Science Books

Sure, this book was hard to put down, but I couldn't figure out why it was labeled science fiction. There are no new technologies, the technology in the book is just electricity, and isn't even the biggest influence in the book. It is a crime to charge nearly 20 bucks for a book that is so poorly laid out in text, and has such a poor resolution graphic cover. Nevertheless, the story is worth reading if you can find a used copy. It's hard to put down, but it's only a quick 300-page read, with just about every moral spelled out for you.

I gave up reading after 150 pages. I was all ready for the premise: the story of a boy and girl in a postapocalyptic city where the hardest thing is to survive. The setting is interesting and the plot was captivating at first - the mix of strange religion, the social divisions in the city, etc. In the end, though, my patience ran out. Maher's style became infuriating: he kept telling you about the city instead of showing it - a bit like a person holding a picture and describing it to you but not letting you see the photo itself. On top of that his descriptions were rushed and had the feeling of 'pause in the action - fill in the background.' The action scenes became annoying as well: too much nose-to-the-ground stuff, a lot of running and telling you of the pain in the knee, the feelings of the body. I got claustrophobic, a feeling that the characters were too much inside their skins, that they were not interacting with anybody, just being manipulated like puppets by the writer. Too bad - I liked enough of the initial set-up to wish it would've been better.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/06)

I really enjoyed reading "Legend." The story takes place some time in the future in a land that has been ravaged by man. People struggle to survive among the ruins of a once advanced city. People are basically classified into three groups: the Bureauers, the Folkers, and the Disciples. The Bureaurers are very much like people today who are involved in bureaucracy. The stereotypes definitely apply here. The Burearers believe that they are maintaining order by keeping the Folkers in a state of chaos where they have to worry more about basic survival than getting involved with what is happening in the government. When the main hero, Martin, becomes a low level Bureaurer, he finds that he has become a part of a system that really doesn't need him. He goes to work and is well fed, but he doesn't seem to have a purpose. The Folkers are what Martin was born into. These are the poor people that have to fight for food. They will eat anything. While they are not allowed to kill others to eat, they will eat their dead. The Bureaurers see to it that the Folkers are provided with "poorage," however, there isn't always enough to go around.

The Disciples are people that are involved in a satantic-like cult. They are waiting for the coming of Jefus. He is supposed to save the world and make the machines that no longer function work again. The leader of the Disciples, Kreeops, is supposed to step down when Jefus returns. A Folker, Gena, is selected to be the bride of Jefus. The leader of the Disciples wants her for himself. She is forced into the cult and given training. There are powers in both the cult and in Gena. It appears that the greatest power of control comes from the beliefs of the people. Their united beliefs cause things to happen. Gena begins to realize this and uses this knowledge to her advantage.

It is believed that Martin is Jefus. He has to go through three tests to prove this. He doesn't really believe this, but to survive he does what is necessary to prove this. Along the way, he discovers the importance of the power of belief. He sees what Kreeops is doing to control the others. He realizes that Kreeops true power comes from the faith of his disciples. To win and to survive, he has to gain their faith in him. He and Gena need to become gods to win their control. Martin has to be crucified and resurrected to prove himself.

Along the way, Martin and Gena struggle to survive. Sometimes, their adventures are with each other, other times they are off on their own. Gena learns that there is more beyond the city limits than people realize. Because of their fearful beliefs they have limited themselves to this existence. If she and Martin can prove themselves, they can lead these people into a better way of life.

I found this story to be unnerving because I can see how our own society can become trapped by limited negative beliefs. This could be our society someday. The people who choose to be in power, do it for control of the masses, not for wanting to make their world a better place.

This is an excellent science fiction novel. I truly believe that it is destined to be a classic. As you read it, you are glad that it is only fiction and not reality. However, it brought many questions to my mind that made me think, "what if?" Due to the graphic nature of the story, I do not recommend it for young children. However, I do recommend it to other science fiction fans and think that it would be an excellent choice for a reader's group to discuss.

Like all good fiction, this is a book that really makes you think. Part of you wants to put it down to think out some idea the story raises but the story itself keeps you turning the pages. I recommend it. Highly.

On the back of the cover some writer calls this a book about the reunification of the self. I doubt if the guy who wrote the book thought that's what it was about. Better to just enjoy the story and let the plot sweep you along. It's fun, it's clever, it would make a good movie. That's enough.

