Adams Books

Kids that don't usually like to read will want to read this book because when you start reading it, you feel like you are in the book. Also, when you start reading it, you don't want to stop.

This book grabs the your attention right from the start and keeps you interested with fast-paced action, entertaining dialogue and a humorous plot. It's the first "Time Warp Trio" book I've read and I really enjoyed it. Joe, Fred and Sam are magically transported into the world of Greek mythology where they run from vicious three-headed dogs, exchange witty insults with Hera, queen of the gods, and outsmart Zeus and the other gods on Mount Olympus, before they find their way back home. If you know a little bit about Greek mythology you will be amused by the characterization of the gods and godesses and you will find yourself wanting to learn even more. The book is easy to read and hard to put down!

Do you like the movie Hercules but dislike Hercules and the story line? If that's true, (or even if it isn't) this is the book for you! Of course, the Time Warp Trio gets stuck in Greek and have to get back home. They meet up with all the Greeks gods from Zeus to Hera, from Aphrodite to Apollo, and from Artemis to Hades! The Trio have to trick the gods with puzzles to get The Book and get home. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

I remember reading this book as a child, and being fascinated by the beauty of the illustrations. The story itself is wonderful, but it seems that as a kid growing up in the United States, I seldom read or heard about kids living in tropical/Caribbean settings. This book filled that void.

This was one of my favorite books when I was little. Sad to hear it's out of print.

Very well written and illustrated ( by the authors wife). My grandson , who is fascinated with bugs and lizards, loves the story. Written by a resident of and about a lizard in the USVI. A fun and educational story.He lives on St Thomas.

This classic two volume set reads like a novel. I could'nt put it down. The reader is treated to an intimate look at the history of the times through the eyes of one of the most under-rated of the founding fathers. From his childhood and education through the revolution and founding of the country, insight and detail of the events unfold in a most interesting manner. A most prolific letter and diary writer, John Adams left a detailed account of his life and times, and virtally every aspect of the book is documented and noted. An excellent resource for anyone interested in the history of the times.

This classic two voume set reads like a novel. Once started I could not put it down. From his childhood and education, the revolution and founding of the country, through the trials of his presidency and retirement, the events of the times unfold in intimate detail. A prolific letter and diary writer, John Adams left a treasure of detail and insights to the events of his life, and P Smith has assembled them in a most readable form. This book is a must read for anyone interested in early American history.

I have a project to read a biography of every American president, and since I knew Page Smith's excellent 8-volume history of the US, I decided his biography of John Adams would be the one to read for that president. I now have finally read the work, and I was not wrong. These volumes tell in fascinating detail of the momentous life of our second president, and it is hard for me to see how the telling could be improved upon. I have only a few presidents I have not yet done. Any thought as to the best biography of Millard Fillmore?

Lynn H. Parsons has written a biography that is blessedly free from 'academic speak' or the sense that he is only writing for other historians. This is definitely a biography for even the most casual lover of history. Parsons' familiarity with JQA allows him to introduce us to that prickly character as one would introduce an eccentric friend--always aware of the eccentricities but never apologizing for them. Adams (and his father) are two of the greatest of America's early statesmen and two of it's worst politicians. Parsons presents the genius and the folly and allows us to weigh our opinions--tho' its clear where Parsons' affections lie. It is hard to imagine that anyone will (or could) write a better one volume popular biography of JQA. Parsons clearly could tell us much more, but he chooses not to bog his narrative down in the kind of historical detail that glazes the eye of the casual reader. For serious historians this is a valuable book because it doesn't get lost in its own importance--the writing is direct, succinct and keeps the reader aware of the difference of the attitudes of Adams and his contemporaries to our current sensibilities. Parsons ends with a note that JQA's only monument in Washington is a small plaque in statuary hall in the Capitol. I would argue that Adams' best monument in DC is the one he would be proudest of--the Smithsonian Institution he fought so hard to help establish. I highly recommend this book.

John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, the second President, was one of America's greatest diplomats. He made a name for himself as the country was being formed, especially with his defense of "the rules of law" against the will of the majority. He was one of the last of the old Federalists. He was a foreign minister to Holland, Portugal, and Prussia, and was Secretary of State under Monroe (where he was the main force in establishing the Monroe Doctrine). He became the sixth President in a controversial election that was decided in the House of Representatives.

