Science Books

Friendship comes in many forms, and that relationship between Bernie and Fritz, from different sides, Jewish and Christian, of the deep divide of WW2, is a marvelous testimony to "friendship". The only bitter-sweet moment was when I realized that Bernie had given up his religious beliefs in his "americanization". His children were not raised as Jews; another generation lost to the Holocaust, as much as the six million were.

I first saw this book when a seat mate on a flight was reading it. He praised it, so I ordered it. The book was well worth the praise.

The two authors of the book just visited my school today, and told me and the other students their stories. Bernat Rosner went to my school, Thomas Jefferson School, and he even mentions and has pictures of it in the book. I've yet to read it, but I'm eagerly anticipating it. Their stories are so touching, and I feel so honored to have met these two men. Also to have had a man as interesting as Bernie Rosner go to my school in 1950, it's just so amazing. They are very interesting people, and there's just so much more I could say, but this review would unfortunately become boring. I strongly suggest that everyone should read this book, the authors have two great stories to tell.

Each memoir is important in adding to the historical record of this terrible period, and this book adds a considerable dimension with the authors shared as well as separate memories and their astute and insightful analyses of every aspect of their experiences. By the time I finished reading this book, I felt I knew both authors well and also many of the people who surrounded them over the years. I hope the book is widely read and given a place of honor in Holocaust literature. It deserves deep attention by scholars and general readers and seems eerily prescient, too, in light of September 11th, and its concern for the horrors our species can inflict on its victims. If I were still writing book reviews, this book would be a prime choice for me. It deserves all the notice in print it can get.

In a world with a lot of open wounds in need of healing, "An Uncommon Friendship" helps bridge former sins and ongoing roots of bitterness to establish a world pregnant with new beginnings--every day. This book shows that other options are possible beyond the labels of cultural bigotry. When properly understood and appropriated, understanding and forgiveness are seldom far apart in life-giving relationships.

Recently we came in contact with a person who has such a high disregard for Germans. If only they knew and understood the rich heritage German culture has also given as a gift to the New World of new beginnings.

I was very impressed with this book; for such a difficult subject it was beautifully written. I have been to the Holocaust Museum in Israel, and though the documentation there is quite graphic and disturbing, the voice of the child in Bernie, and the voice of the child on the other side in Fritz, completes a picture that is enlightening, but reveals a picture that no one wants to believe. It seems to me that is often the way people have dealt with this very terrible time, and the authors are very brave to tell this story. I think this book should be required reading for all college students.

Don't let the title of the review throw you off. When I say "unusual," it usually means it in a good way. In the case of Varjak Paw, it is unusual because the story line is very cool, and the drawings are very, very weird and crazy. I loved this book, and if you liked the Warriors series, then Varjak Paw is a must-have for you.

This is a very good book, about Varjak Paw, a Mesopotamian Blue kitten who never has fit in with his snobby, self-centered family. One day a strange Gentleman with two black cats arrives and he seems to be dangerous. Varjak Paw is sent on a quest to find a dog to save his family. On the way he meets several other cats, some good, some bad, and he learns about the struggle to fend for yourself. He also learns the Way-a secret martial art for cats-from his ancestor Jalal in his dreams. The book is well written, with lively, detailed characters (Holly is my favorite :D) and an exciting plot. The only bad thing is that (spoiler! spoiler!) I don't understand what the Gentleman does to the cats that Vanish. Does he turn them into robots or stuff them or what? If you have read Warriors (my favorite book series-I love cats) I recommend this book, even though personally I like Warriors better. But Varjak Paw is great. Read it. And when you're done - read The Outlaw Varjak Paw!

When my grandaughter, Robyn, purchased this book for *me* with her own money, I had visions of creating a cassette for a virtual, long distance, bed-time read Unfortunately, after reading it, I think it is a bit too "dark" where it refers to the "vanishings" and the [mini-spoiler alert follows] taxiderm-esque feel to it.

Being sensitive, and a cat-lover herself, she still cries about her "lost" cat, Mork, and I think this would give her other scary thoughts about his fate.

