A Books

I have to laugh that one of the tags for this book is atheist. Was he an atheist? I don't know. But I truly enjoyed this book, and it was a further shovel of dirt on religion in the ground for me. A number of things had led me to that point (taking a philosophy course way back when I was in college), but this book really gave religion in a frank light: nothing more than an explanation of the unknown for societies. The ones that took hold and didn't go away when science explained away are what we have today. But seriously, lets only go as far as agnostic, please.

Religion aside, this is truly a magnificent travel through space. I read it whilst camping that really assisted in its fine journey. A little outdated, but highly recommended nonetheless.

I have read many many books pertaining to astronomy and cosmology over the years, but until this book, I had never read anything written by Carl Sagan. What interested me enough to purchase this book was not only the topic it covered, but that the book was itself written by Carl Sagan.

I best remember Carl Sagan from those TV specials he narrated that were aired on public TV many years ago. I was always impressed with Mr. Sagan's knowledge and manner of presentation of the material. His enthusiasm to tell what he knew about the cosmos was never masked by a scripted TV presentation; his enthusiasm was very infectious. So recently, I thought I had to rectify my having never read a book written by Mr. Sagan and I purchased the book Cosmos. I was not disappointed; I felt as if I was watching one of those old TV specials narrated by Mr. Sagan. In my mind's eye, I could see everything I was reading and I did not want the book to end.

Despite that the book may be dated, and cosmology has moved on a bit since the publishing of this book, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in cosmology, astronomy, astrophysics and even history. I only wish Mr. Sagan was still alive to write something new. He is missed by me.

The best advice I can give, regarding this book, is to GIVE it to a young person interested in science or space. You will plant a seed that will grow forever. Sagan's masterpiece takes the mind on a wonderful journey through the stars as well as through other space centered events. Highest recommendation as a text for learning as well as a fine read for anyone interested in the subject.

Carl Sagan's book and TV series called Cosmos has opened the vast universe to millions and millions of people. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and watching the series.

It is not surprising that Cosmos is the best-selling science book ever published in the English language...and the series has been seen by half a billion people!

Carl Sagan was able to accomplish this feat by tapping into his psyche as a little boy who asked many questions about the universe. He then wrote and produced the series from the heart. His enthusiasm and fascination with the earth, planets, stars, galaxies, extraterrestrial life and more is contagious! He took an incredibly difficult subject and made it fun, exciting and educational for anyone from 8 to 80 who has looked up at the night skies...and wondered.

The book and series are not to be missed!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I first bumped into Carl Sagan when I saw his TV documentary series called "Cosmos" many years ago. It has only been recently that I have got off my rear and read the book. It has to be said that I had waited far too long to do this.

"Cosmos" (the book) is a great overall introduction to the universe about us and the history of its discovery by people. Mixing hitsory and astronomy, Sagan covers the major efforts that went into discovering different things out there and what thos discoveries meant. There is also a healthy level of how astronomers do what they do, such as light spectrum analysis, radar mapping and so on. Despite this, there is virtually no mathematics involved, which is a good thing for general readers.

The hardcover edition also has plenty of pictures, photos and diagrams relating to the text. This makes the book very interesting and quite amazing to read. I was very impressed with the quality of the photos and what they showed. They added a great deal to the text, especially for more visual people such as myself.

The only drawback with the book is its age. It was written over 20 years ago and references to future missions planned for 1986 highlight this aspect of the book. There may have been discoveries since the time of writing that would add more to the reader's knowledge. However, in spite of this drawback of age, the book is still valuable as a very readable introduction.

Carl Sagan writes with a very fluid and relaxing style. He doesn't overload the reader with specialised jargon, and when he does use it, he explains it very well. When the explanations are a bit heavy, I have noticed Sagan's tendency to supply diagrams. I was at no point confused or lost by Sagan's text.

Overall, the book makes a great starting point into the world of astronomy, the path people have taken to get us to where we are today and just what is out there. This is a very interesting book about a very interesting subject. I definitely recommend it, despite the age problems refered to above.

I held a Fancy Nancy party for my granddaughter for her 6th birthday. We made a Fancy Nancy cake and the ultimate was when she opened all her Fancy Nancy books that she received as gifts. Just adorable writing and illustrations. Thanks.

I loved this book...it is so sweet and my own grandbaby "Fancy Nancy" will love it!!

