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Free the Children: A Young Man's Personal Crusade Against Child Labor
Published in Hardcover by HarperCollins (1999-01-01)
List price: $24.00
New price: $15.45
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $24.00
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $24.00
Average review score: 

Quality of writing is mediocre, topic is excellent
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-02
Review Date: 2007-05-02
Enlightening
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-06
Review Date: 2006-12-06
A wonderful book that will give you a firsthand account of the situation surrounding child labor in South East Asia.
An Incredible Journey
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-09
Review Date: 2007-01-09
The Kielburger story is one of an incredible journey that he took as a twelve year old to explore the problem of child labor. The "journey" has continued since then into his discovery of the problem all over the world, in addition to his solution through his organization. They build schools, spread awareness through lectures (and their website www.freethechildren.com), inspire young leaders through their programs, and so much more. This is a story that needs to be told over and over again to whomever in hopes that the world can work together to "Free the Children" all over the globe. Get this book and pass it on to any one and make sure they pass it on....
I love the Me to We Philosophy
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-01
Review Date: 2006-11-01
Craig and Marc's stories are so amazing. I used to think that I can't make a difference in the world because I am only 14 years old. This book taught me that even the smallest of actions can create a ripple that affects more people than I can ever imagine. The ideas in this book are really quite simple, but when articulated so clearly by Marc and Craig, it just makes so much sense.
The Best book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-22
Review Date: 2005-07-22
Craig Keilburger is an amazing man and is one of the Worlds greatest heroes. I have learned more from this book then any in the whole world. Even Social Studies!

In Session: The Bond Between Women and Their Therapists
Published in Hardcover by W.H. Freeman & Company (1999-04)
List price: $23.95
New price: $100.00
Used price: $17.58
Used price: $17.58
Average review score: 

Wasn't for me...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-19
Review Date: 2008-05-19
I would not recommend this book. I understand the information, but being someone who is in therapy it made me doubt therapy and placed bad ideas about therapy in my mind.
The power of the therapeutic bond
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-13
Review Date: 2008-04-13
In Session illuminates how the heart of therapy lies not in the therapist's theory or dogmatic beliefs, but in the relationship that exists in session between the client and therapist. Seamlessly weaving together the information she collected through interviews, research, and her own personal experiences in therapy, Deborah Lott reveals how this crucial bond between women and their therapists requires the therapist be professional enough to adhere to the boundaries of the "approximate relationship" while also being human enough to be empathically and emotionally present as the client's unique complexity unfolds. This book serves as both a "buyer beware" book that guides women in evaluating their own therapies, as well as a poignant reminder to clinicians about the powerful healing/harm duality inherent in the therapeutic relationship. With the closing words of her book, Deborah summarizes how the therapeutic journey can ultimately be a healing one: "Only by revealing what she is really feeling about herself, her therapist, and their relationship might a woman in therapy have the profound pleasure of being truly seen and understood."
this book is so informative!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-07
Review Date: 2007-10-07
I was looking for readings on "boundaries" in psychotherapeutic relationship. Well, I didn't really understand why my therapist insisted so much on keeping boundaries between her and me. I didn't see any problems having conversations over coffee if I happened to run into her outside of therapy. I didn't have any fantasies about finding where she lives, seeking her out, but I didn't see any harms to have a socially friendly relationship with her either. Sounded like very bad ideas from my therapist standpoint. Felt like we would jeopardize all our hard work in therapy if we socialized outside of the "sanctity of the office"! Anyway, I was interested in learning what these "boundaries" stuffs were all about from someone outside of our relationship. This book not only answered my questions on boundaries, but also gave insight into all aspects of relationship between women and their therapist. Wow, what a complicated world! My hat is off to Deborah for writing this book so candidly, attributing no shame to the patients for their feelings, sexual or not. My therapist is a wonderful woman, full of compassion and warm caring for me. She's genuinely listening to me with empathy. I gradually progressed towards a complete trust in her. I told her all my shameful secrets I never told any therapists before. I found myself adoring her like a kid. Yet, despite our wonderful therapeutic relationship, I still wondered if I was weird or some thing. This book helps me to understand my attachment to my therapist and don't feel ashamed about it. It helps me not feeling "weird" about my "child-like longings" for a motherly figure in her. It strengthens my trusting in her and in myself to work out my problems. I would recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in psychotherapy, patients or therapists.
I'm not the only one!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-03
Review Date: 2006-12-03
This was the first thought I had when I started reading this book. Deborah does a fabulous job of describing the feelings of transference.
I entered therapy almost a year ago and had been to many therapists in the past. However, this time, something was different. I had never even heard of transference or knew this could happen. So, naturally, I thought again, I'm the only one stuff like this happens to.
I recommend this book to anyone but mostly to therapists. I think they should read this to understand just what we go through. Even though our transference isn't about them per se, it certainly feels that way. I guess it could be about them if their therapist crossed the line, which mine hasn't done.
Thank you Deborah. I needed this book!
I entered therapy almost a year ago and had been to many therapists in the past. However, this time, something was different. I had never even heard of transference or knew this could happen. So, naturally, I thought again, I'm the only one stuff like this happens to.
I recommend this book to anyone but mostly to therapists. I think they should read this to understand just what we go through. Even though our transference isn't about them per se, it certainly feels that way. I guess it could be about them if their therapist crossed the line, which mine hasn't done.
Thank you Deborah. I needed this book!
A Gift--A Must-read for All Women in Therapy
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-23
Review Date: 2006-12-23
Even if you are lucky enough never to experience transference and attachment issues with your therapist, there is plenty of good information here about the goals of psychotherapy, its history, subgroups and boundaries. And if you ARE experiencing transference, dependence, attachment or all three, do yourself a huge favor and read this book.
An amazing book. Highly recommended. An absolute gift to women who are trying to use psychotherapy to overcome negative pasts and/or cope with the stresses and losses of the present.
An amazing book. Highly recommended. An absolute gift to women who are trying to use psychotherapy to overcome negative pasts and/or cope with the stresses and losses of the present.