In our modern age of vaccinations, it seems inconceivable that in 1949, 42,033 cases of polio were diagnosed. It was a disease without a vaccine or antidote that meant excruciating pain, followed by extensive physical therapy assuming that the patient didn't die from complications. There are three main variants: spinal polio, which causes rapid paralysis of the arms and legs (generally asymmetrical), bulbar polio, which causes difficulty breathing and swallowing (and frequently requiring the use of iron lungs as breathing muscles and mechanisms are greatly weakened), and respiratory polio, a combination of the above two. Peg Kehret was twelve years old when she contracted respiratory polio; she was the only victim in her small Minnesota town that year.

Peg recounts her terrifying illness in a very matter-of-fact yet gripping narrative. Paralysis set in rapidly, and she had a fever of 102 for nearly a week as her muscles weakened, requiring her to use an oxygen tent. But Peg was lucky; once her fever breaks (aided by a contraband chocolate milkshake), her recovery is much more rapid than her fellow hospital and rehab roommates. Even though Peg is nearly a teenager, there are small poignant touches of the remnants of childhood; her brother Art sent her a teddy bear that had to be burned once she left the polio ward, and her mother recommended that she donate her old books and toys to the children's polio ward. Peg resists, recalling happy memories with her old books and toys, and is dismayed to find that her parents have redecorated her old room as a surprise.

Peg is an engaging narrator who brings a distant era to life through radio dramas such as The Lone Ranger and the simplicity of a time where books and friendships filled our hours instead of electronics. Her rehabilitation is tempered with humor and spirit; no self-pity here, only the desire to become the best she can be. The Sister Kenny method of polio treatment is described in detail, along with physical and occupational therapy exercises. Peg has a crush on Dr. Bevis, a handsome doctor who makes her feel special by painting her toenails when she's still in intensive care, and promises him that she'll return to walk for him. She makes friends with several other girls recovering from polio, including the bitter Alice, who's lived at the rehabilitation center for ten years after her parents couldn't care for her. The girls are brought together by their shared experiences as polio survivors, and Peg is apprehensive about rejoining her school and the outside world.

The novel is brought full-circle by the sad mention that Peg, along with her former roommates, suffers from post-polio syndrome; around 25% of childhood polio sufferers develop additional symptoms decades after the initial infection, including muscle weakness, fatigue, or paralysis. After working so hard to overcome polio, she's certainly not giving in now. There are also vintage photographs of the author and her roommates scattered throughout. A marvelous introduction to polio's debilitating effects and the power of positive thinking on recovery.

Small steps was an enjoyable book and i would definatley recommend it to all of my friends. During this story, a polio patient named Peg, changes, not facial or look wise but mentally. At first she would worry about winning first in something however when she gets diagnosed with polio those worries change. Now she worries about whether she'll make it or not, and she realizes how lucky she really was without the polio. One of my favorite things abobut peg is that she can always take a sad thing and make it better, such as whenshe needs a wheelchair, instead of outing she learns how to wheelie on it! there is one thing i would warn you about; there isnt a lto of dialoge. If you love dialoge and cant get enough of it, then you are just like me! I dont really like books without dialoge. however, when i read this book I realized it has enough dialoge to keep me coming back for more. Although i really like the way it was written too. When in saw that this was a biography, i hesitated to pick it up. But when i started to read, i realized that this wasnt one of the ordinary boring biographies, but a biography written in fictioin form! Also, if your looking for a book written by the author then that is anothter reasen for you to, go out and get this book. Small steps is written in frist person. The plpot of this book is very easy to follow now read carefully; a 12 year old girl named peg is diagnosed with polio, and is taken to many different hospitals. While she is being transfered, she is fighting with all of her gut to kick this polio out of her system. That is as far as i am going with that.
Wait there is more, if you are also not a fan of long expositions; this book is probably the best one or you. Tyeh exposition is npt long at all. It simply describes where Peg lives how old she is and what she like sto do, and then the action starts.

p.s. if you are going to read this book i hope you enjoyed it as much as i did!

My daughter, age 9, was assigned to read this book as part of a Reading Olympics program in her school. I found it at the library and read the first chapter to her while we were still in the library. She did not want me to stop reading. We read it together every night after she had finished her homework. She was so fascinated with Peg Kehret's story that she would work hard to finish her homework in order to leave time for reading before bed. I highly recommend this book for older elementary and middle school age children. The author offers a very engaging glimpse of her experience as a child their age going through an enormously difficult and challenging ordeal. Her courage and humor in the face of her disease will give children insight into coping skills they can use someday.