I have been reading the Fancy Nancy books to my daughter since she was a year old. She loves them. She asks for Nancy every night and at nap time too! She now is the proud owner of a Fancy Nancy doll.

This book is a feast for the eyes. Beautifully illustrated and with a very nice lesson about love and family, this book is a favorite of mine(and my three year old loves it as well). Nancy lives in her own little fancy world, but she is loved for who she is. This book is a great read. Adults and children will be happy to sit down and read this one

I have a four-year-old daughter, and this is the perfect book (and series) for her and her age set. The girls can all relate to how fancy Nancy appears all the time, and I love all the great new vocabulary words my daughter has picked up from Nancy's "fancy" words. Great (and clever) illustrations, too. I now buy this book as a birthday gift for any of my daughter's friends who don't yet have it, and it's an instant hit. This is a can't miss book! I only wish I had it when I was their age!

Very nice set--I purchased it for a gift and am very pleased with it :)

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a whole series of books about a girl named Laura Ingalls Wilder. The books talk about some of the hardships Laura and her family faced. These books also tell about every thing that happened in her life from Wisconsin all the way to Kansas. The story of her life starts as a young girl and talks about her getting married as a young lady. The books tell how she changed and some of the places she went and even some of the people she met.
I like these books because the way these books were written because they were written so you fell like you are actually there. I also like these books because they tell what people had to go through in the 1800's. I read all these books and I liked them. If you read them you will like them too.

"They're an inspirational source of literature that celebrates the turn of the century, the struggle of the American family and the bonds that held them together."

These books are straight garbage, a friend got them for me and they stink...I could totally pWn Pa Ingall's IRL.

Fantastic set. My daughter was very excited to receive the set and continue her reading journey. The quality of the set was very good and will last a long time.

I purchased these books for my eight year old daughter. We read all of them already. She loved them, and so did I. I was a little disappointed that there were no pictures at all. In the older version, there were some very beautiful pictures that helped bring understanding to some of the concepts of being a pioneer. Overall, this was a great purchase.

For the hard core dog lover. This is a wonderful dog story; well written,beautiful and heart warming.I own the reincarnation of Meryl. I treasure him more after reading this book. Folks, it doesn't get any bettor than this. Please buy the book!

Merle's Door is not just a book -- it is a gift. It is a gift that you will not be able to put down. It is a gift to have the opportunity to share with Merle and Ted their time together, to read the scientific facts that are added for our edification, and to experience the world through their eyes. If you had never been a dog owner or owned by a dog, this book will make you think that something had been missing in your life, and you will be right.

We all need to make our times with our animals -- dogs, cats, birds, whatever -- as full as Ted and Merle made theirs.

After listening to this book, I talked to my dogs a lot more, I danced with them and sang with them. I listened and looked and noticed every nuance of what they each had to tell me. I paid attention to them and noticed that they pay attention to me.
Not only is the story real and honest and warm, it teaches you all about the canine in your family.
The reader, Patrick Lawlor, had to know and love Merle and I felt every little emotion of his. His reading was superb and heartfelt. The best part were his conversations with his dog, Merle.
Now that I have finished reading, I miss Merle terribly and I find myself looking at other dogs and wondering if that was how Merle was.

This is a must read for anyone who loves dogs.

I laughed, I cried, I healed, I shared. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have read in a long time. I fell in love with Merle and Brower... and with my dogs all over again. I learned important information and escaped into the wonderful story. I savored each page resisting its inevitable end. My choices of how I raised and dealt with the aging and death of my dogs were validated. I simply had to share this book with those friends who love dogs, so I have sent them copies. If you love dogs, READ this book.

I borrowed this book from the library before purchasing it for a friend. Anyone who enjoyed the book Marley and Me will love it! Wonderfully written, and it makes you think about your relationships with dogs. Awesome information about studies done on dogs and wolves, just a great book overall for anyone who has a dog. This book also included pictures of Merle and his owner which was a big perk for me. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I have the summer off and I plan on revisiting all the Christopher Pike books I read when I was a teenager (just bought 22 of them today for $20 at a local used bookstore!).
But this is really the one that has stuck with me the longest. The imagery, tone, and mood of this book is really awesome. And I mean by 'awesome' actually awe inducing; it's riveting and haunting. I last read it 14 years ago and I still recall moments from it. Pretty crazy.
Sadly, this isn't one of the 22 I picked up today so I'll be buying it online instead. Oh how I wish I hadn't let my mother get rid of my old Christopher Pike collection... sigh.

