Bennett Books

I loved this book...was given the first 4 books in the series. I wasnt sure I would like them. Once I started though I couldnt put them down. Dont start these books if you want to get anything done because you will make any excuse to sit and read! Just finished book #6 and I feel lost....I miss Jamie and Claire. Cant wait till book 7 comes out! Can anyone recommend something good like these books till # 7 comes out?

This is the first book in a 6 part series. I was a little leary of it when recommended by my sister. A woman falling through a rock and landing 200 years in the past? I mean, come on!! But to my surprise it was really good. There is a lot of action and I became very attached to the characters. At the end of the book, I couldn't wait to get onto the next to see where the story would go. I'm currently on the 3rd "Voyager" and still loving it. I even ordered the rest of the series so I won't have to wait for the next one.

I've not read a book with an ending so satisfying and complete, yet incomplete at the same time. When I finished Outlander I immediately started Dragonfly in Amber. And I am very glad I did. I don't know that I'll be able to do all six books, but I may give it shot.

Life will have to go on without Jamie and Clair at some point though. They are by far the most endearing couple I've ever had the pleasure of discovering. I will miss them very much.

My best friend recommended this book, she handed it to me and said "Jamie" and that was all she said. When I tried to get her to tell me more, that is all she would say. But now that I have read the book, I loved it!! Loved it!! Read it and you will find that you love Jamie too!!

These novels are addictive. I have read this whole series several times, and eagerly await the release of the next every time I finish the last!

The story is well described in the other reviews, especially in the first one above from the professional reviewer, but I do find it necessary to point out a few observations:

First: George Orwell is a literary genius. There's a reason why he graces the cover of the book: Don't Weep for Me, America: How Democracy in America Became the Prince (While We Slept). If you liked "Animal Farm", "1984" is going to knock you into another thought paradigm.

Secondly, and more important: Whether you read about "Animal Farm" from the professional reviewers, Cliff Notes, or in the introduction to the book itself, there is one self-imposed "limitation" that stays consistent throughout, and that is the sovereign state Orwell has in mind when he wrote "Animal Farm" (or "1984" for that matter)is the Soviet Union. While this may be true, the bigger and more relevant point is getting missed. This bigger and more relevant point is that for ANY sovereign nation, when there is a change of power in its governance (for its betterment), it is ALWAYS the case, I repeat, it is ALWAYS the case that the new governance will gradually become the same as the one it replaced. Look no further than the United States of America. The 1776 rebels overthrew the British tyrant, King George III, mostly due to oppressive business practices, taxes and lack of representation. And look where we are today, in 2008! Corporations rule. Taxes, which we already fought one war over, are exorbitant, and Congress is simply a millionaires club representing the wealthy.

How do we know that George Orwell saw this happening? Because he worked in the BBC and the BBC was spewing the SAME propaganda that the Soviet Union was using. How do we know this? Because writer Martin Esslin worked at the BBC at the same time as Orwell and he wrote that this was the case! For further reference, see my review of the book: U.S. Television News and Cold War Propaganda, 1947-1960 (Cambridge Studies in the History of Mass Communication).

So the point, as is the point with ALL my reviews is this: Become a CRITICAL THINKER!

The book was in great condition and was promptly delivered. I highly recommend using you guys again.

George Orwell's classic novel, Animal Farm, is basically a book that shows the reader all of the problems with communism. Animal Farm first addresses the problem of how tempting communism sounds to the uninformed, and in some cases uneducated, ear. Doesn't it sound nice that everyone pulls their own weight and everyone reaps the benefits? It did to the animals of Manor Farm. At first it was great without those pesky humans around; the animals ate all of the food and got to keep their children. However, it quickly became very obvious that this system wasn't working. The pigs, the smartest of all the farm animals, began to take over led by Napoleon and Snowball. Soon after the establishment of Animal Farm (formerly known as Manor Farm) seven commandments were set forth such as "no animal shall sleep in a bed", "no animal shall kill any other animal", "all animals are equal", etc. After Napoleon ran Snowball off the farm with vicious dogs, Napoleon claimed full leadership of the farm and its animals. One by one, Napoleon modified each of the seven commandments to fit his liking such as "no animal shall drink alcohol to excess." In the end of the book it is impossible for Clover, a horse of Manor Farm (formerly known as Animal Farm and more formerly known as Manor Farm), to tell the difference between the pigs and humans while they are playing a card game.
I would recommend this book to the reader that loves irony. Throughout the story I kept wondering who was going to be the first animal to figure out that in order get rid a tyrant (Mr. Jones the farm owner) they acquired another ("Comrade" Napoleon). Alas I was relieved when a horse realized that Napoleon was changing the commandments for his own benefit. However, when the horse kept this knowledge to himself I was angry at him. I asked myself, "Why wouldn't he show the animals who Napoleon really is?" I never figured it out but for the reader who loves character analysis, this is the book for you! However, this book isn't written for the people who want everything spoon-fed to them. But for the reader that feels the need to read between the lines Animal Farm is full of mysteries for you to figure out.

