Black Books

This is the story about Zhadist and Bella.Zhadist is the most tortured of the Brothers.Kidnaped when he was an infant,sold as a slave,"promoted" as a blood slave had to go through all kind of sexual and feeding tortures before he was saved by his twin brother Phury.
The guy was totally a pain in the a...s and with a good reason!He is like a woonted animal and also reacts in the same way.It is the first time that i have red about a male that has all the reaction of a woman being savagely assaulted,physically and mendally.
And then comes Bella.A well - bred vampire woman,that she is surounded by a loving family.She is an outcast of the Glymera (term for the aristocratic vampire sociaty)but she doesn;t seem to care a lot.
Their first interaction is in Lover Revealed.The book ends with Bellas abduction by the lessers.
And in this one is starting from that point.And then the story takes off.
I mean it.You see how he cares about her and starts to love her.The thing is that he feels unpure for her,damaged goods.
He can't understund how a woman whould be attracted to him,especially this woman.
It is fantastic!!!And Bella 2!She tries and tries all the time,to make him understund that it's not his fault that this things happened to him.

It is a fabulous romantic novel,full of action and hot scenes.In my opinion?The best up until now(and i already have red the 5 of them)

Excellent vampire series, especially if you're into Vampire Erotica, sounds a little Harlequine Romancy but this line of books has a very strong continuous story with a wonderful devotion amongst it characters and their mates. I found myself getting emotionally attached to each brother and their different personality traits. I can't wait for the next chapter to come out!

It is hard for me to write this review. I was so overwhelmed by this book and the hard journey that both Zsadist and Phury have to make in it. Zsadist begins the series as the least sympathetic of all the Brotherhood, but no one who loves this series can read this book and not FEEL something powerful for a male who faces his own demons and is able to go on bended knee to the woman he loves. I think we could all do with the strong, silent type of wounded, scarred male that Zsadist is shown to be. As always the dialouge is wonderful and the byplay between all the charaters is great. I love them all but this is hands down my favorite so far.

I wasn't really looking forward to reading Zsadist's story because he was such a hard character to like, but wow! This book blew me away. I've read it twice already and it was even better the second time.

The only negative thing I have to say about the BDB series is that it makes all others pale in comparison and finding other paranormal romances as good as these has proved impossible. Can't wait for the next in the series.

Ok, I have to say EXCELLENT BOOK!! Excellently written, definatley recommended!! BUT YOU HAVE TO READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES IN THE CORRECT ORDER...way too much stuff happens, and the reader would be lost. I really never saw this one comming, Ward does a great job of revealing her characters and forshadowing future books. After this book, I can't wait to see what Ward has in store for me in the next book, prob start reading it tonite!! Happy Reading

I received this book as a gift and was reluctant to read it as the subject matter was not of interest. I started to read it just to see what it might be like and was captured by the outstanding writing. It was just a joy to read and the characters will stay with me forever.

About half way thru this book and had to set it aside. I'll return to it later as it is a little too intense and the language is shocking.

I thought his books Beach Music and The Prince of Tides were much better. I could not put Beach Music down.

This is a great military/coming of age novel by Pat Conroy that I would put slightly behind The Great Santini (one of my favorite books of all time) in his catalogue. In this story, Conroy follows a young cadet at the fictional Carolina Military Institute (modeled partly on Conroy's time at The Citadel) as he endures his plebe year and then comes to grip with the fact that the school fosters a great deal of hate, racism and cruelty to accomplish its mission of developing the Complete Man. Conroy's writing always moves quickly with engaging dialogue, humor and entertaining story lines and this book is no exception. It is certainly deeper than your standard pop fiction book, but it reads just as easily and quickly. I would highly recommend it to Conroy fans, people who enjoy good fiction (even my mother likes this book) or people who have interest in military schools or the South in the 50's. A very good book.

Gorgeously crafted, eloquent, beautiful, gripping, powerful. Simply an amazing book. All of Pat Conroy's books have common ties to his childhood, and this one is perhaps the best of them all.

The mark of a successful coming of age story is that you, the reader, can see yourself reflected in the protagonist. For me, this book worked very well. Will McLean, the main character and first-person narrator, a second generation Irish boy, son of a Marine, a mongrel outsider in the pedigreed Carolina Military Institute searches for himself, the man within the boy who is being molded by a system of discipline and honor that doesn't match his internal morality. He's an English major in a college of warriors. He's a basketball player, a finesse guard, in a school of brute force. He's fighting against systems he doesn't understand within a life choiceless in it's inequality.

