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i had to read this book for a literature class in jr. college . i had only about a week to read it (that's super fast for me) and write a report . i thought it would be an undertaking . to this day i don't know how to twist my way around the title . i felt heartened by the fact that the 1934 ? film version of the HUNCHBACK was one of my favorite films (and remains so) . this is a truly wonderful book . i was lured into a book larger than a novella (a daunting thing for me) and completely swept away by an obvious master . so , if you must read this ample book , fear not . i made little of my brief college life , but this read ranks as a triumph on all fronts .

It was a marathon, reading this book. It was worth it. Friends have said to me that getting through the first portion about the bishop was difficult, but I actually enjoyed it. It was beautiful. If you are considering it, I encourage you to pick it up. The length might be intimidating, but it's not a difficult book to read. If you're just beginning with it, press on and you will be rewarded.

This book is simply amazing. After a slow start I wondered why people had always said to me that the book was great. Then the story began to grow on me. The characters have such depth and as you watch their lives intertwine and change you cannot help but be swept away by the fantastic story. Though some people may be bored by histories and descriptions, as I sometimes found myself, they are absolutely essential to the story. Three of my friends who have read the book still can't describe how wonderful it is. My mother, father, brother, grandfather and aunt are all in line to read it. The book has a myriad of meanings but a few themes are: redemption, revolution, deperation, forgiveness and morality. This book is my favorite and trust me I have read many.

I didn't realize there are different translations of this work. I got half-way through this one, left it at home, visited the library in another city and checked out the book there, which turned out to be a different translation, one much more difficult to follow! In fact, I gave up and returned that book, and waited until I got home to take-up-where-I-left-off with this translation. Hugo certainly isn't an "easy read" (no brain-candy, this!) but I'm quite satisfied with my purchase.

I have read this incredible work of art several times and never cease to be amazed by the enormous impact it has on me. The first time I ever read it, I cried off and on for about three days, I was so moved. Victor Hugo tapped into something profound when he penned this story. It is long, yes, but I find that every little rabbit trail Hugo goes down has a very important point. I can just read the first chapter and feel humbled and challenged by his description of the way the bishop lived his life for God. It is better than most Christian devotionals I have read. Most people think of this as a somber story and indeed in many ways it is, but I am always surprised how much humor is infused into it as well. I have said it to many people and I say it here: every Christian should read this book. It is a perfect fictional example of how Christ can change anyone and of how believers should relate to their fellow man. I have even given it as a wedding present, considering it an excellent guide to living selflessly for another person. I challenge people to read it and see if they are not in some way changed.

I have been fascinated with the Jonestown story ever since the first reports of the massacre emerged in '78. The combination of elements; the jungle, a charismatic leader, poisoned flavor aid and an assasinated congressman all made for an irresistable tale. The action plays out more like a novel than a real life event. The cult story has been told several times, but always by outsiders. Now we have an eyewitness account from Debbie Layton, a top officer in the People's Temple.

Seductive Poison is not written in the professional style of other books, and it is all the more authentic because of it. Enough reviews have been written already, so I will not get into details, but will comment on a few aspects. First of all, this book will hold your attention and is never dull at any point. The ending will bring a stoic to tears. And if the description of Layton's escape from Guyana does not send shivers down your spine, you need to see a doctor.

In the end one cannot help but reflect on all the victims and what could have been. Children could have grown, lives of a sort lived out in the Jungle or elsewhere. Instead over 900 were snuffed out in hours of madness, part of one the strangest events on record.

I had seen a documentary a while back on PBS, and Deborah Layton was one of the many former members and survivors who gave commentary on People's Temple and specifically the Rev. Jim Jones. In introducing Layton, there was a marker under her name that indicated she had written a book titled, Seductive Poison, on the infamous death cult. I ordered it. All I can say is that Layton's memoir is an altogether fascinating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, because her very detailed account is absolutely all consuming, riveting in the best sense of the word when it pertains to memoirs; no stone is left unturned, and all the recollections are thoroughly laced together to form a disturbing portrait of how and why seemingly normal and intelligent people get emeshed in cults. And when they realize that they are in one it is often too late. Deborah Layton, among others, were the lucky ones.