This book is a must if you are looking for a book for your Mother/Daugther book club. We read it when our daughters were 10 yrs. old, but you could certainly be older. All the moms loved it.

I loved this book! It is about a girl named Peg who is stricken with Polio. My fav. part was when her temperature dropped by drinking the chocolate milkshake. I would recommend this book for anyone!

The book Amy Number Seven is a very good book.It is about a twelve-year-old girl who is a clone . She has perfect powers,and she is good in gymnastics,ice skating,running,and basketball without praticing. And someone is leaving notes in her mailbox.And anyway I would give this book 5 stars. you should read this book.

Do you like mistroys,and avenchers?Then you will love this book.When you start this serises you will not be able to put them down.After you finish the frist book you will not be able to wait to start the next book.
This book is about a gril named amy, who is aregular gril. Until werid things starts to happen. She trys to find out what is going on, but her mom isgetting to protive. So she gose looking for answers while her mom is out with her friend,Monica.

This book is about a girl named Amy Candler. She was made in a laboratory by scientists. People were trying to use her and the other seven Amy's to take over the world. So the other scientists put the laboratory on fire. All the Amy's escaped. One of the scientists who helped destroy the project, called project crescent, took home Amy number seven. The scientists created them to be stronger, faster, more intelligent, and more skilled than any other human. Amy had no idea she had special abilities. When she turned 14 a crescent moon appeared on her back. Then things started to change. In gymnastics Amy could do all the flips, turns, and jumps. She also started getting the best grades in all her classes. Then a movie star came to her school to to a movie. She looked exactly like Amy, but her name was spelled Aimee. Her mom finally her mom told her the truth. Amy tried to get close to Aimee, but guards always stopped her. Aimee thought Amy was started to get attention so Aimee planned to have people kidnap her, so that all the attention would go to her. But the fake kidnappers kidnapped the wrong one. They kidnapped Amy Candler. Then Aimee came to ask why they kidnapped the wrong girl. But the fake kidnappers were the people who wanted to use them to take over the world. So both Amy's fought until they got away. Then Amy Candler told Aimee the story about the lab. Then Aimee pushed aside Amy Candler and said she was going to try and take over the world herself.
Amy Candler is a fourteen year old girl. She has long brown hair and brown eye. She is not tall or short. She is creative and very outgoing. Amy was also very smart, and athletic. She was pretty much good at everything.Her mood was almost always happy. She was very curious about her life. We are alike because I have brown hair, I'm pretty smart, and I'm happy alot. We are different because she is older, she is much more athletic than me, and my hair isn't as long as hers.
I realy like this book because it is exciting, adventorous, and you never know whats coming next. I also like reading fictional books. My favorite part was when Amy got kidnapped, she was so confused. And the fake kidnappers were offering her soda and stuff because they knew it was fake. And tey thought that Amy Candler was Aimee the move star. I would recommend this book to a friend to they came experiance the thrill of the book.

This was a very good book. It is about a 12 year old girl named Amy Candler. Amy can do a lot of stuff better than her classmates. She can answer difficult problems in her head, she can do complicated twist and turns in gymastics, and she can hear and see things from far distances. But she doesn't know anything about her past except that her father died in a accident before she was born. She other stuff to worry about, a stranger is taking pictures of her, her mother is acting paraniod about her talents, and she is getting anonymous letters to keep her talents to herself. Amy knows that her mother is keeping something from her, something she doesn't want her to find out, something about her past and possibly her future. Amy tries to find out everything, before its to late...

Amy is trying to find the answers to a twisted mystery in her life. I loved this book, it was probably the best, easy book, most adventurous book in the world. I've read the other books too and by far this is the best! Marilyn Kaye really knows how to write twisted and suspenseful children's mysteries. I would recommend this book to 10-12 year old girls who enjoy mysteries and adventure. If you like this one then you will definitely like the series. Amy is an all right gymnast that becomes perfect in one day. Amy is rocking teenager that any girl would like. I think everyone would like this if they read it. It might be able to teach mothers how to talk to their sprouting teens.

