Games Books

I just got a FREE copy with my Cheerios box! I LOVE this book! I laughed with my 10 year old as we read it, and I will make my 13 year old son read it and we shall reflect on our rock hunting days of old in our beloved Tennessee creeks... :) I want a hardback of this book!

Thank You Byrd Baylor. I teach a class of adults in recovery. This book has a wonderful message. Everybody in the class chose a rock that appealed to them, a discussion presented inspiring feedback, that was meaningful. Nature has a way of touching our hearts. Nature has a way of growing our spirit.

I bought this book for use in an early childhood classroom for 3 to 5 year old children, and the children and I just love it! It's a relaxing story to use and lends itself well to a variety of themes and activities. I wish I had this one when my own children were small. They would have LOVED it!

Under the guise of giving ten rules for choosing one's "special rock", the author advises kids (and adults who read to them), to connect with nature and to act with deliberation. The line drawings are muted in color yet evocative and filled with imagination, and will be of interest to kids who have seen only traditional artwork.

I teach 6th grade and one of the things we learn about is rocks. I bought this book based on the reviews, but after reading it I felt compelled to write one too. I try to get my students excited about rock collecting. This book is so simple, yet so inspiring. It begins by saying "I'm sorry for kids who only have tricycles, bicycles, horses, elephants, goldfish, three-room playhouses, fire engines, wind-up dragons and things like that - if they don't have a rock for a friend." It then goes on to list 10 simple rules for finding your rock...not just any rock. A rock that you will keep forever. The rules include where to find your rock and remember "You should choose your rock when everything is quiet. Don't let dogs bark at you or bees buzz at you." The book concedes, "Don't get a rock that is too big. You'll always be sorry. It won't fit in your right hand and it won't fit in your pocket. A rock as big as an apple is too big. A rock as big as a horse is MUCH too big." This is the perfect book to get your rock collectors started and excited about geology.

I was hesitant to read this book despite the recommendation of a friend and despite the accolades written here. How foolish. Reading this book was like sinking into a great mattress. I was near hypnotized by the beauty of the text which simply flowed. At times I was so overcome that I had to put the book down, the sadness of it all is wrenching. But never is the book depressing or is it hateful while describing the hate that people so easily engender. This is an extraordinary work.

This book was a gift to me from someone who knows my love of the Irish and of writers from that country. I began it hesitantly, not sure of the country I was entering, until I got perhaps ten pages into the book. The protagonist was describing how his mother sliced bread:

"..She did it in a trice. In the sewing of a wren's mitten."

I never looked back. His writing is brilliant, evocative, heartbreaking.

So good that after I had read a library copy, I purchased my own so I could read it all over. This novel takes on indirectly (as in his more recent "A Long, Long Way From Home") Barry's own family's experience as Irish divided between serving the British and aiding those who rebelled against the King. The other reviewers here cover much of the plot, but I might add that a touch of magic realism near the explosive climax makes for a nice touch, and the tension between truth-telling and perceived loyalty moves the story of the modern-day Aeneas along his wanderings efficiently and poignantly.

Barry, also a poet and best known--at least before this novel--as a playwright, brings to his fictional characters a narrative style somewhat at odds with what one might expect. He's not Joyce, that is, striving for a correlative voice to match his character's interior musings. Rather, he takes the rich legacy of Joyce and makes it impel his own telling of the interior life of those that Barry finds empathy with, and whose inner as well as outer itineraries this author feels, you sense, he must tell. This impelling of a writer to find release through his creations makes for a very effective novel, indeed.

