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Related Subjects: HiFi Minidisc Do-it-Yourself Home Recording Antique Recording Technologies
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A Woman's Worth (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
List price: $39.95
New price: $20.98
Average review score: 

Waste of Time & Money
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-07
Review Date: 2007-07-07
I ABSOLUTLELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-09
Review Date: 2007-03-09
This is book could be named, "When A Man Loves a Woman." Bishop really loved Abeni and she loved him back just as hard.
A Woman's Worth
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-08
Review Date: 2006-08-08
This book is awesome! It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. The characters really come to life in this book--you feel what they feel as you read this wonderful book!
THIS IS A WINNER!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-06
Review Date: 2006-07-06
It's been awhile since I've ordered a few books and rather than bore you with the same old rave reviews, I just have a few things to state. The book kept me up until my eyes could not take it anymore; The character Bishop in the book was fascinating. I won't go into details but the fact that it deals with FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) which is going on in certain tribes in Africa paints a picture for me to better understand the culture. Althought I don't agree with it. Pick the book up and you will not be dissappointed.
EMOTIONAL
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-02
Review Date: 2006-06-02
I just finished reading this book, it was very good. All the characters were great.I liked what it was about, the story really touched my heart and it made me cry. Get this book, you will not be disappointed.

12 Caesars : The Twelve Caesars
Published in Audio Cassette by Highbridge Audio (1993-08-01)
List price: $16.00
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Used price: $4.37
Average review score: 

Indispensable guide to the early Roman Empire
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-08
Review Date: 2007-03-08
This is a collection of essays about the first twelve rulers to bear the name Caesar. It is the definitive collection of eyewitness stories about the early emperors as they were seen by their contemporaries.
The rulers covered by this book include Julius Caesar, his adopted son Augustus and his descendents, the warlords who contended for power in the "Year of Four Caesars" after Nero was overthrown, and the Flavians.
In other words, the full list of twelve is:
Julius Caesar
Augustus
Tiberius
Gaius Caligula
Claudius
Nero
Galba
Otho
Vitellius
Vespasian
Titus
Domitian.
If you want to understand the early Roman Empire, you need to read this book. If you are a budding novelist and want to write about the early Empire, you need to read this book.
Robert Graves, author of "I Claudius" and "Claudius the God" translated this version: not surprisingly many of the snippets of gossip and fascinating little stories from Suetonius find their way into his novels. They also find their way into every good novel about first century Rome that I have ever read, absolutely without exception.
You should not take for granted that every word of Suetonius's account is accurate. For example, he supports the story that Nero set fire to the city of Rome, and then sang an aria as he watched the city burn. (This is story is often misquoted as Nero having fiddled while Rome burned - an impossibility since the violin had not been invented.)
Some modern historians have made a strong case that this was a clever libel spread by Nero's contemporary opponents, that Nero was actually away from the city when the fire broke out and hurried back to Rome to personally lead the fire-fighting efforts.
If they are right it does not cast doubt on Suetonius's integrity as a reporter of what was said about the emperor, because there is no dispute that the story of Nero singing while Rome burned was widely believed at the time. As the saying goes, "Si non e vero, e ben trovato" - if it's not true, it's well invented. Aspects of the story certainly seem in character with many of Nero's other proclivities including his love of art, enormous vanity, and complete ruthlessness. However, it illustrates that Suetonius does seem to have a propensity to repeat every snippet of gossip he heard about the early emperors, with rather less selectivity and critical judgement than the other great ancient historians, Herodotus and Thucydides.
However, for this very reason, though perhaps he is a whisker behind Herodotus and Thucydides as a historian, Suetonius is far and away the most entertaining of the three.
The translation by Graves is very easy to read. This is one of the most important, fascinating, and informative works of ancient history which was ever written.
Suetonious or Tacitus?
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-07
Review Date: 2006-03-07
That question can be solved by me by choosing the former simply because of what survives of his work and here it is: The Twelve Caesars. Tacitus is the other great Roman historian but what survives of his two masterpieces: The Annals and The Histories, is not as comprehensive as what is found in The Twelve Caesars.
The Twelve Caesars is definatley my favorite historical work of the Roman Empire. In it, Suetonious goes over the actions and character of not only the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty but the Flavian as well, making The Twelve Caesars cover roughly 138 years.
This is probably the best historical account of the emperors of the Roman Empire and is the best introduction to other works such as the great works of Tacitus.
The Twelve Caesars is definatley my favorite historical work of the Roman Empire. In it, Suetonious goes over the actions and character of not only the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty but the Flavian as well, making The Twelve Caesars cover roughly 138 years.
This is probably the best historical account of the emperors of the Roman Empire and is the best introduction to other works such as the great works of Tacitus.
A fine collection of inbred pedophiles, sadists & basic
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-31
Review Date: 2003-12-31
lunatics that ruled Rome in the first century, & told very well in the audio cassette format. As history it is not much but as biography it is informative & entertaining. Apparently the mores & standards of decency were much diiferent than they are today. Most of these 12 Caesars did not not rule very long but they impacted the Empire probably for a long time after. I'd like to read more about the individuals that followed Domitian & before Julius thus supplementing other well known works such as the Fall of the Roman Empire. This book however, is a good start.
A Great Introductory Book to Imperial Rome
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-02
Review Date: 2005-03-02
Suetonius grew up in the years following Nero's reign and wrote these histories while he was the secretary of the emperor Hadrian in the early second century A.D. His book covers the successive reigns of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.
The stories focus on the emperors themselves more than the events which took place under their reigns and, although there's certainly some truth to those emperors, many of Suetonius' facts are anecdotal stories and rumors. Suetonius has therefore been called one of the first tabloid writers. Nevertheless, his biographies are rather concise and systematic; touching upon the physical attributes of the ruler, his background, the good deeds (if any) in his reign and then, of course, the bad deeds.
Robert Graves' translation is superb and carries the jovial mood of the writings quite well. I can't help but be amused at some of the stories Suetonius recites on Nero and Caligula as they are definitely two of the most eccentric emperors (to put it lightly)that ever ruled the Principate. For example, when Nero first inaugurated his new gigantic Golden House with a mile-long corridor and a 130' statue of himself at the entrance, he was said to have exclaimed, "At last! I can live like a human being!"
The stories focus on the emperors themselves more than the events which took place under their reigns and, although there's certainly some truth to those emperors, many of Suetonius' facts are anecdotal stories and rumors. Suetonius has therefore been called one of the first tabloid writers. Nevertheless, his biographies are rather concise and systematic; touching upon the physical attributes of the ruler, his background, the good deeds (if any) in his reign and then, of course, the bad deeds.
Robert Graves' translation is superb and carries the jovial mood of the writings quite well. I can't help but be amused at some of the stories Suetonius recites on Nero and Caligula as they are definitely two of the most eccentric emperors (to put it lightly)that ever ruled the Principate. For example, when Nero first inaugurated his new gigantic Golden House with a mile-long corridor and a 130' statue of himself at the entrance, he was said to have exclaimed, "At last! I can live like a human being!"
By Jove, this is scandal!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-16
Review Date: 2003-07-16
The Twelve Caesars is the first classical book I ever read, and it fascinated me to no end. I'd recommend this is a starter book for anyone interested in the History of Political Power. Gore Vidal reviewed this book years ago, and he wrote an excellent piece about it--the nature of power, the perversions it causes, and the absurd humanity of it All. Hopefully there won't be another Tiberius as President of the USA (we only have our cheap Clintonius) but it's fun to wonder what may become of our American Empire. Please, please buy this book.