It is a well-written, a "coming of age" adventure, and an easy read, which earns it 4 stars -- but the caution is what I wanted to speak to, and I hope it is taken with an appropriate grain of salt, among these raves. Thank you for including my .02 for free.

Varjak paw is a good book. It is good because it has a lot of emotion and action also all the charicters are cats! It is a good book if you like cats. It is kind of like the warriors series because it has a whole lot of action. I think it is a 5 star book.

One thing in the book that I liked was when Varjak had to catch the pidgeons it showed bravery because Varjak could have died.

This book was wonderful to read it was so cool, I liked it because the writter added a lot of details in this book. My best part was when varjak saved the other cats! I would love to read this book again, I thought this book was interesting to me because varjak has to save his family! I liked reading this book and I hope you will to!

This is a book people might shy away from since it deals with the 1988 campaign, and those candidates are basically ancient history (except for Biden). However, what the book really describes it literally 'what it takes' for any man or woman to believe they can be President.

We look at the people running today, and we see them as TV characters and sometimes buffoons, but forget that in their youth they were probably the smartest, most popular, most driven people we would have known. Just to get to a place where one can entertain the idea of running for President takes a life of very, very few wasted opportunities.

So, while this book doesn't talk about Obama or Clinton or Huckabee, etc., you can read it and at least get sort of a sense of what the candidates are like behind the masks they put on.

The best thing that can be said about "What It Takes" is that you will read it and you will appreciate that Presidential candidates actually are qualified, and while they might make terrible decisions, they really are the best we have.

"What It Takes" is an antidote for cynicism.

It's a great insight into the psyche of candidates, the jargon of campaigns -- and a demonstration of just how tough campaings are. (The author of this book is also a frequent contributer to Rolling Stone and Esquire. Some of the language in this book certainly isn't appropriate for younger readers).

Ben Cramer follows the major candidates in their races to become president in 1988. He reproduces their speaking and thinking styles in such an incredible way that you will never be able to think of any of these people (Bob Dole, GHW Bush, Jesse Jackson) in quite the same way you did before.

His intense focus on how the candidates act differently when in private than they do when they're out giving their stump speech makes for fascinating reading. If you're tired of dry books that are "nothing but the facts, ma'am," you'll love this well-written story.

No study of modern American politics is complete without reading this book. At the center of the political universe is the presidency. What kind of people seek this office, and all of the attendant scrutiny and hardship that even the most fortunate candidates endure? What personal attributes set one candidate above the rest?

Essentially, one of these men will be the most powerful man in the world, and have a chance at shaping history. This book answers the questions "why" and "how."

Cramer understands his subjects, and the profiles of each candidate would be excellent stand-alone biographies. Extremely readable and well written, without sacrificing substance.

A truly unique and indespensible work. To find out what it takes, read this book.

As a lifetime Democrat, I was horrified to read this book and feel not only sympathetic towards Bob Dole, but also admiration.

Of course, the author goes on to confirm my worst fears about George H.W., Reagan and some of the Democratic party's candidates from the era.

A stunning work. It is inspring and depressing at the same time.

In true form this book was a wonderful read, most difficult to put down.
Action all the way, as the books say you'll never view the weather as before, makes you wonder!! The next book is a must read!!

Love this whole series. This author is just great. Rachel Caine came highly recommended by Jim Buthcher, author of the Dresden Files. If you've read any of her Weather Warden series, you just have to read Book 4 to keep up with the characters and find out what happens to them.

Rachel Caine's 4th entry in the Weather Warden series is a page-turner deluxe, and a highly enjoyable way to spend a few hours. The scenes depicting Joanne's job at the TV station make this book well worth your time, even if you were to skip over the magic, romance, intrigue, and humor. One of the things that makes this such a good series is the rich cast of supporting characters, added to in this book with the addition of Joanne's sister. This is almost becoming as humorous a series as Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum's series!

I have been putting off writing this review since February. Why? I didn't think I could put into words how amazing and fantastic this book truly is. It wipes the floor with the three previous Weather Warden books, which is a feat in itself as those books are among the best ever written. Windfall is even better.

But now I'm finally writing the review. Expect it to be rambling and full of me gushing about how much I love this series and this book in particular.

