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Space Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Blind Chickens & Social Animals: Creating Spaces for Afghan Women's Narratives Under the Taliban

Published in Paperback by Mercy Corps (2001-12-01)

Author: Anna M. Pont

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Average review score:

A Must Read for ALL of Us Wanting a Balanced View

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-28

Two Hundred-eighteen women were interviewed over a 3 year period from southern Afghanistan and the refugee villages of Pakistan. While this is a scholarly work, clearly laying out the research methodology, I found it a compelling read for the content as expressed by the women who were interviewed, and the details of their daily lives. We learn how they experience their own situations and lives, their hopes and aspirations, their sources of information, health care, how they view dress codes, how they generate income, what it's like to be a woman alone in their society, and views on so many more topics on interest to us all.

A reality check for Americans....

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-04

I found this book to be an honest and straight-forward portrayal of women in Afghanistan, especially having had been there nearly 30 years ago. If you ever wonder about what you hear on the news...i.e. the constant negative referrals to womens role/dress in Afghanistan....then read this book for a reality check. Although the rule of the Taliban was harsh compared to the pre-Taliban era, things really aren't all that different for the majority of Afghan women. Most women wore the burka (covering) and they still do. It's a tradition that is not necessarily the terrible symbol of oppression that we place upon it. Also, most Afghans, both men and women, are poor, uneducated and live in a rural, agricultural society...not just the women. What I liked about this book is that the discussions are in the womens own words. Women describe their lives without being screened through some academic psycho-babble interpretation of what they really mean to say. This is valuable because it is the only book of its kind that I know of. Reports on rural Afghan women that are written mostly in their own words are rare as Afghanistan is so isolated and most women there live in seclusion. Yes, some women held professional jobs, but this was the minority and mostly in Kabul; rural lives have not changed as much. It was interesting to hear that these women were just recently introduced to radio, cars, and television...things that were largely unavailable when I was there. It was also illuminating to see how many were married at an early age...before they were even 10 years old, but that they want this to change. It is apparent from reading this book, that the international community can continue to help by providing things that these people want and benefit from, such as basic health care, education, and micro-economic development. The things that we take for granted over here are generally unavailable in most of Afghanistan, from clean water and central heat to jobs and education, but the Afghans are strong, resiliant people that have a rich, ancient and beautiful culture to share. I hope that we can help ensure the survival of their way of life, and not diminish it with our Western perspectives. This book lifts the veil and helps us to understand their way of life by giving a true and honest portrayal... and it's a quick and easy read that won't bog you down with the rhetoric we so commonly hear.

Life under the Taliban

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-06

I thought that this book offered an excellent view of what life was like in Afghanistan under the Taliban. In fact, it is the best book I have read on the subject.
"Blind Chickens and Social Animals" is most effective as a guide to the realities of everyday life in Afghanistan. It resulted from numerous interviews in the period from 1998 to 2000 with women from the regions of strong Taliban control. Some of these women were in refugee camps at the time, others had remained in Afghanistan.
The book discusses the things these women had to say about a number of issues, including: Dress restrictions, health care, women's work, changes in technology, and differences between towns and villages. By focusing on what the women themselves thought about these issues, it gives a very personal look into the difficulties of life under the Taliban and the struggles of women to survive that regime.
The book is especially valuable because of the limited number of worthwhile books on contemporary Afghanistan. This is the only book I know of that adequately discusses the plight of women there in recent years.

Brinda's Promise: Book II

Published in Paperback by Infinity Publishing (2006-11-16)

Author: K. C. Berg

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Average review score:

A Great Sequel. Well Worth the Wait!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-13

This story picks up right where In the Light of Passing: Book 1 left off. Although Shance and Nadeena have begun their new life together, there is unfinished business to tend to. They have a whole new world to figure out, and an underground city to build. But their contentment is short-lived. The massive warship returns, and this time there is nowhere left to run to.
Will a city buried beneath the rock be enough to keep them safe? And what of the child Nadeena is carrying? She hasn't even told Shance yet. Should she have this baby, knowing that they may all be dead before spring? Or would it be better to give up this new life and focus on supporting Shance in the fight of his life?
An excellent tale that holds you fast from the very first page. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy with a romantic flair.