Pat Conroy, himself a graduate of the model for the fictional Institute, The Citadel, weaves a compelling tension-filled story while eloquent in his setting, Charleston, South Carolina. Employing gracious proper Southern dialect filled with flowers, antiques, and tradition, he describes brutality, racism, sexism, and betrayal. The language works well because it provides within its description the biting irony of the scenes. Will McLean fights through every taboo the South has to offer in the 1960's: a black cadet in the all-white tradition of the military college, an unwed pregnant girl shunned by society for her shame while the father of her baby remains blameless, the brutal plebe system that crushes individuality while remaking young men as soulless military automatons, the classed society of high south old money and it's cruelty to those not born within the circle, and the fact that military honor doesn't equate to individual morality.

Fighting through this maze of pitfalls, McLean has only his closest and dearest friends to rely on, roommates Dante "Pig" Pignetti and Mark Santoro, two brawny, Northern boys of Italian descent and Tradd St. Croix, an "old Charlestonian" (from a very rich and respected family). His moral guide through the story is the epitomy of hard military men, Colonel "Bear" Berrineau, a vulgar battle-scarred man whose character is unimpeachable and whose idea of duty includes awful repercussions.

I loved this story and I couldn't put it down. If I had one criticism to give, it's that Conroy tried to put too much into the novel - too many problems and taboos and tried to fix hundreds of years worth of problems in one book. But, that's not really a criticism because he did it and did it well. Bravo.

CV Rick

I am an avid African American fiction & non-fiction reader. However, I never could get into sci-fi-type novels. My Soul to Keep changed my mind forever. I was hooked before the end of the first chapter, and read it in one night. I wanted more...and got it later. During that first read, I experienced so many different emotions: happiness, fear, anxiety, etc. That's a rare thing for me.

I think the problem with the other books that others would compare M S to K to was that the basis of the stories were unbelievable to me. Tananarive Due did an excellent job of making the story believable (at least to me) and taking me on a journey that had me addicted. I cannot wait for the third installment to come out in June!

I had heard of this author before and had browsed a few of her books via Amazon. My oh my.. I'm almost at the end and I have loved this book from the beginning.. I can't put it down. The suspense, the drama and love it keeps you on edge. I would recommend reading this and may check out another one of her books.. Good Job!

Going against general wisdom I bought the hardcover when it first appeared on its cover alone. I'm a horror fan and I enjoy a good story over great writing and I think that's what won me over here. The writing isn't the best, but the story was different, well developed with few holes and satisfying. I read somewhere that B. Underwood bought the rights to the book, hopefully he'll sell it to someone who has the cash to make a solid movie outta this (please no Sci-Fi channel joint). Maybe get Antoine Fucqua, Kasi Lemmons or Carl Franklin to direct with Dennis Haysbert as Dawit.

I almost knew the ending to "My Soul to Keep." I say almost because I have read Tananarive Due's other work and know how she reveals her journey little by little. But don't let that fool you. She'll take it to another level at the end and surprise you. This novel reveals Ms. Due's love for humanity. I saw that in the little girl, Kira and her relationship with her father, and different relationship with her mother. The weird (and he is weird) husband's love of his mortal family and need to find love "forever," was very clear. In my opinion, the glue that holds the story together is the living blood, a metaphor for the blood of Christ. In the beginning of the novel, the Brothers of the Living Blood--immortals--were the only ones to have it until David/Dawit gave it to his wife Jessica, breaking the a covenant law. In essence, he integrated the brotherhood. At times, I became frustrated with the speed of the unfolding and put the book down. But it would haunt me so I had to get back to it. It still haunts me today. Ms. Due is a true storyteller as well as an excellent writer. She delivers.

Minimum Maturity Level - Adult
Strong Language. Violence and Gore. Sexual Situations.

Previous Reading Required - None
It's the first in it's series.

Reading Level - Easy
Not many big words to confuse anyone. Easy to picture what's going on. Easy to follow.

Rate of Development - Average to Slow
The author gets you attached to the characters pretty good. The characters are very real and seem to have real reactions to their surroundings.