Parson's short (272 pages) but thorough and well-written biography of Adams is a job well done. She details the accomplishments of his life, but focuses primarily on the man himself. Adams was a stern man (his portrait reminds me of some evil Dickens character, Marley perhaps), and not well-liked by the public. He believed that one should not "run" for a political office, but should just accept it if offered (imagine that today!). He hated Andrew Jackson and slavery, and fought hard against both. This is an excellent book on an interesting man.

After reading this well written biography, I experienced the sorrows, joys, and accomplishments in the life of one of our country's greatest statesmen.

Christians, Jews, and secularists alike have long been puzzled by the story of King Saul from 1 Samuel. He could charitably be described as a conflicted character, rejected before he was even crowned, with a story that makes Macbeth read like a bedtime story, overseen by a contrarian God who seems to delight in meting out punishment. Adam Green, artist and amateur biblical scholar, decided to do more than puzzle over it: here he uses the literature to find out what might have been the truth, and share it with the world.

Green brings a New Historicist critical appraisal to the story of King Saul, in a short, readable work reminiscent of Michel Certeau or Clifford Geertz, only far less boring. Terse and direct, his description of the possible reality of Saul's story is accessible but also dense with information and scholarship. And the supposition he offers us, though far from ironclad, is at least worthy of further scholarly investigation.

In sum, he points out the well-established fact that the oral nature of early scripture demands a choppy, episodic narrative form that gives us broad strokes but awaits being assembled to uncover the reality. The parallelism of the structure gives the false impression that certain things happened which did not, in reality, take place, and the narrative was crafted for a particular purpose with a particular audience. It is necessary to separate that purpose from the fact of the events if we are to learn what actually took place.

In pursuit of that fact, Green devises thirty-three points in which he reconstructs a version of events which, if not actually in opposition to the biblical story, at least represents a very different set of themes. These conclusions are of course conjectural, so there is room for debate, but his narrative is plausible, maybe even persuasive. In places, he uses one conjecture to bolster another, so the conclusions are occasionally wobbly, but that does not exclude them from possibility. And even in these wobbly places, the ideas are engaging and thought-provoking enough to keep us reading.

There is one thesis Green proposes which I can't completely get behind. He baldly states that if David was a power-hungry rebel who installed himself over the legitimate king, the foundations of the Jewish and Christian faiths are jeapordized. But come on, if both faiths can honor Jacob--that swindler, blood-traitor, and fugitive--as their ancestor, then a morally impeachable David can also be absorbed by the parties.

All in all, this work should be of interest to Bible readers, ancient historians, and casual readers alike. Unpretentious in its language, direct in its exposition, and novel in its concepts, this is a book that may stimulate any number of impassioned debates for years to come.

This extremely well written book throws a new and fascinating light on the life and character of Israel's first king and of his complex relationship with David. David is seen in a new and less flattering light than that in which he is painted in traditional Jewish and Christian teaching. The book is very well researched and many of the biblical references,which are so often confused and contradictory begin to make more sense in Adam green's interpretatilon.I highly recommend this book to all who find this period of history as fascinating as I do.

This is a terrific account of a neglected figure in biblical history. Green presents a compelling case for reconciling conflicting accounts of the life and times of King Saul, and his place in ancient history. His arguments are informed and convincing, and presented with a nice dose of wit and charm. The journey with Green is very rewarding indeed.

This is a great book for the professional leader that is looking to understand multiple faceted problems.

This book forms the text for a one week residential training course. The course was a life changing event for me, game me confidence in my abilities and changed my whole attitude to the workplace. Instead of trying to get around conflict in the workplace I now have the tools to tackle it head on. Learn about the skill to critique everything you do in a way that is non-threatening and based on fact and not emotion. Everyone in the workplace should read this book.

Most management texts try to deal with how you as an individual can influence how other people behave so that you come out on top. This book goes under the skin of different personality types to show what it is that motivates them in the way they behave. Instead of showing how to "use" people to get what you want, it shows how to get the best out of everyone, yourself included, to get what is best for the Company / family / business whatever you need to improve. Instead of results driven management being the be-all and end-all it is clear that results are only one side of the equation. To be a good manager you need to bring people along with you, not drive them in front of you. This book forms the text for a management training course that can only be said to be revolutionary. I have three university degrees and I would gladly trade the lot for what I learned in the one week course! Everyone who works for a living should read this book.