Bo's Lasting Lessons: The Legendary Coach Teaches the Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership
Published in Audio CD by Hachette Audio (2007-09-10)
List price: $24.98
New price: $8.75
Used price: $8.90
Used price: $8.90
Average review score: 

Loved it.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-28
Review Date: 2008-03-28
This is a great book on the fundamentals of leadership. Bo and the author use football for examples of different challenges a leader might face. As a Michigan fan it was wonderful to read how this legendary coach made his way to Michigan, and how he formed his philosophies on coaching. After reading this book, the reader will have a better appreciation of how and why Bo coached the way he did. If anyone knows a person or if they themselves coach anything, this book is a MUST read. But you can still enjoy the book even if you don't coach or lead anything.
Great book - couldn't put it down
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-01
Review Date: 2008-03-01
Bo's life was a reminder to me about the things that are important - integrity, friendship, leadership, honest communication, and giving your all every single day. Although a football story, I think it's more an inspirational guide to attainment of the highest human values disguised as a football story. Put this on your list to read!
Lasting lessons, indeed
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-25
Review Date: 2008-02-25
This is the best book by/about Bo. Many of the stories are familiar, but most of the ones that have appeared before have a somewhat different slant on them here. If you have been in a leadership position, you will recognize much of what Bo says as simple truth. You will also recognize examples where you didn't follow his principles, and regretted it later. People like him who see life as simply are rare, and are an inspiration. I'm not sure how much of the effect of the book would be lost on someone who did not have a familiarity with college football, but if you have even a cursory exposure to it, you should find the stories enjoyable and educational.
A great book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-30
Review Date: 2008-01-30
This book was written as though Bo was talking. Oftentimes after I closed the book I was motivated and charged. It had a lot of great advice and pointers about leadership. I good book for a leader. A great book for a Michigan fan.
Excellent purchase
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-20
Review Date: 2008-01-20
This was an excellent purchase! It arrived in a timely fashion and in great condition!