Jim Jones was the charismatic pastor of the Disciples of Christ, a liberal Protestant denominationin that was a member of the National Council of Churches; it too was the division that housed People's Temple. Combining Scripture and Christian dogma with Marxist and Leninist philosophies, he espoused the concept of Liberation Theology, in essence, creating a social Gospel where people of all classes, colors, economic levels, ages and education would be a part of. In addition to the questionable socialist teachings, Jim Jones love-bombed his congregation, telling them how special and unique and important they were in the eyes of Jesus Christ, how what he required was the will of God, for he was supposedly the microphone of the Holy Trinity. And who can fight that concept? Bit by bit, people gradually gave their will over to him, assuming that his Divine influence was beyond question. And gradually, they became automatons, shadows of their former selves doing the will of their Father.

Aside from the fact that Seductive Poison is beyond exceptionally well written, it is the inside details that Layton offers that makes her memoir especially pulsating, particularly her details on the "white night", where members were so deeply indoctrinated that they on many an evening had practice drills to drink the cyanide laced punch. She also gives vivid details on the types of punishment used in Jonestone. The evil perpetrated upon children was especially disturbing: "...There was also the Well, a punishment used especially for children. They would be taken to the well in the dark of night, hung upside down by a rope around their ankles, and dunked into the water again and again while someone hidden inside the Well grabbed at them to scare them."--Page 176.

The spying, turning against loved ones, cruel assorted punishments, disturbing and nonsensical harangues all kept people in line until they flew off Guyana, to the Promise Land. Yet it was anything but that, and many had to suppress their inner feelings of disappointment for fear of severe retribution.

There is a lot to say about this work; it raises serious questions and offers important answers, paramount being that individualism is indeed a very good thing and following your own will is not something to be taken for granted. It also sheds light on why people join cults, to be a part of something bigger than themselves, to live in a community where those who have nothing have something of far greater worth: love.

Seductive Poison works as sociology, history, a family record, psychology, autobiography; it works on so many fronts and conveys so much. Religion is a good thing, but sometimes it is best to appreciate it from afar.

I read this book in 3 days. I couldn't put it down. It keeps you wanting to know more! It made me sick how many people were involved with such a mind-freak! They didn't even recognize what was going on. This is a must read!

Book came within a short time and was in the shape that seller told it was in and even better.

Originally bought as a source for a research paper, i had come into this searching for a simple first hand account of the Jonestown incident. However, once i began reading, Seductive Poison evolved into much more than just a primary source. What sets this book apart from any other literature on the accounts of Jonestown is Layton's honesty. She provides the reader with a background of information leading up to joining Jim Jones and finally wraps up with the eventual mass-suicide. Instead of focusing primarily on the final events of Jonestown and the actions of Jim jones himself, Layton tells her story, from beginning to end which will help others understand why anyone would have gotten up and followed a man such as Jim Jones.
Before beginning this book, i was skeptical. I had many questions about the followers of Jones, their motives, their mental state, what they believed in and I was worried that Layton might try to sway the reader in one direction or another. However, that is not the case. Seductive Poison provides the reader with facts, journal entries, letters, and most importantly, Photos of the loved ones she describes throughout the entire book.
Often the writing of memoirs such as this involving such an emotional attachment don't live up to the story itself. However, Deborah Layton is a talented writer which allows the reader immerse themselves in the content rather than focus on the pros and cons of the writing. From her steady attention to detail to the heartfelt commentary, Layton has truly pulled off a winner. Because of her first hand situation in the Peoples Temple, Seductive Poison is informative. Anyone interested in seeking the ways and workings of a cult, how cults come-to-be cults, why anyone would join one or just looking to read of a women's personal journey of coming into her own, should give this book a chance. I did, and I'm thrilled with my choice.