Wow. Not your typical good guys come to a new planet, good guys save the planet, good guys leave the planet and everyone lives happily ever after. I just loved the ending ,wasn't expecting that!
Now I can't wait to start book no.6!

This entire series is a great children's series. Even though I'm an adult, I still love these books. Set before Episode I, they follow Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn through their early years together as master and apprentice. If you like Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, or the master/apprentice relationship in general, you'll love these books.

Obi-Wan is on Melida/Dan. A planet steeped with violence for as long as anyone can remeber.Jedi should not take sides Qui-gon tells Obi-Wan but he ends up taking sides with a group named the Young who are fighting against there parent to stop the war. Debate rages between Obi-wan and Qui-gon and ..... well you will see what heppens.It includes Obi-Wan getting kicked out of the Jedi Order and staying to help the Young read the next books to see if Qui-gon will except Obi-wan as his apprentice again. I [16] found this to be a great book when i was younger and still do! now that iv finished the NJO series the clone wars series and the Jedi Apprentice series i cant wait for a new one . You will love this book guarenteed.If you dont well i cant give you your money back..... but you would have to be insane not to like it.

Another truly great story from Jude Watson. These books bridge the gap left vacant before Episode 1.
Jude watson has a great gift for fleshing out all the characters we've come to know on a much deeper level.
This particular series gives us the early adventures of Obi-Wan and Quinn -Jon and shows us the development of the two as the later indepent thinking Jedi they become.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan go to Melida/Daan to rescue Tahl, the Jedi peacekeeper who went there. She was gravely wounded and captured by the Melida, and so Yoda dispatches more Jedi to rescue her.
Young Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi apprentice, he's not supposed to become emotionally involved in a conflict. But when he meets Cerasi and Nield, the young and charismatic leaders of the Young on the planet of Melida/Daan, he is immediately swept up in their just cause. The Elders of the planet are nothing more than defenders of the dead, willing to sacrifice whole generations to get back at each other for past battles. No one remembers the original grievances, just that the Melida are evil or the Daan are evil, depending on who they are. The only ones striving for peace are the Young. They're proud to announce that they're everyone, both Melida and Daan children who want to rebuild their war-torn planet.
The Young help rescue Tahl, but they need the Jedi's help. Though forbidden to do so, Obi-Wan's heart tells him he must help the young save their planet.

That one of favorite ACTORS, was not only a Brown and Harvard graduate but an awesome writer as well. After reading such high reviews on here I decided to order the book. I have 2 boys, 9 and 7, that aren't quite to the age level of this book, but they well definately be reading it as they approach their tween years. After reading it there is advise and pearls of wisdom that should be applied to adulthood, male or female. I love the fact that he talks on a level that is very relatable to young boys and that he gathers insite from known entertainers, which imo draws the youth in that much more. As many are raised by the TV, movies, and mush so something that their favorite actor/actress (Anthony Anderson, Ray J Gabreille Union, Sanaa Lathan) sports figure (Venus Williams, Curtis Martin), or rapper (Nas, David Banner, Ice Cube) says may come across as cool and strike accord with them. Presidential nominee Barak Obama even contributes. I just ordered Letters To a Young Sister, DeFINE Your Destiny, cant wait to start reading it.

I brought this book as a gift for my twentysomthing brother. Who is a not an avid reader, but he enjoyed this book.

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.

An absolutely beautiful and deep character study. You don't have to be a Trekie to enjoy it.

The book was well written and Robinson's knowledge of the lead seems so very authentic.

He created an entire backstory that blends in very well with the DS9 series. It makes watching the show in syndication even more fun, especially when Robinson is on, because it's like you, the viewer is in, on the secret.

I look forward to seeing more of his work, be it as an actor or as a writer.

Having enjoyed DS9 and having heard about this book through Memory Alpha, I noticed all the positive reviews and decided to give it a shot. It was well worth it, the book is completely engrossing and a joy to read. I wish Robinson would write a sequel.

Someone, just lock Andrew J. Robinson in a room and make him write more. Seriously.

Deep Space Nine was my favourite of all the Trek series, and Garak was my favourite character, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when this book arrived. It is amazing. It goes so deeply into what makes up the Cardassian mind and society, every unanswered question that one could have about Cardassians is answered in this novel. I didn't want it to end! The author is also the actor who played Garak, and the insight he provides about his character is wonderful, poetic, and so moving. Anyone who has ever enjoyed an episode of DS9 needs to buy this book. I've read it three times, and I still enjoy it more than any other sci-fi book that I've read.