The Story - Mystery, Thriller
The story is told through perspectives of Jessica, the heroine, and some others. Throughout the story, her friends and relatives are being murdered and she believes it's just the family curse. At the same time, she is finding things about her husband that are incredible. A secret that puts her life and her daughter's life in jeopardy.

My Suggestion - Recommended
The book starts off with a puzzling prologue. One that makes more sense as the story develops. And as the story develops, you actually begin to care about the characters. The writing is a little on the easy side to read, maybe at about a high school level. But then again, that is the kind of writing that I like. Without spoiling anything for you, I'd say read it and stick it out to the ending, you won't be disappointed. If I could give it 4.5 stars I would. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the development just takes a while.

nicholas and alexandra should never had become czar and crazina of russia.nicholas was just to weak spirit and alexandra to strong without know the real russia people.she saw russian as childern who needed to be told how to run their lives by the papa czar.she hide her son illness and brought in a sexual twisted man of god into her family,ruin the romanov's relationship with it's people.stopping changes that would give citzen russian say in their country.in the end the people turn on the romanov's every thing end tragical.

I read this book many years ago and have never forgotten it, and I just recently purchased a copy of my own. Robert Massie is an excellent writer who makes this book memorable for the fun and loving family that the Romanovs were and their terrible, tragic end. I'm now collecting more books on the Romanov dynasty and the individual people who made up this fascinating family. For anyone with an interest, this is the place to start.

Far and away one of the best biographies I have ever read. Massie masterfully gives life to the doomed, tragic last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, and his family. I was absolutely rivetted from page one by this outstanding work. The book gives a sympathetic portrait of Tsar Nicholas, his wife Empress Alexandra, and their ongoing struggle to cope with their haemophiliac son, Alexei, heir to the Russian throne. Alexei's illness indirectly leads to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty and the family's murder. An astonishingly good read, and one I highly recommend to all who are interested in this era of history.

Robert Massie's "Nicholas and Alexandra" is a biographical study centered on the lives of the last Tsar and Tsarina of Russia. Massie's portrayal of the last ruling Romanavs is like many other works on the subject in that it is poignant, dramatic, and vibrant; but never dull. However, Massie's work stands out above other works on the subject for its thorough account of the lives of the imperial couple and most of all, its sympathetic portrayal of them.

Nearly all works of the period agree that Tsar Nicholas II was not the blood-drenched despot the Bolshevik revolutionaries claimed him to be, and although he may not have been as benevolent as his contemporary Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary, he at least lacked the bellicose nature of his German counterpart (and early advisor), Wilhelm II. Massie's account demonstrates how Nicholas II was ill-prepared to ascend the throne in after Alexander III, but unlike the contention of other historians, Massie makes a reasonable case in defending the intelligence of the fallen autocrat.

Massie's account of Nicholas and Alexandra does not absolve the couple from their failure to prevent the collapse of the reign and ultimately their country, but it does partially excuse their inflexibility and fatalism on the serious of misfortunes that continued to plague Nicholas from the very day of his coronation; when hundred of Russian peasants were stampeded to death in a overzealous crowd on Khodynka Meadow. Yet, no Romanov apologist can ignore the detrimental influences on Nicholas's reign, including his wife Alexandra, a German Kaiser, and especially a corrupt starets. That such an array of persons from various strata of society could at times impose their will on a man raised to be an autocrat was a tarnish on Nicholas' character.

Despite his habit of being easily swayed at times, Nicholas is not one-dimensional in Massie's account. It is noted how Nicholas ignored the advice of able ministers and most of all; remained unyielding to grant the masses of his subjects the representation and constitution they desired--until it was too late. Even Massie can be counted among the historians who muse whether the Romanov dynasty might have survived had the Tsar been more accommadating to the popular demands of his people--or if war had not erupted in the manner it did in 1914.

Although Massie's work is very thorough, it only briefly touches the clandestine operations of the Tsarist police state in rooting out revolutionaries and assassins from its masses prior to 1917. Indeed, other works (e.g. Edmond Taylor's "The Fall of the Dynasties") are careful to point out that Tsarist police included a host of known double agents whose loyalties were perpetually in doubt. While Massie makes note of that insecurity in his account of Prime Minister Peter Stolypin's assassination in 1911 by a Tsarist agent, he fails to explain how widespread the problem actually was. Indeed, Taylor describes as monarchy's slide to collapse as a "suicide", not because they were unable to stop that slide, but rather because they were unwilling.

