Colorado Books

It could be better? I don't know, but Stephen King could keep the story much longer if he wanted to and make all of his fans much more happy doing what they do best, read Stephen King's books! Overall and as expected, the TV Series with the same name is very different from the printed version and alas, it was a delight to read page after page until its very end! Four stars just because it finished so fast I couldn't imagine I have read the full story.

The Dead Zone is Stehen King's fifth published novel, it's a shorter novel only about 400 pages (in this virson) but it's still a great novel.

"The Dead Zone" Tells the story of a man named John Smith (no last name, But who needs one right) When he was younger John got and injury while skateing, it was a small one that not even his parents remember but for that one moment that he blacked out he was plunged into the dead zone, he reall didint know it then but he would come to relize it later.

Later someting happens to Johnny an acident that again plunges him into The Dead Zone.

And This if from the summary in the inside of the book. "John Smith, who awakened from a seemingly interminalbe coma with and accursed power: The Power to see the future and the terrible fate awaiting mankind in The Dead Zone."

during the novel Johnny has to go through quite a few things, things he might regret you can never really tell in the The Dead Zone

Overall Stephen King has given us a great novel here one that can be enjoyed any time 5/5

Having read a number of Stephen King's books, "The Dead Zone" has to rank as one of the finest. A tale of clairvoyance, it keeps its readers 'on the edge of their seats'. In typical Stephen King fashion, he heralds the appearance of the supernatural whilst reinforcing the readers' credulity through habitual exploitation of commonplace settings, cliches and associations with everyday norms. Both the protagonist's and antagonist's idiosyncrasies were consistently amplified throughout to great effects lending credibility to the numerous furor and conflicts as the story unfolds. The loose ends were neatly tied together in the finale which doesn't disappoint.

This is one of the only books I have read over the years, that I can remember different scenes from it. It is not only sad, but the main character's frustrations come out so vividly. How he is able to cope through all the adversity, is what makes it a great read. I have reread The Dead Zone, at least, 6 times since it's release in 1980. Probably will again.

I loved the television series so I thought I would check out the novel... BIG MISTAKE. Out of 402 pages, 40 of them grabbed me... the very last fourty pages, mainly for the anticipation that I was almost done with this piece of garbage.

There was virtually no plot involved, and what little plot was there was literally squeezed into the end. Sure there were small portions where Johnny would have an odd "flash" into something, like the serial killer, or the restauraunt that burnt down... but none of these things were essential to the storyline.

It took all of my being to push myself into finishing it only because the show was cancelled without a proper conclusion, so I had to see how the original book ended for some form of closure to the series... which is amazing.

I found myself constantly wondering when the point of the story would come but it just dragged along borishly. Reading this makes me think that anyone could write anything, whether it be good or horrorishly bad, and Signet would publish it. I feel as if the time I spent reading this would have been better spent banging my head repeatedly into a brick wall.

Since I have never actually read a Stephen King book, I figured I should pick one up just to see what he's all about. I spent some time trying to figure out which one to take on - one of the real classics, perhaps, or something more unknown? In the end my wife suggested I read this one, given my criteria of "a minimum of supernatural stuff please".

I was impressed - it was really good! The book is told entirely first person and is the account of the woman (Dolores Claiborne) as told to two police officers about her involvement with a murder. The thing I really enjoyed about this book was the real humanity in it. Dolores' character is right on - she has great voice and depth, and is highly believable from beginning to end. You can see how all the events of her life came together to shape the character who is telling the story. I guess people call Stephen King a Master of Suspense for good reason - who would have thought that going to the bank could invite such tension?

My favorite parts, though, were the sad reflective bits that made Dolores really seem alive. All the characters, really, were how I thought they should be. Her family members were well developed, and the bit players still had their quirks that made them a little more interesting.

One thing that I think King tried to capture, but could have done better (or did I just miss it?) was the setting. I would expect the quirks of living on an island to be much more prominent, but it didn't seem like he was able to get much more specific than just a small-town atmosphere. Every so often he'd mention something to remind you that this place wasn't actually attached to the mainland, but it didn't seem enough.

Thankfully for me there wasn't a whole lot of supernatural stuff. Some, yes, but from what I understand it was to set up a connection to another book. It didn't detract, although without much intention of reading the other book, it also didn't add much : )

The only other problem I ran across was in the written dialect. It took a couple pages to get used to, and after that it flowed well, but there were some places where it wasn't consistent and that bugged me (e.g. referring to a truck as a "pickup truck" half the time and a "pick-em-up truck" the other half). And the New England expressions were fun and all, but I felt some parts could have benefited from a more serious tone.