I love Windfall so much, I've borrowed it from the library four times in succession, and even got an overdue fine because I didn't want to take it back. The books aren't available to buy here, so I have to rely on the library. But it's worth the fines and the borrowing since the book is so damned good.

If you've read the other reviews, you'll know the basic plot - Joanne has moved back to her hometown of Florida after quitting the Wardens, has a new job as a TV weather girl at a local station, and is trying to find a solution to her problem. What's her problem? Her Djinn lover David is draining her power. In Chill Factor, he was turned Ifrit, and is slowly wasting away to full Ifrit state. On top of this, Jo has a police officer from the Las Vegas police department on her case (he wants information about his dead partner Quinn from Chill Factor), master Djinn Jonathan has given her an ultimatum - heal David or else, her older sister Sarah turns up homeless and wanting to shack up with Jo (and meets a "cute British guy" who is not what he seems), Jo is still pregnant with a Djinn child forced onto her by David and she is forced to wear stupid foam outfits at her job and is continually hit on her by her sleazy weatherman co-star.

All these plot elements add up to one fantastic story - and this is only the tip of the iceberg. This all escalates into something much larger as the book goes on. It seems like too many storylines to follow at once but it's all woven together easily and will keep you riveted.

On the character side of the things - all the favourites are still around. I was glad to see that Lewis still had a major part in this story, he's one of my favourites. I'm also glad Rahel is still in it, and I'm surprised at how much I like Jonathan (I hated him in Heat Stroke & Chill Factor). The new characters are great too - even though Jo's sister Sarah is annoying, it's hard to hate her. Cherise, Jo's sidekick in weather presenting hell is one of the best new characters introduced to the book in ages! She's cute, perky and hilarious. Her and Jo's banter lightens the more darker serious tone of the book (I'm so glad she's going to be in Firestorm!). Eamon, otherwise known as "cute British guy" (a name given to him by Jo and Cherise) is a two dimensional character who is very very interesting. What disappointed me is that Marion was left out of this installment, and that they brought Kevin back. Kevin REALLY annoys me, he's so tiresome.

Some scenes of Windfall left me in tears - especially most of the (limited unfortunately) scenes with Jo and David. I'm a David fan, so to see him transform into something horrible is just awful - their relationship is heartbreaking and one scene near the end of the book had me crying. I'm kind of worried that it's over for them now, but we'll find out in Firestorm. This book is much darker and much more serious then the previous books, and is full of action. It's non-stop, there's no boring scenes. The humour is still present - most of Jo and Cherise's adventures at their job are amusing, and the "great mall expedition of 2003" bit had me laughing.

Well, I did ramble and say how much I loved this book. I truly do. It's the best of the series (maybe to be surpassed by Firestorm?), and Rachel Caine continues to impress me with her writing skills. The Weather Wardens are my favourite book series of all time, and Windfall definitely is one of the best books I've ever read. You absolutely need to read the previous books before cracking into this one, they provide backstory for the events of this one.

I'm eagerly anticipating Firestorm (September 5th!), and more from our fiesty heroine Jo. Well done Rachel Caine!

This book is the cause of great tiredness today - I tried to stop reading it at 11pm last night when wanting to go to sleep but it had become so exciting that I couldn't sleep and had to pick it up again, finally finishing it at 1am.

Book 4 of this excellent series is slightly different in that some time has passed since the end of book 3, rather than it being a non-stop roller-coaster ride of Joanne's life. She's now working as a sidekick on a weather channel, living in a nondescript flat and not using her weather powers at all to prevent a power lobotomy. David, her seriously weakened lover/Djinn, has to spend almost all of his time in the bottle as he's draining her powers and is on the verge of becoming an Ifrit.

This story focuses rather more on Joanne and how she deals with different situations without using her powers. The usual list of characters are there - Lewis, Jonathan, Paul, Rahel, Alice, David and Ashan, but we also meet her sister, her sister's new boyfriend and a policeman who was a former partner of Quinn's.