Chicken Soup for the Cat & Dog Lover's Soul (Chicken Soup for the Soul (Audio Health Communications))
Published in Audio Cassette by Health Communications (1999-10)
List price: $9.95
New price: $1.98
Used price: $0.95
Used price: $0.95
Average review score: 

Chicken soup/ cats and dogs
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-09
Review Date: 2008-05-09
Chicken soup for the cat and dog lovers soul is a wonderful book that warms my heart and gives me a happy feeling reading thru the stories and the love people feel for there pets. When I recently lost my beloved siamese cat it helped me to feel better about my "furry baby" passing over the rainbow bridge because I knew he had a wonderful life and he knew he was cherished. All the books in the chicken soup series are very uplifting and spirtual and make people smile, I highly recommend them.
Heart Warming Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-23
Review Date: 2007-11-23
I have bought many books from this series and found this one to be my favorite. This book is a must for the animal lover. I will read a few stories before bed every night. Some stories bring tears to my eyes and others make me simle from ear to ear. Great book that people of any age will love!!
wonderful stories
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-23
Review Date: 2007-06-23
My 10 year-old son tried reading it,and thought the stories were too sad, but I adore this book. Very sweet, humbling stories about good people and good animals.
Awesome
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-10
Review Date: 2006-03-10
I really enjoyed this book. The main reason I liked it is because it is all about cats and dogs, and I am a hardcore animal lover. Another reason I liked it is because the stories are not made up in someone's mind. These stories are real stories that real people lived through. The last reason I liked this book so much is because you don't have to read it like an ordinary book. You can read it like I did and just jump around to stories that sound good to you, instead of reading the book cover to cover.
The Healing Kind of Savior, Cat-like.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-11
Review Date: 2006-06-11
In this volume, Mr. Canfield and crew have compiled a smorgasboard selection of short stories about pets who fortify us and make life bearable. Especially poignant to me was "the medicine cat" as I, too, had one named Tosca. She gave up the ghost a few months ago at the age of eighteen years, as I had no way to get to her when she needed support of the kind she gave to me several years ago. They recognize the special love and devotion of animals to bless our hearts and homes.
"Cat lovers will tell you that felines are 'poetry in motion,' living sculptures at rest, and that the warm weight of a purring cat...is a surefire cure for all that ails you."
It is the physical acts of love to bring the gift of life as expressed in "The Healing Touch." I cried as I read "The Language of the Heart" about an unusual rabbit and his healing the hurt of a little girl who'd turned inward and no longer could talk. Something had died in that child which this loving rabbit cured. His innocence and trust had rekindled the same qualities in the child. The loving presence of an animal can heal where words have no effect. Alas, Roger Rabbit bit the tip off my little finger one day, which led me to the ER for a Saran-wrap bandage (to stop the bleeding -- a bandaid wouldn't work) and a tetanus shot. Needless to say, I found him another home.
"A small gesture -- the insistent tap of a cat's paw" about Jack, an adopted stray kitten (like Dante in Troy, Alabama), who grew into Ellen's savior. He woke her from a daydream of tragedy; Star woke me up with that same gesture over and over so that I would not strangle from Acid Reflux. Pets do love and care for their owners. This volume is one I will treasure for years to come. It is full of memories about pet owners' animals, not just cats and dogs.
"Cat lovers will tell you that felines are 'poetry in motion,' living sculptures at rest, and that the warm weight of a purring cat...is a surefire cure for all that ails you."
It is the physical acts of love to bring the gift of life as expressed in "The Healing Touch." I cried as I read "The Language of the Heart" about an unusual rabbit and his healing the hurt of a little girl who'd turned inward and no longer could talk. Something had died in that child which this loving rabbit cured. His innocence and trust had rekindled the same qualities in the child. The loving presence of an animal can heal where words have no effect. Alas, Roger Rabbit bit the tip off my little finger one day, which led me to the ER for a Saran-wrap bandage (to stop the bleeding -- a bandaid wouldn't work) and a tetanus shot. Needless to say, I found him another home.
"A small gesture -- the insistent tap of a cat's paw" about Jack, an adopted stray kitten (like Dante in Troy, Alabama), who grew into Ellen's savior. He woke her from a daydream of tragedy; Star woke me up with that same gesture over and over so that I would not strangle from Acid Reflux. Pets do love and care for their owners. This volume is one I will treasure for years to come. It is full of memories about pet owners' animals, not just cats and dogs.

The Christmas Box Miracle : My Spiritual Journey of Destiny, Healing and Hope
Published in Audio Cassette by Simon & Schuster Audio (2001-10-01)
List price: $18.00
New price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $18.00
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $18.00
Average review score: 

The Christmas Box Miracle
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-26
Review Date: 2007-12-26
A box that will make you cry, make you want to be a better person BUT if you have ever read a book written by Richard Paul Evans, you already know that..
Betty Graham
Betty Graham
A GREAT BOOK TO READ ON A RAINY DAY
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-10
Review Date: 2007-11-10
I SEEM TO LOVE EVERYTHING RICHARD PAUL EVANS WRITES .VERY WELL RESEARCHED ,I ALWAYS HAVE TO KEEP READING TILL I FINISH ,NO BREAKS .
excellent book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-20
Review Date: 2007-03-20
this book is really eye opening as to faith and where it can lead you if you let it.
What?
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-30
Review Date: 2007-06-30
I am a big fan of the Christmas Box books, but when I saw this book I thought UHHHHHH I guess he needs even more money. RPE must have realized that he was a flash in the pan, and was desprate to hang on to his falling fame. This book does have its moments though, but it sounds like a broken record. They were giving this book away.. a free copy with every $10 purchase. I wish RPE would get over himself he's no Charles Dickens!!!
Powerful, yet simple message
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-14
Review Date: 2007-01-14
Unfortunately I read this after reading "The Light of Christmas" so I knew most of the story line but it was still worth the read. It is a simple story with a powerful message about the importance of our individual lives and the lives of those who love us. The Christian message of hope in life is prevalent but subtle and doesn't come across as 'preaching' while still delivering its impact.