Just as it is difficult to excuse the corrupt system of Tsarist counter-revolutionary activity, historians are also unable to justify the Russia's policy in WWI of placing the needs of France above that of her own. The disaster at Tannenburg early in the war is described in detail by Massie, and is correctly portrayed as a premature offensive launched by Russia (with the support of Nicholas) to rescue its beleagured ally from the German onslaught through northern France. Indeed, even after his abdication and arrest, Massie notes how Nicholas pleaded with Kerensky to continue to support the Russia's allies in the war effort--a mission with which the Provisional Government leader would complete in the summer of 1917 with disastrous consequences. Although Massie's "Nicholas and Alexandra" does not outright label the monarchy as a principle agent of its own destruction, his book nevertheless provides a strong case to the conclusion that the last rulers (and their ministers) of the Romanov dynasty practiced an inexplicable policy of self-immolation.

It is perhaps this mystery--or lunacy--of the Romanovs that continues to fascinate so many readers 90 years after their unglorious deaths in their Siberian imprisonment. Undoubtedly, the story of the last Romanovs will continue to perplex students of history for decades to come, and Robert Massie's work will will remain the foremost account of the twilight of Imperial Russia.

Massie has written a masterpiece.
Graceful, informative ,never boring.
One of the best introductions into the insanity
of the Red Revolution and the rise of communism.

A boy and his horse.


In something of a change of pace, a horse book that may just be slightly more directed at boys than girls, although the plot stays fairly similar.

Boy helps out horse in island shipwreck situation. Horse returns the favour. Horse of course is an impressive specimen and can do the fast running thing quite nicely.

So, off to the races then go.

Strange in a way that I loved this book so much when I read it in fourth grade, because, ironically, in real life, horses kind of scare me. I think Walter Farley's book is magical and I hope others who read it find as much meaning as I did in the story of a boy named Alec Ramsey, who survives a shipwreck and befriends a magnificent black Arabian stallion. Yes, this enduring classic is basically a fantasy, but sometimes it takes fantasy to create a book that is capable of touching the human soul in the exact way this one does.

What would you do if your horse saved you from the frightening death of drowning? Then what would you do if that horse was taken away from you? That is exactly what Alec thought of in the fictional book The Black Stallion written by Walter Farley.

Alec was on a ship back to his homeland, when the ship got in contact with a glacier. No one even thought of about saving that horrible, kicking, horse in the stables. Though Alec knew it was the right thing so he went into the stables and saved the horse. As they jumped off the ship, Alec was too weak to swim. So the stallion swam miles with Alec at the end of the stallions lead rope, until they saw land. They were stuck on that island fighting to survive as their friendship grew between them. One day a ship came and saved them. In a couple of days they would be at home. The stallion was named The Black and was kept in an older barn behind Alec's house.

I couldn't put this book down. This whole series was amazing. Anyone who loves horses would love these books. This book made me happy, nervous, and sad. It also made me cry. I think everyone should experience these feelings when you read a book.

-Courtney Dommer

This book is a must-read for any child. When I was young I read lots of Jack London books and I also read the entire Walter Farley Black Stallion series. Walter Farley's books are written in a very simple style, easy for young readers to understand. The movie is a timeless classic & was so well done. Some children will find the movie slow (no talking during the whole island sequence) but if your child appreciates beautiful images, and is horse-crazy, they'll love the film. I now own a black Arabian stallion of my own...so be careful, Black Stallion books can cause a lifelong horse addiction!

I greatly enjoyed this book when I was younger, and I still like it. However, in recent years I have come to realize how prejudicially obsessed Walter Farley was about Arabians. Even in his book The Great Dane Thor, the horses only briefly mentioned in the book were Arabians. He didn't seem to realize that there were other breeds in the world. For instance, he had the Black's daughter, Black Minx run in the Kentucky Derby--a race exclusively limited to Thoroughbreds.