Mio, My Son
Published in Hardcover by Purple House Press (2003-05)
List price: $17.95
New price: $11.11
Used price: $10.75
Used price: $10.75
Average review score: 

Mio My Son . . . still in print !!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-25
Review Date: 2008-03-25
This is a book that was read to my older brother my sisten and lastely me. I have read this to my children and I was happy to find it still in print for my Grandson. It was out of print for some time but it's back. Hardcover, great colors, the origional illustrations still intact. This is an absolutly wonderful book, I was glad to stumble across it on Amazon.
Charming Fantasy for Young Children
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-08
Review Date: 2007-04-08
As a boy I had studiously avoided Lindgren's more famous creation Pippi Longstocking, partly because it was about a GIRL ("The horror! The horror!"), but also because it struck me at the time as just too silly. "Mio, My Son" is neither, but I had never heard of it before stumbling upon it in the list of chapter books reprinted by Purple House Press, which specializes in reprinting OOP children's classics. Since they had started by reprinting no less than FIVE of my favorite books from my childhood, all long out of print until they came along, I was inclined to trust their judgment sight unseen. "Mio, My Son" at least, did not disappoint.
Perhaps because it began as a short story of Andy and the genie, which Lindgren later expanded into the current novel, "Mio, My Son" starts rather slowly. I know that I began to wonder when "something" was going to "happen" after Mio arrived in Farawayland, but be patient. Lindgren is slowly drawing you into her world, making you care for characters that shortly will be plunged into terrible danger in the rousing climax. The charming illustrations by Ilon Wikland nicely complement the story. After this I am looking forward to reading PHP's other Astrid Lindgren title The Brothers Lionheart with greater interest.
Note: The publisher claims the reading level as 6-12; IMHO it's better classified towards the younger end of that scale, ESPECIALLY for boys. The Purple House reprint of Mio, My Son is worth picking up even if you own an older edition because of the smooth new English translation by Jill Morgan (the publisher herself?).
Perhaps because it began as a short story of Andy and the genie, which Lindgren later expanded into the current novel, "Mio, My Son" starts rather slowly. I know that I began to wonder when "something" was going to "happen" after Mio arrived in Farawayland, but be patient. Lindgren is slowly drawing you into her world, making you care for characters that shortly will be plunged into terrible danger in the rousing climax. The charming illustrations by Ilon Wikland nicely complement the story. After this I am looking forward to reading PHP's other Astrid Lindgren title The Brothers Lionheart with greater interest.
Note: The publisher claims the reading level as 6-12; IMHO it's better classified towards the younger end of that scale, ESPECIALLY for boys. The Purple House reprint of Mio, My Son is worth picking up even if you own an older edition because of the smooth new English translation by Jill Morgan (the publisher herself?).
One of my all time favorites!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-12
Review Date: 2006-06-12
I had forgotten about this book until someone just asked me to name my favorite book. I read this book again and again as a child and found it absolutely entrancing. I highly recommend it to anyone who dreams of living in a fantasty world of their own.
the stuff dreams are made from
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-18
Review Date: 2006-01-18
I am so happy to find this book in English so that I can share it to my little American friends. In Germany, where I was born in 1983, Astrid Lindgren is a 'must-have' in every children's bookshelf. I grew up with beautiful characters like Mio and Madita, Michel and Ronja. I think the other reviews speak for themselves, I just wanted to add one more thing from self experience:
I think these bed-time fitted books (chapter length chosen for a 15 to 30 min reading session) are what made me dream as fantastic as I still do.
Astrid Lindgren knew the secret of how to catch on to children's interest, and how to pack messages of value in understandable words for them...
I think these bed-time fitted books (chapter length chosen for a 15 to 30 min reading session) are what made me dream as fantastic as I still do.
Astrid Lindgren knew the secret of how to catch on to children's interest, and how to pack messages of value in understandable words for them...
Wonderful story for CHILDREN!!!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-17
Review Date: 2005-11-17
From E.A. Solinas' review: "It's never really dark or genuinely thrilling..."
Absolutely no offense intended, but try saying that if you're an 8-year-old girl who loves horses and fairy tales! This book has haunted me for years. I checked it out time and time again from my school library, and tried to find it as an adult, but I couldn't remember the title, the main character's name OR the author. All I remembered was ..."a horse called Miramis"... but that was somehow enough to track it down on a lost books site.
I remember the story as being mystical and full of entrancing descriptions. The story of a journey to destiny is timeless, and really captured me back then. I'm just thrilled to have found it again, and can't wait to get another copy.
Absolutely no offense intended, but try saying that if you're an 8-year-old girl who loves horses and fairy tales! This book has haunted me for years. I checked it out time and time again from my school library, and tried to find it as an adult, but I couldn't remember the title, the main character's name OR the author. All I remembered was ..."a horse called Miramis"... but that was somehow enough to track it down on a lost books site.
I remember the story as being mystical and full of entrancing descriptions. The story of a journey to destiny is timeless, and really captured me back then. I'm just thrilled to have found it again, and can't wait to get another copy.

On Blue's Waters: Volume One of 'The Book of the Short Sun' (Book of the Short Sun)
Published in Paperback by Tor Books (2000-09-02)
List price: $15.95
New price: $2.70
Used price: $2.00
Collectible price: $15.95
Used price: $2.00
Collectible price: $15.95
Average review score: 