Ayan Hirsi Ali's account of growing up as a Somali woman in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Germany, and the Netherlands, what she endured, her search for religious meaning as a Muslim and her struggle to be her own person was inspiring and a must read for all!!!!!!

One of the few life-changing books that I would consider a must-read for all: honest, direct, and with inspiring moral clarity.

This is one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read. Ayaan Hirsi Ali gives a detailed portrayal of her life story and growing up Muslim. All that she writes about will stay with you and will make you think.
Her amazing life journey had me taken through several countries and through a culture as a woman I could have never in my wildest dreams knew existed. I had heard about female genital mutilation, but I never truly knew of the real horrors of it. I could also never imagine a mother telling her child to hit before you are hit as a survival of the fittest strategy. Alot of things she writes about are not what we in the westernize world are taught, and it seems very foreign to the point of culture shock.
Please pick up the book and read it with an open mind. I can definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about the struggles of women around the world.

This book opened my eyes to the truth of the world we all live in now - a world that is smaller than we think and much more evil and more perilous. It is the only book I have ever read that truly explains the reason for the 9/11 attack in a way that makes sense and is believable. It opens our vision to the future and to what we can know it will be. I feel that I not only will never think in the same way, I will never be the same. At the same time it portrays amazing courage and is absolutely inspiring, especially so to all young women everywhere.

I am a Christian woman who feels strongly about the rights of women. In Ali's book I saw corollaries between the abuse of women in Islam and the abuse of women in Christiandom. I also saw corollaries between the way culture intertwines itself in the interpretation of the Koran and of the Bible.

Being an American, I had no idea what was going on in Europe in the Muslim communities. I also didn't know hardly anything about what it was like to grow up in the countries Ali did. This book taught me hard realities I was not aware of.

I think this is a great book and encourage everyone to read it. And remember, Islam is not the only religion that uses it's sacred texts to abuse women, there are Christians who do that also.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. This was the book that got be hooked on historical fiction, and although the cover (imo) does the book an injustice (making the novel look old and boring), this is a wonderful read. Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt are flesh-and-blood characters, leaping off the page to bring you along in a 14th century adventure.

If you have any interest in the 1300s, Chaucer, English history, or even just romance stories, I think you'll like this.

This was the first "romance" novel I ever read. I must have been 10 or 11 at the time. Since then I have read countless historical novels but this one is still my favorite. I just finished re-reading it and I was as enthralled now as I was years ago. If you enjoy good historical fiction (Philipa Gregory, Diana Gabaldon, Sharon Kay Penman), you will enjoy this book.

Katherine makes me want to drink ale. There is breakfast ale. There is ale as remedy for a wan complexion. Ale for lunch, dinner...good ale, poor ale, everyone drinks it! I bought Katherine on recommendation from so many reviewers here who loved it. And I agree that it is a fantastic book, transporting me back to the medieval times of Katherine Swynford, John of Gaunt and Geoffrey Chaucer. I have now become a student of medieval British history, thanks to Anya Seton's books, which contain adventure, love affairs, wars, magic, religion. I am addicted, and Katherine did not disappoint; I love Ms. Seton's writing style and attention to detail. I loved Katherine and the depiction of "a woman's lot" in these troubled times. I hurt for her when she was a teenaged bride, forced to marry a rough brute whom she could never love. Yet, unlike another reviewer who found Hugh Swynford's character unsympathetic, I did come to have compassion for him. Yes he was loathsome, yes he was selfish and abusive. Yet Ms. Seton somehow dredged a grudging sympathy for him out of me. She wouldn't allow him to be a total villain. I also understood Katherine's need for penance for her affair with the duke; I found stunning parallels to my own life experiences in this. Overall this was an entertaining, beautifully told tale of triumph over tragedy.