I remember starting this book when I was just 14. I didn't finish it, but several years later at the age of 25 I bought it. At first I thought that it would be geared more to teens considering the author is Christopher Pike. Oh how wrong I was! This book is excellent, well written, and proves that an author like Christopher Pike can rise above stereo-types and create a master piece. I have now, almost 2 years later, read this book 3 times. And it never gets old.

Pike wowed me as a pre-teen, some eightenen years ago, with Slumber Party, Weekend, and Chain letter, etc...he continues to wow me in my early thirties; now a wife and mother, who does not have the luxury to read Pike's books all day in her bedroom. Thank you for continuing your creative writing genius in the adult fiction relam. This book was simply captivating. I am looking forward to Pike wowing me through the next several decades!

I have always enjoyed reading Christopher Pike's books, not only for their intriguing storytelling, but for the way the stories are written. Specifically, Pike goes deeper into his stories, as opposed to other young adult horror writers whose books about vampires who drink blood and serial killers who lurk in high schools are meant to be taken at face value, and thus provide shallow tales of blood, gore, and - ah! someone tapped me on the shoulder and I thought it was a murderer so I jumped and screamed at the end of the chapter. But, to my relief, it was actually just my mom telling me to finish my homework. You know...THAT kind of writing.

Pike's stories are not these kinds of stories. His stories often contain a web of mysteries that all come together at the end - making you want to reread them to "catch" things you didn't notice before.

This is definitely one of those stories. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I looked forward to reading more every time I picked it up. This was, I believe, the only story I have ever read that actually creeped me out a bit when I was reading. The part where they head into the cave and find the island...yeah, don't read that at night, when you're by yourself. Or do - it makes it all the more spine-tingling. Thus, the reason I recommend this book.

It's not for those who just want a shallow horror book with zombies and vampires and blood. It's for those who enjoy actual, well-thought-out, original stories. Maybe you'll like it, maybe you won't. Give it a try.

I found a copy of this book at my library and was able to buy it for forty cents a while ago. The only reason I picked it up was because the author's name caught my eye. I have read many of Christopher Pike's young adult books and enjoyed reading most of them, if not all of them, so I decided to get this book.

I'll admit, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this particular book, only because I was somewhat disappointed with one of his other adult books. However, once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down--- everything about it is so good; the characters, the plot. I have read it several times already, and I plan to read it over and over again.

Definitely a worthy read.

This is a very comprehensive book on personal protection. It is far broader than a street self defense manual. It covers all kinds of self defense and safety issues.

It is very broad in its scope. Here are a few of the areas it addresses: street self defense, fire safety, mobs, traveling in strange cities, online shopping, and much more. As you can see, it is far reaching.

Prior to reading this, I never would have guessed that an author could cover such a broad range so well in such a relatively small book.

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like to improve his/her overall personal and family safety. There are numerous tips for parents of small children that are excellent.

You really can't go wrong with this book. It will stimulate lots of thought for most readers.

I highly recommend this book on all levels. As a martial artist who has done many martial arts, I have to say, this information really rings true. For example, he states, the goal of self-defense should be to "stun and run" - which almost anyone who knows the field will tell you. For example, where I train, we "stay and commit", but most of us are pretty highly trained. I have also done some of the "military martial arts" that Tom describes, and to be honest, in a "bad" situtation that I can't talk my way out of, i count on it to save my life, and I have been trained to "fight through the adrenaline dump" by the Israelis I trained with. But I also realize, most people don't have time to do that kind of training. So Tom's program is really useable for people who don't want to become experts in the martial arts. His book is full of lots of information that can literally save your life (for instance, have a map before you visit a new city, etc.). The book is full of anecdotes of personal protection. I particularly liked his advice on using your eyes to scan a room, and how to confront a "bad guy" who is sizing you up (you basically stare through him to let him know you are not afraid). A lot of his advice comes down to projecting confidence and not being a "victim", becuase universally, bad guys go after people whose body language, eyes, and positure suggest that they are not willing to defend themselves. So this is an excellent book on personal protection that I would highly recommend to anyone, from the beginning to the true pro.