Another thrilling adventure...

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-23

Brinda's Promise is the awaited sequel to In the Light of the Passing by K.C. Berg. The adventure continues with Shance and Nadeena on their journey to their new world. Challey is back and introducing Doxy, Nadeena's newfound pet who becomes the unlikely hero in this thrilling fantasy. K.C. Berg does another wonderful job of transporting us on this journey of pitting good against evil and testing the bonds of love, faith and determination to change the destiny of their civilization.

Continuation...

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-27

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (9/06)

Brinda's promise is the continuation of the story of a planet destroyed by an asteroid. The inhabitants have been invited to settle on Haleen. Life will not be easy but with Commander Shance to guide them they feel safe. The Haleen's have hidden motives behind their invitation.

Nadeena and Shance continue their love story in Book 2, "Brinda's Promise." The inhabitants of Grahba have been invited to settle on Haleen. Life will not be easy but with Commander Shance to guide them they feel safe. The Haleen's have hidden motives behind their invitation.

There is a bit of truth to stories passed on generation after generation. Each generation adds a spin to the story. Eventually the listeners do not know how much is true. Haleen and the Eclesians share a prophecy concerning a warrior a warrior that bargained for his life. Rimous "forged a pact with a dark civilization. The warrior would destroy whom ever he fought. The Eclesians no longer knew how much truth there was to the prophecy but they knew that Rimous' pact had secured power for them.

The settler's continued building a city in which to live. They did not know that a warship lurked overhead. They did not suspect that they would soon be fighting a battle where odds were against them.

K.C. Berg has done it again. She's created a world that is fascinating. Her style of writing is crisp and holds the reader's attention. This is one of those books where you become part of the story. You can hardly wait to turn the page and see what's going to happen next. The characters are lively and endearing. I especially enjoyed her description of Doxy. What a fascinating, intelligent creature. I want one! I suspect that K.C. has plans for Book 3. I hope so. I highly recommend this book for teens and adults. I believe Science Fiction and Fantasy lovers will want a copy of this one.

Color in Three-Dimensional Design

Published in Hardcover by McGraw-Hill Professional (2003-09-12)

Author: Jeanne Kopacz

List price: $55.00

Average review score:

Great Resource for Color.

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-06

While this book will primarily appeal to interior designers, it is a great resource for those interested in the play of color and color theory. Coverage of theory is extensive, including harmony and identity. Fully one third of this book is about theory.

The other two thirds of the book cover color three dimensional perception and application. For those who are decorating digital rooms, the application of color to the setting is the same as the real world, if the outcome is to replicate reality. How color interacts in the setting alone and with other colors is sometimes not readily thought of, but the impact of the tone, texture and color used creates the setting, more than the physical structure itself - note to those with small home offices in the basement.

Recommended as an introductory text for design and architecture or any class that deals with color, this book has a lot of photos of color at work, as well as illustrations on color maps and dialogue. Not a book to get your next project done by example, but rather shows you how to get to that end point.

A great resource for professional designers as well.

Professional interior Designer recommends this book

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-11

Color in Three- Dimensional Design by Jeanne Kopacz is a definitive and comprehensive book on color. There is no other reference book like it. Students to professionals, homeowners to artists, will find many usages for this book.

This book covers everything from Color Theory to three-dimensional perceptions to three dimensional applications. You will learn how artists, interior designers, and architects invoke emotions from the use of color. How the amount of color with texture and lighting can create different effects.

I highly recommend this book for novices and professionals...you can't go wrong with this purchase. I wish I had this book when I was in school. I would have saved time in research and experimentation.

Great professional resource.

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-12

Finally! I've been looking for a book like this for years.

As both an interior designer and architect, I'm concerned about how to use color for everything from bricks to wall coverings. The typical books I've found on color are either of the 'pretty picture' coffee table variety or are texts focusing on narrow aspects of the subject, such as the science of color or the environmental impact of color. "Color in Three-Dimensional Design" is the first book I've seen that puts it all together: history, theory, light, materials and impact. While there are numerous illustrations and photographs showing theory and real world examples, this is not a book that dictates color schemes. Rather, it is a book that gives both students and professionals the tools to use color effectively in a wide range of design projects.