All in all - great read, and from what I hear pretty different than his usual. I'd recommend it.

With books like this one from King , you do much better reading the thoughts in the minds of the characters. This one will keep you up at night reading. Another one that i loved. I highly suggest this one.

This is a story about two deaths. Dolores Claiborne is the housekeeper for a wealthy lady, and the police are investigating her death.

There is the killing of a husband in the past, and the police suspect Dolores of causing this death, as well. The novel then goes into the backstory of the relationship between the two women, and what is really going on.

Dolores Claiborne is an unusual novel. The story is told by Dolores herself from start to finish as she tells police about a murder she committed and one she did not. Even when the police speak to her, the reader only sees Dolores's response. For nearly 400 pages, we hear one voice in one long chapter. We follow her life primarily through her troubled family life and job as a housekeeper for a stern woman named Vera Donovan. Dolores has been accused of murdering Vera and to help convince the police she didn't do it, she confesses to murdering her husband years earlier. She gives a candid account of a fairly miserable life leading up to the day of Vera's death.

This book obviously represented an experiment for Stephen King. No chapters, no voice but that of Dolores, all of it told as a flashback, etc. By all rights it shouldn't work, and the thick Maine accent of the narrator should have been the final ingredient in a recipe for disaster. Yet, somehow, it does work and works well. Dolores is a tough, salty, old woman but she has her good points. She's a tireless worker, fair-minded, and she tries to be a good mother and wife. Unfortunately, her husband is far too wretched a specimen to allow her marriage to work and her boss begins to lose her grip on sanity, which exaggerates her already harsh attitude.

Dolores Claiborne is not a horror novel so much as a character study. I used to think that was unusual for a King novel, but I'm starting to realize that he actually doesn't write nearly as many pure terror novels as his reputation would indicate. Still, it is suspenseful in parts and you quickly come to care about the characters and what happens to them. I would recommend the book whether you're a long time fan of the author or just looking for something different to read.

I found this novel by MR. King to be absolutely wonderful. It was so interesting to read and the well written story was very unique. This book is not frightening like many of the author's stories, but it still keeps an overwhelming spookiness about its tale. The story looks into emotional bond between two different women and their lives that are betrayed by violence, abuse and many other emotional problems. This is a strong and emotional story that is well worth your time. Highly recommend for your reading pleasure.

I don't mind stereotype characters, as long as they're interesting and make for an interesting plot. Dragon Wing's characters, and the book itself, did neither.

We have Hugh. Oh my God, Hugh is a tough assassin who cares only for money. Yawn. Unfortunately for Hugh, he never gets any more than that. That is his entire character. The only changes he ever sees is because of some sort of magical mind-control from this one kid he's hired to kill named Prince Bane (I'm not kidding, that's seriously what he's named) and yada yada yada... Hugh is the most one dimensional character I've ever seen. Plus, what kind of fantasy-novel name is Hugh anyway? These authors badly need to take a page from Ursula LeGuin. Or an entire book. Preferably an entire book.

Then there was the whole segment with the dwarves and their "Kicksey Whinsey". I'd say that was a borderline racist stereotype but I'm not sure what race it was even supposed to represent. A bunch of dwarves go around and live their lives based on the whims of some badly-named machine, performing their badly-named daily activities. There's a badly-named revolutionary leading a badly-named group to try to throw off the oppressive blanket of society and the machine...only it's all supposed to be comical, because they all act like little children. It's like some dwarven version of 1984, only it has the writing quality you'd expect from monkeys. The dwarf segment is the sort of thing you'd expect to see in a D&D game where the DM thinks he's being really funny and clever, but everyone at the table just wants to punch him in the face.

I had to stop after that (halfway through the book). The low quality of writing made me so disgusted that I couldn't go any further. That's the first time a book has done that. Dragonlance (by the same authors) may be the lowest common denominator of fantasy, but at least it's finishable. This is just disgusting.

Or maybe it was made for the 11 year olds out there who find the dwarf thing 'funny' and would overlook boring one dimensional stereotype characters.

The Death Gate Cycle is without a doubt the best series Hickman and Weis have written since their original Dragonlance Chronicles and Legends. The story presents an orginal theme of a fantasy world split into four elemental worlds bound my magic and a darker past that comes to the surface as the reader goes through the books in this series.
Dragon Wing as a stand alone novel holds its own in presenting some new characters and without giving away any spoilers it introduces us to some old favorites in a creative and surprising way. The book is well written and the characters are interesting enough to keep you reading as you discover along with the main character what has happened to a world left to its own devices and the warring nations that fight to control it, oblivious as they are to the forces at work behind the scenes.

