICAL HAPPINESS exudes her vast spirit of loving kindness mixed with the traditional "via negativa" or "negating way" teachings of Nonduality and a few other interesting things as well. Her professional counseling background, and co-teaching work with her advaita-oriented husband Nirmala, empower her to present nonduality in a warm, pragmatic manner. Sidebar material throughout the book outlines nearly two dozen experiential exercises to bring readers back to immediate consciousness of key aspects of living (e.g., inquiring, feeling, sensing, witnessing desiring), so that readers can be rooted in actual ongoing experiencing from the context of Self instead of stuck ruminating on mere concepts.

Gina doesn't hesitate to explore in various depth-levels certain topics ignored or glossed over by the many neo-nondual authors publishing today, such as free will, astrology, karma, and the One Self's play as the many selves.

In relaxed fashion, RADICAL HAPPINESS bears, without trying to resolve, several key paradoxes of Advaita-Nonduality, such as when repeatedly stating the ancient via negativa truth that "you don't exist" while throughout the book communicating with the reader in terms of "you" and "we." Another paradox: the book almost invariably refers to the non-objectifiable Self as "it," rather than as the Real YOU, the Absolute Awareness prior to I Am. This impersonal and rather remote way of referring to the Self as "it" is much in vogue today, perhaps misleading to some readers who may not have fully realized the Supra-personal Nature of this Self right HERE closer than the mind.

But the quality of communication from the Self-expressing-as-Gina is so warm and friendly that surely the reader will not come away with that oft-seen depersonalized "zombie" state of the neo-advaitin. Indeed, Gina comes across as someone with whom (along with her equally likeable husband Nirmala) we would definitely like to sit down and enjoy a meal or tea-time! This is the Self dancing together with Self as gentle Love.

There are many quotable quotes presented here throughout the 130 pages of RADICAL HAPPINESS. Not anything really new for readers already acquainted with Nondual teachings (especially in the Advaita Vedanta and Ch'an/Zen contexts of India and the Far East), but Gina has a talent for making the material zing with freshness and cogency.

One of the more strikingly noticeable features of Gina's RADICAL HAPPINESS is a way of speaking of the Self more akin to postmodern-era Christian "Process Theology" than traditional Advaita Vedanta and other nondual mystic traditions oriented to the Absolute. Namely, Gina posits the Self as NOT all-knowing or almighty or beyond all needs but as participating in the *lila* (play) of unknowing and a creative urge to experiment without controlling the process: "The Self has a plan for earth and for all of creation, which includes its plan for you.... We can intuit elements of this vision at times, but because of its immensity, we can't fully grasp it. Nor does the Self know exactly how its larger plan will unfold. Just as the Self has only so much control over each of our plans, it has only so much control over how all of creation will unfold. Nevertheless, because the Self is not separate from creation, it is able to affect it enough to guide it in the direction it intends.... A creator creates not only to fulfill a need but for the joy of experimentation.... Just as we love to create and explore through creation, so does the Self. Much of the creating we do is inspired by the Self: The Self creates us and then continues to create through us." (Chapter 8, "Ready or Not, You're It," pp. 125-6 of the 2007 2nd edition.)

Traditional nondual mystics East and West have posited a Divine Reality or Self or Awareness that is 1) fully Transcendent as the Absolute, as well as 2) Divinely almighty and all-knowing toward the manifest worlds, as well as 3) fully immanent as the indwelling experiencing Heart of all beings. Many texts and teachers have opted for a way of discussing Truth that prefers the Transcendent aspect or "Lord-like Divine Deity." Gina here in this text shares with us in a sweetly engaging way more of the Divine-immanence view, an endearing sense of the "curious" Self fully engaged in the cosmic Play through each and every one of us.

And yet, to reiterate, the author is clear about the penetrating "ultimate truth": we, you, me, he, she do NOT "really" exist as truly distinct or separate beings. Only the Self is Real.

May all sentient beings be awake to THIS IMMEDIATE REALITY of "only the Self." Gina's several books, including this one, are surely an integral part of the Divine force of awakening all selves to THIS ONE NONDUAL SELF.

--Timothy Conway
[...]

The mere concept of Radical Happiness makes me giggle. Radical Happiness...for some people the very concept of being happy is so far beyond their point of reference as to be unimaginable. I wish I could give this book to each and every person I meet who seems to have that Pig-Pen cloud of "Woe, woe, woe is me" hanging over them.