Cotillion
Published in Audio Cassette by Chivers Audio Books (2000-05-01)
List price: $89.95
New price: $271.00
Used price: $262.45
Used price: $262.45
Average review score: 

Cute Regency Romp
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-17
Review Date: 2008-06-17
Kitty Charing's guardian, the crotchety Mathew Penicuik, has promised that she shall inherit his fortune if she agrees to marry one of his great nephews.
Kitty, however, wants none of them. What she does want is a trip to London, a place that she's never been.
So she arranges a hoax engagement with great nephew Freddy giving her a good excuse to go to town to meet his family.
Once in London she becomes a woman of fashion and gets entangled in all sorts of scrapes and misadventures.
Overall, Cotillion is pleasant historical fiction that while rather loosely plotted is carried along by the strength of a charming cast of characters. These include: the half witted but affectionate Lord Dolphington, foppish Freddy who has immaculate taste on everything from waistcoats to drapes, and the darkly handsome Jack, a notorious gambler and ladies' man.
The story starts with Kitty dealing with multiple marriage proposals and matters of the heart. However, during the entire middle section of the novel her romantic future is put on hold as she plays cupid for others. I felt as though this took too much focus away from Kitty as a heroine. She pales a bit in comparison to the far more interesting couples and situations around her. I got the impression of her as a kind hearted ingénue, but not much more than that.
Also I felt that Kitty and Jack's past and present relationship was rather poorly defined. We are made to understand that they had some kind of involvement in the past, but the exact nature of it eludes us. Was it a simple school girl crush as Kitty insists? Or was it something deeper than that as Jack seems to believe? This is a problem when Heyer attempts a love-triangle conflict at the stories' climax. Because we do not know whether Kitty really feels anything for Jack at all, there is a definite lack of tension, romantic or otherwise.
In the end, Cotillion is more of a feel good story than anything else. Suspense is minimal, and the novel's true strength lies in the journey and not the destination.
On a side note, there is a lot of unusual and (I suppose) period appropriate vernacular. For example,
"Wonder if he's playing a deep game?.. No saying what might be in his head, a curst rum touch Jack! Shouldn't have thought he'd whistle a fortune down the wind though. Rather fancy he counted the old gentleman's rolls of soft his own. Never knew such a fellow for wasting the ready! Played wily beguiled with his own fortune!" Pg 48-49.
Recommended if you love regency stories or light-hearted cozy reads.
Kitty, however, wants none of them. What she does want is a trip to London, a place that she's never been.
So she arranges a hoax engagement with great nephew Freddy giving her a good excuse to go to town to meet his family.
Once in London she becomes a woman of fashion and gets entangled in all sorts of scrapes and misadventures.
Overall, Cotillion is pleasant historical fiction that while rather loosely plotted is carried along by the strength of a charming cast of characters. These include: the half witted but affectionate Lord Dolphington, foppish Freddy who has immaculate taste on everything from waistcoats to drapes, and the darkly handsome Jack, a notorious gambler and ladies' man.
The story starts with Kitty dealing with multiple marriage proposals and matters of the heart. However, during the entire middle section of the novel her romantic future is put on hold as she plays cupid for others. I felt as though this took too much focus away from Kitty as a heroine. She pales a bit in comparison to the far more interesting couples and situations around her. I got the impression of her as a kind hearted ingénue, but not much more than that.
Also I felt that Kitty and Jack's past and present relationship was rather poorly defined. We are made to understand that they had some kind of involvement in the past, but the exact nature of it eludes us. Was it a simple school girl crush as Kitty insists? Or was it something deeper than that as Jack seems to believe? This is a problem when Heyer attempts a love-triangle conflict at the stories' climax. Because we do not know whether Kitty really feels anything for Jack at all, there is a definite lack of tension, romantic or otherwise.
In the end, Cotillion is more of a feel good story than anything else. Suspense is minimal, and the novel's true strength lies in the journey and not the destination.
On a side note, there is a lot of unusual and (I suppose) period appropriate vernacular. For example,
"Wonder if he's playing a deep game?.. No saying what might be in his head, a curst rum touch Jack! Shouldn't have thought he'd whistle a fortune down the wind though. Rather fancy he counted the old gentleman's rolls of soft his own. Never knew such a fellow for wasting the ready! Played wily beguiled with his own fortune!" Pg 48-49.
Recommended if you love regency stories or light-hearted cozy reads.
one of the best Heyer books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-15
Review Date: 2008-06-15
If you loved Friday's Child (my very favorite Heyer book) you'll love Cotillion.