I love this book. The entire series climbs into the top ten of my ultimate favorite books. (Which is really hard to do by the way. I read a ton!) I read this in the eighth grade (I was always a really good reader) and I love it to peices still. Whenever I want something to re-read, this is the one I delve for. I love it! I love it! I love it! What more is there to say?

What an awesome start to a great series of books! I read the Cycle when I was a teen and loved it and now in my....Early 20's ;) I wonder how I waited so long before picking it up again. From this first book, 'Dragon Wing' through the seventh I was hooked and still am!

I told myself I wouldn't go back and read this kind of ilk after reading other much better books, but I couldn't help myself since I've pretty much exhausted the fantasy genre. Anyway, it was a mistake. The genre isn't even completely fantasy - it's some kind of weird mixture of science fiction, fantasy and psuedo - philosophy/parody.

The premise is that the world is divided into realms one on top of one another. All ready a tad eye rolling. Not a good setting to say the least. The authors had to invent some new floating rock called coralite. Anyway, this book is basically two viewpoints: Hugh the Hand and Limbeck Bolttightner (stupid name). The first fifty pages weren't bad. Not great, but highly readable.

Then everything goes to hell when the view shifts over to the dwarf. First of all, what's the point of calling dwarves gegs? The author even refers to them as dwarves first. Maybe to make them seem more juvenile then they all ready are. But, anyway, Limbeck's story is basically some kind of weird dwarven version of 1984. Basically, he's an enlightened dwarf among a race of childlike dwarves and he's determined to make remove their ignorance. Basically, all the dwarves worship the elves or the people who live on top them. Meanwhile, they all do work for this like super machine called "the kicksey winsey" How suitable is that? Kicksey winsey. All the dwarves have their roles and do their work unquestioningly. Then quite suitably, you have this revolutionary organization called WUPP (shudder) who is going about writing pamphlets and making speeches run by Limbeck's bossy wife named Jarre.

Hugh the Hand's story arc is a tad better with him escorting some simple boy prince who isn't really so simple. Unfortunately, he had to be named "Bane." Prince Bane!

Then there's the Sartan missionary named Haplo who is supposed to be sent back for vengeance for being shunned. But then he's accompanied by a loyal dog who licks his face and barks at strangers. Am I the only one sensing some kind of contradiction in tones here?

I'm not looking for any great masterpiece here but all the characters are cardboard cutouts and two dimensional at best. You got the mercenary Hugh who'll do anything for money. The clumsy chamberlain named Alfred who falls down every other page.

Essentially, the names are bordering on ridiculous: Hugh the Hand, Boltightner, Magicka, Sinistrad, and Prince Bane. All ready not good signs. Seriously, if you 've read better books, please skip this ilk. If you're determined to read Hickman and Weiss, read Chronicles which is a tad better.

Seriously, if you think this is the 'best fantasy' you've ever read, you really need to be trying OTHER books by OTHER authors. This book is fluff at best. The tones are so mixed up sometimes you're not sure if it's a comedy or what not. I'm not sure if the dwarven part is supposed to be comedy relief or if it's a serious rendition of 1984. But the tone is so silly you can hardly take it seriously at all. Kicksey winsey!

I started reading this series about three weeks ago, and though I have interspersed the books with other reading, I keep coming back to these. Since I started, every other book I read has been Anita Blake. Should I be worried that I'm growing a little obsessive with these? Have I spent too much of my time reading this series, when I could be reading something else? Should I change this system of alternating other novels with Anita Blake books?

Nah.

One nice thing, actually, about reading this series so quickly, and without many other novels coming in between these, is that I've been able to pay close attention to the ways that the characters have grown and changed. My wife brought it to my attention, as the largest complaint against this series is the way Anita changes somewhere in the next few books; many of Hamilton's fans found the change unwelcome, and they have spent the last few years going off the deep end, becoming a sort of internet Inquisition, always on the lookout for both the faithful few and the heretics who disagree with their assessment of the series' fall from grace; anyone who continues to like the series after the change, as my wife does, are in for torture, excommunication, and burning at the stake. Considering how much I like this series so far, and how often I agree with my wife's assessment of books -- and how much I, as a writer and observer of human behavior, enjoy watching good writers deal with genuine characters -- I can pretty safely assume I'll like the coming change. I expect my own crucifixion will be coming soon -- maybe on this review. At any rate, knowledge of the controversy has made me more aware of the steady changes happening in Anita, and I love that those changes are there for me to observe.