Ray Salemi provides concise, step-by-step techniques to assist managers and supervisors deal with the aftermath of running a business or department after a layoff has occured. This book is specific in it's approach to what's helpful and what's not in dealing with issues such as communication, morale, next steps, etc. for the leader responsible for picking up the pieces. A good read, not just for managers and supervisors, but anyone who may be concerned about the effects of layoffs.

Leading After A Layoff is a well-crafted book that will prove particularly useful to company leaders looking to keep their company and staff focused and energized after they have gone through a resizing, rightsizing or even downsizing.

The information is delivered with clarity and from experience. Ray Salemi's background and experiences come through in the book and I suggest this book for anyone anticipating a layoff in their company's future.

Author Ray Salemi's neat little book offers excellent advice on how to get through "the worst of times." Management treads thin ice after layoffs. Everyone is sensitive and even the smallest error in dealing with colleagues can be magnified. When productivity drops, frustration naturally sets in. Salemi points out the most serious land mines managers should avoid. He focuses on the needs of mid-level managers and project team leaders, rather than those higher up the executive food chain. The book's advice, while sometimes basic, will substantially bolster the emotional intelligence quotient of the average manager coping with the awkward post-layoff period. We strongly recommend this book to managers who have avoided the layoff purge and now need to rally the stunned survivors.

This is a great new translation of one of the greatest books of all time. It's my favorite selection from classic literature. Having said that, it's not for everyone. There is a lot of history and painful detail but it remains a wonderful story. I am a fan of the play as well but there is no comparison to the original novel.

Many years ago, while commuting from Scotch Plains to Manhattan and back, I made use of my commute time to read some very big books. Some, like Larry McMurty's LONESOME DOVE, were magisterial in story, setting and character. Some were Dumas' THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (a killer of a tale). And then there was LES MISERABLES.

I was 26 years old and had never read such a sprawling narrative that commanded my attention like a murder mystery. Jean Valjean was Everyman, and so Hugo's heart touched mine. I read his prose like someone starving for inspiration and story, and read both. As I recall, I read the Penguin edition, circa 1984. It was stirring, clear, compelling.The dialogue doetailed beautifully between the French idiom and American English.

I never saw the musical of the same name, but respect those who did.

Then Julie Rose's version was published, and after reading snippets of some pivotal chapters, I had to purchase a copy, and I'm thrilled I did. Rose's translation is more arresting than the version I read so many years ago, than those I've examined since. Some translators don't "get" idiomatic phrases in a source language, and so much of what we say to one another is idiomatic, and cannot be translated literally.

Rose understands both the idiom and the importance of immediacy in THE Romantic novel of the modern Western canon. Jean Valjean's story is one of fateful coincidence, loss, fear, grief and redemption. Hugo's sub-plots are extensive and yet, unlike the Russian masters, he weaves these into the central narrative seamlessly.

If you love political suspense, mystery, romance, and an author's sheer ability to tell a very long story and give it wings, please purchase this version. Rose will not disappoint you, and at roughly one-third off retail,the posted price barely buys two movie tickets.

Reading LES MISERABLES is one of the only experiences that made New Jersey Transit tolerable in those days. And on those late nights when the loneliness of the Port Authority became overwhelming, Hugo's masterpiece took me to another place.

I cannot write about this book with critical authority, only to say I loved it. I cannot recommend this translation on the basis of scholarly training, because I never received in in this field.

But I know what I like, and Rose's translation is a smash.

As for the size of the book, buy an extra pillow and settle back. You won't regret it.

Can I review this edition of Hugo's masterpiece without having read other editions?

I can't speak to the ability of the translator but several awards have established her credentials.

What I do know is that this book is one of the wonders of the world. It is big enough to live in for months and comfortable enough that I have no desire to move on to something else.

I am desperately concerned for the characters. Sometimes I have to stop reading because I am so afraid of what will happen next.

But after each particularly grueling episode in this book, we are allowed to rest in one of Hugo's grand digressions. Pace previous translators who have cut out the "unnecessary" bits of this book, I want to read and enjoy every word that Hugo wrote. The digressions are history lessons, social commentaries that could stand alone.

I am glad I saved this magnificent novel for my golden years.

I have read quite a lot on the Civil War and the events leading up to it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in the period. It is a a history of the Northern polical crisis from the time of the election in 1860 to the firing on Sumter. It is completely from the Northern perspective, the South perspective is completely ignored (it was about 4/5 through the book before the election of J. Davis is mentioned). With that in mind, the story that comes to life in this book is fascinating. This is a period that tends to be glossed over by most histories. The author does a phenominal job at putting the reader in the mindset of the times as the crisis evolved. I learned quite a few new things and enjoyed it.