In recent years, I have also realized Farley's poor writing stile. Not only did he not do research, but he presented his views as FACT, not opinions. For instance, ALL horses are intelligent, but especially ARABIANs; ALL horses are more sensitive than people and can find water by smell in a desert...or land in an ocean. Among horses, Farley stated on no uncertain terms that Arabians are by far the most superior, and that among Arabians, The Black was king.

I don't know about you, but I'm kind of tired of that. I'd like to see the Black lose a race or two, or sire a dud colt. The Island Stallion was the same--in fact, when the Black met Flame, the fight between them was a draw because they were both FLAWLESS Arabians, so perfect that neither could beat the other. It was a satisfying end when I was little, but now it annoys the fire out of me. I have read most of the series, and it is always the same: The Almighty Arabian wins out over man, nature, or other horses...and here is one once-avid reader who is sick of it.

This book enlightened me and really got to me, much more than I expected. I was delighted to read about the life of a 102-year old african american man from the south, as I am a 30-something white woman from MT. He has a lot to teach us, and a lot to remind us of and has a way of doing so that makes us thankful for what we have. George Dawson is a gem and I am pleased that someone took the time to put his story on paper. What a great book!

Even though this book was published six years ago, the message of "Life is so good" is timeless. It is a window into a world that we are all a part of, but some of us rarely see. Truly memorable! Dawson sees literacy as an incredible gift and he in turn gives the reader numerous ones in return.

Richard Glaubman's "Life Is So Good" is a real comeuppance for anyone whose outlook towards life runs along the lines of "I wish I had done X, but I'm too old to start now." Here's a man, George Dawson, who learned how to read at age 98. As a USA Today review aptly summarizes, "Dawson has become a literary hero, a testament to the power of perseverance." First-time author Glaubman expertly fleshes out Larry Bingham's award-winning 1998 Fort Worth Star-Telegram short story.

Dawson's tales of life in the Jim Crow-era South, his unquenchable work ethic, and his travels throughout North America make for compelling reading. Here is a man who was never given a shot to read when he was younger - economic circumstances forced him into full-time manual labor at a very early age. Despite significant hardship, his optimism and sense of self-worth never waver. The title really sums it up well here. Glaubman's final words from Dawson are "Life is so good and it gets better every day."

As other reviewers have noted, Chapter 1 of this book could stand alone as among the best short stories you'll ever read.

I like the memoir because George Dawson never gave up his dream to read and write. George was born in the late 1800's. His parents were not slaves, but his grandparents were once slaves. George was raised in Texas. His family was poor, and he never attended school. Georges started working at a very young age, drawing water from the well each morning for the house. George worked alongside his father in the fields. The work was hard, so was their life. They had to watch what they said and went in fear of the K.K.K. Twelve year old George went to work, and stayed with a white family to help out at home. His cousins came to live with his family because their parents died, so George was needed at home. George left home at twenty-one and worked in Tennessee building levees. It was two years before he returned back home.

Life is So Good is a story about George Dawson's dreams of receiving mail, learning to read and write at the age of ninety-eight, and his work ethic. I can relate to George's hard work and his work ethic. I beleive in hard work and doing it right the first time.

This book is sad and tells of struggles he had to go through. It is not easy reading at first because the chapters jumped around. But overall, it is a good book to read.

"Life is good just like it is"(233). "Don't worry about what someone else thinks. Just do the right thing and take pride in yourself"(214). The owner of this optimistic way of thinking toward life was George Dawson, the grandson of an African American slave, who worked hard his whole life but was illiterate until he turned 98 years old. From the time George Dawson was a young boy, he learned the importance of hard work from his father and gave up going to school to help raise his younger siblings since he was the oldest son of five children. Dawson felt that school was only for children, and he was never aware of adult education classes until he attended an ABE (Adult Basic Education) program. He was ashamed of his illiteracy, but no one around him knew it, not even his children, until Dawson told them. When signing a sheet, he had to mark his name with an X.

Dawson grew up in South, Texas, where there was a prevalence of strong racial discrimination. As a grandson of an African American slave, he suffered social injustices his whole life, including racism and poverty, but his cheerful view of life was the key to his mental and physical health. Dawson's wholesome life philosophy despite a racist society was transmitted to him from his father who taught him how to get along or deal with white people without friction; this was a realistic and functional survival skill. However, throughout the book, strong racism was well represented in every story and left me feeling sad and angry.