The big changes in this book: she agrees to marry Richard, sort of -- which was a huge mistake; she said yes in the heat of the moment, when he's looking all hot and sexy, and that's always a bad time, though she rightly points out that he shouldn't have asked her then -- and then takes it back shortly afterward when she has second thoughts. I liked that because it was very real and very human; I also like that I feel a little conflicted over Anita's largest personality clash with Richard. That clash is over her absolute refusal to bend to his will, while simultaneously demanding that he bend to hers. I understand it: she has fought very hard for control of her life, and she still fights, against forces that are constantly arrayed against her: the police bureaucracy and general attitude (not shared by the RPIT cops, thankfully) that a woman and a civilian should be doubly separated from police matters; the overwhelming presence of Jean-Claude and his desire for her both as lover and servant, and her own traitorous desire for him; Bert and the demands of her job, both those that genuinely come with the territory and also those Bert unreasonably puts on her against her will. All of these things, along with the several other monsters who keep trying to control her and force her to do their bidding, have made her hypersensitive to giving in to anyone in anything; look at what happened when she allowed Jean-Claude even a moment of control over her. This means she has an incredibly difficult time in compromising with Richard, in allowing him into her life, since that means allowing him to have power over her -- and what's worse, accepting that control willingly, not begrudgingly as she does in every other instance that someone controls her. I understand that desire for independence, though I . . . can't remember where I've encountered it before.

Even though I understand her desire for independence, I can't help but think, Jesus, Anita, you don't have to bristle and argue about EVERYTHING. What the heck kind of relationship is that? Plus, she's just too dead set against the idea of monsters -- though I love that she has the honesty to admit that, even though she hates it about herself, she is indeed prejudiced. That neither Richard nor Jean-Claude are human enough for her, and it's unfair of her to think so, but she still does. It is unfair, of course; she's a little too inhuman for a normal man to put up with. I could probably handle marrying an animator, but not an animator who hung out with so many truly dangerous monsters. At least, it would be hard to handle, and so Anita has no room to criticize Richard, who at least doesn't want to be a monster and is honest about his feelings with her.

The other interesting moment with Anita was when she realized that she didn't go for her cross when Gretchen attacked her, but went straight for her gun, instead. She says she won't skip church any more, but I doubt that: her faith did not protect her in the last book, when, what was her name, Yasmeen, grabbed her; instead she ended up with another cross-shaped brand. What worked was the gun, so naturally that's what Anita would go for. Her real core belief is about survival, anyway; if she was a Christian first she wouldn't be so willing to do anything to survive. But she is willing, and so her Christianity is falling away, bit by bit -- and don't think her attraction to Richard and Jean-Claude, combined with her unwillingness to sacrifice her independence through marriage, can lead anywhere but sin. She'll get there, eventually. And I says, more power to her: the sexual revolution has come and gone, and it's a brave new world.

Otherwise: I liked Konrad and I'm ticked about how his part in the story ended up; I absolutely loathe Marcus, Raina, and Gabriel -- especially the masochist, there; that's just freaky. I liked the witch subplot, and wish more could have been done with it. I'm not sure how long Hamilton can go on whacking every single serious bad guy in these books; that's a real high turnover rate for villains. But since this book includes mentions of things like trolls and dragons, I suppose we have the near-infinite variety of all of the fantasy world to draw enemies from. All I know is, I'm going to keep reading these. A lot.

I can barely go two days between books, thank you Laurell Hamilton you have a brilliant mind.

The book was wonderfully inexpensive but there is a strange yellow dot on the cover. Im not sure if they all look like that or if mine is specially flawed. Just throwin that out there

this is one of my favorites from the series. Mostly because it deals with werewolves as the main characters this time. There's been a werewolf in the first three books, but they didn't transform into one until the third book. I think from this book you can see how far Laurell has grown as an author.

The only thing dumb about this book i would say is the cover!!! Just bogus and dumb. I'm a guy and I've gotten a lot of funny looks when i leave this thing lying around. (i've since learned to put a book on top of it or turn it over. The artwork is so irrelevant and dumb) My only beef but that's the company's fault. I don't think Laurell has a say over artwork.

Loved it!! I just can't get enough of this series. It has everything...violence, mystery, sex, love. I'm constantly finding myself holding my breath. These books are my latest addiction.

While a good read, for those who have read "The crucible" play by Arthur Miller may find it tough to delv too deep into this work. The character's names in this book have been taken from the play but re-arranged in the story plot. Ann Putnam is a teenage michief maker, Abbigail Williams is eleven years old, and the Proctors are nothing to be found.

Overall a great literary work, but when trying to read a book after reading a play that says the complete opposite, it's hard to enjoy.