...and sure, Mark Twain would likely love the hero of this wonderful book. Eneas is truly an innocent - he never shies from hard work, he loves his family dearly, and (his gift and his damnation) he has no neither mind nor care at all, at all for the politicks. He's not really a simpleton, merely a simple man. Born in 1900, he comes of age with the Irish struggle for independence so vividly painted by events such as the Easter uprising of 1916. When his mates - especially his best boyhood friend, Jonno Lynch - are enlisting in the fight to throw off the British oppression, Eneas, finding it difficult to locate gainful employment, enlists first in the British Merchant Navy (which in itself might have been forgiven by those who deemed themselves his judges later), then in the Royal Irish Constabulary. The RIC being mainly a police force, Eneas couldn't see the harm in lending a hand in that quarter - but as the fight for independence grew more fierce and factional, the RIC was tied too closely in the eyes of some to the hated Tans, who were responsible for some right bloody work. Eneas, finding himself on a blacklist kept by those calling themselves patriots, is given a choice - get close to and kill the much-hated and feared Reprisal Man of the Tans, or suffer the consequences of a death sentence. Our hero cannot bring himself to kill a man, so he refuses - and when he sees that those who have threatened him with extinction mean just what they say, sees no other choice than to flee his beloved Sligo and his native Ireland altogether.

Thus his adventures and travels begin. He signs on with a merchant vessel and winds up in Galveston, Texas. He enlists with the British Army for World War II in order to save France (a country for whom he bears a great love, of unknown origins) from Hitler. After being shell-shocked on the beach at Dunkirk and lodging with a French farmer for a growing and harvesting season, he makes his way back to England, pays a quick visit to Ireland, then winds up in Nigeria, digging a canal for a British company. He finds the best friend of his life in the person of Harcourt, a Nigerian national he first meets on a boat heading to Ireland, then again in Nigeria. Harcourt's friendship becomes one of the true treasures of Eneas' life - and a lifelong friendship it is.

Barry's language and prose capture his characters, the setting and their story perfectly. The reader can't help but feel a great empathy for Eneas, and for others in the book as well. Through the story of one man - and a very believable story it is indeed - Barry lays bare the pain through which Ireland has passed in its journey to find itself. There's a lot of sadness to be found here - but there's a lot of joy as well, so.

Read this book - and read Barry's novel ANNIE DUNNE as well (even better, I think, but that's me...).

The Irish have always been known as great storytellers, but now they're all turning into great writers as well, and it seems they're coming out of the woodwork. Sebastian Barry's The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty places the protagonist in the small village of Sligo where he is an innocent among angry partisans. When he chooses to alleviate his problems of employment by taking a job with the Royal Irish Constabulary, the British-led police force, he irrevocably alters his life - as you might imagine! With beautiful language and ethereal descriptive passages, Barry allows readers to follow Eneas' travels and travails - all of us hoping for a happy ending.

I love this series. I have had to buy it 3 times as I have loaned my copies to friends, and they are never returned, because they have gotten wrapped up in it as well. The characters are rich and diverse. There is romance, action, and humor. The story begins with a bunch of college friends who even though they have different education backgrounds, a professor, a jock, an engineer, a dilitante, psych ect., they all have one thing in common, fantasy RPG (role playing games). I also like the fact that this is one of the first books I have read that had a physically challenged person as one of the main plot characters. So the friends meet every week for their RPG fix....but something then goes terribly wrong, or terribly right, as the real world and the fantasy world of gaming come together in such a way that you will not want to put the book down. This book combines the first three novels, and is a must have for those that want a good book to lose yourself in. If you have a friend, or kids (12-17), or know anyone that's into Role Playing Games, you really need to buy them this book. Themes might be a little too adult for the Harry Potter crowd.....

This is one of those books that you can pick up and read over and over again. I am about to enter college and can identify with Rosenberg's life-like characters. His fantasy world is so realistic I can smell the trees of the Healing Hand Tabernacle and felt the heat of the Waste of Elrood. I've read this book at least a dozen times since my dad introduced it to me and I have to order a new copy to take with me to school.

If you've ever spent any time clustered around a table playing a role playing game of any genre then you will be able to appreciate the possibilities in Joel Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame series. This book is a reprinted version of the first three books in the original series: "The Sleeping Dragon", "The Sword and the Chain", and "The Silver Crown".

Mr Rosenberg starts off with a wonderfully mixed group of characters, each with their own virtues and vices, and puts them into a rich fantasy world full of magic and danger. The characters are very real and easy to understand, and are at times both heroic and tragic. The troubles they must endure as they strive to cope with their situation, blend well with their triumphs as they overcome each obsticle.