Beyond its obvious use as a textbook for students of color, I'm sure that other design professionals will find it to be as invaluable a resource as I do.

Commandar Toad and the Space Pirates

Published in Hardcover by Putnam Juvenile (1987-11-10)

Author: Jane Yolen

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A truly delightful children's book

Helpful Votes: 12 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 1998-11-27

Jane Yolen's "Commander Toad" series is a charming science fiction spoof, and an excellent children's book. The detailed, zany illustrations by Bruce Degen are the perfect complement to the witty text and off-the-wall characters. The test of any children's book is its reception by actual children, and "Commander Toad and the Space Pirates" gets full marks there. It has been requested so many times by my 5- and 3- year-old siblings that I can now recite it from memory. The text stands the test of many repetitions, and my five year old brother, just now learning to write, can often be heard to request "Mom, how do you spell 'Commander Toad'? How do you spell 'Space Pirates?'.

Argh, mateys!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-01

Boredom settles over the crew of the space ship STAR WARTS and Commander Toad has to do something quick. Lieutenant Lily, Mr. Hop, Jake Skyjumper and Doc Peepers are all unhappy. They've watched all the ship's movies-SPLASH GORDON, THE TOAD WARRIOR, INDIANA FROG AND THE LILY PAD OF DOOM-and read all the ship's books-ROBIN TOAD, THE LIZARD OF OZ, and SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN WARTS-and played a lot of croak-kay, leapfrog, and hopscotch. There is nothing to do and they're all going a little crazy. That all changes the day Commander Salamander and his pirate crew arrive. Commander Salamander boards STAR WARTS and takes everyone captive except for Doc Peepers. Only a little while after that, Commander Salamander makes Commander Toad Hop the Plank at sword point! Only Doc Peepers can save the day!

Jane Yolen is an award-winning children's book author as well as a writer of adult science fiction and fantasy. She's earned the Caldecott-given for the most distinguished picture book, the Nebula-given to the most distinguished writing in the field of science fiction and fantasy, the Golden Kite-given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the World Fantasy Award. She's written seven Commander Toad Adventures, including COMMANDER TOAD AND THE LONG VOYAGE HOME, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE PLANET OF THE GRAPES, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE SPACE PIRATES, and COMMANDER TOAD AND THE BIG BLACK HOLE. With dozens of books written in many genres, Jane Yolen is a great author to introduce to young readers.

Fun to read out loud and filled with puns and sight gags really well drawn by Bruce Degen, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE SPACE PIRATES is a blast to share with young or reluctant readers. The sentences are short and choppy, driving the story on and filling the events with laughs. The pirate talk, "Yo-ho-ho, me slithery-slees!" is top-notch and will inspire young readers to quote the lines long after the book is finished-if an adult is willing to read the passages in a properly piratical dramatization. The solution to the pirates, once revealed, is hilarious and makes perfect sense even to pre-readers who understand story and set-up that comes in narrative repetition.

The Commander Toad series, all seven books, is recommended for imaginative young readers who have already been exposed to STAR WARS, STAR TREK, and various other science fiction based television shows and movies. Jane Yolen is one of the most entertaining authors for young minds out there.

Argh, Matey!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-09

Commercial Lighting: Creating Dynamic Public Spaces

Published in Paperback by Rockport Publishers (1998-02)

Author: Randall Whitehead

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Average review score:

magic of lightings

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-20

lightings are magic for commercial businesses.

magic of lightings

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-20

lightings are magic for commercial businesses.

Commercial Lighting: A Really D*** Cool Book

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-02-11

This book is full of big jaw-dropping color photos of uniquely designed and lit homes, businesses, restaurants, museums, and other spaces. It's amazing to see what people dream up in shaping the ideal environment. If you're seeking a rich source of fresh design ideas for a planned space, or if you just like to dream, or even if you just know an architect or interior designer who needs a gift, this is the book for you.

If you hate color pictures, new ideas, or lavishly exotic personal design and lighting, this book is not for you.