Different shades of azure dovetail in the mind
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-12
Review Date: 2008-05-12
While the Book of the Long Sun ended on a satisfactory note to those who didn't want to read further, it also allowed itself plenty of room to continue the stories of those who were involved in it. At the end of that long work, we found that the Whorl was apparently a giant spaceship and that the actual plan was to get everyone to two planets that it was near, Blue and Green. And thus, everyone did. Sort of. We pick up the tale a few decades later on Blue where Horn (who "wrote" Book of the Long Sun) finds that everything seems to be falling apart, civilization isn't what it used to be and the colonists are being attacked by inhumi, flying, shapeshifting vampiric creatures. Thus he decides to go on a quest to find the one man who can put it all back together, Patera Silk, who has been AWOL since we last saw him (and had an awesomely understated exit at the close of that last tetraology) and while he fully intends on doing it alone, it doesn't quite work out that way.
Wolfe is never going to an action packed writer, his prose is dense and things tend to unfold slowly, interlocking and branching until it all comes together. This is probably his most accessible book, at least on the surface, told in a first person style by Horn that is straightforward, although still heavy on ruminations from time to time. Horn has personality, although he lacks Silk's razor sharp and almost casual insights and his singularity of purpose. But as a straight-up quest, events are much easier to follow this time out. At first. Then things get deceptive.
The early part of this book, for all its accessibility, can be rough going for those who never read "Book of the Long Sun" because there are a lot of references to that previous series, to the point where I wondered when the actual plot was going to start or if we'd just be rehashing events from "Long Sun" in greater detail and a first-person viewpoint. Then it changes and I can remember almost the exact point where all the first-personness condensed and became something far sharper and harder than I expected. It comes as suddenly the narrative starts to reference events that have occurred after our current point of view, a future Horn writing about events from his relative youth.
The sequence is brief, but it ends with the lyrically eloquent: "But know this: the best and happiest of my hours you know nothing about. I have seen days like gold." From that point on the book seems to gain focus, especially once Krait the inhumi comes on board, inserting these very alien but seemingly human creatures into the story adds another level to it. Meanwhile, the narrative itself splits and simultaneously becomes about Horn's life years from now after the book's events are over and what is happening now and what gets him to Green. He manages to do both without becoming confusing and still allowing mysteries to linger for future novels and does it so easily that you don't realize how difficult this is to pull off. Which is what makes it deceptive, he pulls you right into the complex and you never realize how much of a fractal you've entered.
Wolfe is never going to an action packed writer, his prose is dense and things tend to unfold slowly, interlocking and branching until it all comes together. This is probably his most accessible book, at least on the surface, told in a first person style by Horn that is straightforward, although still heavy on ruminations from time to time. Horn has personality, although he lacks Silk's razor sharp and almost casual insights and his singularity of purpose. But as a straight-up quest, events are much easier to follow this time out. At first. Then things get deceptive.
The early part of this book, for all its accessibility, can be rough going for those who never read "Book of the Long Sun" because there are a lot of references to that previous series, to the point where I wondered when the actual plot was going to start or if we'd just be rehashing events from "Long Sun" in greater detail and a first-person viewpoint. Then it changes and I can remember almost the exact point where all the first-personness condensed and became something far sharper and harder than I expected. It comes as suddenly the narrative starts to reference events that have occurred after our current point of view, a future Horn writing about events from his relative youth.
The sequence is brief, but it ends with the lyrically eloquent: "But know this: the best and happiest of my hours you know nothing about. I have seen days like gold." From that point on the book seems to gain focus, especially once Krait the inhumi comes on board, inserting these very alien but seemingly human creatures into the story adds another level to it. Meanwhile, the narrative itself splits and simultaneously becomes about Horn's life years from now after the book's events are over and what is happening now and what gets him to Green. He manages to do both without becoming confusing and still allowing mysteries to linger for future novels and does it so easily that you don't realize how difficult this is to pull off. Which is what makes it deceptive, he pulls you right into the complex and you never realize how much of a fractal you've entered.
A great book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-28
Review Date: 2008-03-28
Gene Wolfe at his best as he weaves the whorl and Horn in an enigmatic manner that exemplifies his style. I am always just short of being frustrated with Wolfe. You wait and wait, read and read, hoping for something significant to happen yet never seems to, only to discover that it has already happen but you didn't know. The frustration and mystification will only increase with subsequent books in the series as Horn devolves into
a multi-dimensional confusion of characters and space-time reality. I fell in love with the siren Seawrack and feel pity for Krait the alien vampire...or is he a manifestation of Horn's son Sinew? Wolfe will tease and tempt you but never really answer any of your questions while seducing you with effortless, gorgeous prose. I miss Silk.
a multi-dimensional confusion of characters and space-time reality. I fell in love with the siren Seawrack and feel pity for Krait the alien vampire...or is he a manifestation of Horn's son Sinew? Wolfe will tease and tempt you but never really answer any of your questions while seducing you with effortless, gorgeous prose. I miss Silk.
"A Voyage to Green"
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-22
Review Date: 2004-12-22
Reading this brilliant first portion of "Short Sun," I repeatedly wondered if Wolfe had not decided to pay homage to David Lindsay's woefully unknown masterpiece, "A Voyage to Arcturus." In many ways, Horn seems much like Lindsay's character, Maskull, metamorphosizing to meet the demands of each situation, using and abusing those who offer him aid while trying to overcome his base urges and rise to the status of savior.
Wolfe is never content to simply tell a story, though, and his narrative complexities often scare off readers...Severian's memoir in The Book of the New Sun is, sadly, seen as overly long-winded by some; the progression of intrigues in Long Sun is considered, by many, the book's greatest weakness, along with its treasury of characters. Short Sun is no different: Horn's meditations are deeply personal, more of a confessional than anything. It is fitting that Horn, like Severian, narrates in the first person. Where Severian is distinctly amoral, relating his actions, ranging from murder to rape and worse, with no hint of regret, or even the notion that he should feel regret, Horn relates his actions with perfect honesty and marked shame...his memoir is a plea for mercy, while Severian's is simply a chance to allow others to remember.
Wolfe's characterization is at its peak, here, and I do not believe he has ever written more human characters. I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next two volumes in my mailbox!
Wolfe is never content to simply tell a story, though, and his narrative complexities often scare off readers...Severian's memoir in The Book of the New Sun is, sadly, seen as overly long-winded by some; the progression of intrigues in Long Sun is considered, by many, the book's greatest weakness, along with its treasury of characters. Short Sun is no different: Horn's meditations are deeply personal, more of a confessional than anything. It is fitting that Horn, like Severian, narrates in the first person. Where Severian is distinctly amoral, relating his actions, ranging from murder to rape and worse, with no hint of regret, or even the notion that he should feel regret, Horn relates his actions with perfect honesty and marked shame...his memoir is a plea for mercy, while Severian's is simply a chance to allow others to remember.
Wolfe's characterization is at its peak, here, and I do not believe he has ever written more human characters. I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next two volumes in my mailbox!
Wolfe Blindness: a minority report
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 22 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-23
Review Date: 2006-05-23
..
I've never much cared for the Wolfe I've read (which isn't all that
much), but he gets so much praise from people whose opinions