It IS our right to be happy...we each deserve it and we each CAN BE. This book allows you to see that really, truly, absolutely can BE HAPPY!

I loved this book. I read it in 2 sittings and was literally transformed in the process. This book will give you a direct experience and not just a head full of information to haul around. I can't recommend this book high enough. I look forward to reading her next installment "Embracing the Now".

Oh how I love Gina Lake's books. I have given away many copies. Because they are so special, I can't NOT share them with others. This book is for you if you ever suspected that what you believe about your life may not be true, and you wish to experience the Joy that is already yours... Now! Gina will turn you inward, to the wisdom that is available to you, and you experience it for yourself. More than just a teaching, Gina's books are, for this reader, a catalyst for Awakening.

Gina writes beautifully, and all of it is as familiar to the soul as your own hand. And the wonderful exercises will lead you to the experience of what she writes, not just the mental understanding of it.

Soon after reading "Radical Happiness", my first Gina Lake book, the father of my child shot himself and left his body... due in large part to the clarity and connection I have to what "I" truly am as a result of basking in Gina Lake's books, each moment surrounding his "death" was perfect and I was completely present and not suffering in a story about what was happening, and completely available to others... I felt LOVE, not sadness, and Joy, not resistance. This expansiveness has continued as I give my self the gift of her words on a regular basis; so I can continue to remember myself. Now Mind is my partner, not my Master.

I would love that you give this book to you. If you love what Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie or Advaita point to, or you are just tired of "suffering", you will love this work. Run, don't walk, to the Checkout Button!

Gina Lake awakened into radical happiness after a deep exploration of psychology, metaphysics and astrology. Having walked that path to its end, Gina's heart-full story of what it is to be peacefully aware, loving and content in the midst of any life circumstance can serve as a bridge to countless others who share her background. Insightfully and eloquently written, Radical Happiness offers practical pointers and exercises that allow every reader to discover who they really are by their own experience. Like all great epics, there is a wonderful twist involved in your exploration. Dive in, Be Happy.

Sundance Burke, author, Free Spirit: A Guide to Enlightened Being

My grandson loves his new pet rat, Roxanne. Unfortunately, his previously also-loved rat passed into pet heaven at less than a year old. I couldn't tell him much about proper nutrition or care, or how long they may live, so I want him to be better prepared this time. Roxanne will probably also give me a kiss for this. This book is brightly illustrated, with good instructions.

I just wanted to concur with everything that other reviewers have written. This is a superb little book with beautiful pictures of cuddly rats. The only flaw in it I could think of is that it doesn't mention my favorite rat treat (matzoh).

This is the most complete and accurate guide to caring for pets rats that I have ever read. It is a terrible shame that it has been allowed to go out of print. It is an indispensible reference for new and experienced rat owners. Nutrition, training, history, health...it's all here, along with some really cute photos.

This is just about the best rat book I have ever seen! I really think it deserves 6 stars, but that wasn't an option. :-) It is a exelent beginner's book, but even the most experienced rat owner can learn somthing from it. I only dissagree with Mrs. Ducommun on one point- she says to use 1x1 1/2 inch mesh for a cage. This is too big- a rat could get it's head stuck! Other then that, everything you need to know about rats is in here. The book also gives good information about breeding and showing your rats. A must-read! <:8 )~

I concur with the other reviews in this space. It really is an excellent guide, and the author's website...is also quite helpful. I am truly impressed by the detail of this book, which still maintains an easy reading level (so it's suitable for kids in the 9-12 range right on up to grownups) and an attractive layout. In addition, the author states that she is willing to help *you* with any rat questions or problems and gives her contact information, including phone number! That's dedication!

Some day, I hope to get hold of a copy of her Rat Health Care booklet, but for now this book remains my ratty Bible.

This book is a very helpful guide for everyone, who wants to study Shakespeare. I am not a native english speaker and it was perfect for understanding the necessary terminology. I suppose that the content of the book is also precious for native english speakers. The book contains:
1) A very important chapter which contains the most frequently used words, and proves to be valuable for quick reference.
2) Words which still exist in the english language but with a different meaning.
3) Words which vanished through the years.
4) Several chapters describing the structure of several shakespeare's works.
In all cases the meanings of the words are simply stated and well clarified providing a perfect guide for every intermediate reader.

the book is great, if your'e an actor, or anyone who deals with shakespeare-get it yesterday!