There's a kind of subtext in this book about good and evil - yes, Quinn was evil but he also had some good. Another character who appears good turns out to be evil, but he also has some redeeming features. Although overall this series might come across as a battle between good and evil that's not always the case - yes, the wardens are manipulating the weather to prevent loss of life and damage through natural causes, but we learned in the last book that the Ma'at believe that the wardens have actually increased the problems from the weather due to their interference. We learn more about this at the end of the book as we discover the underlying reason that things are going wrong.

The romance between David and Joanne is still there in this book, as is the little surprise that David left for Joanne in the last book, but the story focuses more directly on Joanne. When the book finished I found myself breathless, waiting for what was coming next (I have several more months to wait for it to be published, unfortunately) but also slightly disappointed in the direction Rachel Caine had taken with a couple of the main characters. I shall wait and see how the follow-up pans out and if she brings these new threads into the story in a satisfactory way. Somehow I think she well, she hasn't let me down so far.

Overall this is a very good book; the dialogue is perhaps a little less sparkling than normal, but there's plenty of action and the characters keep growing, including Djinn who are so difficult to understand, Jonathan being the most impenetrable of them all. I recommend this series highly, although I think it's probably best to read them in order.

The book is AWESOME.It's a must have 4 all BtVS fans.It is from Xander's point of view and has his thoughts and feelings about what's going on. It's divided into chapters/sections-here is how it goes starting after the Acknowledgments: Tonight,Part1;Teacher's Pet(6 chapters); Tonight,Part2;Inca Mummy Girl(7 chapters); Tonight,Part3;Bewitched,Bothered,And Bewildered (7 chapters);Tonight,Part4.There are also great pictures in the center of the book.I hope I haved helped you out!

Just like on the TV show Xander delivers scarcasm and humor that only he can do. He tells 3 tales of his strange supernatural romance (Teachers Pet, Inca Mummy Girl, and Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered)and proves that Buffy isn't the only one with a twisted life. I liked reading about Xander becasue he's pretty much the typical male, except a whole lot wittier, and the occasional vampire slaying. I reccomend this to any Buffy the Vampire Slayer and/or Xander fan!

Only recently have I become a buffy fan (but boy, when I fall I fall hard) This was the first buffy book I read, but it was definately worth it! Especially the last story Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered made me laugh so much I have the stiches to prove it. This book made me stop thinking Xander was boring. Definately a must to read for any buffy fan!

In order to understand the entire buffy novels,one needs to understand Xander.This book details probably the most intimate things anyone will be able to get with the character.From his feelings for his best friend Willow to chrush unfulfilled Buffy,dating and romance in Sunnydale is truly humerous.....for Xander it's the most harzardous thing to do. Full of laughs and deep thought,to understand buffy,you need to understand why she does'nt just crumple from the pressure of slaying. Because Xander will always be there...laughing at the world.

This book is a novelization of three episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The first Teacher's Pet is a homage to the big bug movies of the late fifties. Inca Mummy Girl revives the curse of the mummy and Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered explores the magic of love. In each story Xander falls in love with dire consequences. His heart is pure and his intentions good but the results are both frightening and humorous. I recommend this to all Xander fans. It could be a dating manual for the new century.

March never leaves my desk. It covers everything. From functional group transformations to mechanisms to FMO theory - you name it it's there. Highly recommended for any advanced undergraduate, graduate or post-doctoral researcher. It's a bookshelf staple that any organic chemist should have available.

I'm pretty sure that you _must_ have this book if you are studying advanced organic chemistry. Maybe it's not the best one to use as a study guide, but it's extremely helpful as a reference book both for undergrads and graduate students. However, one can argue that this edition is a bit out-of-date.

I bought a copy of this text (2nd Ed) after finishing my sophomore year of college, and it proved to be the best single investment I've ever made in chemistry. I used it so often, I had to duct-tape the book together.

I think the happiest moment of my career was when my name appeared in the index of a later edition. Anyway, buy it and treasure it.

This is by far the best text I have found. Although it is considered a text book, it is more handy as a reference tool. I have seen no other book that contains more information than March's. This book is actually worth the price.

