Bridge Books

1) The audiobook reading by Rene Auberjonois was excellent! 'nuff said!

2) Story about dream worlds and genies..."original" material, not your standard hack-n-slash/magical fantasy or alien/colonizing sci-fi.

3)I agree with the other two reviews that this kept you wondering what was going to happen next.

Highly Recommend

Probably the best fantasy book I have ever read. The story keeps you wondering where it will go next. Don't start reading this book late at night, because you won't be able to put it down. It is full of satire and adventure in two alternating worlds. This is an example of why Hubbard was such a popular writer in his time.

This was an engrossing story, unlike any other I've read. It takes one right into an alternative world and builds a fantasy (or was it?) without many of the usual trappings of sword 'n sorcery. Intertwined with the real world,the goings-on in this fantasy world were highly satirical. This is a book you want to read without stopping. (I admit, I finished this book at 3 AM one night shortly after starting it.) Highly amusing, it left one with a lift.

"I recommend this book to film students and anyone else who is interested in the art of mixing film sound; it contains absorbing insights into the creative process from some of the best sound designers in the industry. By engaging film sound artists in a series of revealing dialogs, Pasquariello highlights some of the practical problems and ingenious solutions to making films sound good." Ioan Allen, senior vice president, Dolby Laboratories

From May/June, 1997 issue of the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 776) Newsletter, Hollywood, California BOOK REVIEW: "SOUNDS OF MOVIES - Interviews with the Creators of Feature Sound Tracks" by Nicholas Pasquariello 240 pages, softcover - Port Bridge Books Reviewed by Dave Whittaker Nicholas Pasquariello has been writing about the technical side of filmmaking for a variety of periodicals for about twenty years, and he now has published a valuable book that collects together interviews with thirteen individuals who are all prominent in the world of film sound. The interviews span the last thirteen years, published originally in Mix magazine and others, and the interviews included here seem to have been chosen for their timelessness, a wise choice. While this book seems aimed largely at the academic film community, there's sufficient depth in the contents so as to be of value to "working professionals" in the film industry. The book is divided into two main sections about production and post-production. The production interviews are with prominent production mixers; the section on post is with re-recording mixers, sound editors, and "sound designers" who wear both hats. The balance is devoted to absorbing interviews on director/composer collaboration, the archival restorations of 'Othello' and 'Lawrence of Arabia', and the perils of translating and dubbing foreign-language versions abroad. In the production section the interviews are with Chris Newman on 'A Chorus Line' and 'Mosquito Coast', Drew Kunin on the rigors of getting usable sound on racing yachts for Carrol Ballard's 'Wind', Ivan Sharrock on 'The Last Emperor', Simon Kaye on 'Platoon', Tod Maitland on 'The Doors', and Nelson Stoll on the marriage of documentary and feature techniques and the politics of the job. It's an interesting and highly varied group of films, with an equally interesting and varied group of mixers talking. If you've never worked in production, or if you've ever complained about the production mixing on a show you're working on, these interviews can be most enlightening. You'll gain some appreciation for the difficult position these folks are in. Trying to reconcile the goal of good sound quality with the conflicting demands of preoccupied directors, camera and lighting needs, difficult locations, and budget realities, all the while "looking good in dailies", is clearly revealed to be a most elusive objective. In the post-production section are interviews with Mark Berger on re-recording 'Amadeus' and 'Mosquito Coast', Richard Beggs on sound design for 'Cotton Club' and 'Tucker', Leslie Shatz on sound design for 'Mishima', Mark Mangini on sound effects for 'Star Trek IV', and Mike Minkler on re-recording 'Explorers'. Like the production mixing section, the group of films here is quite varied and the personalities of the interviewees are often quite engaging. The post section devotes most of its length to the interviews with Bay Area professionals. As a Hollywood sound editor, I was taken aback by this at first, but then realized that this proves to be a bit of a virtue, because the multiple-hat wearing of Richard Beggs and Leslie Shatz allows the interviews to roam over the entire sound-post process, presenting a cohesive picture of what really goes on beyond the picture editing room. Perhaps this Bay Area weighting is a reflection of the tendency for many filmmakers who appreciate the value of collaboration to be attracted to the less-compartmentalized working methods there. It proves useful to read about the difficult location sound recording on 'Mosquito Coast', and then read later about the ramifications of those early decisions when Alan Splet and Mark Berger were trying to edit and mix the tracks. Where this book could be improved would be if there more of these linkages of interviews. Also, when techniques with a long history are discussed in the interviews (such as dance foley for 'Chorus Line') an internal author's reference about that history would be enlightening (as in: "Fred Astaire and others were doing this in 1934"). But these are minor quibbles, somewhat made up for by the presence of fascinating 'bonus' interviews with Vittorio Storaro and Dean Tavoularis on the cinematography and production design for 'Tucker'. There's precious little published material on the working and creative processes of film sound, and this book helps to fill the void. Check it out.