I must have spent two hours reading reviews of Shakespeare lexicons and dictionaries before settling on this one. I am so pleased with my choice. It is simple to use and so far all the words I have needed have been listed, miraculously along with the verses I am reading! Please note that the price of this one is so affordable! The best thing was, when I opened the Amazon Box, the first thing I saw was Kenneth Branagh's name. He did not create the book, but he recommends it in writing on the front cover.

As an added bonus in the back of the book there are detailed maps of all the story plot lines, indicating the relationships between the characters. All in all, very helpful.

What an awesome idea! To put into one place definitions for the hard-to-understand Elizabethan English that one runs into in Shakepeare! Whether it be "prithee" or "forsooth" or "prating mountebank," the dictionary will help give the Shakespeare novice or pro the information needed to decipher the Bard's often-complex writing.

In addition, there are frequent collections of definitions that gather together words in a single theme -- say, words related to politeness, or swear words. These colections give the reader a chance to compare many words of the same genre and gain even more insights into Elizabethan usage.

The defintions are somewhat sparse, but that's probably necessary given the sheer volume of words being defined. However, each word references the play or play in which it it used.

Marry! -- that is to say, "By Mary!" -- a wonderful accompaniment to anyone interested in Shakespeare!

This is a wonderful book for all people who love Shakespeare and want to come to a better understanding of his insights into living.

Very quick easy read, good descriptions & diagrams. My husband and son made fun of me- but now I can talk like I have a clue & they appreciate it.

I'd buy it again!

I was very excited to get my book and after I read it I realized I knew more about football than I had thought. It had great descriptions of the players and what their job on the feild is. I shared the book with some of the football moms at the high school I work at. They thought it was helpful as well. GREAT BOOK FOR THE BEGINNER!!

If you are as clueless about football as I was, this is the book for you. It covers the very basics so you at least get a basic understanding of the game. I always wondered why everyone got so excited about "downs". I thought touchdowns were what you got excited about. I understand now. This book got me hooked on football. It's just a primer. If you want more details after reading it, there are other books out there. Of course, just watching the games will help too.

Easy to read book with lots of humor. Very helpful for those who know little about this great sport.

I had originally gotten the book Football for Dummies to prepare for my grandsons' first season playing Pop Warner football. I found that I was too dumb for Football for Dummies. Nowhere was there an explanation as to whether a team's goal line was the goal they were defending or the one they were heading for. Everything else in the book depends on an understanding of this one principle. Nor could I find an explanation for a safety that made sense to me. Then I saw Snot Bubbles on Amazon. com and thought it was worth a try! Thank G-d for Snot Bubbles! A book that even a grandmother can understand. It gave me a good basic education in football and allowed me to graduate up to Dummies. (I learned things that even my daughter didn't know.) Now I even watch NFL games on TV and can have a fairly educated conversation with my grandsons.

With Faulkner, and especially with The Sound and the Fury, you're in one of Three camps. You love it, you get it and you hate it, or you don't get it and you hate it. For the purpose of this review, I suppose I should note I fall in the first catagory.
Yes, a lot of (most?) people read it the first time in an English class, some of us get the pleasure of reading twice in separate English classes, and you would be hard-pressed to find an English major anywhere in America who doesn't, at the very least, say they've read it.
The first time through ain't easy. The Norton Edition helps greatly with that... I can't imagine trying to read any other edition the first time. And it's one of those 2 bookmark books... one in the novel, another in the reference section. Basically, you need a decoder ring to read it. Norton provides said decoder ring. Well, in book form. (a Faulkner decoder ring... now wouldn't that be neat?)
And, trust me, once you've gotten through it once, provided you can crack the spine again without crying, it gets better and better with subsequent reads. It's one of those "change your life" books, but without being preachy or even motivational... it's an honest and disturbing and heartbreaking and headache-inducing picture of family, community, an era, and existence as a whole.

Faulkner seems to be one of those authors you either love or hate. His stream-of-consciousness style can be hard to follow at times, but his stories are spot-on as far as the human condition is concerned. I never really got into this novel until grad school; now I can't get enough of Faulkner! Read it even if you aren't an English major!

I tried to read this book as a freshman in college, and it was utterly lost on me, I'm sad to say. At the time, I was in denial about my status as a Southerner; I just wanted to get out and move to NYC and pretend I was living in Andy Warhol's factory.