I paid more for my 4th ed. new, and find it to be worth even more. It is not a cookbook per se, but it is a very comprehensive textbook that details general reactions by functional group. It outlines every way known to remove, add to, or otherwise modify every functional group. There is as much commentary as is needed, if not more, and every pathway is mentioned regardless of how exotic or primitive and low-yielding. The corresponding OS synth refs for specific cpds. are given for each type of reaction, along with a total of 15,000 other refs in footnotes. This was cutting-edge in 92, with much updating of the 3rd ed. The index will take you to the section that shows how to make the manipulations you want - if it doesn't, it probably can't be done.

Agnes Pflumm and The Stonecreek Science Fair is a phenomonal book! This book helped me learn the scientific method through a rap. After I learned the scientific method, my science fair project became a lot easier. This book also gave me some ideas for another science fair project. I think this book also helped my other classmates with their science fair projects. Everyone on the earth should read this book!

Agnes Pflumm made me like science so much more! I had already loved ELA --it's my favorite subject! It helped me improve on my science fair. It helped me feel myself with more confedince than I already had! I am a very friendly person, but it helped to improve my friendship so much more!!I loved the Agnes Pflumm and The Stonecreek Science Fair Book!!!

When I read that book it made me think of a real science fair. Your book is unbelievable to read because it has so much figurative language. You use so much feeling in all of your books. I want to know what the next book is going to be called by you? This book is so funny and it makes me laugh. I hope you have a great time reading my review. The book has a great title and a great cover. I have another question to ask you: Did you have any help writing this book?

Agnes Pflumm helped me appreciate science because it made it seem fun. It also helped me with my science project because it went through the steps of the scientific method in an easy and fun way. This is a great book if you love science and even if you don't. This book also helped me get along with others by sharing ideas. I would suggest this book to anyone, it's the greatest book ever.

Agnes Pflumm helped me appreciate science because it made it seem fun. It also helped me with my science project because it went through the steps of the scientific method in an easy and fun way. This is a great book if you love science and even if you don't. This book also helped me get along with others by sharing ideas. I would suggest this book to anyone, it's the greatest book ever.

Outstanding description of Freemasonry by the former curator of the American History Museum in Lexington, MA.

This book was an excellent read and was difficult to put down. Intriguing view of history of the organization as well as many other organizations such as Rotary, Elks, etc. It definitely answered many questions I had regarding Freemasonry and is written in layman terms so those without knowledge of Freemasonry going in can grasp the subject matter fairly easily.

As mentioned by at least one other reviewer I did detect a slight bit of bias, but then again every author has some bias based upon experience and beliefs. However, the book provides so many references that I would have difficulty doubting the credibility. The book also provides beautiful illustrations that accent the points in the text.

My recommendation is to purchase the hardcover as this book is a beautiful bookshelf reference. Whether you are interested in the organization or just a history buff I highly recommend this work.

National Heritage Museum curator Mark A. Tabbert has written an informative, easy-to-read study of the history of Freemasonry in the United States and how Freemasonry inspired the creation of several fraternal, civic, and service organizations. To show that rich history, the book contains several photographs of Masonic and other fraternal artifacts from the National Heritage Museum.

Tabbert cover many Masonic topics including Freemasonry's influence on the Founding Fathers, the anti-Masonic hysteria that followed the Morgan scandal, Masonry during the Civil War, the Golden Age of Fraternalism in the late 19th Century, the founding of service organizations during the early 20th Century, Freemasonry's boom years following WWII, the state of Freemasonry today, the York and Scottish Rites, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the youth orders, Prince Hall Freemasonry.

American Freemasons is a superb work that was written for both the Mason and non-Mason alike. It would be an excellent addition to your lodge library, your home library, and your public library. Would make a great gift for a new Mason or a prospective candidate. You will enjoy this book!

I wish I had this volume years ago. It tells more truths about Freemasonry than most masons get in a life time. Mark A. Tabbert Is well qualified to write the History of Masonic good work. He has done a superb job.

This book is a bit repetitive in the things it says. The information is good.