"I recommend this book to film students and anyone else who is interested in the art of mixing film sound; it contains absorbing insights into the creative process from some of the best sound designers in the industry. By engaging film sound artists in a series of revealing dialogs, Pasquariello highlights some of the practical problems and ingenious solutions to making films sound good." Ioen Allen Senior Vice President Dolby Laboratories

Using scriptures, this book will teach you how to understand and overcome your spiritual battles. This book is full of Godly wisdom. I praise GOD for this book and for using it to open my heart and mind to know how to overcome.

A must read for the serious follower of Jesus Christ.

For those individuals who are experiencing difficutly in understanding whats going on in their christian walk with God This book will help them walk on water. Next to the Bible this book gives that light on our path in everyday terms. The writer has that understanding and is well able to express himself so as to deliver and set on high those willing to literaly do the word. Every page is full of scripture and enlightenment on walking with GOD through our difficult times.

Thank GOD for understanding with it we can pass through daily trials and frustrations and walk on top of trouble, instead of lie under it. Actually I think we can face what ever is dished out for us, with this understanding related through this book. "Understanding Will Keep You."

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is full of suspense, adventurous, imaginative, and the plot is original. The story moved fast and I kept me interested until the end. One of the author's strengths in writing is in his descriptions. I could clearly see in my mind's eye the places, sights, and sounds of the book as well as I could visualize the characters as I read. This book is a great read for young teens; especially boys. I highly recommend it for readers who like adventure, mysteries, and technology.

I read a lot of children's fiction. This is one of the top five children's books I've read all year.

The villains are believable. The excitement is real. The personalities of the protagonists are three-dimensional.

This book takes me back to the Danny Dunn books of my childhood. A great read for young teens and preteens.

The Strange Town series kicks off with this fun first volume entitled "The Woods Behind Trevor Malone's House". It follows a young inquisitive trio of best friends through an amazing adventure that occurs in their small strange town. There's a lot of mystery and adventure, balanced with humor. It's a fast page turner with general heaps of excitement, that's great for the imagination. Can't wait to see the next book in the series.

I purchased this book for my daughter who was having trouble in school. This wonderful book taught both of us how to study. Not only has she made dramatic improvements, but I've been using the techniques as well and have found it to work for me.

Are you one of those people, or do you know people who went to school but didn't come out knowing much? Do you know people who can't read and write, who studied subjects but now refuse to have anything to do with those subjects? This book means what it says. You get study skills for life so you can tackle any subject and come out the winner. What are the "Three barriers to study"? Find out what could handle the failed education system in the US once and for all

I helped my son and an adult get through the course that is included in this book. They had wonderful results!

The adult was a guy who went through the public school system - 20 years in the workforce - but just felt his literacy level wasn't what it should be. He had never really learned the simplest grammar rules, and was confused about a lot of what he read.

When my son did this course, he was 9 years old. It was great for both people. The steps are laid out clearly - without all the "confusion" usually found in grammar instruction.

I always did very well in English classes, and always earned an "A" in English on my report cards - I read a great deal, too. But even I learned a lot from this course!

It's just so simple, anyone with a 4th grade reading level can do it. But it doesn't "talk down" to the student, so it's appropriate for adults, too.

The pictures are fun, and the cartoonist who drew them was a Disney cartoonist! The pages are nice and big, too. The hardback version is very nicely bound and can both it and the paperback can put up with a bit of abuse. (I have six kids, this is important to me!)

Highly recommended for any parent, teacher or tutor. Or anyone who knows someone whose literacy level could use a gentle but effective boost!

(I do recommend the "Learning How to Learn" book or the "Study Skills for Life" book be studied first.)

You can email me for further info: (e-mail address)

i bought this book in dutch [just came it accross as a second hand book.]
highly recommended to start with,extremely lucid.
i have seen other books, highly praised,but far less clearly written

Chi Kung or Qigong is an extremely powerful meditation system of Tai Chi. It is powerful because its practices induce proper chi flow. Hence it is very important to do the practices correctly. This is where this book is really a 5 star! The practices are described in great detail which is very important. Also, I would say that the practices are really powerful if done the right way. You may come across other books on Chi Kung with slightly varying practices or totally different, but the practices given in this book are very powerful as well as SAFE!!! I would strongly recommend "Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain" by Chungliang Al Huang so as to fully understand and appreciate the depth of these simple yet powerful exercises. I would bet on anything that this book coupled with Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain would outshine any book as far as understanding and implementing the principles of Tai Chi are concerned. So I would say - "Go ahead and buy the two books!"