Now, as an adult, and as a writer with a forthcoming memoir about growing up in the South, TSATF is far and away my favorite book. I took it with me on a recent trip to Mexico and read it on the beach, completely unable to put it down. It's not straightforward until the third of the four sections; Benjy's section (though the most beautiful thing I have ever read) and Quentin's are stream-of-consciousness and difficult. This is where the Norton Critical Edition is so handy. The pages and pages of biographical info and criticism are compelling and insightful, and make a great companion to the book. If you buy this book, buy this edition. It's very well compiled and makes me proud that Norton is my publisher.

I read _The_Sound_and_the_Fury_ several years ago and have forgotten many of the details, but this book remains my favorite fictional work. The Norton Critical Edition provides readers with valuable insight into many of the passages, but some could probably do without the explanatory pages that follow Faulkner's actual book. Since I took an intensive course on Faulkner's work, I had help from a great professor. Even with the help of critical texts and analysis, I found _The_Sound_and_the_Fury_ to be difficult. I reread the book several times for a better understanding of certain sections.

Since other readers have provided summaries about this book, I'll just remark that this is a masterfully written book. I've read most of Faulkner's short stories and novels (except for _As_I_Lay_Dying_) and consider this to be his best work. Faulkner wrote each chapter according to the perspectives of four very different characters, and this is reflected in the form and substance of the chapters. Faulkner's long (many exceed one-third of a page), complex, and heavily detailed sentences demand concentration. It's certainly not a light read, although the book is relatively short. Overall, a beautifully haunting work that showcases Faulkner's idiosyncratic style.

This is perhaps the most difficult novel written that's worth the time to read. I'd STRONGLY suggest you buy Volpe's book on Faulkner's NovelsA Reader's Guide to William Faulkner: The Novels (Reader's Guides) to read along with it first. Volpe breaks down the points at which a different character takes over the narrative. After that, try it yourself, but Volpe is the best guide for the person new to Faulkner's harder(hardest)work. The Norton Edition has a great deal of helpful critical material which, though not in Volpe's ballpark, is very helpful. Buy this edition, but don't forget the Volpe on Faulkner's novel.

Joe Quirk dances away from all the problems with self-help books, embraces the good parts of science books, and blends in his own character. The result is a hilarious ride through science with lots of "give me pause" and "change my perspective" that self-help books try to deliver and science books never seem to bother with.
My favorite part was the "aquatic ape" theory.
The best line in the book, Pg 138 "...in order to orgasm, some women need to concentrate, and some men, to put off orgasm, need to think about something else. My method is to list each Yankee baseball player's batting average. The second a man thinks about what he's actually doing, it's over. So the only way a man can enjoy sex is to not think about what he's doing. Can you blame us if we extend this strategy to relationships?"

A fun and funny spin on evolutionary biology. Sex: a serious topic at its silliest. Good reading, full of clever lines and information perfect for sharing at cocktail parties.

It is not often that you find a book that informs as well as amuses. This is for everything they left out of sex-ed when you were a kid.

I teach a college-level seminar for science-phobes using popular science literature. Of all the books I have ever used, on any topic, this was the hands-down favorite. The seminar was titled Sex, Gender and Love: A Biological View, and this book covered the love part -- haha. I read it alternately being annoyed at the corny (but devilishly clever) jokes and laughing out loud in spite of myself. Most of all, though, I was impressed by the research that went into each of the chapters and the way Quirk made all our human sexual foibles explicable and hilarious -- nothing better than laughing at ourselves since we're stuck with us! Thanks!

The best book on sexual evolutionary biology. Why both men and women seem to be on different planets. Hm... is there a catchier title?
Perhaps, but not a better book.

Unfortunately, despite his extensive bibliography, Joe Quirk (What the blazes kind of name is that for a scientific researcher? ) does not have a Phd. Neither is he buddies with Oprah, so I doubt this will top the besteller list.

Never mind. I've suffered through many academese imbued evolutionary snoozefests texts. This one will keep you wide awake, I promise.

What Quirk has is brilliance, and (gasp!) an ability to write. He must have had some alpha ancestors during the pleistocene era that could spin some awesome tales by the campfire.

Among The Table of Contents we find such gems as:

Chapter 9: The Jerk Gene
Chapter 12: Why Women are Coy, Men Clueless
Chapter 26: Free Love Causes War

And, for a smaple paragraph:

" Men are attracted to nubility and health. Women are attracted to nobility and wealth. Both want intelligence, kindness, and opulence.
Both want a good sense of humor. They'll need it. "


As will the reader.
An easy 5 stars.