"A Break With Charity" is definitely a historical fiction I would recommend to anyone interested in the Salem Witch Trials. When I studied the Salem Witch Trials in school, not much was covered, so I was curious to learn more.
Learning about this historical event in a history textbook isn't enough, as can be said about any other historical event. Taught through the eyes of a witness and great mind behind the witch hunts, I truly learned what evidence and guilt Susanna English held to herself for a very long time before telling someone.
Ann Rinaldi made this story seem almost like an autobiography, the way she spoke and described each happening.
"A Break With Charity" is a book that I will always remember and recommend to others.

A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi is a historical-fiction novel. It is about Susanna English wanting to join a group of girls who do things that are forbidden in the Puritans laws. Susanna ginves up joining when she discovered a secret that could save lives is she told but if she did tell people then her family would be accused of being witches. Susanna keeps this secret while watching people being trailed as witches and getting killed. When her parents were accused of being witches, Susanna decides to tell Joseph. Susanna and Joseph worked with other friends to stop the witch madness that is killing people in Salem and other towns. Joseph sends a letter to people writing that all this is madness and that there is no such thing as witches. Reverend Pike believes them and word spreads. People are aware that this could be just a trick, a make-believe lie. Will the word spread so that people will stop accusing innocent people as witces? Read and find out yourself.

I was addicted to historical fiction for young adults when I was growing up, and this was probably my favorite. I read it at least four times more than a decade ago. I recommend it to any young adults who are interested in learning a little bit more about historical topics and the events surrounding them.

Salem, Massachusetts, 1692. This was a terrible time for the families of those who were executed at the Salem Witch trials. If only one of them, one who had a family member in peril, even if done in private, had the power to prevent further tragedies...

And that is what Susanna English does, or at least according to Ann Rinaldi's fascinating retelling of this historical occurrence. Her brother William is lost at sea, and she wants news about his return from any source. And that is what brings her to Tituba, a slave at Mr. Parris's parsonage. It has been rumored that Tituba deals with the black arts and is a fortune teller, and even though visiting with such person is a sin, Susanna is so desperate to hear about her brother that she throws propriety aside and pays her a visit. Little had she known the chains of events that would occur afterwards. She witnesses the members of the circle, including Ann Putnam, the youngest and most mean-spirited of them all, attending the parsonage while the reverend is gone. She knows all of the things that would make the girls' stories and accusations seem inconsistent, and yet she keeps quiet, for Ann Putnam has threatened to accuse her family of witchcraft if she says a word. But when her mother and father are taken anyway, it is time to take action...

Rinaldi's version of the events is well written, well researched and well crafted -- except for the part about Susanna staying behind when her family flees to New York and she stays with Joseph Putnam. I find it hard to believe that her parents would simply leave her behind, even if it is with people they trust. I know this plot turn is necessary for the story, but still. Other than that, I very much enjoyed this insightful and wonderful historical novel. The Salem Witch trials have always fascinated me, and I have always wanted to read a fictional account on life as a Puritan. Were those people happy with the rules placed upon them? Rinaldi does a wonderful job giving her take on the subject. Historical novels, good and accurate ones, set in the middle to late seventeenth century America are few and far in between. I am so glad I found one by an author who knows her American history quite well.

If you are looking to find more of the story beyond the cold, hard details of the Columbine school shootings, and you don't mind poor writing and structure, this book provides a somewhat sacred and voyeuristic look behind the tragedy.

Rachel's Tears Amazon Book Review


Rachel's Tears is a very emotional book. Rachel's Tears is a Biography written by Rachel Scott's parents Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott. This story tells the spiritual journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Joy Scott. Rachel's Tears features excerpts from Rachel's private journals. This tragic and true story explains how Rachel knew that her and twelve others would die. Out of the thirteen people that died one of them was a teacher and twelve of them were students that attended Columbine High School. Among the thirteen people that died nearly two dozen more were injured. And hundreds more were traumatized by the sights and sounds of that day. This horror was caused by two troubled teens who were overcome with hatred and desire for revenge, so they lashed out at the people at Columbine High School. Columbine High School is located in Littleton, Colorado. Littleton is located eight miles Southwest of Denver. Colorado. After this event occurred the two teens committed suicide. This makes the total death count at fifteen people. Rachel Scott was the first one who died on April 20, 1999. So when Beth and Darrell found out that their daughter was one of those thirteen people who died that day their lives changed forever! In Rachel's private journal's she writes and draws about God, and how Rachel is not going to live a lot longer. On page 111, there is a letter to God from Rachel. The opening statement says "why do I feel dry in your spirit?" This passage is only one out of many passages that has to do with Rachel and God. The authors purpose of the story is to explain how Rachel's relationship with God was one that he sent her messages explaining that something bad was going to happen. I would highly recommend this book to anyone in middle school and above. After the murders Rachel's friends and family started a program called Rachel's challenge to find out more on this program go to [...]