Nevertheless, their family worked hard so they could make enough to feed the family. Moreover, he left home to travel and work for about nine years here and there, not only inside the USA, but also in Canada and Mexico. These experiences away from home let him become acquainted with the ways of the world. During his lifetime, Dawson did not waste his time and tried as best as he could in any situation and he did not lose his warm heart nor fall into any misbehaviors under difficult circumstances.

He married four times and had seven children, but he sent all his children to college; for his life, he had always valued the importance of education. He had lived in three different centuries, from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century. His life's journey in education as a member of the labor class and minority is a prime example of the American history of adult education in the 20th century. Interestingly, he traced back in memory to important social events or movements by looking at old photos or listening to past historical stories. Because he could not read the newspaper, he received the news from other people or the radio. His excellent memory enabled him to become literate in an ABE program at the age of 98 years old.

All through the book, I learned many actual philosophies of life. I thought that every ethnic group has its own specific life style, but I am reminded that the basic philosophy of life is not different between different races or classes; Dawson said that "...Every colored man had the same talk with his children: how to get along, how to survive in this world" (202). His philosophy was that, "A man is born to die. You got to keep that in mind and don't do no wrong" (257). This thinking was not new, but hearing these advices have produced a profound sense of meaning for me. He also said that, "You have no right to judge another human being,"(12) and "People forget that a picture ain't made from just one color. Life ain't all good or all bad"(233). He did not complain toward social injustices but kept his composure illustrated by his ability to keep calm. For example, when he was gardening for a white woman, he refused to eat a meal she served when he discovered she provided the same food to her dog.

However, I think that many parts of his optimistic perspectives towards social inequality were influenced by his illiteracy and non formal educational background. Without education, he was unable to articulate his human rights and desire for social reform. Criticisms directed towards social injustice were out of his realm of concern.
"I want for people not to worry so much. Life ain't going to be perfect, but things will work out" (246). "I guess the heat doesn't bother you people. You're fortunate that you can just keep working"(209). These positive thoughts were the cause of his long life; this book was published when he was 101 years old.

The school started at nine, but he got up by five-thirty and made his lunch, packed his books, and went over his schoolwork. He had always gone to school early and had not ever been late for three years since he began to attend the adult education program. When he turned one hundred years old, Dawson could read on a third-grade level.
I would definitely recommend this great book for any student over ten-year old children to let them know the importance of education, the value of literacy, and the sadness of a distorted social and racist environment. I also would like to recommend it to older generations who have been afraid of learning something at their age. I already handed this book to my teen-aged child with a brief explanation.

Those of us who are literate and highly educated people do not know the difficulties of illiteracy, but it is a shameful secret for many illiterate people. I think that illiteracy is mentally as debilitating as poverty. As a non-native English speaker, I have a similar sense of shame in many situations as Dawson might have had; this feeling is well synthesized into the story. This easy to read, meaningful, and impressive book kept me reading non-stop from the beginning to the end.
"Life is so good and it gets better every day" (260). I always would like to remember this philosophy of life.

I didn't understand a lot of this book. The physics was largely beyond me and I could not grasp the embedded diagrams that Kip Thorne used. These embedded diagrams attempt to represent three-dimensional space-time on a two-dimensional piece of paper. But I enjoyed reading the book nonetheless. One can look at science in two (or perhaps more) ways; the process and the results. I am interested in process, the building of one idea upon another. And Thorne does this particularly well. I am not a big fan of the results which is a good thing because I didn't really understand them, at least in this book. Thorne also included a lot of biographical information which I found very interesting. Thorne also admitted when he had made mistakes, which was refreshing; a nice human element. The most interesting parts of the book were when he compared the different styles of the various research teams. This is especially true when he compared first the American/British research style with the Russian research style and later in the book, the American, British, and French styles and their differing use of mathematics. Overall, this book was a good read, but by the end I was anxious to finish so that I could start reading Leon Lederman's new offering.

Mr. Thorne offers insight into an important world of science that only a person who has first hand experience could. While this book is a book about black holes, it is just as much a book about the science leading up to the ability of science to recognize and study them. It is very detailed with numerous "boxes" that include extra information. While it is not necessary to have an extensive science background in physics/astrophysics etc..., it would help. If one gives the book the patience that it takes, a world of information is available. It is not a quick read, but it is very interesting stuff no doubt.