I respect that, every few years, I try him again [note 1]. This time,
I tried On Blue's Waters (1999), since I recalled seeing some comments
that the Short Sun 'series' (which appears to be one long novel) is
unusually accessible. Plus, I saw a blurb by Michael Swanwick
praising Wolfe as the world's greatest working novelist, in *any*
genre....
Anyway, Blue's does have clear prose and an unambiguously sfnal
setting -- Blue is a pleasantly Earthlike planet that has recently been
settled by colonists from the Long Sun generation-ship, which is a
VERY large spaceship indeed. This is good, because I recall being put
off in both the New Sun and Long Sun books by the fantasy-that's-
really-SF tomfoolery [note 2].
Blue's also has a broken-back plot structure that got in the way of
Wolfe's story (IMO), but there was enough going on to lure me into
finishing the thing, even after it became obvious that this wasn't a
stand-alone book (another annoyance). Anyway, Wolfe's conceit
here is that On Blue's Waters is the memoir of the viewpoint
character (with complications noted in the reviews cited below).
Fine, except that it's a *first draft* memoir (written with a quill pen
on handmade paper....), and the narrator is constantly jumping around
from story-present to various times in his past, which I found both
confusing and annoying. Plus the bridge-bits (which make it a
'memoir' rather than flashbacks) are meandering and rather dull.
And there are all these carried-over characters from the Long Sun
books, that I'm supposed to recognize, I guess... Faugh.
So here I am again, wondering how Wolfe has acquired such a
stellar reputation from books that I find, at best, annoyingly 'literary'
and at worst unreadable. Why would Wolfe structure Blue's as a
confusing, meandering and dullish pseudo-memoir? How is this
better than using a conventional first-person with flashbacks plot-
structure? Why does Wolfe deliberately fracture and obscure what's
basically a fine travel-adventure yarn? His choice, of course, and he
clearly knows what he's doing, but it sure doesn't agree with me.
Sigh.
I'm guessing that the Short Sun is as straightforward as Wolfe is
likey to get, at novel-length anyway, and I liked On Blue's Waters
well enough that I may continue into Green's Jungles sometime --
but I'm afraid that most of the glittering jewels that others see in
Wolfe's work look like dusty pebbles to me.
___________________
Note 1). I vividly recall a long-ago weekend in some godforsaken
mining camp when for some reason all I had to read was Free Live
Free. And it rained. It was a VERY long weekend, and it was years
before I touched another Wolfe.
2). I abandoned both series (after about 1.5 of each), not because of
this, but because I Didn't Care What Happened to Those People.
I have had better luck with his short stories -- I've liked maybe 1/3 of
those that I've read, as opposed to, basically, none of the novels.
I believe that I've sampled most of what Wolfe's fans think is
his best work....
Review copyright 2002 by Peter D. Tillman
First published at Infinity Plus, with links and discussion:
infinityplus.co.uk/nonfiction/blueh2o2.htm
I've never much cared for the Wolfe I've read (which isn't all that
much), but he gets so much praise from people whose opinions
I respect that, every few years, I try him again [note 1]. This time,
I tried On Blue's Waters (1999), since I recalled seeing some comments
that the Short Sun 'series' (which appears to be one long novel) is
unusually accessible. Plus, I saw a blurb by Michael Swanwick
praising Wolfe as the world's greatest working novelist, in *any*
genre....
Anyway, Blue's does have clear prose and an unambiguously sfnal
setting -- Blue is a pleasantly Earthlike planet that has recently been
settled by colonists from the Long Sun generation-ship, which is a
VERY large spaceship indeed. This is good, because I recall being put
off in both the New Sun and Long Sun books by the fantasy-that's-
really-SF tomfoolery [note 2].
Blue's also has a broken-back plot structure that got in the way of
Wolfe's story (IMO), but there was enough going on to lure me into
finishing the thing, even after it became obvious that this wasn't a
stand-alone book (another annoyance). Anyway, Wolfe's conceit
here is that On Blue's Waters is the memoir of the viewpoint
character (with complications noted in the reviews cited below).
Fine, except that it's a *first draft* memoir (written with a quill pen
on handmade paper....), and the narrator is constantly jumping around
from story-present to various times in his past, which I found both
confusing and annoying. Plus the bridge-bits (which make it a
'memoir' rather than flashbacks) are meandering and rather dull.
And there are all these carried-over characters from the Long Sun
books, that I'm supposed to recognize, I guess... Faugh.
So here I am again, wondering how Wolfe has acquired such a
stellar reputation from books that I find, at best, annoyingly 'literary'
and at worst unreadable. Why would Wolfe structure Blue's as a
confusing, meandering and dullish pseudo-memoir? How is this
better than using a conventional first-person with flashbacks plot-
structure? Why does Wolfe deliberately fracture and obscure what's
basically a fine travel-adventure yarn? His choice, of course, and he
clearly knows what he's doing, but it sure doesn't agree with me.
Sigh.
I'm guessing that the Short Sun is as straightforward as Wolfe is
likey to get, at novel-length anyway, and I liked On Blue's Waters
well enough that I may continue into Green's Jungles sometime --
but I'm afraid that most of the glittering jewels that others see in
Wolfe's work look like dusty pebbles to me.
___________________
Note 1). I vividly recall a long-ago weekend in some godforsaken
mining camp when for some reason all I had to read was Free Live
Free. And it rained. It was a VERY long weekend, and it was years
before I touched another Wolfe.
2). I abandoned both series (after about 1.5 of each), not because of
this, but because I Didn't Care What Happened to Those People.
I have had better luck with his short stories -- I've liked maybe 1/3 of
those that I've read, as opposed to, basically, none of the novels.
I believe that I've sampled most of what Wolfe's fans think is
his best work....
Review copyright 2002 by Peter D. Tillman
First published at Infinity Plus, with links and discussion:
infinityplus.co.uk/nonfiction/blueh2o2.htm
Challenging--but as brilliant as it gets
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-23
Review Date: 2004-08-23
(...)
The Book of the Short Sun will be one of the finest reading experiences of your life... if you can get through the thing. The difficulty in extracting those rewards out of the text is considerable and not to be lightly discounted. Reading these books will require supreme effort. Willing readers will have to be intensely interested with how individuals relate to historical and semi-mythical figures, religion, and their own personality as influenced by these themes. These books are about as far as you can get from the popular concept of "space opera" and thrilling, "page-turning" fiction. An analogy to Moby Dick is probably very appropriate as that work due to the very slow pacing, the introspection, and the great literary symbols stomping through the setting reified and alive. Any scholar of literature should be deeply fascinated by these books.
WHY YOU SHOULD PASS:
There is no shame in not reading these books. They are terribly difficult and an exercise in stamina though we feel most people should at least try once. If you have attempted Shakespeare and been turned back because of the language; if you have attempted Moby Dick or novels by Henry James only to be turned away by the lack of progression in the plot; if you have attempted James Joyce's Ulysses but been baffled by the interior monologue, then Short Sun is probably going to daunt you as well. But we feel the rewards of this book are equal to those giants in literature.
(...)
The Book of the Short Sun will be one of the finest reading experiences of your life... if you can get through the thing. The difficulty in extracting those rewards out of the text is considerable and not to be lightly discounted. Reading these books will require supreme effort. Willing readers will have to be intensely interested with how individuals relate to historical and semi-mythical figures, religion, and their own personality as influenced by these themes. These books are about as far as you can get from the popular concept of "space opera" and thrilling, "page-turning" fiction. An analogy to Moby Dick is probably very appropriate as that work due to the very slow pacing, the introspection, and the great literary symbols stomping through the setting reified and alive. Any scholar of literature should be deeply fascinated by these books.
WHY YOU SHOULD PASS:
There is no shame in not reading these books. They are terribly difficult and an exercise in stamina though we feel most people should at least try once. If you have attempted Shakespeare and been turned back because of the language; if you have attempted Moby Dick or novels by Henry James only to be turned away by the lack of progression in the plot; if you have attempted James Joyce's Ulysses but been baffled by the interior monologue, then Short Sun is probably going to daunt you as well. But we feel the rewards of this book are equal to those giants in literature.
(...)