McClintock's first historical non-fiction fully engages the reader in the politics and personalities that defined the most important four months in the history of the United States, the months between Lincoln's election and the firing on Fort Sumter. Although clear that the ultimate decision for the war lied with Lincoln, McClintock provides insight into the significance of other key players, from Democratic leader Stephen Douglas to Republican party leader William Seward. However, more than just a politcal history, letters and quotes from common townspeople provide a complete view of the perceptions of the time. As an avid reader of history, I can safely say that this work combines the detail of Shelby Foote with the adventure of David McCullough. Bravo McClintock!

The normal historical point of view for November 1860 to April 1861 is Southern. Lincoln and the efforts to find a comprise are noted but the main story is what the South is doing. This book changes that by concentrating on Northern politics and reactions. Secession and all the maneuvering for and against it, take place off stage. Except for South Carolina, leaving the Union was a wrenching process. Many Southern states resisted secession until the very end. Kentucky was not able to make a choice and Maryland may not have been able to choose. Their stories are the subject of most histories about this period.
What about the North? How did the political, personal and public opinion shape a response to the crisis? This book tells that story and what a story it is. The Democrats, badly damaged by the events 1860, try to blame everything on the Republicans. While they work to construct a comprise to save the Union one more time. The Republicans are not united nor are they sure how to proceed. A substantial part of the party sides with the Democrats in trying to find a comprise. Another large faction is ready to allow the South to leave the Union. Large numbers feel that secession is wrong but that the Federal government lacks the authority to force states back into the Union. Many question if it is desirable to use force to maintain the Union and if doing so would not destroy the Union. Added is the plea of Southern Unionists for something to stop secession.
Lincoln, Douglas, Seward stride across these pages. Each man with multiple agendas that create and destroy alliances. Each man trying to lead his political party, maintain the Union and do what he feels is best for the nation. Shifting priorities, new developments, regional pride and abrupt changes of position make this a rollercoaster ride even if we know the story.
Russell McClintock is an excellent author. He tells this story in a straightforward manner with minimum back tracking. This allows each event to be placed in the proper perspective of the time and almost makes the reader forget we know the story. While moving from Washington to Springfield to New York, we never lose the story line nor the reason for the trip.
The decisions made during this time were difficult ones. The issues were complex and the correct response unclear. This book captures that and explains it to the reader in an informative and enjoyable way.

A very inspiring book with true and powerful stories showing what God's love can do. A book that I couldn't put down once I started reading. This book tells how a group of people with God's love help meet the needs of thos less fortunate and they did it with love. This world would be a better place to live if everyone would follow Living the Love Chapter. A great book.

Obnoxious cashiers. Unrelenting telemarketers. Angry drivers. Rude people. Everywhere we go, someone is mistreating someone else. The headlines and the evening news are filled with accounts of man's inhumanity to man. Instances of kindness and compassion are not as readily evident. BUT, they do exist, and bringing some of those accounts to the forefront is what Michelle Adams has done in her book Living the Love Chapter.

Living the Love Chapter is about doing just that: Living life in a way that benefits those whose paths cross ours. In 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13, commonly called "the love chapter," the Apostle Paul gives a powerful description of what love is and is not, what love does and does not. Using this text as an outline, Adams has collected 15 powerful stories, each one exemplifying one of the characteristics of real love. With an account of the efforts of a group of people to meet the needs of the less fortunate, Adams illustrates "love is kind." With a poignant story of a wife's trust in God to bring her husband home safely from a war zone, she illustrates, "love always trusts." Fifteen stories. All true. All real examples of real love. All worth reading. All worth emulating. All inspiring us to begin Living the Love Chapter.

This book does a wonderful job at touching on the many different levels of love -- the love you have for your mate, the love you have for your children, the love you have for your parents, the love you have for humanity, and the love you have for God. It reveals love in its purest form.

My Sunday School class was doing a study on "Dealing with Adversity through Love" (focal passage: I Cor 13) when I stumbled across this book, and it fit in perfectly. I took it in and gave my whole lesson from it! By the end of the lesson, I was taking orders from people in the class who wanted the book, so I had to buy a bunch of copies for the class!

I highly recommend this book for anyone, at any stage of love. A must for those contemplating marriage!