As a relative newcomer to the world of Tai Chi (Taiji), I found the information in this book invaluable. Unlike the vast number of "how to do" books on Tai Chi, this book offers a complete range of Tai Chi specific Chi Kung (Qigong)exersises to re-build and preserve the base energy and looseness required not only to enhance your Tai Chi practice, but in fact to enhance your general well-being on a daily basis. As one of the millions of people who has been "touched" by the sometimes overpowering effects of stress I am constantly looking for "ways" or "keys" to re-charge my batteries ..... this book is one of those "keys". The information offered is straightforward, clearly written and offers clear insights as to how the practice of Tai Chi and Tai Chi Chi Kung can enhance your daily life. The use of line drawings (not photographs) for the exersises themselves, I think really enhances the "feel" of the book.

Whether you be a Tai Chi enthusiast, someone who is feeling the pressure of work or home life, or just someone looking for a way to feel more relaxed, alive and energised ...... this 165 page book offers a wealth of information not easily found in one small package.

I can also whole heartedly recommend to any other new Tai Chi enthusiast Master Khor's book "Tai Chi ... the way to a healthy life".

We all know that Sir Walter Scott invented the historical novel. Some scholars also call him father of the political novel. THE TALE OF OLD MORTALITY (1816) is certainly a political novel. And a religious novel. And an historical novel. And a love story. And a masterpiece of psychological analysis. ***

About all that a literate American reader might find a chore is the broad lowland Scots spoken by many of the characters, both aristocrats, servants, innkeepers and plowmen. Here is an example from Penguin Classics, Chapter 39, p. 317. It is ten years after novel's beginning. The hero, Henry Morton, using his mother's family name, Melville, has returned from political exile in the Netherlands. He had risen to major general serving King William of England and Scotland. He visits his old home and his old family domestic servant, Alison Wilson. Most people no longer recognize him. But his old cocker spaniel, Elphin, does. His servant is delighted to see her darling ("hinny") returned. For he had been thought drowned at sea. Here is some of her Scots as lightly "Europeanized" by Scott: "And what cam ye here, hinny? And where hae ye been? -- And what hae been doing? --And what for did ye na write till us? -- And how cam ye to pass yersel for dead? -- And what for did ye come creeping to your ain house as if ye had been an unco body, to gi'e pour auld Ailie sic a start?" ***

Heavy doses of even thicker Scots are but one reason for American readers to prefer the Penguin Classics "ideal" first edition of MORTALITY. That scholarly Edinburgh version abounds in notes, has a very ample glossary, explanations of Scots and English idioms. Also indispensable are the "Historical Notes" (pp. 354 - 358) and the follow-on map of the upper Clyde river where so much of the action takes place.

On May 3, 1679 James Sharp, Archbishop of Saint Andrews in Scotland was dragged from his coach three miles from home and executed by representatives of the extreme wing of Scottish Presbyterians known as Covenanters. Scott's novel opens a day or two later along the Clyde River upstream from Glasgow in southwestern Scotland. We meet the hero, young Henry Morton, as a moderate Presbyterian attending a Royalist muster. He loves a local Episcopalian girl of noble birth. The next few months of the novel are driven by the armed rebellion of the most fanatical of the Presbyterians being put down by the most vicious of the Royalists. ***

In the process Scott lays out the abuses of power of King Charles II, including the same which nearly a century later led to the American Revolution: empowering soldiers to arrest and kill suspects without trial, quartering soldiers in private houses against the will of the owners, etc. The future of Britain (and North America) belongs to moderates, but their day will be long in dawning and hard fought.