In Steering the Craft, Le Guin's aim is "to clarify and to intensify" elements of prose writing through brief lectures on writing topics, interesting follow-up examples from literature, and writing exercises. She stresses that the examples and the writing should be read aloud, whether alone or in a group. Some of writers used as examples are Charlotte Bronte, Mark Twain, Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Virginia Woolf. At the end of each exercise, there are discussions on how to critique the exercise and things to think/talk about after writing.

Le Guin also gives further readings, what you can do with the writing later, and optional exercises. She also has valuable opinion pieces on such elements as characters, paragraphs, and narrative tense. The opinion pieces take on "rules" or worries a writer may have come across from reading other writing books or in workshops, things that stifle creativity. Her voice is encouraging and warm, yet she still manages to make it clear how important being comfortable with these elements of craft are for strong, nuanced writing.

The primary weakness is that most of the writers Le Guin selected for her examples are from the 19th century. She only uses only a few examples from late 20th century writers. Considering how craft elements such as POV and narrative voice are used these days, it would have been helpful to have contemporary writers for her examples as well. That juxtaposition between writing styles could have sparked a few challenging writing exercises.

This book is ideal for teachers of grad students in fiction writing, instructors in fiction writing workshops, or experienced writers who want to clean up bad habits. Although this book can be used for a creative nonfiction writing course, Le Guin came up with the ideas in Steering the Craft through her experiences in teaching fiction writing workshops and her examples are all from fiction sources.

This book was recommended in another book (I can't remember which now) for it's chapters on POV and voice. I have never read one of LeGuin's novels, but I decided to borrow it from my library. Boy, am I glad I did! I liked it so much that I renewed it the maximum number of times, made my mother check it out next, and still plan to buy it when my next paycheck comes through.

Its chapters are clear, concise and detailed, going through the basic stuff (eg 1st person POV vs 3rd) and beyond (eg fly-on-the-wall vs involved author). Best of all, LeGuin uses examples from well-known authors like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and J.R.R. Tolkien to illustrate these.

The exercises are so useful and have so many different variants, that I think I will be doing them for a long time. I would strongly advise this book to anyone who wants to improve their story writing skills.

Who wouldn't want to learn exercises from one of the most prolific Science-Fiction/Fantasy writers? This is a solid book of instruction on the craft of writing. That is a point the Le Guin makes very early on: Craft enables art. If nothing else that is what you should take away from this book.

As primarily a poet, I wasn't sure if this book would be the best for me as it is mostly geared towards fiction, but I certainly came away with a lot. The exercises focus on the sentence and narrative which is very useful in other genres of writing outside of fiction.

This is just a solid book of instruction and full of exercises that you can use time and time again. I highly suggest this to anyone who is a writer and to anyone who is teaching creative writing.

This is the best book on writing narrative I've ever read. It has Le Guin's wit and imagination in the writing, and it is full of useful tips and exercizes. A book to keep around and pick up over and over.

This book has very good writing exercises to get you started. I preferred to do the exercises first and then to read the entire chapter explaining the purpose of the exercise. I really enjoyed the examples from other novels that Le Guin selected.

I love that Le Guin wrote the book for both critique groups and writers on their own. I disagreed with some of her advice for critique groups. Usually, the only thing that happens in these groups is that the "creative" beginning writer who takes risks is chased out or domineered by the people who know the "rules" of writing.

There are no set "rules" of writing, only different opinions. Tolstoy begins his famous novel in the middle of a conversation. Thomas Hardy uses passive voice extensively even in the first paragraph of his famous novel. Yet, by some people's standards today, their works would have been immediately rejected as written by an amateurish hack.

Most published writers I know abhor critique groups. There are simply too many genres and categories of fiction writing. How you write will depend heavily on the type of market you plan on submitting your work, and no one knows all of them. Join a critique group for the experience, and keep your sense of humor. Don't get discouraged if it's not the rosy image you have of artists supporting one another through creativity. If you do get discouraged, read Paul Theroux's "Sir Vidia's Shadow" for the ultimate tale of being mistreated by a fellow writer.

I love Appendix II: Forms of the Verbs. It's short but full of information. It's almost worth the price of the book alone. Most how-to-write books make use of the past and present tenses as if those are the only two stylistic choices left on earth. It was very refreshing to see Le Guin's notes on this subject.