Most Heyer books feature heros who need to grow. In Cotillion, a classic comedy of manners, our innocent heroine (madly in love with a romantic, dashing figure as the book begins) learns to appreciate the real worth of a very average man.
Sweet, gentle humor-- a book that gets better with every read.
Most Heyer books feature heros who need to grow. In Cotillion, a classic comedy of manners, our innocent heroine (madly in love with a romantic, dashing figure as the book begins) learns to appreciate the real worth of a very average man.
Sweet, gentle humor-- a book that gets better with every read.
A Beta hero comes into his own
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-07
Review Date: 2008-06-07
Everyone loves an alpha hero, whether he's a Duke or a Navy SEAL. Everyone loves competence, good looks, and a quick wit. In "Cotillion", you will find yourself rooting for the very antithesis of those heroes. Freddy is a total Beta. He isn't very quick on the uptake, hasn't any particular wit, and, although he dresses in the height of Regency fashion, his appearance is one of amiable vacuity...or a startled rabbit, when circumstances get out of hand, as they so frequently do. What Freddy does have, in abundance, is warmth, kindness, generosity, and a willingness to go out of his comfort zone to extricate his pretend-fiance, Kitty, from the predicaments her impulsivity launches her into.
Freddy grows on you as the book progresses. From being Kitty's dupe to becoming her savior, you will savor the charms of Mr. Nice Guy, Regency-era version. There are delightful subplots, with a host of well-rounded characters: Lord Dolphinton, the lackwitted cousin who is terrified of his mother and in love with a bourgeoise woman; the Chevalier, Kitty's French cousin who falls for a lovely damsel being groomed for a life as a courtesan; and Freddy's father, who is actually one of the alpha males we would normally expect.
I believe there are superior books by Heyer: Frederica, The Grand Sophy, and Venetia, to name a few. But you shouldn't miss Cotillion, because it is such a triumph for Nice Guys everywhere, as well as being incredibly funny.
Freddy grows on you as the book progresses. From being Kitty's dupe to becoming her savior, you will savor the charms of Mr. Nice Guy, Regency-era version. There are delightful subplots, with a host of well-rounded characters: Lord Dolphinton, the lackwitted cousin who is terrified of his mother and in love with a bourgeoise woman; the Chevalier, Kitty's French cousin who falls for a lovely damsel being groomed for a life as a courtesan; and Freddy's father, who is actually one of the alpha males we would normally expect.
I believe there are superior books by Heyer: Frederica, The Grand Sophy, and Venetia, to name a few. But you shouldn't miss Cotillion, because it is such a triumph for Nice Guys everywhere, as well as being incredibly funny.
Cotillion
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-08
Review Date: 2008-01-08
Another wonderful Georgette Heyer romance which can be read over and over. A definite keeper.
Sweet story, funny, better each time I have read it
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-26
Review Date: 2008-03-26
I first discovered Georgette Heyer when I was a teenager. I read her book Friday's Child and was completely hooked. Cotillion is one of my favorites. The interweaving of the romances of four different couples is delightful. By the end of the book, you feel as if you have spent time with friends.
I cannot recommend Heyer's books too highly. She, in my opinion, created the Regency romance genre (Ms. Austen's books were the contemporary novels of her period.) Heyer created a fictional, glittery, aristocratic world which which is still being utilized by historical romance and regency novelists today. It is interesting to note that she is being republished under historical romances - a genre that relies heavily on sexual escapades. Heyer's books are romantic but not sexual. She is able to build a tension which culminates with a kiss rather than a bed romp.
These are books you can enjoy and still pass to your younger daughters, sisters, etc. without worrying that the subject matter is too mature.
I can only wish that Ms. Heyer wrote twice the number of books she did. I own each in hardcover and am purchasing my set of "reader" copies as Sourcebooks republishes her works.
I cannot recommend Heyer's books too highly. She, in my opinion, created the Regency romance genre (Ms. Austen's books were the contemporary novels of her period.) Heyer created a fictional, glittery, aristocratic world which which is still being utilized by historical romance and regency novelists today. It is interesting to note that she is being republished under historical romances - a genre that relies heavily on sexual escapades. Heyer's books are romantic but not sexual. She is able to build a tension which culminates with a kiss rather than a bed romp.
These are books you can enjoy and still pass to your younger daughters, sisters, etc. without worrying that the subject matter is too mature.
I can only wish that Ms. Heyer wrote twice the number of books she did. I own each in hardcover and am purchasing my set of "reader" copies as Sourcebooks republishes her works.