Ah yes, Magic the Gathering. The child of Richard Garfield, run through dark magic and incest by the terrifying and evil Wizards of the Coast. I still play Magic, but it will never be like the old days, before Wizards of the Coast became huge. This book was written during the old days, and I reread it every couple years to remind myself of how cool the CCG world was back then.

Arena tells us a story of Garth One-Eye, a mysterious fighter who can control the flow of mana, as he plays a game of cat and mouse (where he's the mouse) in a city ready to tear him apart. Anyone who has seen a Clint Eastwood film will get numerous rushes of recognition. The basic plot of the book follows A Fistful of Dollars, with Garth playing the ruling houses of the city against each other.

So it's a rehash of a familiar plot. Does that make it bad? No. For one thing, it's a familiar plot, but we have to admit it was an entertaining plot as well. And there are twists and turns in this story that go off on their own (albiet Magic the Gathering inspired) direction. But don't be surprised if you start imagining Garth with that Clint sharpness in his voice.

Why read this book? First of all, if you're a fan of the old Magic the Gathering editions, you have to read it, just so you can say you have. Second of all, even if you're not a fan of magic, while it will lose about 10% of its goodness, it's still a great read, easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Any complaints? Only a couple. One, the sequels (by a different author) follow completely different characters and while a couple from Arena appear in later books, the cameos don't quite do them justice. Another downside is that one of the characters, Kirlen, was a potential gold mine of development and plot that only barely gets used.

But I reccomend Arena, especially if it's as cheap as I think it is these days. Pick it up before your next airplane flight or bus ride. It will keep you thouroughly entertained. And it may even make you want to play Magic again.

Although the book is obviously part of the MTG series and world. It really is by far a great stand alone sci-fi fantasy book. This book single handedly intrigued me enough to go out and buy MTG cards and additional MTG books in the series. The card game is ok to play and the rest of the MTG books are not worth the money. However this book is an incredible read, it is no Thomas Paine or Thoreau, obviously, but it is a very entertaining little book. I highly recommend it if you enjoy sci-fi books.

I read this book when it first came out. And still to this day I remember it being a great read and I just recently purchased it again and re-lived the experience. This is one of my 10 ten favorite books.

The main question on your mind right now has got to be "But isn't this just using a name to sell books?"

And I can tell you no. They could have easily just slapped together some drivel, put the Magic logo on it with the card offer, and it would have sold probably just as well. While you may appreciate its connections to the card game, it's not necessary to enjoy the book. The author adds much to a, at the time, thin background to realize a whole city and a system of magic.

The story does seem to come down to the childish, but not too often, and not enough to distract me from the rest of the book. The best part is learning about the different schools of magic and the people that head them!

The worst of these, let's call them childish asides, is that they put in some PG-13 stuff in that takes up all of a page. During the rest of the book the only reference to it is the phrase "It meant nothing", which comes out more than once. Which is true of the story as well, it meant nothing. It's just added as an afterthought I'm sure, to tantalize the younger reader. As I said however, the main story grabbed me unrelentlessly in such a manner that I could overlook such things.

This is a stand-alone book and, as I understand, does not have any direct connection to the rest of the series (new or old).

It's an unfortunate curse that all popular franchises have. You know what I'm talking about - that horrid thing known as over marketing. You start with one thing that that's pretty cool on its own, like a trading card game, or a video game, or even a book. Then someone realizes that there is so much more money to be made by the unsuspecting masses, who are oblivious to the fact that they are about to be bombarded with some of the most ridiculous drivel ever conceived of by mankind. Before you know it, what was once just a really great game, is now an abominable never ending landslide of action figures, T.V. shows, DVD series, full movie theatrical releases, clothing lines, coffee mug sets, and backpacks! Who could possibly live without those awesome new Pokemon sandals? The price for them is unbelievably low - it just costs the tattered remains of your dignity!