"The space program's grip on the public imagination had begun to fade even before the first moon landing," write Charles Murray and Catherine Cox in their can't-put-it-down history of the engineering side of the American manned space program.
They add, "Whether this was inevitable or an unlucky juxtaposition of Apollo with Vietnam and domestic upheaval will never be known." Or maybe the main reason was NASA's insistence on two phony images: one, squeaky clean (and boring) personalities for all hands; and, two, the no-sweat attitude to crises.
Had NASA told the stories Murray and Cox tell, the public would have been thrilled and appalled.
We have long known that the astronauts were not squeaky clean. Astro Walt Cunningham let that cat out of the bag in the mid-'70s in "The All-American Boys." In "Apollo" we learn that the engineers were humans, too. One is described as "Butch Cassidy born 100 years too late," which is probably overstating it, but you don't operate the most complicated mechanical system in history by being timid.
"Apollo" also reveals that the "no-sweat" attitude was false. There was plenty of sweating, although NASA's engineering culture required everyone to remain composed at all times.
The really terrible crises were known to the public, if poorly understood: the testing fire that killed three astronauts and the fuel system failure that nearly stranded Apollo 13 in orbit.
Other problems that were potentially just as serious were successfully covered up by NASA, a bad habit that cost it its reputation later on.
But the unraveling of the causes of these engineering dustups reads like a mystery novel, or, a closer comparison for those who have read it, the epidemiological reporting of Berton Rouche.
What, for example, would make a rocket lift two or three inches off the pad, then shut its engines off and settle back? The answer: A technician had filed a tiny bit off one prong of an electrical plug.
Anyway, the people who designed and built spaceships were emphatically not computer nerds -- once you understand what they were up to, scientists and engineers are always interesting. This is certainly the case with the launcher specialist Werner von Braun, a mass murderer.
Murray and Cox say, "no such charges were substantiated" against Hitler's rocket scientist. They are wrong.
Von Braun's V-weapons were built by 30,000 slaves at an underground factory camp called Dora. Thousands of these slaves were worked to death, starved or slaughtered. This factory was not run by Braun's team but it could not have functioned without the intimate advice of the rocket scientists. With complicity goes guilt.

This story will pull you in and make you feel part of the greatest engineering achievement of the 20th century.

This book vividly demonstrates and proves just how incredibly creative and focused AMERICANS can be when focused on a single goal of beating someone(Thank God for the Russians back then)when we didn't care about being so"POLITICALLY CORRECT". We as a nation could really use these people's dedecation and hard word as an example and work to fix this "POLITICALLY CORRECT" country now.

We used some parts of this book in our Systems Engineering lecture, at Turkish Military Academy Defense Sciences Institute (I was a student at the lecture). Later I purchased the book and read the whole book.

Of course I am not in a position to state the correctness and completeness of the contents. I rely on other people's comments on these criteria. But accepting the contents as correct and complete, the book clearly describes how a huge R&D project can be run (or can not be run), from every point of view. It is the next best thing after participation in a such project.

I believe every engineer and technical administrator has many things to learn from the book.

I highly recommend the book. I do not know whether it is also used as a lecture aid in other academies. If it is not so, another recommendation the the lecturers: The book contains one of the best case studies.

This is an excellent book covering the inner workings of the Apollo program. It does not focus on the astronauts or the missions themselves, but more about the people on the ground in Mission Control, the engineering challenges of Apollo, the management of the program, and NASA / Washington politics about space exploration at that time. Some chapters are so well done, they read like a thriller and you can't stop turning the pages. It also covers well the most important personalities of Apollo.

After reading this book, I realized how much we have lost the memories of what is probably the most incredible achievement in humankind's history. Shockingly enough, most people think about Apollo about being a thing of the past, while it is in fact our future.

Reflecting back on the sad end of the Apollo program (the plug was simply pulled in the mid-70s without any kind of follow up), it is a shame that we have lost all these years. Just imagine if we would have persevered with more missions, the eventual setup of a moon base in the 80s, moon exploration of resources, etc... Who knows where we would be now in 2007 ? Perhaps on the verge of a Mars mission, or Jupiter ? We would have impressed new generations with the same sense of awe-inspiring achievements and exploration that Apollo did 40 years ago. These emotionally inspiring achievements are the ones that elevates humankind to new heights, and this is probably the strongest feeling I felt about Apollo after reading this book.