I read lots of books like this, and I found absolutely nothing new in here. In fact, it looked a bit familiar. With the checklists, the boxed tips, the statistics and the vignettes, it looked an awful lot to me like Be Alert, Be Aware, Have A Plan: The Complete Guide to Protecting Yourself, Your Home, Your Family, by Neal Rawls. Really, it looks like Patire got his whole idea on how to present his material from the Be Alert book (which, by the way, was a much much better book). I say don't bother.

We hired Tom Patire to speak at our annual PTA event here in Chicago. I was on the committee that sought him out after I read his book and saw him on Fox. The book is an updated look into safety and has some similarities of other books in this catergory but it is written in much different, more people friendly format.

Tom takes the approach of easing the reader into different safety issues by relating them to factual events in his life. Because of that the book reads life a story of safety and not like a book of boring statistics. I loved the Tom's Tips but really was intrigued to his child safety training since I am a single mother of two young girls.

What really hit home was how Tom talks about 'seeing from their eyes' and their being the children of the world. The book can be used in different ways. For example it can be used as a guide to safety issues like when you travel or safety at home. It can also be used as a call to urgency because safety is usually not a subject that we like to think about or address.

It gets even better should you attend Tom's talk. Tom is a big, in-shape, charismatic guy that has a empowering way of getting you involved in his lecture which he calls 'Safer Life!' From his opening statement to his closing remarks Tom's becomes the big brother that we all wish we had and presents safety with out installing fear.

I gave his book 5 stars as I did Gavin DeBecker's book. But Patire's talk is the missing piece to the safety puzzle. It's one I would recommend for all people, especially single mom's to attend.

Have A Blessed Day!

Kim K.

A family from my town in Wisconsin recently appeared on the Montel Show. Watching the show one had to feel for the terrible ordeal that the family went through during their violent home invasion. At the end of the show Montel brought out a security expert named Tom Patire. Mr. Patire's comments were for everyday people and his tone and way of speaking showed his compasion for human life and left me feeling empowered. This led me to buy his book. The book is beter than good - it is excellent. It's for all ages from teens to seniors and is filled with unlimted, priceless information on how to keep you and the people you love, safe. Montel open my eyes to what can happen and Tom Patire gave me the information on how not to let it happen or what to do if.

Montel - Great Show!
Tom Patire - Great Book!!

If you read this book naturally, the inherent rhythms of the text turn it into a little song unto itself. You can tap your foot to it. Our baby girl dances to the *words* alone.

Get this book. It's brilliant.

This is one of the cutest books ever written for little ones! Great quality for tiny teeth and fingers! It's so eye-catching and colorful, they all LOVE this one!

There is no greater compliment than when a child tries to recite the book BACK to the parents. Boynton has accomplished that with "Barnyard Dance!" Our oldest daughter, who is three, has Developmental Apraxia of Speech. Words do not come easily for her. BUT she adores this book and tries to "read" it to us all the time. Guaranteed to please your little one, I promise.

My son just seems to enjoy all of Sandra Boynton's books, and this is just another one to add to his list. It's very cute and fun to read, even after the hundredth time! HAHAHA!

My family loves Boynton and this book. It is a fun, catchy story that my 2 and 4 year-olds enjoy dancing to. Though it's tough to choose, this is probably our favorite Sandra Boynton book of all!

I've got to admit, I was quite impressed with this book and I also found it to be very interesting reading... in fact, I find it so interesting that I end up reading it over and over again. Heck, I might even start reading it again tonight. This book has all interesting facts about Nick Carter (even if some of it is outdated). It has everything about from how his parents decided to name Nick as well as who they named him after, and where he stands in the music business today as a Backstreet Boy. Like I said, this book goes back to 1998 but that is ok, because I like books that go back in time (history, biographies, etc). Anyway, I highly recommend this book (who figure?). KTBSPA

If you thought you knew all there is to know about Nick Carter, think again! Jane Carter tells us some stuff about her son that only she and the rest of Nick's family know about. This is a very nice book, beautifully written by Jane. It is full of secrets and anecdotes about Nick's childhood and rise to superstardom. However, the information about Nick's career may seem kind of old, now, since this book was published in 1998. Perhaps Jane should have waited a couple of years before writing a book about her son, because God knows she would have plenty of things to say : she could give her opinion on Nick's arrest, his solo career, the trials and tribulations that the Backstreet Boys have been through, Nick's relationship with Willa Ford (yeah right, like Nick would let her write about that!!), etc. Nick's been through a lot of things since 1998, and I believe that if Jane decided to write another book about Nick, it would have a lot more substance and depth than this one. But don't get me wrong! It's a great read, as pleasant as a fairytale. Because, in many ways, that's what Nick's life is! And seeing it through his mother's eyes really gives it a whole new dimension.