This young lady was a beautiful soul. It is a sad story but one of hope as well.
Her parents did a wonderful job describing the tragic story.
Anyone interested in the Columbine event should read this.
Excellent.

i was so blessed by the words of faith that your little girl has shared.Its very rare to see such faith in anyone.Thank You for sharing her story. It has really blessed me.

This is an awesome book. I wept more than once while reading it. For those of you unfamiliar, this book is about the story of Rachel Joy Scott, a young girl, deeply committed to Christ who was martyred in the infamous Columbine High School massacre. I learned a lot about this horrible event, and the wonderful life of this girl who knew, as evidenced by her journals, that she would die young. After reading this book, I became convinced, as Darrell Scott was the morning of the killings, that this was a spiritual event. It is interesting to note that prior to the killings of April 20, Klebold and Harris had turned a school project detailing their dark fantasies, and no on seemed to have picked up on this. I gave this book five stars not based on quality of writing, which could have used some thorough editing, but on the story, which blew me away. I think everyone who has children should read this book.
People who claim that the demonic music,tv,video games have no impact on their children should definitely read this book. I also agree with Darrell Scott's opinion that is clear these children(the murderers) opened themselves up to spirtitual influence that were beyond their control.Klebold and Harris deliberately targeted Christians on that day, and they had made tapes prior to the event that illustrate their intense hate and dislike of Christians. I ######### this book, but don't be suprised if this book changes your outlook on things!
Thus says the LORD,
"A voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more

For those of you familiar with the Dragonlance universe, I have to say this is a very different book from The Soulforge (which precedes this volume). This book starts out quite slow, but once it gets going is quite entertaining. It is interesting to speculate about what role Don Perrin played in this book given The Soulforge was completely his wife's work (Margaret Weis). The book generally aims to stay consistent with the other texts in the series and does not "offend" key plot points for what comes later.

Another interesting aspect of this work is the development (furthered in Dragons of the Highlord Skies) of Kitiara. A character I always felt was quite narrow in the original trilogy (chronocles) is fleshed out considerably in these two volumes, and I 'almost' find myself liking her. It appears that a reasonable amount of military study has gone into preparing this book (at least at an elementary level) as it skips the deux au machina of the magic spell to end every conflict (which seemed to be evident in some more recent Dragonlance novels).

This book is not deep and is a good actioner. Enjoy it for what it is, but don't expect the same degree of introspection as with The Soulforge.

Awesome Dragonlance novel :)

This novel tells the story of how Raistlin and Caramon became mercenaries after Raistlin has taken the test of magic.

This is every bit as good as The Soulforge (Dragonlance: The Raistlin Chronicles, Book 1). And definetly lives up to the Dragonlance standard.
Only downside is that it only spans over around one year out of the five years the companions are separated before the Chronicles series, therefore, it does not say anything about what happenes to the twins during the remaining four years. Yet, if the story had to span over all the five years, it would have been a VERY long book :)

Definetly worth reading if you demand to know more about Raistlin and Caramon :)

My son loves these books so as he read it in a couple of days must be good.

If you are intrigued by Raistlin and want to know his detailed story, starting at age 6, this book, along with Book 1, are the books to get. All of the questions I had about him, and even some I didn't know I had, were explained.

This is the one series of books, that I never tire of. If a book has to do with Raistlin, the mage, or anyone related, I have read or ordered that book and I have never been dissapinted. The story tells well through all the continuing sagas. Thank you Margaret Weis and thank you Tracy Hickman. You are the epitamy of style, magic and entertainment.
Toni from Petaluma, Ca

This was an outstanding book. Filled with a lot of information I had only partially known, and seldom understood. The story of thousands of dams built for no reason other then to keep two Federal agencies in business. Some success and some death causing failures. A must read for anyone west of the Mississippi with a interest in the historical infrastructure of the western states despite the massive mishandling of Federal funds to aid in ecological disaster. A true study in government math at alludes us all.

This was a return engagement to "Cadillac Desert", as I had read the original in the 1980s, amazed at the time, considering it a premier example of thorough history and analysis in a subject about which few people knew much at all. What could have been a "dry" subject was actually quite gripping and informative, and fortunate to have many participants in key moments still available.