True love is tested by difference in politics and religion. Drawing on contemporary documents, Walter Scott reproduces the torrents of Bible-based invective put together in sermons of fanatical Covenanters. He displays their bravery in the teeth of persecution. To the disgust of James Hogg and others, Sir Walter also finds redeeming features in the most violent of the Royalists, John Graham of Claverhouse. THE TALE OF OLD MORTALITY sounds more and more like our own times as the pages race by. -OOO-

Scott's "Old Mortality" is set amidst political and religious turmoil in late 17th century Scotland. Covenanters, in that time, a sect of Presbyterians, engaged government forces of both Scotland and Britain in an effort to secure their religious freedoms. In the middle of this action is Henry Morton, a moderate youth, drawn out of his secure life by a chance encounter, and into a ten-year Odyssey of strife and conflict. Scott's portrayal of extremist religious leaders is balanced by his equally fierce portrayal of the leaders of the government's attempt to quell the uprisings. Out of this emerges Scott's real triumphs of characterization - Cuddie Headrigg, Bessie Maclure, and Jenny Denison, minor characters whose very humanity and seeming irrelevance in the cosmic scheme that Scott sets up make their actions more impressive in the context of the novel. This new Penguin edition is complemented by a wonderfully insightful introduction by Douglas Mack. If you are unfamiliar with Scott's work, this novel is an excellent introduction to one of the world's great authors.

The tale of Old Mortality is certainly one of the great Waverley novels. Scott was writing about a historical period he knew well and a subject he cared deeply about. The result is a story both exciting and informative, full of romance and action. The novel is set mainly in the year 1679 and concerns the revolt of the strict Presbyterian Covenanters against the Episcopalian forces of Charles II. The hero of the novel, Henry Morton, is a moderate Presbyterian who through misfortune is driven to join the more extreme Covenanters. He strives to bring peace and stability back to Scotland by both opposing the zealous excesses of the Covenanters and attempting to bring about a reconciliation with those Royalists who accept, as he does, that freedom of conscience is necessary in a land divided into factions and by civil war. Morton must tread a fine line between the extremes on both sides, all the while hoping that his intended bride, the Royalist Edith Bellenden, will forgive his joining the rebels.

Scott's sympathies, on the whole, are with the Royalists, but he recognises that the Covenanters, persecuted and driven to rebellion had genuine grievances. Characters on both sides behave with honour and humanity as well as with brutality and intolerance. He paints a vivid picture of these troubled times with good descriptions of the battles of Loudoun Hill and Bothwell Bridge. The characters Scott creates are often complex and full of depth. His depiction of the Royalist leader Claverhouse ("Bonnie Dundee"), is particularly good, showing him as both stern and cruel yet brave and chivalrous, a character who can be liked despite his faults. At times his depictions of the leaders of the Covenanters tend towards caricature. They are often depicted as crazed bigots. But this is counterbalanced by the characterization of Morton a man who while fighting for the right to worship as he pleases, recognises that his opponents have the same right. He embodies the message of the novel that it is tyranny, no matter from which direction it comes that is the enemy of stability and civilization.

Old Mortality is written very well and is a good read, fast paced and with a plot which keeps the pages turning. However, even a Scottish reader with a good knowledge of modern Scots dialect usage is often faced with passages of Old Scots, which can be hard to decipher. It is frequently necessary to turn to the glossary and notes to translate obscure phrases and sentences. That said, it should be recognised that Scott only uses dialect in the mouths of his minor characters and the majority of the novel is written in Standard English. No one should be deterred therefore from reading what may well be Scott's masterpiece and which is certainly amongst the finest novels of the nineteenth century.

Very entertaining and educational book gives many examples of Ray and Kirk witnessing to complete strangers effectively and inoffensively.

If you want to share your faith but don't know how, this is a great book, reading like a collection of case studies (or real-life examples) of how to actually do it, most in simple everyday scenarios, such as witnessing to people you meet at work, around your street, service workers that come to your house, colleagues, etc. It also contains some less everyday witness encounters, such as witnessing to prisoners, famous celebrities, "open-air" preaching at a High School, witnessing to psychics, gang members, and more.

Biblically sound, lasting conversions come when sharing your faith the way Jesus did it, using the law to show sinners their sins, so that they can truly appreciate Jesus' sacrifice on the cross (the grace part). Biblical-based witnessing is guaranteed to give you joy and drama in life!

This book is sure to help you increase your zeal for evangelism, as well as train you in the practical how-to's that can often be intimidating to Christian believers. Matthew Henry states (book quotes him): "I would think it a greater happiness to gain one soul to Christ than mountains of silver and gold to myself."

This is an excellent follow up book after you have read the more introductory book that has more Biblical exposition as to the way of witnessing, why it is done in this way, and similar questions, see The Way of the Master by the same authors from the Way of the Master ministry.

Have 2 books on your nightstand or desk at all times.

1. Holy Bible

2. Anything by Ray Comfort.

Count yourself lucky if you are able to find a copy of the 3rd Edition. It is extremely rare and very hard to find. If you can't find it though, buy the 1st or 2nd Editions.