The curse has spread to Magic: The Gathering in the form of the novel "Arena". Now we've got an unending series of books that follows all the new releases of the different card sets (which will continue until people realize "Hey, I've spent the majority of the money I've ever made on more and more new cards trying to make a non-existant perfect deck. I need to accept that I have an addiction and quit"). What we've got here is a book that should be absolutely freaking awesome - I mean come on, the entire universe of Magic is already pre-made for the author, William Forstchen. He doesn't have to make ANYTHING up himself. Mr. Forstchen could have given us an amazing plot-driven book with tons of character progression, believable dialogue, and an incredible story. With the entire historical background, geographical areas, major characters, and system of magic already done for him, there should have been plenty of time allocated to giving the readers the most amazing book ever made. Obviously, that didn't happen.

Judging this book solely as a part of the Magic: The Gathering universe, it's pretty good. Lots of out of control combat, gratuitous sex for no apparent reason (and completely contradicting a character's previous statements about his views on sexual intimacy), and an "under-dog" figure who is able to take down the current not-so-nice all powerful deity figure. It's a pre-pubescent boy's dream come true. Judging "Arena" as a stand alone novel, against all the other fantasy novels out there, it certainly ranks among the most trite, self-serving, completely pointless books of the last century. Why give it even 2 stars then? Because, unfortunately, book series based on games are judged by a different standard. Their merit as a novel has to be balanced with how well they stay true to the themes and tone of the game (which this does decently), while keeping in mind that because they exist solely to make company X more money, there will be all kinds of unnecessary stuff packed in to please all the fanboys. If only we treated game based novels as they should be - by holding them up to a HIGHER standard than most fantasy novels (for the above mentioned reason - all the work is already done for the author), but experience has taught that, against all logic, game based novels tend to be substandard in comparison. The use of vivid, or even adequate, description in "Arena" is passed over in favor of popular buzz words in order to keep the action moving at a fast enough pace. For example, when describing a battle between two wizards, the author actually wrote the sentence "He summoned some Llanowar elves". Now keep in mind there is no material either before or after that describes what Llanowar elves are - what they look like (anyone whose played the card game will have seen them, but this leaves all other readers completely out of the loop), what they do, or why they were chosen over any other creature. The most important aspect, the actual details of the summoning, is left out as well. We aren't given any description at all of how the magician accomplishes this feat, which is honestly just sloppy writing.

"Arena" isn't 100% bad writing though. There are some genuinely interesting characters and situations present, although they aren't used very effectively. The character line up starts off with a one-eyed magician/fighter type who is known as a Hannin, because he doesn't belong to any of the guild houses. Curiously, several previous reviewers of this book commented on what an amazing mystery it was to figure out who Garth really is. Obviously they didn't read the blurb on the back of the novel, as it blatantly gives away the "secret", or any of the hints placed throughout the book that were about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the stomach. Next, there is a woman belonging to the intriguing Benalish caste system, which isn't given nearly enough detail as it should have. The obligatory fiery read head type who is too strong willed for her own good makes an appearance here, as well as the old man who isn't really what he seems. The main characters aside, the most fun part of this novel is reading about the four guild leaders and their various vices (although they were done WAY over the top, and again, no attempt at subtlety is made here). The character with the most potential is Kirlen, the leader of the guild called Bolk. Having lived for an incredible length of time by using rejuvenation spells and potions, her body has withered away to the point that she could almost be labeled an undead creature. Kirlen was once the lover of the "big baddy" in the story, and he betrayed her to attain the power to become a Planeswalker - a being who can travel to different dimensions and has near godlike powers. While this could have been the most interesting story arc, it was unfortunately relegated to an un-important backstory, just some filler to tack on the pages.

If you are a hardcore fan of Magic: The Gathering you will probably drink this thing up like it's the elixir of life and then rant about how it's the "best novel ever". Anyone looking for a good fantasy novel with any real substance should probably steer clear, though.

I must say this is one of the most light-hearted, hilarious books I have ever read. The story is of a world that one really may not get to see these days.. Go ahead and buy it..

In todays day and age of Steve Erwin and Jeff Corbin who go around hunting for animals, it is easy to forget where it all started. With people like Gerald, and the London zoo. In this book, he collects animals, deals with his demented siblings and his long suffering mother who has to raise four kids and fend off the advances of a really persistent Colonel who gets increasingly vulgar and `grabby' when he drinks. This is a rare story that combines a humorous story with humorous writing and I once caused passengers in a flight to turn around and give me strange looks, so hard was I laughing.

My Family and Other Animals is a bare-bones story in terms of plot. The Durrell family goes to Corfu, lives through what could be termed as a soap opera, and leaves. It's humourous, but not particularly challenging.