You shouldn't buy it i've had it for four years and ive only read the first ten pages I'm selling it because it is pointless!

I have got the book and I like the writing style and to know the facts as a BSB fan. I kinda think it's wrong to get money out of someone else his succes, but on the other hand it ain't lies and Nick knew of and agreed with it, so as not such a big fan anymore (NO I didn't become a hater) I would suggest it, but not too much.

I'll be completely honest:

If I weren't such an obsessed Backstreet Boys fan, I would consider this book (bad).

It's not well-written, it wanders and meanders to the point it doesn't make sense, and it's very self-serving.

However, being an obsessed Backstreet Boys/Nick Carter fan, I love the book.

The first few chapters are the best, because they read more like a story than a biography. Plus, they told me the most about Nick that I didn't already know.

Near the end, however, it turns into a "How to Turn Your Kid Into a Star" how-to manual. BORING!

BOTTOM LINE: LOVE Nick Carter? Buy the book. LIKE Nick Carter? Borrow it from a friend or the library. COULDN'T CARE LESS about Nick Carter? Avoid this book like the plague.

This is a very good book for everyone.it is about a mare named Holly who gives birth to a sick little filly named Wonder.Ashleigh and Charlie,a grumpy old trainer,beleive in Wonder and work together to try and make her a success.Joanna Campbell is wonderful!

I started this series when I was really young and now being 20 have found the books again and i still find myself pouring over them like i'm a little kid again. This book and the rest of the series is excellent for any young horse lover.

To this day I can still remember opening the Christmas package from my Grandma that contained the box set of the first 4 Thoroughbred books. I was in 5th grade and the typical horse crazy girl, so you can imagine my excitment over this new series. I followed the series faithfully, recieving them for birthdays and Christmas for years, yet those first four still remain the best. Ashleigh and Wonder saw me through a rough couple of months at a new school where I was teased endlessly for reading on top of the jungle gym instead of racing around with my classmates. Occasionally I pick up this book out of nostalgia and it still manages to suck me into the story, even at the age of 22. Excellent book, though I recommend if you read the series, keep in mind that the orginal author leaves the series after #14, and the series certainly goes downhill after that.

I ordered this a month ago for my daughter's friend's birthday gift. We used 'super saver' shipping and we are still awaiting delivery!

This is the first book in the Thoroughbres series by Joanna Campbell. It is about a girl, Ashleigh Griffin, and her fight to save a sick foal, Wonder, from being sold. This is a great book! Try The Saddle Club, to, by Bonnie Bryant, and Inkheart and Inkspell, by Cornelia Funke, if you like adventure and magic.
-horse-crazy, doll-crazy, book-crazy, 11-year-old

I bought this as a Father's Day gift, and my dad has grilled out every saturday since! The book kills two birds with one stone with its great cooking techniques and recipes. The pictures are great and very helpful, and the directions are very simple and easy to understand. The food tastes great! Some of the recipes take a good hour or two to prep though, so make sure to read through the whole procedure before starting.

This a a great book for creative grill masters. One caveat: if you own an 18 inch weber kettle, be sure to adapt the coal amounts for your smaller grill. Otherwise you will fry your food faster than a hyper-active pyro. The author never bothers to mention how much fuel to use for various sizes of charcoal grills. Not once in the entire book. So, be carefull grill-jockeys and adjust down or up as needed. Otherwise, yum.

Exciting, excellent, effective. If you like cooking, learning how to do things, or are just visual by nature (most people are) you will most certainly enjoy this one. I have perused all of this authors books and have enjoyed his commentary; this book takes the cake (and has a double layer of frosting on top). If the new version of the Barbecue Bible was illustrated even semi-close to this book Stephen would have another huge hit.

"How to Grill" is more than just a fantastic cookbook. It is packed with information about grills, smokers, cooking tools, and other things of interest to those who want to know how to grill and smoke good food. As for the "recipe section," Raichlen gives great tips on technique, i.e., how to prepare the food for the grill, and to present it upon completion. He covers seasoning the food, sauces, rubs, and marinades. It is just a fantastic book for people of all levels of experience in grilling. It should be on every grillers book shelf.

This book is a must have for any serious griller. It has just about anything that you need to know about grilling.