In that sense the author was ahead of his time, documenting essential history that looks all the more important twenty years later. No doubt the book would still be fresh history to many, especially if supplemented by some other source on more current topics. I can only imagine what Mr. Reisner would think of the explosive growth of Las Vegas in the barren Nevada desert in recent years.

I finally got to the revised edition and certainly feel the loss of Marc Reisner, who would have had plenty of material for another revision or two. The additional material is a plus, although it, too, has been around long enough for either edition to be a worthwhile reference.

The growth of Los Angeles and the whole situation with the Owens Valley, San Fernando Valley, William Mulholland, the Chandlers, and so on, is exceptional, and can be read almost on its own. Perhaps there is a more definitive history, with more emphasis on some individuals or some other angle. Reisner packs a punch, laying it all out bluntly, including the fraud and corruption along with social and technical aspects.

Another favorite was the early history of the unexplored West, such as John Wesley Powell's prescience and his journey down the virgin Colorado. How much the region has changed in such a short time, and how extensive were our errors.

This is a first-rate history.

Essential reading for anyone living in the American West or living in the East and subsidizing water rates in the West.

This book was an alarming, eye-opening account of how the United States is running out of it's own water resources that provide for many of desert urban areas. Why is it that we are settling in areas that are not natural for us as human beings to live in, and depleting our water resources and damaging natural beauty in order to live in seemingly uninhabital areas, such as Las Vegas, and Phoenix? This book looks to address this and much much more. A great read for anyone interested in enviromental politics and issues in the U.S..

Cadillac Desert is a plodding book that spends more time making sideways remarks about its characters than establishing it's own narrative. Plagued by numerous typographical errors, it reads in fits and starts. While its message of government excess and because-we-can justification for modifying the natural landscape is surely worthwhile, if repetitive, the fact of the matter is that two generations of farmers, ranchers and urbanites in the American West looked to the Bureau of Reclamation as the only organization suited to develop their water resources. The dated material is noticeable at times--who but a civil engineer now knows of the Teton Dam failure? why the concern over the Central Arizona Project that has operated for nearly two decades?--and the treatment of the material is done with an eye toward stirring the reader's emotions more than informing them. Donald Worster's Rivers of Empire deals with much the same material in a more thorough and even-handed, though academic, manner.

Life in the untamed west was difficult for everyone, but especially for women. Their hardships often led to death or madness. Isolation, Indians, harsh conditions for child-bearing, back-breaking work, and, many times, an inconsiderate husband made these women age beyond their years and die before their time. Such was the life of Mattie Spenser, a young woman forging west with her new husband to build a life on a homestead in Colorado in the 1860's. We follow Mattie's most private thoughts as she enters all she experiences in this, her journal.

The story Mattie writes is filled with patience, compassion, discouragement, and fear as she struggles not only with a new marriage, but also with taming the wild land. She loses three children and discovers the secrets of her husband, all of which almost shatter her life. Some people don't survive on the feral land, and there were times Mattie had doubts of her own survival.

Ms Dallas tells her story in a realistic, heart-warming manner, filling it with the fear, strength, sadness, loss and humor of the amazing women who settled the west. I recommend this book.

Sandra Dallas tells good tales. The Diary of Mattie Spenser has intriguing turns. New Mercies has southern charm. Unfortunately, Dallas succumbs to decorating her books with the bric-a-brac of pseudo research--without integrating it into the tale. It glows like Mattie's silver spoons in a sod house. Dallas demonstrates no mastery of letting her characters speak --choosing rather to sprinkle the dialog with newspaper headlines and abrubt colloquialisms. One does not have to include every historical figure, building, or event in a book. Dallas has the talent to write well; it is unfortunate that she chooses formulas which no doubt drive and satisfy publishers but do not create good writing. A warning to readers--positive reviews can indicate that others have abandoned a book because it was not worth reading. Before you waste money on Dallas books, sample her writing from the local library.

When I plucked this one off the shelf I was iffy. But it wasn't a daunting book, and looked like it would be a breeze to finish off even if it didn't entirely hold my interest. You know those books - the kind that aren't page turners but are good enough to keep going, unless they're 400 pages and not worth it.

I became wrapped up in this one quickly, and it's not just the author's writing style as Mattie, but Mattie's personality. I don't know how authentic it is - this era isn't really my thing - but it certainly has the feel of authenticity.

The critical review ("Trite and Formulaic") baffled me. I don't know that a book using a checked off list of required elements would have this much substance and life to it. And the ending didn't strike me as Hollywood at all, but entirely in keeping with the ways of the world at that time. In fact, had it ended the way it might otherwise have, I'd have said THAT would be a Hollywood ending.