Commonality

Published in Paperback by Sense of Wonder (2006-12-01)

Author: R., T. Hitchcock

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Average review score:

New light on old themes.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-14

This book puts a whole new spin on the Martian problem. What do we really know about the planets in our solar system other than what we can be seen on the surface? What vital pieces of information are we missing about our own planet Earth? Commonality makes you think about these things, while giving you page turning entertainment. R. T. Hitchcock shines a whole new light on an old science fiction theme. This book is also a metaphor about the more earthly theme of racial similarties as opposed to racial differances. This a multi-layered book that is well worth reading.

OUTRAGEOUS SCI-FI THRILLER

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-23

An amazing book that ties many myths together, offering a plausible explanation for the "missing link"! Fearless in treatment of the subject matter, and moving at a pace that is absolutely spellbinding. Science fiction fanatics and casual readers alike will be astonished by this author, begging the question "When's the next book?!!!"

A Sci-Fi adventure you'll have a hard time putting down

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-05

Commonality is a science fiction adventure you'll have a hard time putting down. From the start, the book captures your attention. The characters are engaging and the story is filled with unanticipated twists and turns. The author compells you to read non-stop to completion and only then can you reflect on what actually just happened. I am not a huge Sci-Fi fan but this one is definitely a must read. Enjoy !

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Astronomy, 4th Edition

Published in Kindle Edition by Alpha (2008-03-04)

Author: Ph.D., Christopher De Pree

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Average review score:

Keeping up is hard to do

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23

Keeping up in astronomy as a general reader is not a trivial task. As the editorial matter for this excellent summary indicates, "astronomers say that we've learned more than 90% of what we know about the universe in just the last 50 [years] -- and much of that in the last decade!"

Here's my solution:

Subscribe to Astronomy; the magazine has recently improved its wonderful website, which is filled with tons of information based on your own location on the surface of the earth.

Subscribe to NASA's free "Astronomy Picture of the Day" for a constant flow of fascinating pictures, news and features.

Buy Astronomy For Dummies and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Astronomy when they are released. The last "Dummies" was in 2005; the newest "Idiot's" was just released. Both do a perfectly competent job of reviewing new developments and the editors are excellent, well trained and heavily published astronomers.

Christopher DePree maintains an outstanding website with lots of astronomical information. Alan Axelrod doesn't seem to have a personal website, but his books are always excellent.

Buy the "Idiot's" now, then wait for a year or two, and buy the newest "Dummies". This plan of action will keep you up to date in this fast moving field.

Robert C. Ross 2008

PS: On April 23, 2008, "The New York Times" carried an interesting ten question quiz designed to let you know how up to date you are in the field of astronomy. The questions were written by Christopher De Pree, and there are three additional extra credit questions sure to evoke heavy debate.

On May 13, the "Times" also ran a fascinating story on the Microsoft WorldWide Telescope project and the Google Sky project. Both sound like resources well worth exploring further. B.

A good start

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-27

This book has stimulated my interest in astronomy. It is very timely as I have been watching the progress of the Phoenix lander on Mars.

Great for the beginner or a returning hobbyist

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-22

I am just returning to my first hobby, astronomy. This is an excellent, up-to-date guide. It is clear and concise. The CD-ROM is a nice extra, but the book is the reason to buy.

I especially enjoyed the info on cosmology and the fate of the universe.

Cooking Spaces: Designs for Cooking Entertaining and Living

Published in Paperback by (2002-07-31)

Authors: Helen Thompson and Anna Kasabian

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Average review score:

Eye opening

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-01

This book features the home kitchens of professional chefs and other cooking aficionados. Contains great ideas and inspiration for kitchens that emphasize the joy of cooking and eating (not fussy or extravagant).

Wide range of styles, great ideas, good resource list

Helpful Votes: 27 out of 27 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-22

This is a wonderful book showing a wide range of kitchen styles from modern to country and blue and white to classical. It explains design secrets that help you create a beautiful, yet practical cooking space.

The book starts out with a short quiz that helps you determine your cooking lifestyle needs. It then discuses backsplashes, flooring, cabinets, storage and ventilation. In addition there are several cook's stories telling all about their history and about their dream kitchens.

I like the way the kitchens selected for the book combine aesthetics and ergonomics. The emphasis is on kitchens that work rather than on the latest technological gadgets. There are tons of ideas that can make any kitchen more functional.