I first read this book about 25 years ago. Recently a friend discussed how she just loved the story, and that's what stirred me to find the book again. The choice of Dante Rosetti's painting, Veronica Veronese, for the cover image of the latest edition is wonderful.

Anya Seton was gifted at her crafting of words. Often I find myself rereading sentences that seem unusual and beautiful. It's an enjoyable way to travel back in time. Reading a history book can be interesting, but an historical novel puts a face and character to the names that usually get only a brief mention.

I am an avid avid reader, especially about English Historical Fiction. I just finished this book,,,and of all the amazing authors I have read, including Phillipa Gregory and Margaret George, Anya Seton has taken first place in quality historical fiction. Here attention to detail and her development of 3 dimensional characters is unsurpased and I was torn between rushing through the book..and yet reading it slowly to savor it like an amazing piece of cake. This was the first book of hers I've read and I intend to read all of them!!!

this book is phenominal and i strongly suggest buying this book if you are at all serious about the gym... actually even if your not serious, this book might make you serious

I just had to leave feedback on this book because I just ordered my SECOND copy of it. I ordered it after a coworker showed me his old copy. I was amazed at how it showed you which specific muscles are used during each exercise (that it details how to do). I've been looking for a book like this for a while. After getting this and the female edition (for lower body. Has many more exercises than this book.) and showing it to my husband, he just about grabbed it and ran off with it. He is a firefighter and has the luxury of working out at work and "STOLE" our home copy to keep at work (he's there for 24 hour shifts). So here I am back buying another. THIS one stays at home. lol That should tell you how awesome this book is.

Excellent reference book for pro or layperson. For example, what muscles
are you working when you do pull ups? Watch video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N0N--gkaSg

The 16 Minute Body Sculpting Kit: Attain Your Dream Body in Just 16 Minutes a Day!

This is a great book for anyone who is looking for a better understanding of exercise physiology.

This book is incredible in its details. You get a complete picture of how each muscle is used during a certain exercise. I've never seen a book with this level of detail. Great for both men and women who lift to get a better understanding of muscles used. Includes upper and lower body diagrams!

I used to read other sex books with my wife but she surprised me one day and bought Sex and the perfect lover by Iam... was a complete different thing all together, far far the best one I've seen. It's simply Amazing. My wife seduces me with the techniques in the book and I please her through the advice in the book. A reference book for your bedside table we have learn how to have fun and intimacy together, without just merely have sex put us on ground now. We have learnt how to have fun and intimacy together, without just merely making love.
Everyone wants to have a great sex life and some may even think that they know everything as I did! but this book will take your sex life to new heights.
I'm the one now that insists that we read one chapter every night, and then practice!
I am right now ordering several copies to give as a gift to my friends.

Wow. this is the perfect book for busy, active people who want to keep their sex life alive, but who don't have time to spend learning. When I thought there were not any more sex "techniques" I could learn from a book, this book just amazed me. This book just transformed my sex and it is never going to be better than after reading it. I've read my share of sex books but this one is very informative, gives great advises and covers many areas of relationships that are not covered in other books.

M. Iam seriously addresses intimacy issues and provides a step-by-step deep relationship-nourishing format that begins with the art of exploring the pleasures of the Kama sutra from the vantage point of the couple's balanced physical, mental and emotional energy. In addition to initiating and maintaining the purely sensual aspects of love-making.

Everyone should read this book. I have read a lot of relationships and sex books. This one, by far, is the best for me. Was almost like a total
pleasure, I am giving it as a gift for special occasions and recommending it to everyone I know.

Sex and the Perfect Lover is a guide for those who wish a relationships with love pleasure, and intimacy, This is by far the best book I have ever read. The style of the book is easy, clear and perfect to understand and the illustrations of the kamasutra are excellent. The exercises and illustrations are creative, playful, and unusual, such as rewriting a recipe in sexual imagery to create an appetizing and erotic plan.
I've shared it with some friends. I'm definitely going to give a copy of this book to my friends.