And why that reviewer feels the written ending reflects Mattie faltering and losing sight of her true self really puzzles me. She's just going to do it anyway? I don't think so. Maybe in 2008, but not then. I don't want to go into this more - it will give too much away.

I started this book because my DIL wanted to read it together. Well, she forgot but I kept reading it and became totally engrossed in this fascinating account of a young woman on the frontier. I love Sandra Dallas' historical fiction, and this one was up to her same standards. I was really surprised to see it has been 10 years since she wrote it. I am sorry that I didn't get around to reading this book sooner! It has suspense, and yearning, motherhood, grief, recovery... it was just an excellent read.

This book gave a clear description on what prairie life was like for woman. They were isolated and worked like an animal on a farm. It just proves that prairie life for women was a lot harder than for men. I loved the book so much I gave it to my husband to read. He could not put it down.

I first read this book when I was in third grade. I was about halfway through the book when I had to fling it across the room from me in utter horror. Eventually, the pull of the book was too strong: I picked it up, finished it, and sulked for a week. And ever since then, whenever I try to reread it, I end up tossing it across the room, screaming, pulling my hair: the characters just get under your skin. You *care* about what happens to them.

The little women are Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth. They have flaws, just like real people: Meg is vain, Jo is boyish, and Amy is a bit of a brat. Beth is utterly angelic, and can do no wrong. But while these may sound like pasted on personalities, they're not. Over the course of such a long book, you become deeply attached to the characters, and get to know and love them.

The story centers primarily around tomboyish Jo. She is constantly getting into scrapes, but is dedicated to her family and goes to great lengths to prove it. It's a growing up story: we follow Jo from a carefree girl who whistles and runs outside to a wife who would give everything for her husband.

Now for the bad: Louisa May Alcott is fond of injecting moral lessons into every chapter. That might have been nice in the 1800s, but now, it can seem a bit cloying. That said, the stories themselves are enjoyable enough if you can get past the morality.

Further, this book offers some of the most emotionally dissatisfying scenes I've ever read. Hence me throwing the book across the room. I don't want to spoil it for you; you'll know it when you get to it. And you'll be as upset as I was. So be prepared.

Overall, Little Women is a good family story with realistic characters. Young girls will probably enjoy it the most, but I think anyone can get something out of it.

Little Women is a story about four sisters who live with their mother. I thought it was a great story because it is really easy to figure out what they are doing in a jiff. The best part of this book is that it shows the characters have feelings and emotions that are throughtout the whole story. The story explains to me what it was like to live back in the older days. Yet to me this book seems new. If I could say who represents me most,it is Jo. Jo is a great reader and it comes in handy when she meets a boy named Laurie. Laurie is a rich kid who ends up being like family to these sisters. This story really reminds of how life is sometimes. Will you find out what happens to these sisters? Read Little Women and get into the story. I think the best rating for this book is four and a half stars. It needed a little more happiness towards the end. But still take the risk and read Little Women.

This was a very good transaction. The product was shipped on time and was in good condition.

"Little Women"expressed to me, is that you should always be happy with what you have. I remember getting the same thing for Hanukah each year from an uncle, although my mom would always say," it's the thought that counts, not what you get, and that one should try to be happy with what one gets even if you don't like it that much, it's still something. Louisa's book describes how the 4 girls enter womanhood and they should except whatever they get. Meg, the oldest, has trouble not wanting more than what she has, for she envied her classmates with their shiny boots and beautiful dresses. Meg only realizes that other things, besides what she has she didn't want at all when her sister gets sick. The last thing on her mind is things, she realizes what a great family she has, and she didn't need things other than her family. Being grateful for what one already has is the key to happiness.-L.B.

After reading Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, both written in the 1800s and which I loved, I thought I'd try another classic, Little Women. What a disappointment. I couldn't even read the whole thing. I only read the first 176 pages out of 470, so if the last half is better than the first half, I wouldn't know. Thank you to other Amazon reviewers for giving me the major plot points. I skimmed a few of these and that was enough for me. I didn't want to spend any more of my time reading what I felt was a boring book. I liked three characters, Jo, Laurie and Beth, but again not enough to want to read the rest of the book. It was too syrupy sweet with the mother teaching her girls values such as helping those less fortunate than yourself, control your temper, work hard, be polite etc. These are nice values, and this might be more desirable for a parent to read to young daughters a little bit every night. Although the parent should be aware that there are a couple of deaths of main characters. For me, this book was not good enough. I want entertainment, creativity, surprise, unexpected events and interesting characters. I prefer books like Twilight and Harry Potter for young adults and myself. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: 1860s the North during the civil war. Genre: fiction for young girls.