However, the older Gerald Durrell utilises vivid vocabulary over and over when describing the setting and people of Corfu. Fifteen-letter words that paint a crystalline picture are used frequently, relieving the never-ending roller coaster that is the life of the Durrells.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining book that will keep you engaged for the week or so that you will spend reading it every spare second you have.

Gerald Durrell was not only a naturalist and a gifted writer about his beloved animals, but a loving brother and son whose descriptions of his family and their foibles will keep you laughing all the way through. This is one of those books which I've reread so many times I've lost count, and which I've given to many friends who needed cheering up. Always works, too!

This book is absolutely, brilliantly funny. The wit and unique characterizations are woven with great descriptions of the animals and plants of Corfu. That Durrell can hold the attention of readers who have no interest in biology simply demonstrates what a fine work this is. Gerald's depiction of a larger-than-life expatriate family on a larger-than-life Greek island is a tremendous celebration of life. The variety of different Greek characters parading through this book rivals the variety of Corfu's flora and fauna. Absolute great read!

To me Feynman is right up there with Albert Einstein. I love is fearlessness and is desire to see the truth. The Buddha and Feynman are probably enjoying a good laugh. I recommend his other book " What do you care what other people think".

This is the shortest book about quantum electrodynamics I've ever read, but it is still full of profound revelations (for instance, electrical charge is really nothing more than the square root of the probability that an electron will couple to a photon, etc)...

Feynman makes it easy for the curious amateur to understand. This book is accessible and mind-blowing. Everyone should read it. And there is little if any math so don't be intimidated.

Feynman picks the thing that is simplest in the quantum world, a single particle, and explains it using no math. Instead of equations, the quantum theory in this book consists entirely of pictures. But this is not a popularization in the usual sense. This is not gossip about science. This actually is quantum theory in a very simple case. For anyone who wants to know how the universe is put together, this is an astonishing mind opener.

In the Introduction to the 'Strange Theory of Light and Matter' Feynman tells us that what he likes to talk about is the "part of physics that is known, rather than a part that is unknown." And he goes on to give us a thumbnail sketch, a "physicist's history of physics," which shows how physicist's, in their quest to describe the world, continually reduce a group of seemingly unrelated phenomenon to a single phenomenon. So heat and sound were found, thanks to Newton, to be reducible to laws of motion, while electricity, magnetism and light were reducible to Maxwell's electromagnetic wave. In this way physicist's explain the world.

Here one is almost tempted to say that they proceed much as religion and ideology do. Religion has from the beginning of recorded history been taking phenomenon and feelings, like storms and suffering or aging and despair, and molding them into an internally coherent explanation of all that is and was and will be. They do this by separating the relevant from the incidental, then uncovering the essential by excluding the accidental. They simplify. In similar ways ideologues like the communists take what at one time were discreet incidents and disparate facts (for instance, the poverty of the third world and imperialism) and weave them into a grand general explanation. Is science merely the latest avatar of religion? - Or perhaps it is an ideology without tears?

Not so fast! Feynman goes on to show us that attempts to explain the atomic world foundered on the laws of motion. He shows us that the rescue of those shipwrecked on the shoals of classical theory involved the invention of a new, counter-intuitive theory, Quantum Mechanics. He then goes on, while discussing a small portion of that theory, to give us the (deliberately) hilarious and 'absurd' example of how physicists predict how many photons, out of a given number, will be reflected back from a surface. 'Draw little arrows on a piece of paper' and watch the clock, he tells us. And with no explanation as to why this procedure works! Of course, for physics, what matters is that it does work. Physicists have been forced "away from making absolute predictions to merely calculating the probability of an event." But where is the essential, the eternal, the necessary?

Perhaps this is what Feynman is driving at. Science describes, it doesn't explain why. We should all wonder at that. The great 'philosophical' questions that drive theology and political ideology are beyond the purview of physics. Science doesn't create worlds; nor does it 'interpret' or change them, it simply describes what it finds. (It is technology that changes the world.) Freud saw fit to end one of his books by saying that 'our science is no illusion, but it would be an illusion to believe you can find elsewhere what it does not offer.' But how much truer this is of physics! One is then perhaps not surprised to come away from this little book wondering exactly what the status of philosophy, psychoanalysis, politics and religion would be in a genuinely scientific world.