I'll definately be adding this to my library so I have it on hand for my kids to read when they're ready.

Quite possibly one of the best series of books ever written.
Mr. Rosenberg has created a believable fantasy world. The story flows so well that you'll look up to find that hours have passed and you've become so engrossed that you really don't mind the missing time.
With this omnibus you begin a sweeping saga of character growth. You will see how each character is given time to grow and become an integral part of the story.
You will follow Karl and his companions- Walter, Doria, Andrea, Ahira, Lou, Ellegon, Tennetty, and Chak- as they travel the Eren Regions. You will find yourself cheering out loud and crying along with them.
Don't forget to read the other Guardian's novels. Also look for Mr. Rosenberg's fans on the net, we're waiting to meet you.

This omnibus edition of the popular fantasy series written in the 1980s wast just re-released. Guardians of the Flame is the story of a group of college students who, while playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons (or its fictional equivalent), are transported to the world in which their game is played, and are trapped there until they find the Gate Between the Worlds.

What can I say, I have fallen in love with this series! It is the novel every RPG geek has dreamed about. The characters are funny - though some are slightly more one-dimensional than others - and the adventures the group has are action-packed. I'm currently reading book 4 and, while the action is a bit bogged down by some political situations the characters have gotten in to, I can tell the series is going to become one of my favorites.

These are super easy to read cards, fun to look at and personally one of my very favorite decks that I own!

I bought this deck after spotting it in a store 10 years ago, and though I thought it might be another theme deck, it goes above and beyond that!

The colours used in this deck are so vibrant and alive. They are so refreshing. The artwork, superb and evocative. The choices for the majors are truly inspried. I just love the Star, the Tower and the Chariot! A sense of humor also runs through this deck.

It very closely follows Rider-Waite symbolism so it can be read right out of the box by anyone remotely farmiliar with that system. But she has put in some interesting twists though in that framework. The idea of changing the suits too Imps, Bats, Ghosts and Pumpkins is brilliant! And how about those vegetable people? Love it!

The book that comes in the set is a must have if you love this deck. She gives you many tidbits and facts surrounding the history of Halloween. Each card is described and her prose is charming as well. Some of her takes on the cards a different and exciting!

This is a great all around deck, the artist and writer struck just the perfect note for lovers of old time Halloween. From the images,to the colours....even the font. I read this deck all year round, and it is a firm favourite. If you love Halloween, I can assure you you will not be disappointed in this purchase! Now I wish Kipling West would make more decks!!! Please?

This deck doesn't just have a cute theme, the art is extremely well done with a sly wit and attention to detail. Probably not the best deck for absolute beginners, but not bad for a second or third.

This is my favorite deck. I have had mine since it first came out and I will use no other (unless I can't find mine). This deck is extremely well designed as it incorporates all of the major symbolism of the [original - for mass public consumption] Waite deck with fun, happy characters that bring the deck to life. The black cat is your guide throughout the deck (so be sure to find him in each picture) and he interacts with each inhabitant of each scene in turn. The suits are faithfully represented, although here they are pumpkins :-) bats :-) imps :-) and ghosts :-D who are arguably the cutest of all. The whole deck is so steeped in fun that it is simply impossible to give a "bad" reading, assuming that you have been practicing.

This deck is one of the few that can be used as a starter deck (due to its ease of accessibility - the images are clear in meaning and easy to assimilate meaning from), a solid journeyman's deck (it is reliable and does not interfere with your formulae, whether you fall on the side of Uncle Al or Frater Waite & Co.) and a good choice for experts and masters as it truly contains the symbolism needed for advanced divination purposes. Rarely do you come across a deck for all occasions. This is certainly one of them.

Unlike other decks that simply toss in animals or their heroes to augment th basic card layouts in a cheap attempt to cash in on the novelty of a tarot deck (please send all hate mail to: Dusty White... :-) this deck really stands on its own. I highly encourage you to take this deck for a test drive. It is very reasonably priced and very durable (it is made by U.S. Games - the premier makers of tarot decks) and will last you for years. As for my favorite card of the deck: I really love the lobster nailed to a tree. Touche Kipling!