Quaternions and Rotation Sequences
Published in Hardcover by Princeton University Press (1998-12-14)
List price: $92.50
Used price: $78.00
Average review score: 

Outstanding
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-03
Review Date: 2008-04-03
Excellent book. Well written. Clear. Thoughtful.
Plenty of examples. I would highly recommend it!
Plenty of examples. I would highly recommend it!
A math book you can read in bed
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-29
Review Date: 2008-02-29
There are many other reviews that discuss (and applaud) the merits of Kuipers' treatment of the subject, and I agree with them. Rather than add a "me too", I wanted to treat some of the features of this book that make it approachable.
This book is not written for the layman, you do need a fair grounding in matrix methods, complex variables, and rotations. If you remember the basics you should be fine because Kuipers reminds you of special theorems and properties as they are used. Notation is kept simple and unconfusing.
Of particular note, he uses the margins in a novel way. Most math texts number their equations and refer to them often. The reader spends a lot of time flipping back and forth. Kuipers frequently puts referenced equations, needed properties, and other information in the margins where they are needed. This minimizes the usual back and forth and enables a marginally sophisticated reader to actually read and learn something new in bed.
This book is not written for the layman, you do need a fair grounding in matrix methods, complex variables, and rotations. If you remember the basics you should be fine because Kuipers reminds you of special theorems and properties as they are used. Notation is kept simple and unconfusing.
Of particular note, he uses the margins in a novel way. Most math texts number their equations and refer to them often. The reader spends a lot of time flipping back and forth. Kuipers frequently puts referenced equations, needed properties, and other information in the margins where they are needed. This minimizes the usual back and forth and enables a marginally sophisticated reader to actually read and learn something new in bed.
Very Nice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-12
Review Date: 2008-02-12
Book is more or less what all the glowing 4 and 5 stars say it is. I would like to add a 1859 quote from William Rowan Hamilton about his Quaternions in a note to Peter Guthrie Tait (professor and friend of James Maxwell):
"Could anything be simpler or more satisfactory? Don't you feel, as well as think, that we are on a right track, and shall be thanked hereafter. Never mind when."
"Could anything be simpler or more satisfactory? Don't you feel, as well as think, that we are on a right track, and shall be thanked hereafter. Never mind when."
Quaternions for you
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-14
Review Date: 2007-07-14
This is an excellent book, it's right up there with Gilbert Strang's Linear Algebra texts.
Want to understand quaternions and rotational matrices, well this is the book for you. Starts with the basics, coordinated transformations and such, and moves at a reasonable pace into quaternions. Others at work, looking at this book felt that they understood the text. Interestingly these were software engineers that never really gotten basic college calculus. Never could understand why many software people are so light on math. Different part of the brain I guess. Author vs. engineer.
Want to understand quaternions and rotational matrices, well this is the book for you. Starts with the basics, coordinated transformations and such, and moves at a reasonable pace into quaternions. Others at work, looking at this book felt that they understood the text. Interestingly these were software engineers that never really gotten basic college calculus. Never could understand why many software people are so light on math. Different part of the brain I guess. Author vs. engineer.
All four elements...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-17
Review Date: 2007-09-17
Quaternions are not as intuitive as 3x3 matrices however this book give a strong understanding of quaternions so that the reader can let go of the 3x3 matrix and successfully, in my case at least, change over to only using quaternions. This has proven useful in my simulations for, and firmware code for, satellite attitude determination and control. In the version I have of this book, there are some mistakes that hopefully will be corrected, but the mistakes are obvious and easy to overlook. I hate quaternions but they are powerful tools in solving real world problems. This book made quaternions interesting and bearable. If you already have a really good understanding of quaternions, this book might help, but it has a long introduction into quaternions so you might want to review the book using the online outline to see if it actually covers more than what you might already know.