Democracy in America (Giants of Political Thought & United States at War)
Published in Audio Cassette by Knowledge Products (1986-11)
List price: $17.95
Used price: $5.18
Average review score: 

Prophetic Reflections on the Affects of Democracy and Equality
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-01
Review Date: 2008-03-01
Before approaching the text of Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America, I had little realization as to the proper content of his prophetic work. To my former understanding, the text was merely a collection of adulation and reflections upon the American way of life by a French observer in the nineteenth century. Upon reading this abridged version of Democracy in America, I found a much more prophetic text which reflected more upon the cultural impact of democratic institutions than upon the praise which should be attributed thereto. While one may fault de Tocqueville for approaching the democratic world with the cutting eye of a small aristocracy, it is quite evident that he accepted the fact that the human spirit was led to greater democratic tendencies and that such was to be taken almost a priori as the state of the world in his era.
The truly important reflection of the work as a whole comes in the considerations which he places upon the consequences of equality which follows from democratic revolutions. The phenomena of hardy individualism and its potential devolvement into individualism were not lost in his reflections. From this hardy individualism, de Tocqueville feared that humanity in democratic times may tend more toward equality and stability than toward liberty. In this, he not only foresaw the simple tendencies of utilitarian artwork and literature but also the potential destruction of civil associations and the devaluation of individual accomplishment and differentiation. It is this latter point, which seems somewhat paradoxical at first glance, which is perhaps the most prophetic of his reflections. In the process of cultural homogenization and individuation, de Tocqueville foresees that centralization of power will become much more likely as the populace views itself to be nothing more than an accumulation of nearly-identical citizens. Beyond this, his fears of the tyranny which could result by the abandonment of liberties by the people are well founded, for a society which wholly forgets the fact that some human beings can stand out is one which can easily allow itself to be subjected to the capricious desires of a powerful state as liberty is wholly forgotten.
These prophetic words should be read by all reflective Americans as we continue to move toward a larger centralized state and clamor with greater intensity for security in all forms (be it physical or social), for such equalizing security can only come at the cost of the liberties which allow the individual to actually have the worth which we intellectually affirm that he or she has.
The truly important reflection of the work as a whole comes in the considerations which he places upon the consequences of equality which follows from democratic revolutions. The phenomena of hardy individualism and its potential devolvement into individualism were not lost in his reflections. From this hardy individualism, de Tocqueville feared that humanity in democratic times may tend more toward equality and stability than toward liberty. In this, he not only foresaw the simple tendencies of utilitarian artwork and literature but also the potential destruction of civil associations and the devaluation of individual accomplishment and differentiation. It is this latter point, which seems somewhat paradoxical at first glance, which is perhaps the most prophetic of his reflections. In the process of cultural homogenization and individuation, de Tocqueville foresees that centralization of power will become much more likely as the populace views itself to be nothing more than an accumulation of nearly-identical citizens. Beyond this, his fears of the tyranny which could result by the abandonment of liberties by the people are well founded, for a society which wholly forgets the fact that some human beings can stand out is one which can easily allow itself to be subjected to the capricious desires of a powerful state as liberty is wholly forgotten.
These prophetic words should be read by all reflective Americans as we continue to move toward a larger centralized state and clamor with greater intensity for security in all forms (be it physical or social), for such equalizing security can only come at the cost of the liberties which allow the individual to actually have the worth which we intellectually affirm that he or she has.
Relevant
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-17
Review Date: 2006-05-17
As an American living in Europe, I read with great interest Alexis de Tocqueville's book about a European experiencing America.
Like most people, Mr. de Tocqueville started out with a characterization of the United States, believing that the country's early 19th century prosperity was a function of its distance from rivals in Europe. But after his famous trip, he concludes that the real difference comes from each side's view of risk taking. It's an insight as relevant today as it was when it was written.
Mr. de Tocqueville predicted that the growing issue of state's rights would lead to bloodshed (it led to the Civil War -- though he wrongly predicted it would eventually lead to a breakup of the union, he was very nearly right on that point as well); he predicts the fledgling country's industrial rise and its emergence as a true world power; he recognized the symbiotic role between industry and democracy at a time when they were believed to be unrelated. His insights into the American psyche, optimism, and ambition at times seem timelier than most op-ed pieces.
More than a century and a half after it was written, I am hard pressed to conjure the name of a better commentary about America and Americans. It is an astonishing feat considering the brevity of Mr. de Tocqueville's four-month visit, his youth (he was in his early 20s), and early stage of development the country was in. But the result is something that shouldn't be skipped by any serious student of the political and social essence of the United States.
Preaching to the Choir
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-12
Review Date: 2006-12-12
Praising this book is a bit like saying Huckleberry Finn was one of the great American novels - it's a profound statement of the obvious. Even so, it must be said: Alexis de Tocqueville's magnum opus is a brilliant sociological analysis of America, with his genius made all the more evident by how applicable his observations about 1830s America are to its twenty-first century counterpart. Everything from the solidity of America's political infrastructure to the disquieting trend toward anti-intellectualism are explored in this massive work, and his gift of analysis is matched only by his gift for prophecy (can you believe that he predicted a conflict between America and Russia before the rise of Communism?). An amazing book, and necessary reading for anyone who wishes to understand America, rather than merely talk about it.
Find another edition.
Helpful Votes: 23 out of 24 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-12
Review Date: 2007-01-12
I have three complaints about this edition of Tocqueville:
1) Nowhere in the book is the translator credited. This violates basic principles of publication and scholarship.
2) This is in fact an abridged version of the original English-language translation by Henry Reeve, dating from sometime before 1862. Unless you want to re-create the experience of a modern Frenchman confronted with de Tocqueville's somewhat archaic French by reading the text in somewhat archaic English, I would seek out any of the more recent translations: there are at least three.
3) The ellipses, that is, the abridgements, have sometimes been made to conceal some of the author's less flattering views America. In fact I suspect this is a "patriotic" abridgement. For example, in the second chapter of part one, Heffner has omitted references to some of the excesses of Puritan law in New England which the notoriously even-handed Tocqueville had cited.
1) Nowhere in the book is the translator credited. This violates basic principles of publication and scholarship.
2) This is in fact an abridged version of the original English-language translation by Henry Reeve, dating from sometime before 1862. Unless you want to re-create the experience of a modern Frenchman confronted with de Tocqueville's somewhat archaic French by reading the text in somewhat archaic English, I would seek out any of the more recent translations: there are at least three.
3) The ellipses, that is, the abridgements, have sometimes been made to conceal some of the author's less flattering views America. In fact I suspect this is a "patriotic" abridgement. For example, in the second chapter of part one, Heffner has omitted references to some of the excesses of Puritan law in New England which the notoriously even-handed Tocqueville had cited.
abridgement should not equate inquisition
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-06
Review Date: 2007-02-06
As a former reviewer has stated this edition takes quite a bit of liberty in excising the less flattering aspects of Tocqueville's views of America. In fact the entire section on race-relations has been excised --perhaps it was deemed too controversial? This kind of editing is even more unacceptable in our age of open communications and hopefully open minds. Find another edition.