But of course there will never be, given human irrationality, an entirely scientific human culture. This book is a superb introduction to quantum electrodynamics. It's 'experimentalism' and agnosticism towards grand philosophical explanations I found very congenial and convincing. Feynman is an engaging personality and this is an entertaining book. While one doesn't need a degree in physics and math to understand him a lay competence and interest in math and physics is certainly necessary. For those of us still living in a Newtonian world, a dwindling number to be sure, this book will have several surprising moments. But that really is part of the show!

The Door Within was seemingly written with two large goals in mind: the first would be to absolutely enthrall young readers with action, adventure, and the ever-deepening courage of someone their own age. Many young people have thought "wouldn't it have been cool to be a knight" or to turn from everything you've ever known to an adventure that few believed was real; this books tells that story. The second goal was to challenge the reader to truly examine what they believe in by drawing age-appropriate parallels between the main character and the reader. This goal was readily accomplished, as well, as the main character, Aiden, is real enough and each of us could identify with the various aspects of his personality.

While reading the book, I found it very difficult not to compare it with The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia. As this book falls into the same genre as those two, I was pleased to say that while this relationship was easy to see, it stands alone and cannot be confused with either. As I was related to one of my student's parents, "it is a great book that is kind of a hybrid between the two; it takes the elements of each that make them great and creates a new work that you must force yourself to put down." I had one parent tell me that she and her daughter were reading the book before bedtime. When the child left the room, she confessed to reading ahead after her daughter was in bed. She had even gone to the bookstore and purchased the Rise of the Wyrm Lord and The Final Storm and was not going to feel bad about reading ahead, even if she had to do it in secret.

Regarding the spiritual nature of the book, I can say that there is definitely a good message about using the gifts that one has been given for the benefit of mankind. Throughout the book, there are countless occurrences of self-sacrifice and other spiritually-sound happenings. When I turned the final page, I was saddened that it was over, but excited about what was to come. That sense, too, is aligned with a person's spiritual journey through real life. The book is incredibly well-written by an author who is not afraid to write outside the box.

Age recommendations:
Children reading the book alone: 11 years
Children reading with a parent: 9 years

Faith affirming/spiritual message (1-10):
9 - The book seems to be written with the intention of challenging the reader to examine his beliefs.

Overall Rating (1-10 scale):
9 - Lots of action, lots of intense self-examination by the protagonist makes for a read that is difficult to set aside.

Would you find this in my personal library?
ABSOLUTELY! It has a permanent place in my bookshelf.

Would you find this in my classroom library?
Yes. It is a good piece of literature that might help a struggling young person through life's ever-present difficulties.

Start the adventure of your life time as you join Adian Thomas as he discovers another world,at war. Watch as the noble King Elim fights against the death, deserving knight Paragor. Enjoy Adian's quest as he fights for King Elim and must learn the price of loyalty.

Door Within

The Door Within starts us on a three part adventure that takes us into our memories and our imaginations. The characters are so dynamic and well articulated, you can't help to hope to meet them some day. Encapsulating an awesome message that takes place in this wonderful and beautifully crafted world. We begin by embarking with Aidin on an adventure that will pull him out or our world, and you will be thrilled as you go with him. He must endure a struggle within himself and against the villain Paragory. This book will take you up and down, and everywhere in between. It is a well written exciting adventure for middle aged children and up.

Aiden Thomas is heart broken. His family has moved away from everything he's ever known--including his one and only friend Robby--to take care of a grandfather Aiden thinks belongs in an `Old Folks Home'... until he finds the scrolls in his grandfather's basement. They change his life, and show him how to enter The Door Within. With Wayne Thomas Batson's fast-paced, action packed, writing style and incredible characters, you'll need to cancel school the next day... then sprint to the nearest bookstore and grab the next two books in this trilogy.

The Door Within is the first in a trilogy of fantasy books for middle-age readers. If your kids are fans of C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, they (and maybe even you) will probably love these books as well. The story is not too hard to follow, but is still masterfully woven together. The characters are very lovable and reading about their friendly antics is quite entertaining. It has great moral lessons and doesn't include the inappropriate material other books in this age group may have. The spiritual undertones in the book can be very much appreciated by believers, and maybe get unbelievers asking questions about God. This book is a wonderful fantasy tale that's perfect for kids from middle school to adult!