This is undoubtedly one of the most influential, groundbreaking, and important books ever to come from "Second Wave" feminist thought. Although it has been over 20 years since it was originally published, it still retains its edginess and thought-provoking qualities.

The book, which features the writings of Asian, Latin, African, and Native American women was also groundbreaking in that many of the women are lesbians and/or from working class backgrounds. (Although lesbian and/or working class anthologies are unsual now, it was significant back in 1981.)

Writers include Audre Lorde, Pat Parker, Barbara Smith, Anzaldua, Moraga, Barbara Cameron, and Aurora Levins Morales.

Essays, poems, short stories, creative and autobiographical pieces are the basis for this book. Although it is best known for confronting racism within and outside of the Women's Movement, the book also examines:

* the roots of the authors' radical politics
* theory vs. real life
* culture, class, and homophobia
* on being an ethic writer/artist
* visions for a better future

The 3rd Edition also contains pictures of art and sculpture by radical women of color artists circa late 1970s-early 1980s. These add more layers and depth to the book as the artists' works were chosen to compliment the writings. All 3 Editions (but especially the 3rd) contain an excellent bibliography for the reader who is further interested in reading more about women of color feminism.

Other books of interest (There are many, many good books by women of color feminists, these are just a few examples):

**** ~Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology~ edited by Barbara Smith
**** ~A Gathering of Spirit: Writing and Art by North American Indian Women~ edited by Beth Brant
**** ~Making Waves: An Anthology of Writings by and About Asian Amerian Women~ edited by Asian Women United of California
**** ~Chicana Lesbians: The Girls Our Mothers Warned Us About~ edited by Carla Trujillo.

The late Anzaldua and AnaLouise Keatings also edited a sequel/daughter anthology to TBCMB It is called THIS BRIDGE CALLED MY HOME (2002). Lovers of the original -Bridge- book will be intrigued by how the follow-up anthology expands, critiques, and examines the issues found in TBCMB.

Oh my goodness!! This is an incredible ground-breaking book of awareness and consciousness. It was a must-read for anyone coming of age in the 1980's and it is still relevant today. I came on line to purchase it for a friend who had never seen it, and I am in shock that it is out of print, or even just out of stock (it's unclear which). The paperback is selling on ZBooks for $45. I'm confounded.

This is such an important anthology of writings by radical women of color on the politics of race, gender, class and sexual orientation. Though it is more than two decades old, the essays and poetry are still ispirational and relevant. Indeed, I strongly feel that this is a book that every feminist should read. That said, I am utterly baffled by how difficult it is to obtain. Could it really be out of print? If so, I hope (hint, hint) that some progressive publishing company like AK Press, South End Press, or Seal re-prints it. I would hate to think of it disappearing into the dustbin of obscurity.

I recently went to a Tokyo with this and a Rough Guide to Japan. While the Rough Guide was good for giving general travel info and information on the major sights and museums etc, the Tokyo Q guide was what gave me access to a Tokyo which otherwise would have been a hidden to me as a tourist. The book has great sections on restaurants and neigborhoods which you can tell are written by people who live there and have a good sense of the city. However, its strongest point is its list of bars and clubs. I cannot fathom how you would find these places without this book. As a tourist who has no desire to hang at the Hard Rock with other tourists the book gave me access to a number of really cool little bars and clubs which made me love Tokyo.

The best thing to do would be to buy this in conjunction with a regular guide book like Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide because while it is a great guide,it is pretty idiosyncratic and does not give you all the mundane details on sights and practical travel tips.

Props to Tokyo Q. Hope they have a new edition by the time I visit Tokyo again.

The ONLY Tokyo Guide Book worth buying. I live here and couldn`t put it down. It only lists what is really worth seeing and is written by those who live here - apparently over 30 contributors with a total of 265 years of living in Tokyo between them. Buy it.

Tokyo is big and rich and important and complex. While it's not unfriendly, it doesn't go out of its way to present itself conveniently and easily to outsiders.

That's why you need to know insiders. This book is the product of an army of insiders. Cool, hip, switched-on, diverse, interesting, funny and well-conneted insiders. Led by the erudite and witty Rick Kennedy. (The credits say Rick worked for Sony for 20 years. How did he keep his sense of humour?)

The book is great for visitors, but I think much more useful for residents who have the time to search out the restaurants, theatres, galleries and shops. (I had my first familiarisation visit from the cop at the local koban--and thanks to TQ I knew what to do!)

I look forward to the next edition. But guys...I tried to visit the TQ website and kept turning up a 404. What gives?