First Day Jitters
Published in Paperback by Charlesbridge Publishing (2000-03)
List price:
New price: $3.68
Used price: $4.63
Collectible price: $10.00
Used price: $4.63
Collectible price: $10.00
Average review score: 

Book about the first day in a new school - we all remember what that's like, right?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-04
Review Date: 2008-07-04
My nieces haven't read this one yet.
The book runs through the excuses Sarah makes to avoid going to her new school (note that she's nervous about switching schools), and she's steadily cajoled into the front of the class where our Surprise! Announcement! reveals (and I admit, I was surprised - this is really well-done) that she's the teacher.
Well, no doubt teachers do get nervous on the first day of school, same as anybody else does :) Kids are likely to be surprised and laugh at the ending too, maybe even not believe it.
I do find it a little off-putting that Sarah's husband and boss essentially talk to her (and, in the beginning, treat her) like she's a child, but that's necessary to make the reveal an actual surprise.
I found the conversation between Sarah and the other characters to be very realistic (maybe a little less so for an adult, but, remember, we have to be surprised at the end), just like the conversations I had with my parents as a kid about school some days.
The book runs through the excuses Sarah makes to avoid going to her new school (note that she's nervous about switching schools), and she's steadily cajoled into the front of the class where our Surprise! Announcement! reveals (and I admit, I was surprised - this is really well-done) that she's the teacher.
Well, no doubt teachers do get nervous on the first day of school, same as anybody else does :) Kids are likely to be surprised and laugh at the ending too, maybe even not believe it.
I do find it a little off-putting that Sarah's husband and boss essentially talk to her (and, in the beginning, treat her) like she's a child, but that's necessary to make the reveal an actual surprise.
I found the conversation between Sarah and the other characters to be very realistic (maybe a little less so for an adult, but, remember, we have to be surprised at the end), just like the conversations I had with my parents as a kid about school some days.
new school
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
Review Date: 2008-07-02
Bought this book for my grandchild who was transferring from a private school to public school. This funny story helped ease her mind about the change.
A Wonderful Book for the First Day of School
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-24
Review Date: 2008-03-24
Sarah is a scared, tense person who is going to her first day of school. She
doesn't want to go to school because she is so nervous about the students in the school. So she tries to do everything to avoid from getting out of bed but nothing works. What I liked most about this book was that it was funny, had great pictures, and it's surprise ending. I would recommend this book to teachers, parents, and friends.
doesn't want to go to school because she is so nervous about the students in the school. So she tries to do everything to avoid from getting out of bed but nothing works. What I liked most about this book was that it was funny, had great pictures, and it's surprise ending. I would recommend this book to teachers, parents, and friends.
First Day Jitters
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-26
Review Date: 2007-09-26
This book was an excellent read for my students on the first day of school. They loved it!
I Love!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-03
Review Date: 2007-09-03
I love this book! My kids were so surprised to see that the character that was nervous about school wasn't a child. Great ending! This book allows students to see that grown-ups are afraid and/or become nervous before school too.
The Gardener
Published in Audio CD by Live Oak Media (2003-01)
List price: $28.95
New price: $28.95
Average review score: 