As an author, teacher, and concerned world citizen, I am awed by the depth and compassion woven into this highly-readable anecdotal book. Don't let the stories fool you, though. This book will enhance your interactions with others. If we practiced Storycatching, Christina-style, there would be so much more joy and justice in our world.

I've always believed that each life has a very important story, even those that at first glance don't seem glamorous or adventurous. In fact, my favorite memoirs, biographies, and oral histories tend to be more about real people who never consciously realized the importance of their lives.

Perhaps that is why I have always kept a journal. I am ever writing and editing the story that is my life. Trying to figure out how my experiences have made me the way I am. Looking to create the story that I want to be told to my grandchildren.

For those who haven't yet found the power of personal story, Storycatcher is the answer. In each chapter the author shares accounts of individual and family experiences. Then, at the end of these sections, she includes a number of questions to get the reader started on his or her story.

"We are the story-making creatures," says Christina Baldwin, and she goes on to inspire readers to locate, articulate, and celebrate their story-making process. Storycatcher is deeply informed by her rich experience as a writer and a teacher of writing. She weaves personal story into collective story seamlessly and beautifully--pointing the way for writers of all stripes. Whether your interest is essay, memoir, novel, genealogy, short story or poetry, there are prompts a plenty. Above all, this book is a companion--the best kind--wise, kind, honest and fun. What a gift to all readers and writers!

I learned of this book through a professor's suggestion and thought that I would put it on a reading list for a later time. Having always been drawn to the power of story, I found myself ordering it and opening the pages earlier than planned. Baldwin's genuine storytelling ability left me smiling throughout the day and hopeful about the benefits story can create in connecting strangers, friends, and enemies alike.

If you've ever sat down at a kitchen table in awe of the stories that are told around it- this book is for you. You will see that storycatching is more than just a pleasurable experience, it has potential to change hearts and minds.

In one section, Baldwin talks about her experience with posing a question about an individual's first memory of coffee while standing in a long line at a coffee shop. The discussion this created was wonderful- so next time you are standing in a long line trying to pass the time, I would encourage you to take her suggestion. Pose a question and you will be amazed at the results.

This is one of the best reads of the year- prepare to be inspired.

"Every person is born into life as a blank page - and every person leaves life as a full book" (p. xi). This sentiment from the preface of Christina Baldwin's new book sums up the overall theme of this wonderful look at the power, creativity, and uses of story.

Broken into ten chapters, this book is chock-full of amazing insights. Nearly every page contains at least one nugget of wisdom. Baldwin focuses on how story connects us, the art of storycatching, why we make stories, creating a story of the self, and finding our place in the order of things. Along the way, she addresses healing, the spiritual, power in organizations, personal growth and power, and ever so much more.

This book speaks to the heart and soul of what makes us human: the ability to tell stories, both orally and in writing, and to share wisdom, make sense of our lives, and move through our time on earth with meaning. "Story is a search for community that allows us to share, build, and learn from each other... We choose whether we want to live in hopefulness or despair. Storycatchers choose hopefulness, knowing that story has the power to change our lives" (p. 236).

The writing here is lyrical and sure, her prose evocative. She's annotated it and included a reading group guide. Baldwin writes with a deep knowledge and wisdom most of us can only dream of being able to describe, and she does it with the grace of an angel. This is a book that should become a classic. Highly recommended to readers, writers, thinkers, and dreamers everywhere. ~Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review

OK, I bought this based on the 15 other 5 star reviews. I just don't understand them. Yes, the concept is cute. But the book is so poorly written! I think it's confusing for young children who are just beginning to develop their capabilities for logic (I assume that is who it's geared for, since it's a board book). For starters, it's non-linear...on each page, it jumps back and forth between what not to do (the Thingumajigs) and what to do; between the third person "they" for Thingamajigs and the first person "I" for well-mannered children. But they have these silly drawings of perky children, which I assume is who supposedly is saying the parts on good manners, so it's confusing as to whether the perky children are saying they have good manners or the child you're reading to. Then, it's not really clear until the last page that these are behaviors you DON'T want your children engaging in. They make the drawings of the Thingumajigs quite entertaining, and the narrative is merely descriptive, without really stating "DON'T do this" so I suppose it's helpful to view the contrast, but really...I just want my kid not to pick her nose. Maybe I'm being nitpicky, but I don't think this is a great book for the younger crowd. My daughter is 4--she gets it, but I just was annoyed by the book.