I have to admit, the only reason I chose this book was because of the 240+ rave reviews here at amazon. How could 99% of the reviewing public be wrong, right? Well take it from me, whoever translated this book into english (it was originally written in another language) did a pretty shabby job, unless their goal was to suck the life out of every paragraph. It is thoroughly boring, utterly useless and embarrassingly void of anything that anyone could apply to their sex life. I guarantee you 110% that you will be disappointed with this book, and after reading it you'll be looking somewhere else for the answers you were seeking. This was my first foray into a "better sex" book, and I most definitely made the wrong choice.

The chapters are so short, they feel like you're reading an outline. There is no content. There is so much filler in this book, you start to catch on by about page 50 that you're going absolutely nowhere -- page after page, chapter after chapter. She mentions some interesting ideas and concepts, but never once does she show any hint of knowledge or expertise in this subject area. Her solution to EVERYTHING is that with proper practice and techniques, you too can achieve an explosive orgasm -- but she tells you absolutely nothing about how to do anything. It's so ridiculous I was laughing out loud by chapter 10. Really, this book is a complete waste and joke.

When I self-published my book, "Welcome Home: A Guide for Foster, Adoptive, and Treatment Foster Parents," I used Dan's book religiously. It's so worn out, I have to order a new copy for my forthcoming book [tenatively titled, 'Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment of Foster and Adopted Children, 2009]. I sold 5,000 copies, though two editions. Could I have done this without Dan's book? Perhaps, but he walks you through every step of the way. If you're self-publishing a book, this one gives you more information and guidance than you could ask for. You'll still have to do the leg-work, but he makes it less daunting.

FOR ANYBODY WHO HAS THE DESIRE TO BECOME A SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR, SHOULD OWN THIS BOOK. THE BOOK IS JUST THE BEGINNING...BUT IF YOU GO TO HIS WEBSITE, READ, STUDY, AND ORDER HIS INFORMATION KITS AND ARTICLES. YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO THE TOP!

Don't self publish a book without first reading this one. It's the best. I also loved the grammar book from Jim Woods Two Dozen Lessons from an Editor

This was my very first self publishing book and one of the best. I have only come across three that are priceless!

Step by step Dan Poynter takes you through writing and publishing your own book. He doesn't promise that it will be easy or that you will be successful, but he does explain the process.
The real work begins once your book is printed--you are on your own and he gives you an extensive rundown of the markets you can tap. For the novice author first you must make sure you have the best product that can be produced--a professional editor, which is one area he handles in marginal fashion though there is a list of editing services in the back. Make sure you obtain both a line editor and a content editor which are two difference birds. It is very difficult to spot the little mistakes because you read what should be there not what is actually on the page.
This is the grandfather of them all and an excellent survey of the field. All of the books attached to this review are self-published books, which have received strong reviews and sold well.
Writing as a Small BusinessQualifying Laps: A Brewster County NovelUnder the Liberty OakGuns Across the Rio: A Texas Ranger in Old Mexico

I compared it with three other guidebooks, and this one is hands down by far the best. I also like his sense of humor, and his ability to give us foreigners a realistic taste of the local culture. It is down to earth, not superficial, and it must have been a lot of work to write this guide! The first thing I did when I arrived in Oahu for the second segment of my trip was to go to the bookstore at the airport and buy his book for Oahu.

This revised edition is very comprehensive, written with a sense of humor and candor. Looking forward to visiting the island with book in hand to "test out" the recommendations.

Whatever you need to know about the Big Island, it's in this book. Excellent info, updated and concise, in a very readable form.

I found this book to give good recommendations for places to see on the island. Some were not as spectacular as described. Also it would have been helpful to have better overview maps. Those are obtainable for free in other publications such as rental car guides. Places to eat were good recommendations.