DELIGHTFUL - THIS IS ONE TO READ WITH YOUR CHILD.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-04
Review Date: 2007-05-04
The time of this story takes place in the mid 1930s and the family of the little girl of the story has had some hard times as so many families did during those horrible years. Briefly, the little girl is sent to live with her uncle Jim in the city until her father can find work and get the family back on thier feet. The author has chosen to tell this story via letter written back home to the little girl's family, by the girl herself. The story is through her eyes. The story is excellent, as it points out just what one person, even a little one, can do to change people lives. The running theme throughout of course is the little girls love for gardening. I certainly will not go into a blow by blow account of the plot, etc. as that has been done here several times, and done quite well. The text though, is quite readable and the illustrations are great. One other theme, other than the gardening, that runs through the story, is the fact that the little girl seems to be quite concerned over the fact that uncle Jim never smiles. In the end....well, you will have to read the story yourself, does he or does he not smile...you figure it out! Love this book and recommend it highly.
Know an avid gardener?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-31
Review Date: 2007-01-31
This children's book is a great gift for anyone with a heart who loves to garden. The little girl in the story must go to live with her uncle during hard times. He is a gruff baker but his little niece brightens his world with her loving charm and amazing gardening skills.
A Book in Letters and Pictures
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-19
Review Date: 2007-01-19
This is a book is written as a series in letters and has a lot of great pictures. It is about a little girl whose mother and father don't have jobs. She also has a grandmother who gave her, her love for gardening. Lynda-Grace (the girl) has to go live with her uncle who never smiles. When she gets there she finds out that her uncle own a bakery and has helpers. One of the helpers name's is Emma. Emma and Lynda-Grace and Emma have a scheme to make Uncle Jim smile! Read the book to find out what happens!
This is a really good picture book. As I said before, it is in teh form of letters from Lynda-Grace to her parent's and grandmother. It is a fantastic book for all ages!
Give "The Gardener" a try!
A wonderful book on several levels
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-10
Review Date: 2007-01-10
My mom bought this book last year for my daughter, now 6. My daughter loves gardening and "old-fashioned" books, and really enjoys the story and the pictures. She focuses mostly on Lydia's garden and cat. I cry every time I read it, because I focus on the little girl leaving her parents. My mom used to read this at a parenting group she ran at a women's prison. She said all the women were touched by it, as they had the experience of sending their kids away to live with other people. My mom pointed out that while Lydia's letters are very brave and positive, the pictures often show the sadness and loneliness of Lydia's situation in the first half of the book. So this is a very complex and thoughtful book, but still simple enough to be enjoyed by young children.
An Everybody Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-06
Review Date: 2005-11-06
This is one of those books that I call a real book--not for kids, not for adults, not for girls...just a good, well-written and illustrated book that is brilliantly designed to reach you where you are at. It did have the added bonus of making me cry on the last page, in a bittersweet sort of way.
This is a beautiful book that can easily grow up with a child, and also something a whole family can read together and connect to.
This is a beautiful book that can easily grow up with a child, and also something a whole family can read together and connect to.
Guns Up!
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
List price: $9.99
New price: $5.24
Average review score: 

Vietnam , 17 years old, Marine M60 gunner
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-05
Review Date: 2008-06-05
Vietnam another generation, another war,life in the bush;death nearby everyday,war buddies killed.Life as a teenage Marine, either you grow up or die. A great read if you want to know what life as a Marine is.
it captures the feel of the time and place
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-12
Review Date: 2007-09-12
if you want to know what the south end of Quang Nam province was like in 1968-69, this is it. i was there, just like johnny clark; but i was in 1/7. he's done a great job of capturing the feel of the time.
Amazing.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-25
Review Date: 2007-08-25
This is one of the best books I've read. The writer says in the end that some of this is fiction, or that certain characters are made of multiple people he knew, but the bulk of this story is true, regardless of who it happened to. I have yet to know someone who read this book and did not have to fight back tears at least once. I have read this book 4 times now. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Fantastic read - the best Vietnam account I have read.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-12
Review Date: 2007-07-12
I read this book at the suggestion of a friend (Sgt. Watson from the book). It was one of the quickest page-turners I have ever read. The reader is quickly made to realize the challenges of war as well as the personal sacrifices made by our soldiers. Anyone who is a soldier or knows one will appreciate this honest and well written account of this group of Marines' tour of duty.
HOW IT REALLY IS -- REVIEWED AT CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-26
Review Date: 2007-02-26
My buddy and I are stationed at Camp Fallujah, Iraq. By luck, when we got back inside the wire from a night time patrol, having been in a little piece of hell called "The Zaidon", we found this book in the library tent.
We thought that no one understood the horrors of combat, but Johnnie Clark, in this riveting book about the Killin Time, tells it all.
Sometimes, when the violence and the absurdity of war bring my men's spirits down, I read them an exerpt from the book...here's one of our favorite passages:
"Let's go", Chan said, I hesitated, I wanted to help the chief, and then those last words kept coming back to me: "Don't stop for the wounded".
Semper Fidelis,
The War Dog Marines at Camp Fallujah, Iraq.
We thought that no one understood the horrors of combat, but Johnnie Clark, in this riveting book about the Killin Time, tells it all.
Sometimes, when the violence and the absurdity of war bring my men's spirits down, I read them an exerpt from the book...here's one of our favorite passages:
"Let's go", Chan said, I hesitated, I wanted to help the chief, and then those last words kept coming back to me: "Don't stop for the wounded".
Semper Fidelis,
The War Dog Marines at Camp Fallujah, Iraq.
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It did not grab my attention at all. At the fourth chapter, I was looking for my receipt. More Women are becoming Soul Searchers today and if you are a Title Seeker like myself meaning (a title of a book can prompt you to purchase) this book will definitely be a lesson well deserved.