This book was a chilhood favorite of mine, so I was very excited to find it!

My grandmother and I were recently discussing how she would read to all her grandchildren the "Thingumajig" books and how we all loved them. I am now 29 years old and still remember how vivid and wonderful they were. I just purchased them for my god sons, I hope they love them as much as I have.

Great book teaching children about manners and right from wrong. I loved this book as a child myself and know my son can enjoy it!

I love this book. I read it to my second graders on the first day of school each year as we discuss classroom rules. Throughout the year if someone is using bad manners I will hear another student say, "Don't be a Thingumajig!"
I also leave this book on my whiteboard tray and it is one of the favorites during free reading time.

What a trip! This book gives you most of the details you need to get on the train and get an education. Time passes fast so take advantage of each moment. Four men just returned from Beijing to Moscow (August 2008), the trip of a lifetime. Very helpful guide into the cities and scenes along the way. It doesn't tell about all the great people riding the rails with you. Friends forever!

I am leaving soon for a two-week trip in Siberia. This book has been an exceellent primer. I'll know more about how to judge it when I return.

I have not been able to find any single travel book that covers as much useful information as this! I will be traveling the Trans-Siberian rail this summer, and this book has been a constant companion through my planning process. Detailed information on all of the towns and cities along the way along with maps to avoid getting lost while wandering. Definitely a bonus for the all of the information on smaller towns- it's very difficult to find a travel-worthy guide book that covers more than just St. Petersburg and Moscow, not to mention UB!

Can't recommend this book higher to anyone considering journeying the Trans-Siberian Railway!

Because I plan to trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway next year I bought this book hoping to read some advice and tips on how to travel the whole trip, where to stay, how much it costs, where to stay etc.

But his book absolutely surpassed all my expectations!! There are not only those tips on trans-siberian rail, but also "travel guides" for cities like Moscow, Irkutsk and even tips on how to get to Mongolia, where to stay in Ulan-Bator and so forth.

I have no idea how I would plan my trip without this book! It's really amazing how much information (and even with tips from other "ordinary" travellers!!) is in that, for instance bus-numbers from Moscow airport heading to the center of the city ...

The book absolutely worth the money.

For passengers on traveling on all or most of the Trans-Siberian Railway and visiting the cities along it, there are only two English-language travel guides. The Lonely Planet guide appeared in 2003 with a second edition in 2006, while Bryn Thomas updates his guide almost yearly and in 2007 it reached its seventh edition. I'm a two-time veteran of the Trans-Siberian, using the 1st edition of the Lonely Planet on the eastbound Trans-Manchurian route, and the 2nd edition on the eastbound Trans-Mongolian. When I recently discovered Bryn Thomas' guide in the local library, however, it struck me as the guide that I wish I had had on the trip.

The Lonely Planet guide and Thomas' have much in common. Both include a history of Russia in the Trans-Siberian era and general information about culture. They both give sightseeing guidance and lodging listings for the cities along the way. The LP sticks to the three traditional routes between Moscow and Beijing or Vladivostok, but Thomas has now added Yakutsk, soon to be accessible by rail) and other possible rail terminus cities like Prague and Hong Kong.

What makes Thomas' guide real special is his enthusiasm for the train journey itself. Unlike the LP guide, he gives timetables for the route, truly equipping the reader to prepare for the trip without having to look for too much information outside the book. Thomas discusses in detail the layout of carriages, specifics of what the carriage attendant can do for those under her charge, and things to look out for at kilometre markers along the way. The LP guide has little about the journey itself, and what little interesting information it did have in the first edition disappeared in the second.

Thomas' tone is also much more pleasant to read than in the common guidebooks for independent travelers. He doesn't try to sell you places you have already decided to visit with an overuse of words like "vibrant" and "spectacular". I also admire that he succeeds in writing for a general audience. While some of the accomodation listings are pricey, it doesn't feel like he is dismissing backpackers like certain sell-out guidebook lines.

I don't think I will ever travel the Trans-Siberian all the way again. While still fairly low considering the distance, fares are rising and I usually have the three free weeks needed to hitchhike from Europe to Ulan-Ude or Vladivostok. Nonetheless, I'd certainly recommend this to travelers planning a trip that is well-worth doing at least once.