Return of the Perfect Girls (Replica 18)
Published in Paperback by Skylark (2001-06-12)
List price: $4.50
New price: $7.94
Used price: $0.38
Used price: $0.38
Average review score: 

yay!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-07
Review Date: 2005-07-07
love this book!!! there is so much going on!! amy and andy are really hot together
Return of the Perfect girls is good! Wait, no EXCELLENT!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-27
Review Date: 2005-02-27
I started reading this book series last year when I was looking for something to read. After I read the first book I fell in love with the series. This one is my favorite book! I think Aly is really funny when she gets very hyper. If you LOVE the Replica books then you'll LOVE LOVE LOVE! this one!
Have fun reading!
Have fun reading!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! :)
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-27
Review Date: 2003-09-27
This book was really really good. It is probably my favorite out of all of the series. I would reccomend to girls 10-13. Everyone would LOVE this book!!!!! You'll really like it if you like adventure with comic. Totally great!
Return of the perfect book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-09
Review Date: 2003-02-09
It's another organization-planned 'get-together' with the clones. Only this time, ALL the clones are there, including all the surviving Amys and all the Andys. They're trapped on a perfect Island Paradise - the sand feels soft and warm, the water is crystal-clear and full of colorful fish, and the sun shines brilliantly all the time. Too bad the clones can't enjoy the experience; they're being held here against their will by 'The Organization!!' Their supervisors, a woman named Cindy and the Mr. Devon clones, force them to play a frightening game similar to 'Survivor.' But you better watch out when you're voted off.. it's pretty serious!!
I loved this book sooo much!! The only thing I didn't like about it was that whole celebrity-clone thing. I mean, c'mon. How would they know which baby would be a celebrity someday? Are they just mass-producing future celebs in cloning labs or something? 'Hmm, this baby looks like she could be a supermodel someday. Let's clone her!!' hehe. Anyway, I loved the rest of the book. It was great!!!
WWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-04
Review Date: 2002-08-04
REPLICA!!!!! One of then best sci- fiction series ever. If you haven't read any other of the Replica books I suggest you read the following ones before reading this book.
#1 Amy, Number Seven
#11 Lucky Thirteen
#3 Another Amy
#6 And the Two Shall Meet
#12 In Search of Andy
#4 Perfect Girls
If you have read a lot of the Replica books already, you probably won't need to read those.. Anyway, this was one of the best Replica Books in the series. You learn a lot more about the Project Cresent Clones, and OTHER CLONES!!! This was really a great book. Also, our Amy reunites with some old friends. And ENEMIES!!!
#1 Amy, Number Seven
#11 Lucky Thirteen
#3 Another Amy
#6 And the Two Shall Meet
#12 In Search of Andy
#4 Perfect Girls
If you have read a lot of the Replica books already, you probably won't need to read those.. Anyway, this was one of the best Replica Books in the series. You learn a lot more about the Project Cresent Clones, and OTHER CLONES!!! This was really a great book. Also, our Amy reunites with some old friends. And ENEMIES!!!

The Salvation
Published in Kindle Edition by Simon Pulse (2004-01-07)
List price: $5.99
New price: $4.79
Average review score: 

Great Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-13
Review Date: 2001-06-13
Great way to end the series! Its somehow related to the TV series and gives you a little perspective on things. A must have for any Roswell fan! =)
Better ending to the series than I expected
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-30
Review Date: 2006-04-30
Several of the books in this series had a rushed feel to them, I thought the writing got better in this one.
The teens finally figure out a way to free Max from the collective consciousness and free the alien homeworld from it's grip as well. I'd expected the story to be pretty sloppy but was pleased to see it was better.
The Max/Liz and Michael/Maria romances even ran pretty much the way the TV series did with the exception that in this story Michael was going to return to the homeworld with brother Trevor and Isabel was going to go with him. Isabel decides to remain with her "family"and Michael, who had never admitted his feeling to Maria, decided that he too had to stay.
You do kind of get left with a "where's the rest of the series?" feeling as this is the last we see of the Roswell storyline.
The teens finally figure out a way to free Max from the collective consciousness and free the alien homeworld from it's grip as well. I'd expected the story to be pretty sloppy but was pleased to see it was better.
The Max/Liz and Michael/Maria romances even ran pretty much the way the TV series did with the exception that in this story Michael was going to return to the homeworld with brother Trevor and Isabel was going to go with him. Isabel decides to remain with her "family"and Michael, who had never admitted his feeling to Maria, decided that he too had to stay.
You do kind of get left with a "where's the rest of the series?" feeling as this is the last we see of the Roswell storyline.
Michael and Maria Sitch
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-22
Review Date: 2003-09-22
OK, this book, in my opinion was the best at the end for romantic reasons. Michael and Maria both had a thing for the other, but, yes, Michael is a little dense, and once he fooled around with this evil Cameron (as you can probably tell, I hate her). Finally though, Michael and Maria admitted feelings, and it was so sweet! (I'm Michael-Maria crazy). The bad thing is that Alex and Isabel practically said (yes, they did) they only wanted to be friends, which totally sucks. Another thing: Max and Liz have always been totally corny in the books, but this time, they crossed the line. They act all lovey-dovey even after Liz's problems with Adam. If you ask me, they're too perfect a couple to be real. All in all, though, this book really came through.
Coming Together To The End
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-18
Review Date: 2004-05-18
Melinda Metz is a fantastic author. I loved her other Roswell books but this is, by far, the best one yet. I was jumping out of my seet from the first page. I love how Melinda ended the book, it was very twisty and tourney and almost made me cry. When I was done with the book I felt good to know what happens but I also felt sad to know that this was the end of Roswell. It's so depressing realizing somethings going to end.
A great ending to a great series
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-04
Review Date: 2002-01-04
The Salvation by Melinda Metz was truely a terrific ending to the Roswell High series. After all of the conflicts and terrors that Max, Liz, Michael, Maria, Alex, and Isabel had gone through in previous books, The Salvation needed a happy ending to calm the reader's nerves. And that's just what Metz delivered. If you've read the other Roswell high books don't even hesitate to read about their final battle in The Salvation.
The only thing I wish now was that she had written more!
The only thing I wish now was that she had written more!