Kip S. Thorne explains Einstein's Theory of Relativity well. I have always been interested in time and space, and black holes, and anything that had to do with the universe and space. Thanks to this book my understanding of some theories has increased. I learned more about Enstein's quirks and devotion to the pursuit of scientific knowledge. A fascinating book.

You could consider this as a good place to continue if you have already read Stephen Hawkins' "A Short History of Time" and want to deepen your understanding of modern cosmology at an introductory level.

When Carl Sagan wanted to have his fictional herione from Contact travel in time, he turned to Kip Thorne.

This book is Thorne's attempt to more fully explain the science of time travel.

And in the process Thorne takes you to the prediction and discovery of black holes.

First seriously suggested by the theories of Albert Einstein, a black hole is a star that has grown so massive (at least three times the size of our sun) that it litterally can't sustain itself against its own weight. It assumes a gravitional force so powerful that not even light can escape its grasp.

Obviously, therefore, learning what resides beyond the visible dark exterior of a black hole has eluded science.

Yet that dark exterior has fueled speculations that black holes may enable nature (and possibly man) to perform seemingly magical feats.

As mentioned at the outset, one of the most interesting of these feats is time travel and the reason is because the great gravitional power of a black hole litterally allows it to warp the space around it. For us it would be a little like standing on one end of a water bed when someone places an anvil on the other end. Owing to the great weight of the anvil, the bed is contorted and owing to its contortions we find ourselves falling toward the anvil.

Assuming a sufficiently heavy anvil we could see both ends of the water bed being connected.

One obvious challenge would to be travel a black hole without becoming a part of it.

Another not so obvious challenge is the fact wormhole creation at best is an exotic affair not occuring above quantum distances. In this way, any people wishing to use one would have to go an extreme wieght loss program!

Because of its thoroughness, Thorne gives an extended discussion of the characters involved in the story he's telling. For example, Thorne explains that physicists use both flat and curved universe models to understand black hole behavior. Additionally, even though predicted by his theories, Einstein actually disputed the existence of black holes. As a result, the Soviet Union and not the US was the first country to really encourage serious discussion of them. However, once predicted and then once found, black holes became a unique entree into the laws of physics and with it the mind of God himself.

For those who read or saw Contact and enjoyed it, this will be an excellent account of the fact behind the fiction.

Hill's book truly gives you words to live by. Realism, faith and hope in the future are the key themes of this book. As a reader, you are looking into the world of a young person trying and seeking to find his path. Gladly, Hill picks up the baton that was thrown to him by his mentors of the past and follows through by showing this youth a new way of thinking and living. His advice is so pure and genuine that it crosses the boundaries of gender and race--this is something that all folks need to hear! This book is the ultimate self help guide for those who have lost their way, need to find their way or need an affirmation that they are well on their way. Harper's words are definitely needed and should be cherished.

Preach on Brother Harper! Preach on!

I have a 12 yr old son that has been going through some rough times at school with wanting to do well, but being teased for it. Junior High is/was/will always be a tough time. My son and I read this book together and then discussed anything we felt needed discussing. He started to feel "normal" knowing that a lot of people were experiencing the same things as him, even celebrities like Will Smith, someone he looks up to. I HIGHLY suggest this book to boys of any race. Thank you Hill Harper!!!!

I bought this book for my 17 year old son. I suggest anyone with a teenage son, good or bad purchase this book.

I picked this book up because it was chosen as THE Best Book for Young People by the American Library Association for 2007. That is quite an endorsement. I had never heard of the author or seen his TV show.

"Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny" was outstanding! I wish I could put a copy in every single young person's hands. While the title implies that the book is especially relevant title for young black males, anyone would find this book inspirational.

I loved hearing about Hill's grandfathers and family life. The way he described what could be learned in a single-parent household was so lovingly described and unusual to hear. I also respected how vulnerable the author made himself by sharing his mistakes. The stories create incredibly powerful and interesting lessons.

This is a great gift to give to any young man between ages 14-20.

This book is easy to read. It's a must for any young man (not just black men). I read it before passing it on to my son. I then purchased for several other young men as well. I would HIGHLY recommend these life lessons.