(Although this review is about the BOX SET rather than the deck only, the observations about the cards themselves are still relevant).

"Successful Tarot readings are based on insight into what you *do* see, and whatever flashes of insight into your own life the pictures may offer you. In fact, think of yourself as the black cat that appears in every card of the Halloween deck. He is your touchstone, and travels through the deck with you as your companion." - From the companion book

For quite some time, I've had my eye on The Halloween Tarot deck and book set by Kipling West (illustrator) and Karin Lee (companion book and LWB author). Although I assumed I'd be pleased when I eventually bought them, I had no idea just how thrilling it would be to actually SEE the deck!

While the outstanding cartoon-like artwork of The Halloween Tarot is colorful and clever, I wasn't prepared for the intuitive and symbolic richness of the cards. Designing many of the cards based on Rider-Waite iconography--but tweaked and twisted to incorporate themes from Halloween, old monster movies, circus images, and the German-made "Vegetable People" that were popular Halloween toys/decorations in 1920's America--Kipling West has given Tarot an influx of fresh perspective--while still paying homage to ancient esoteric symbolism.

As I went through the deck one card at a time, I noticed how certain phrases popped into my head--a silent commentary to the arresting depictions--and a very good sign that this is a deck that would "speak" to me.

From the terrified man strapped to the ever-turning Wheel (and the target of knife-throwing!), to the experimenting mad scientist in The Hermit--the jolly Pumpkin Man careening through paved cemetery roads in a hearse (The Chariot) to a chained Frankenstein fixed on his cement throne (The Emperor), associations both practical and divine made themselves known.

Reading the delightful illustrated 137-page companion book was more than just a treat: it provided solid, yet innovative, ways to see and interpret the cards (including upright and reversed meanings). While you *can* buy The Halloween Tarot by itself--and it *does* include a LWB by Karin Lee--the companion book found in the box set is a not-to-be-missed traveling companion through this particular deck. The LWB only provides brief meanings, and doesn't elaborate on actual images (which is why I prefer the box set which comes with the companion book.)

The suits of the Minor Arcana are Ghosts (Cups), Imps (Wands), Bats (Swords) and Pumpkins (Coins)--and the Court Cards follow the Page, Knight, Queen, and King rendering. The whimsical orange and black card backings are fully reversible, depicting a black cat, spider, smiling skulls, bats, vines, stars, full moon, and an all-seeing eye in the center.

There is no nudity in The Halloween Tarot, nor are the images gruesome or threatening--making it a *wonderful* for deck for children. (My 8-year-old son is enraptured with both the cards and book!) But make no mistake: the light-hearted appearance of the cards belies the abundant symbolism nestled within the images, as well as the rich repository for intuitive insights.

I was blown away by a three card reading I performed with this deck, mostly because two of the cards contained specific (to me) references about a book I was reading--a direct answer to my unspoken query about my spiritual path. So if you're tempted to think that The Halloween Tarot is only for holiday readings or as a quirky, light-weight addition to a deck collection, think again: this is a great reading deck than can also speak to weightier matters!

If you're a huge fan of Halloween, there's no question you'll love this deck. However, even for those who *aren't* rabid for this particular holiday or its accoutrements, a charming, readable deck awaits you--no matter *what* time of the year!

(To see 10 images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

I would say outright the easiest billiards book I have came across. It goes from the basics to the strong techniques. A step by step program to improve your game. My game has increased dramatically using the simple guidelines in this book.

I bought this book for myself last year. It is an excellent reference for everyone from the beginner to those who would like to learn and refine more complex shots. It explains the physics of pool, and best of all, there are links to a web site where you can see every shot demonstrated. That was invaluable to me, as I can see exactly where the cue is positioned on the ball, how the stroke is delivered, and the end result in cue ball position. I highly recommend this book, and bought it this year for my brother-in-law, so he can be better competition for me (smile).