Space Trilogy
Published in Paperback by Scribner Book Company (1996-01-01)
List price: $20.85
New price: $44.25
Used price: $24.73
Collectible price: $44.50
Used price: $24.73
Collectible price: $44.50
Average review score: 

Philosophical Sci-fi
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-20
Review Date: 2008-04-20
I find this a very provocative science fiction trilogy. Lewis' view of cosmology and theology is neat, and the story, though somewhat dated, is interesting.
Got me hooked on sci-fi
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-04
Review Date: 2007-10-04
I absolutely LOVED this series. My science fiction loving father recommended it and now I have become a sci-fi junkie because of it. A great story that shows our history and future in interesting ideas. Fantastic read.
Books to Change One's Life
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-14
Review Date: 2007-08-14
Books such as these cannot fail to change you. There have been many books in my life which I could say that about, but short of the Bible, I think these surpass them all (Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or G.K. Chesterton's Man Who Was Thursday being the only serious competition).
I cannot speak about these books without a tone of awe, it would be absolutely useless to try and explain why. Please trust me - read these, and many times, too.
I cannot speak about these books without a tone of awe, it would be absolutely useless to try and explain why. Please trust me - read these, and many times, too.
Excellent Series
Helpful Votes: 114 out of 123 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-12
Review Date: 2006-09-12
Out of the Silent Planet
C.S. Lewis
Scribner Paperback
ISBN 0684823802
This is the first book in C.S. Lewis's amazing Space Trilogy. These books are far less known than Lewis's Narnia series or even his Mere Christianity or The Screwtape Letters, yet it is just as good as any of those writings and goes to show the versatility of Lewis as an author.
This first book begins with our hero, Dr. Ransom, out for a walking tour in the countryside, dressed in that shabby way for which professors are renowned. His foes are his former schoolmates Devine and Weston. These men believe they need a human sacrifice, and by capturing Ransom they have their victim, for they have made a spaceship and are taking Ransom to Malacandra the red planet.
Once on Mars, Ransom escapes his captors, meets many species, and finds out that on Mars there has been no `Fall' and Ransom from Earth or the Silent Planet is a bit of an oddity. People from earth are considered to be `bent' in nature, from the original sin of the fall.
Follow Ransom as he treks across a strange world, and must find the courage to risk it all to save not only an alien race, but also, possibly his own soul.
This is a first book in an amazing series. Try it - you won't be disappointed.
Perelandra
C.S. Lewis
Scribner Paperback
ISBN 0684823829
This is the second book in C.S. Lewis's amazing Space Trilogy. This book was written as a sequel to the immensely popular Out of the Silent Planet but Lewis also wrote it so that the story can stand on its own. So if you haven't read the first you can start here.
This book takes place some time after the first, but we are not sure how long. Ransom has received a summons to Venus, a planet that is just beginning its inhabited life. This planet's `Adam' and `Eve' are on the planet and they must choose to obey God or to reject his law and face a `fall' as has happened on earth.
Ransom must face his old foe Weston, and try to save a planet from great evil. Can he navigate this watery planet; can he negotiate the intricacies of human weakness, temptation and corruption? Can he conquer himself and help others to learn obedience?
This is a great creation story. Try it - you won't be disappointed.
That Hideous Strength
C.S. Lewis
Scribner Paperback
ISBN 0684823853
This is the third and final book in C.S. Lewis's amazing Space Trilogy. This book was written as a sequel to the immensely popular Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra but Lewis also wrote it so that the story can stand on its own. So if you haven't read the first, you can start here.
That Hideous Strength, unlike the first 2 books in this series, where Ransom leaves earth and fights evil in space and on other planets, the battle in this book takes place on earth.
Ransom must lead a group of faithful believers against National Institute for Coordinated Experiments or N.I.C.E., an organization that believes that Science can solve all of humanity's problems. He must battle the people in this organization, super aliens trying to invade and control earth and use its population against other planets and against God.
On top of all of that, Merlin has arisen from his long sleep and has arisen in England's time of greatest need. But the question is, who will find him first - N.I.C.E. or Ransom and his team? The fate of the world, and possibly the universe, rests on this question.
Lewis called this story an adult's fairy-tale. It is a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and a book that will keep your attention as you raptly turn the pages to find out where Lewis will lead you.
C.S. Lewis
Scribner Paperback
ISBN 0684823802
This is the first book in C.S. Lewis's amazing Space Trilogy. These books are far less known than Lewis's Narnia series or even his Mere Christianity or The Screwtape Letters, yet it is just as good as any of those writings and goes to show the versatility of Lewis as an author.
This first book begins with our hero, Dr. Ransom, out for a walking tour in the countryside, dressed in that shabby way for which professors are renowned. His foes are his former schoolmates Devine and Weston. These men believe they need a human sacrifice, and by capturing Ransom they have their victim, for they have made a spaceship and are taking Ransom to Malacandra the red planet.
Once on Mars, Ransom escapes his captors, meets many species, and finds out that on Mars there has been no `Fall' and Ransom from Earth or the Silent Planet is a bit of an oddity. People from earth are considered to be `bent' in nature, from the original sin of the fall.
Follow Ransom as he treks across a strange world, and must find the courage to risk it all to save not only an alien race, but also, possibly his own soul.
This is a first book in an amazing series. Try it - you won't be disappointed.
Perelandra
C.S. Lewis
Scribner Paperback
ISBN 0684823829
This is the second book in C.S. Lewis's amazing Space Trilogy. This book was written as a sequel to the immensely popular Out of the Silent Planet but Lewis also wrote it so that the story can stand on its own. So if you haven't read the first you can start here.
This book takes place some time after the first, but we are not sure how long. Ransom has received a summons to Venus, a planet that is just beginning its inhabited life. This planet's `Adam' and `Eve' are on the planet and they must choose to obey God or to reject his law and face a `fall' as has happened on earth.
Ransom must face his old foe Weston, and try to save a planet from great evil. Can he navigate this watery planet; can he negotiate the intricacies of human weakness, temptation and corruption? Can he conquer himself and help others to learn obedience?
This is a great creation story. Try it - you won't be disappointed.
That Hideous Strength
C.S. Lewis
Scribner Paperback
ISBN 0684823853
This is the third and final book in C.S. Lewis's amazing Space Trilogy. This book was written as a sequel to the immensely popular Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra but Lewis also wrote it so that the story can stand on its own. So if you haven't read the first, you can start here.
That Hideous Strength, unlike the first 2 books in this series, where Ransom leaves earth and fights evil in space and on other planets, the battle in this book takes place on earth.
Ransom must lead a group of faithful believers against National Institute for Coordinated Experiments or N.I.C.E., an organization that believes that Science can solve all of humanity's problems. He must battle the people in this organization, super aliens trying to invade and control earth and use its population against other planets and against God.
On top of all of that, Merlin has arisen from his long sleep and has arisen in England's time of greatest need. But the question is, who will find him first - N.I.C.E. or Ransom and his team? The fate of the world, and possibly the universe, rests on this question.
Lewis called this story an adult's fairy-tale. It is a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and a book that will keep your attention as you raptly turn the pages to find out where Lewis will lead you.
Soak It Up
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-14
Review Date: 2007-02-14
Sometimes learning is like sunbathing. You soak up wisdom like you soak up rays--changing, even though you can't pinpoint every little drop that touched you.
I say that because today I completed the second book in C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy. True, I can't name one thing I learned (and this series is much more about exploring concepts than telling a story), but I feel very wise. Before you laugh too hard, let me say that my spirit is quiet right now. It's still. Rested. Open. In awe. Ready to receive.
Today I will continue resting, listening. Tomorrow I'll go back over the pages and remind myself what I learned. (And then I'll start the third book.)
I highly recommend these book, but read them only when you have lots of time to reflect.
I say that because today I completed the second book in C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy. True, I can't name one thing I learned (and this series is much more about exploring concepts than telling a story), but I feel very wise. Before you laugh too hard, let me say that my spirit is quiet right now. It's still. Rested. Open. In awe. Ready to receive.
Today I will continue resting, listening. Tomorrow I'll go back over the pages and remind myself what I learned. (And then I'll start the third book.)
I highly recommend these book, but read them only when you have lots of time to reflect.

Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century
Published in Paperback by Paladin Press (2000-09-01)
List price: $79.95
New price: $49.95
Used price: $49.47
Used price: $49.47
Average review score: 

A very good text for novices and intermediate Armorers
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-26
Review Date: 2007-11-26
I am new to making armor, but not so much to metalworking. This book gets you started on techniques (although a few could have a little more attention), and has terrific sections on measuring and padding. The illustrations and photos are a big bonus, and most are helpful to some extent. Overall a great example of a master passing on some of his knowledge to the apprentices of his craft.
An absolute must for the armorer
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-14
Review Date: 2006-04-14
I have yet to find a better book for armoring. Nearly every fundamental is covered.
Tools, stock, techinque, buying tips, and even history is covered.
The Maille section is somewhat lite but there are other books that are fully dedicated to that discipline.
It's worth every penny. You can't go wrong with this book.
Tools, stock, techinque, buying tips, and even history is covered.
The Maille section is somewhat lite but there are other books that are fully dedicated to that discipline.
It's worth every penny. You can't go wrong with this book.
Incredable insight into armour making
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-21
Review Date: 2005-09-21
This book is an awsome read, very interesting and the info on constructing armour is just incredable. Every aspect is covered even lining the armour to make it more comfortable, if you are intersted in medieval armour this book is second to none.
Got safety glasses??
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-01
Review Date: 2007-10-01
Good book. BUT compleatly failed to mention safety glasses. These are IMPORTANT. you need to get a good pair and wear them when you are working in your shop. unless you think you will look good with a eyepatch.
A rather useful book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-15
Review Date: 2006-03-15
This is a book on how to build armor. Tools, techniques, materials, workspace needed, cost estimates are all part of it. I make leather armor for re-enactors, so much of what was taught here was not directly applicable. However, there are chapters on how to measure, pattern, and cut. These are useful even if the material used isn't metal but leather. There are even some basic instructions on leatherworking. Overall, a pretty straightforward work. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in armor construction, collecting, or re-enacting.
To be a Jew: A Guide to Jewish Observance in Contemporary Life
Published in Hardcover by Basic Books (1991-12-02)
List price: $25.00
Used price: $14.95
Average review score: 

Good but Slanted
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-09
Review Date: 2008-03-09
This is a good book for those who want to learn about the Orthodox practice of halacha, but doesn't always seem to have a positive view of the other systems. So good but slantied.
As Modern as Ever
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-30
Review Date: 2007-11-30
This book is as relevant today as it was when first written. A very good read.
Very helpful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-22
Review Date: 2007-09-22
Useful, informative introduction to Judaism. Helpful and well-written. I am not Jewish but this book helped me a lot to get a basic understanding of the practices and beliefs of Judaism. I think it would help other non-Jews too despite what some other reviewers said. If it assumes prior knowledge I honestly didn't notice and it's easy enough to look up vocabulary words if that's the biggest hurdle. That's what Wikipedia is for, right?
Excellent Resource
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-08
Review Date: 2007-08-08
"To Be a Jew" was the first "Jewish" book I bought when I initially became interested in becoming Jewish. Although I originally chose this book due to it and Telushkin's "Jewish Literacy" being the only "Jewish" books available in my rural town's bookstore, "To Be a Jew" has proven to be an excellent resource over the past twenty years. I have since had to buy a new copy to replace the first one as this is a book that we commonly refer to in our home.
I would also highly recommend "To Pray as a Jew" and "To Raise a Jewish Child" once you have completed "To Be a Jew"
I would also highly recommend "To Pray as a Jew" and "To Raise a Jewish Child" once you have completed "To Be a Jew"
Great resource
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-01
Review Date: 2007-08-01
This book is a great resource for those living a Jewish lifestyle. If you were not raised as a practicing Jew this book is a MUST for you! You will learn about how to live out your Jewish identity throughout the pages of this wonderful book! Nicely written with great Table of Contents. Strongly recommend for anyone new to Judaism or returning to their faith.
Books-Under-Review-->Kids and Teens-->School Time-->Science-->47
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I would have preferred that the author articulate more clearly his emotions that accompanied his experiences. I would have hoped that his editor/professional writing mentor would have worked on making the story more compelling. I was a bit sad to get to the end of the book and not feel inspired. I felt like it was an "interesting story," but inspirational--not quite.
The captions below the photos should either not exist or tell additional information that is not contained in the text. I was annoyed to read a summary statement below the photo that I had just read on the previous pages.
It would be a good leisure read for high school students (or anyone for that matter), although as an example of good quality writing, I wouldn't suggest it.