The story was written well although it was told as if the main character was being interviewed. (Couldn't get into that part of the story). The rest of the story was well written - it makes you relate to the characters. You feel very sad in parts, you can picture this being someone in your family, and you cry in others. It gets very emotional towards the end (if anyone knows anyone incarcerated) - you can imagine that this is what it must feel like. I think all younger males should read this story - it almost reads as a testament to the street life our young men may have to face or if they idealize the thug life - this story really tells them the ups and the downs of that life without lecturing....

I was expecting it to be better than what it really was. This story is mostly about the struggles a young man face while being wrongly convicted of a crime he did not do. So most of the storyline deals with the main character being behind bars. There were a lot of twist in the storylines which held my attention and made the book an OK read. There is a part II to this book and I will be starting it next. Hopefully it will be better than part I.

Crystal takes you on a journey through the transformation of P's life...from a boy to a man. P makes some bad choices and he pays for them. Will he learn from his mistakes?

I connected with P and actually felt his pain.

After reading Hood Rich, make sure you read Big Tymers...it's even better.

Wow the book had me speechless, it did start a little slow but when it starting going I could not put it down. This told a tale of a young man nicknamed Prince cause that was his last name and he had some kingpins in the family that he looked up to. He was young and ready to live the fast life too soon and with that being said he ended up going to jail for fifteen years at the tender age of seventeen and there he learn just what being loyal was, how to survive, having faith, endureing hurt and pain, dealing with the lost of loves one and most of all how to hold on. This book reflected a lot about family. This was a good story you never know whats gone go down next. And Prince is real likeable I enjoyed his personality. Barvo Crystal......

I bought this book because of all of the rave reviews I saw online. I couldn't wait to crack it open and dig in! The mistakes (grammar/punctuation/spelling, etc) really turned me off to the storyline, which I thought was a really good premise overall. It gave me a sneak peek into the life of a criminal who was trapped in the gritty world of the justice system. I really felt Prince on some levels, but I felt like the story fell short on many points. The beginning of the book was hard for me to follow, with all of the lyrics thrown in - it was difficult if you weren't familiar with the songs that were quoted. The ending was better, because it was unexpected, but overall, I could have passed on this book.

One amazing thing, I will say, though - the book cover and packaging was done very well. It really made you want to buy the book. I will give another of Crystal Perkins-Stell's books a try just because this was only her second book, and I can see potential, maybe with better editing, a later book will be much better! I will review one of her later books once I read one!

This is a phenomenal series. I have read itat least 3 times. If you have any interest in vampires, as well as thrillers, read this series. You will not be disappointed. It is most certainly for mature readers, as it is very graphic on all accounts. However, Pike's writing style is phenomenal. When I read this series for the first time, I couldn't put it down and I'm looking forward to reading it again soon. The characters are strong, the descriptions are amazing and it is simply fantastic.

Now, if only they would turn it into a movie or television series. It has incredibly high potential to be done very, very well...

I read this book as a child and it has always been my favorite. I figured... now 22, I might find the books childish in some regard, yet afetr re-reading the series almost 10 years later, I still feel they are the best books I have ever read.
They are filled as much as can be expected with action, adventure, mystery, horror, and some moments of sadness. Rarely do you come across a book that fulfills all qualifications of perfection... but this series does.
Sita is the most amazing character I have ever encountered in fiction. There is nothing she cant do, and the problems that she faces are extrordinary.
Thank you Mr. Pike for the best books in all of existence.

I've read several vampire series, but these 6 books were my favorite. I've read the series several times. It's sad books like these go out-of-print. I bet people would still buy them...I would recommend these books to anyone. It doesn't matter what age you are, you will enjoy these books.

I truly think that this is the best vampire book ever made.
This book is a must have for any vampire story lover! I read this book when I was in 6th grade and omg it literally changed my life. I was a very bad reader as a child but this book opened a door and introduced me to the wonderful stories books could actually tell. Don't think this is just a kid's book because it isn't, its so much more! Everyone no matter what age can enjoy this book and I hope it brings you as much joy as it did to me.

I absolutely loved the first three books in the series but I face a huge dilema I can't find the fifth book in the series it's the only one left that I need. If anyone could ever bare to separate from 'The last vampire:evil thirst' I would love to have it I would pay a good price for it if you have a copy for sale at a reasonable price join me at s_stosik@hotmail.com