Win at Pocket BilliardsRack Up a VictoryRunning the Table: The Legend of Kid Delicious, the Last Great American Pool Hustler

I'm returning to pool playing and found this book helpful. It's a lot more informative then the books from the 80'. I learn something on every page. Even stuff that I already thought I knew about pool after reading 99 Critical Shots.
I would recommend "rack up a victory" for kicking and banking and "Running the Tables" about Kid Delicious's life as a Hustler.
I'm looking forward to purchasing "Win at Pocket Billiards" for more information on Kicking and Banking.

I was surprised at the rather low price being asked for this book, but after receiving it, it became perfectly clear that I had been mislead into believing that all instruction was included with the book, including a CD.
If you don't have a High Band Width computer hook-up, your really going to be surprised that the only way to get what you thought you had paid for is to send an addition $18 to $24 to get the CD or DVD.
The book was fairly well written, but the CD/DVD business left a bad taste in my mouth.

THis is very good. Dr Dave complements the reading with videos posted in a web site, you can also write to him, and he will answer within hours. great book great help. Perhaps not the best for banking methods, but good.

This book can be used creatively with kids of all ages! As a speech therapist at an elementary school, this book provides many language development opportunities! I love it as much as the kids do!

This is a great book for pre-school age kids. It's a simple story with lots of opportunities for the kids to participate, saying what each picture is. I know a lot of teachers use this book and then have the kids make their own "ink blot" type images and then say what they see in their cloud. Very cute book.

Great book for teaching shapes and cloud, fun to read with felt board activity.

Tell the children to turn off the TV and read this book. It just begs them to try their hand at making some "spilled milk" with blue construction paper and cotton balls or ripped white paper. Parents and grown-ups are allowed to make designs, too (They will want to do it!).

My son at 13 months was introduced to this book at storytime at the local library. It was a hit at storytime and continues to be a hit at our house. My son has learned sign language and this book reinforces all of his animal signs. It is a great classic book.

This fable tells about the lazy animals who did not want to help the hen. They let her do all the work, but did not do a thing themselves. Then at the end when the hen reaps of the fruit of her labor, all of a sudden they want to share in that fruit. However, the hen gets it all to herself and they get nothing.

This version is a classic one. The story and illustrations are very inviting for any child. I love the classic moral of the story too.

I purchased this book for my children and did it bring back memories! I had it read to me when I was little. So the story line is cute and teaches a valuable lesson with the moral the lazy cat, dog, and mouse do not get the snack. All of my children from 2-6 love this story, it never grows old.

Her ability to cook empowers this little red hen to motivate her housemates. Help me with some of the housework if you want cake. A final illustration shows all the animals working, sweeping and dusting!

After reading the story as it is written, follow along with Heather Forest's Little Red Hen from the album, Sing me a Story. End on that final illustration with her words, "Sharing the work makes working fun."

Different versions may use different characters. This one uses the traditional Dog, Cat, Mouse.

I love this book! The children loved it and the story emphasizes cooperation. I work with preschoolers and have used the audio tape as well as a flannel board.

the magic school bus get lost in space is a very good book read it all the time you will love it

All the magic school bus books are fantastic. This one is no different.
It is great for learning about the solar system.

My 5yr old son is a huge fan of Magic School Bus series.
Especially, Solat system and human body are his favorite among them.
He memorizes the order of all the plantes in the Solar system. Draw pictures about it and make planets with playdough. Great book!

This book is a blast (no pun intended)! Mrs. Frizzle and her class travel to every planet in the solar system. The bus breaks down in the asteroid belt and the students have to find Mrs. Frizzle on a very cold planet. You'll love all the colorful pictures and Arnold's crazy cousin! Blast-off to this book and learn a lot about space in a fun way!

I like this book because it makes me wonder about the solar system and everything happening in it. I love imagining what things are like in other places and this book makes me think but it also taught me stuff about the solar system too. This book makes me want to visit the solar system myself.
Alyssa Seifferly

I was a high school baseball coach and the first day of practice I brought this book. I told them I had read it every year before baseball season and it always seemed to help me. I had 6 of my players read this book and all of them agreed and had much better seasons that what I anticipated they would. Just like any self help book you have to have faith in it working but this book speaks for its self. With all of these positive reviews you can tell how many people it helped. I now coach football and have suggested this book to several players even thought it is not about football. I have read several books about sports psychology and self help type books. They are not my favorite and most of the time I found that they did not work for me but as a coach they were good to know for my players. This book did work for me and is the number one sports psychology book I have ever read. I highly recommend it.