First rate guide to the Big Island. I bought their Kauai book years ago when I visited, and this one is just as good. You truly feel like your getting insider tips, and not just a project for a travel writer on assignment. Don't hesitate on this one.

I don't really go for contemporary romance but this I can appreciate. I really love the new cover as well and how Meredith and Matthew finally realise they still love each other and manage to overcome all obstacles, it just warmed me to my toes! I've read all Judith McNaught's books and can't wait for more!

I have a read a lot of books, and yet Paradise is still among one of my favorites. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book!! It is full of so many different emotions, that you don't know whether to cry, laugh, be angry, be happy, because it is full of ALL of those!! I highly recommend this book and trust me, you will not want to put this book down!!

Deceit from outside forces pull these two young, tragic lovers apart but after 11 years, Matt & Meredith find that they were never truly divorced. Discovering the truth about what really happened and finding that they never stopped feeling for one another makes this story simply wonderful.

Matt's "proposal" to keep his wife was absolutely brilliant. McNaught does it again!

This is my first McNaught contemporary and based of all reviews here, I expected more. But this is not Paradise at all. Too long, too many details about business ... Yes, there are some typical Judith's traces just like big misunderstandings, strong tough hero, beautiful heroine, loving/brutal relatives and so on, but I felt something missed. And - sometimes I had a feeling I read about characters I've already known: Miss Stern is like Lucinda Throckmorton-Jones, Joe O'Hara like Jake, Patrick Farrell like Duncan, all from Almost heaven which I absolutely love. I think McNaught should stay at historical, but I'll give her another try with Perfect.

This is one of the best romance novels I've ever read if not the THE best. I loved both Matt and Meredith and all the supporting characters are special. I couldn't even hate her father even though it's more than warranted.

This my go to book when I'm feeling down. I recommend that everyone that loved contemporary romance read this book

This book contains a wealth of information on the strategy needed to succesfully play Texas Hold Em poker. Through the use of real-life example hands the author explains not only what a good bet is, but why to make specific plays in certain situations. A very valuable tool for the poker player tring to increase his odds of winning a Texas Hold Em tournament.

All 3 books in this series are great. I wish it was possible to award more than 5 stars because these books are much better than the typical book that gets a 5 star rating.

There have been many in-depth reviews of this book so I will make this short. If you spend time going through this book it WILL improve your game. The strategy is well laid out and the explanations in the examples gives insight into a top poker players thought process. Many examples state that some of the other answers are also plausible for certain reasons, but he states clearly why HE thinks one play is better than another. A must read for any No Limit Poker Player. str

This is the best poker book i've read so far. Very well written, cover all the aspects of the game, specially No Limit Tournaments and SNGs. Everyone who wants to play really well should read this.

I think Harrington's book and it's sequels are the best books ever written about no limit hold'em tournaments. The first part of the series covers strategic concepts about tournament poker, the second part tells how to play in the ending of a tournament, and third part is the workbook for reviewing the concepts of first two books.

Before reading this book (and the sequels), I have been mostly playing online cash games and occasionally some sit'n'gos, but I am still a beginner in NL hold'em (mostly concentrated on limit games). Totally I have read some 10+ books in poker. Well, after reading this book series I finished 14th out of 2000 players in my first large NL hold'em tournament simply by following Harrington's advice, and slightly adapting in some points.

What's best here is that Harrington is quite a practical guy, and practical guys win. For example, compared to Sklansky, one of the finest authors in poker, Harrington is actually able to teach how to play poker in practical level. In my opinion, Sklansky provides theoretical foundations for some very advanced strategic concepts, but more responsibility about how/when to utilize them is actually left to reader. I think these approaches complement each other very well, and both are great poker authors.

I would say that the first book is also good reading for NL hold'em cash games, especially if you're a beginning player (I am not sure anymore though, since Harrington's cash game series is now out as well). The second book (excluding first chapter) relates only to tournament concepts.