There is a great resource list in the back, including website addresses, for finding accessories, appliance manufactures, lighting and hardware. Whether you are a professional chef or want to use your kitchen as a social gathering place, this book can be a great help to you.

Info on everything including the kitchen sink...

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-09

Remodeling our cottage we wanted a book that would show us as much information as possible and this the book. If you are interested in reading how to go about a project and where to get information on everything from the wall coverings, appliances, contractors and even alas the kitchen sink, check this book out.

Cultivating Sacred Space: Gardening for the Soul

Published in Hardcover by Pomegranate Communications (1998-01)

Author: Elizabeth Murray

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Average review score:

Inspiring

Helpful Votes: 10 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-15

I especially liked the "coverage" and photos of the inner-city urban gardens projects in Philadelphia. Ethiopian angels! This book looks at "sacred gardens", old and new, around the world. Also looks at labyrinths and the work of Findhorn and Perelandra, among other things. A beautiful book.

A great gardening book!

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-12

I happened upon this book at a swap meet and purchased it on a whim. It was beautiful and I thought it would make a great "coffee table" book, if anything. I opened it and couldn't put it down! There are 4 "chapters", one for each season. I especially liked the section of the book describing Murray's favorite gardens. I can't tell you how many extra hours a week I've spent in my own garden because of this book. It worked, Elizabeth! Thank you.

Lovely, on beyond the coffee table!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-06

When this book arrived to our all-green-thumbs and "plays with dirt" T-shirt household, I thought it would make a lovely coffee table book: more about ideas, and getting to see what other folks are doing, and not so much a how-to book.
Well, it is all of those things, and a reminder that the inspirational look at this gorgeous thing these folks did sorts of books really are just that: inspiration to get out in one's own garden and start digging, and making the green space thrive. Gardens are not just for market veggies, or even just for table flowers; they restore the soul and feed all of one's senses, and that's echoed beautifully in this book, through the four seasons.
As good a gift for someone who doesn't have room or ability to garden, as for those who are able to peruse its pages and then go plan the current year's new corner, or item, in their own gardens.
Thank you, Elizabeth Murray, for this wonderful book, and for showing us more of some gardens we'd love to see in person some day!

Cyteen III: Vindication (Cyteen)

Published in Mass Market Paperback by Grand Central Publishing (1989-04-01)

Author: C.J. Cherryh

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Average review score:

A book you that every SF fan should have read!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1996-01-12

Daniel Spichtinger Cherryh manages to create a highly complex universe. Many details of the plot refer to other novels (e.g. to Downbelow Station). Anybody who has read other works by Cherryh will enjoy these cross references. But the book is also delightful because of its thrilling story, intriguing characters and the dense athmosphere Cherryh creates. Reading the Cyteen novels is one of the most pleasent experiences I ever had (at least with books). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

...glimpses the future, food for thought.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1997-03-05

I enjoyed all three books of the Cyteen trilogy, and Vindication was an excellent conclusion to the series. Besides good character development, the book vividly describes a society and future for the human race that is credible and believable.

Human cloning is possible today. In the future of "Cyteen", human cloning techniques have developed to the point that copies of people can be produced and raised so that the copies, in effect are the original people, down to their memories, feeling and reactions to specific stimuli.

Ari Emory, the clone, political leader of Union, lives to take revenge on those who assasinated her original. Quite a concept, and carried out brilliantly by Cherryh, one of the finest writers of fiction I have ever read. Dan Kardas

Last of the Cyteen Trilogy

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-05

The culmination of books one and two,' The Betrayl' and 'The Rebirth', the Vindication finally wraps up the saga and all the loose ends and potetials that Cherryth has so wickedly created. A lesser author would lose you with the complexity of the characters and the plot and the world, but Cherryth just manages to capture your mind, suck it into the book, and hold it hostage until the thing is done. WARNING, do not start reading this book before a work day. Or, any of Cherryth's. Start on friday night, so that you will have plenty of time or you might end up in a lot of trouble. By the end of this book, you will want to re-read all the alliance books just to reexperience the saga now that Union has been made real to you.

As a public service announcement, the other books loosely in the order written is 'Merchenter's Luck', 'DownBelow Station', 'Forty Thousand in Gehenna', 'RimRunner', and 'Tripoint'.