The Mental Game of Baseball is an outstanding read. It is loaded with useful information. It is refered to as the "baseball bible". Anyone from little league coach, high school coach, college coach, player, or parent should take the time to read this book. It gave me (a college baseball coach) a new found respect and understanding for the mental side of baseball. I recommend this book to every baseball enthusist out there.

This book is as much about life as it is about baseball. The positive re-enforcement the book gives about accomplishing almost anything is the true message.
Whenever you or one of your players is struggling, go back to this book to refresh a slumping attitude.

A great tool for coaches & players at all levels. If you don't understand the mental part of the game, this is the book for you.

Chuck Schumacher
Owner -- Chucks Gym
Baseball & Martial arts
Training & Conditioning

Oh yea, that's right. There is no need to think when you're up at the plate. The main thing is to relax and trust your trained body motions/strengths. This book separates the men from the boys. It helps skilled athletes develop to their full potential. In fact, it can even change the way you live your life. Great book for those hot summer nights.

I think based on the reviews below - you get the drift. Those reviews speak for themselves (and the book). I don't need to repeat every thing noted by the other reviewers. It's a great book and I learned more than I would have ever thought.

Don't let the 800 pages scare you off. The diagrams and the tutorial flights are just awesome. I have been flying MSFS since way back in the early days. The interest over the years has come and gone and I would skip a version here and there... then FSX hit the market. I since have turned this interest into a full fledged hobby. Everything from a TrackIR, Matrox (3 screens), Rudder pedals, yokes,good PC and a full set of navigational charts and IAPs - I thought I had it all together and knew everything there was to learn. What I found out from this book, I had barely scratched the surface. What I was missing was real world knowledge. This book has tied it all together and has made my hobby seem almost as authentic as the real deal. Now I can go any place at anytime in any aircraft.

Great great book! Do yourself a favor and invest the tiny expense (relative to the rest of this hobby) and enjoy. Remember, it's all about the journey and not the finish line. Soak up the knowledge that these authors have penned for your simming pleasure!

If you would like more information or would like to discuss simming in general feel free to contact me at fly-bman2006@hotmail.com

Bman.

I've had all the Microsoft Flight Simulators since 1985 and have always winged it when it came to flying. That works but I never really knew what I was doing. I think this book is the best I've seen so far in helping one to learn to fly with the reasons why. Links to downloadable files are an extra bonus that expand the contents. The author also ties his content in with the lessons in the Simulator Program. Very comprehensive coverage.

I got this book and was amazed! It is a huge book and has everything in it. I have only started and this book has all the details and covers pretty much everything you need.

My opinion is anybody who gives this book less than five stars is REALLY hard to please or has some pet peeve they can't turn loose of.

I have spent (wasted in many cases) lots of money and time on GA training books in the past and ignored this one for quite a while as "just another book on flying." When I saw the price drop below $20, I decided to take a risk. Wow! This could be the best training book I have every bought. I hate to be dramatic about that but honestly, I probably have fifteen books of this nature and this is the clearest, most well laid out of any of them. I love the way the authors bring FSX into the training as yet another tool to help you practice your technique. The online material (especially the films) are very helpful too. It is obvious these guys did not write this book because they are "professional authors" but because they really do love flight training.

This book is a labor of love and you would do yourself a disservice by passing it by.

This book is what I was looking for and did not find in Bruce Williams'Flight Simulator as a Training Aid. The authors are Real Pilots who have painstakingly incorporated their vast experience into a very readable and often entertaining soup to near nuts FSX-based teaching tool. I have been using the book for the last three weeks in preparation for a ten day intensive IFR training course. The proof of the West Cummings book's success will come with my flying pudding a few more weeks hence when I get checked out. I get the feeling I'll do ok which will be in no small measure due to the comprehensive and well organized approach taken in the book.
Hightly Recommended for real or simulated piloting.