Deemed a classic by modern day scholars, George Orwell's Animal Farm is a must read. It is a humorous yet realistic satire on Soviet Russia. Although never specifically named as the target of Orwell's story, much controversy has come about from Animal Farm's similarities to the Russian Revolution. Telling the story of animals who are tired of suffering under the oppression of humans, it brilliantly illuminates the struggle of the common man against tyranny. Old Major, a prize winning boar who has the revolutionary spirit of Karl Marx, tells the animals of a dream he has had of a utopian farm where animals have the power. After winning over the emotions of most of the farm animals, Old Major dies and the pigs (Napoleon and Snowball) take over the revolution. Napoleon forces his way into unquestioned power using underhanded tactics and clever slogans like "Napoleon is always right" and "Four legs good, two legs bad." Addressing his fellow animals as "comrades" Napoleon is reminiscent of Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin, covering up the corruption of the farm by saying it's all "for the good of the animals." As conditions worsen and support for the revolution dwindles, the power is questioned and the animals wonder what happened to their dream of equality.
The allusions pour out of this seemingly elementary story, every action was masterfully planned by Orwell to emulate history. For readers who enjoy history and contextual significance, Animal Farm is perfect. Even readers with no knowledge of the political importance behind this book would still find delight in this whimsical story of animals that kick the humans off their farm and try to set up their own government. It is an extremely simple concept, yet is speaks volumes about revolution gone wrong. George Orwell's progressive eccentricity mixed with his classy criticism makes Animal Farm perfectly poignant. This reader would recommend it to all ages!

Animal Farm begins as a tale of triumph over the human race for animals. Yet as it continues you realize the humans never really left. The pigs take over and become the one thing they swore they hated. The worst part is the other animals don't do anything about it and suffer, and whether they do in the future or not we never find out. If happy endings are your thing, forget about this book, because it only represents the cruelest and hardest parts of life, from where there is no rescue. It is disappointing in happiness, yet you cant leave the book unsatisfied, for it does contain a powerful message,we all need to learn whether we like to hear it or not. Life is not all sugar and gumdrops, it also contains Brussels sprouts and tripe, and some people only get the sprouts and tripe, when most of us have the sugar and gumdrops. Orwell is an amazing author and the book is amazing, but for a mature audience( such as myself).

Delightful, poignant tale of everyday life through the eyes of a tender and fun youg girl who has a constant companion, her dog.

Sometimes, you may feel sad and lonely, and you need a friend. A book that makes you feel so comfy is what you need. Kate DiCamillo puts her focus on a girl named Opal who needs a friend. Then she gets to explore the world of friendship through a dog named Winn-Dixie. Opal talks to Winn-Dixie and Winn-Dixie listens to Opal. You'll be safe on the journey with Kate DiCamillo. After you read this book, you'll be searching or begging for a dog. No matter what you age is, this book will touch your heart.

Our review is for the book Because of Winn-Dixie. It was it was written by Kate Dicamillo. The genre of the book is Realistic Fiction.
Opal went to the Winn-Dixie shop. When she was there, she saw a dog that trashed the place. Opal claimed that it was her dog and she named it Winn -Dixie. She lived in Naomi Florida. Opal's Mom disappeared and Opal and Winn-Dixie can't find her. Will Opal find her Mom? Read to find out.
The author's message is It's okay to make friends even if you are scared of them. Also never give up no matter what. It is on our class's top 10 list because it's exciting. Also because it is full of emotion.

Because of Winn-Dixie is about a girl named Opal, her full name is India Opal. Her dad is the preacher.Opal finds a dog and names him Winn-Dixie.
Winn-Dixie has pyschological fear of thunder stoms.Winn-Dixie hated being alone. My favorite characters are Winn-Dixie and Opal. Opal got a job at Gertrude's pets. I would recomend this book for other 5th graders,because it is a good book. Close to the end, a storm starts and Winn-Dixie runs away.But they find him under Gloria Dump's chair.

Patrick Erker

Title: Because of Winn-Dixie
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Date: 2000
Reading Level: 3.9 (Accelerated Reader)
Number of Pages: 182
Genre: Fiction

Synopsis of plot:

Because of Winn-Dixie is a story about a frustrated young girl, India Opal, who, through a process of reflection and the help of her friends, comes to appreciate her father's unorthodox love and devotion, and in the process, overcome the adversity associated with her mother's absence.
Towards the beginning of the story, our main character is found in a grocery store shopping. She witnesses a crazy scene: a dog is running wild, knocking over food carts and causing a tremendous ruckus. When no one claims ownership of the mischievous dog, India Opal makes an impulsive decision to take responsibility for the dog's actions. Although she is berated by the store owner for this, ultimately she is content with having the dog, which she brings home in hopes of keeping it. Her father, an emotionally detached preacher, allows the dog to stay. It turns out to be one of the best decisions the preacher ever made.
Winn-Dixie becomes India Opal's best friend, going with her everywhere (even into Church!), and listening to her when she is having problems. Winn-Dixie even goes with India Opal into a pet shop, where they befriend an ex-convict, who is transformed from a reclusive musician into a more confident man by the dog and its owner.
Winn-Dixie observes India Opal's other relationships, with classmates and their siblings, always factoring into the relationship dynamic. At the end of the story, India Opal hosts a party with an adult friend of hers, where all of the main characters, including two boys who have treated India Opal poorly, join in the fun, despite the rainy weather. Thunder scares Winn-Dixie under a couch, and he is given up for lost or worse by his owner, resulting in a fit of sobbing. Discovering the hidden dog is the story's most happy moment, and it is around here that India Opal finally refers to "the preacher" with the more affectionate "father."

Negative aspects of the book:

No book is perfect, and Because of Winn-Dixie is no exception. One potential weakness is the book's melancholy tone. While things finish well, this is no fairy tale. The main character has to deal with an absent mother, a detached father, and schoolmates with whom she has trouble relating. In some ways, however, the sad nature of the book gives many opportunities for lessons to be learned.
Because of the book's focus on relationships, occasionally the book lacks action. Students who require constant adventure and action will sometimes be left disappointed. However, the author does pepper in exciting moments, such as the thunderstorm at the end. Additionally, each chapter ends with a cliff-hanger, leaving students hungry for more.

Personal appraisal of the book:

This is a book that I would highly recommend to middle school students. It is one chock-full of life lessons, and will teach students many important ideas that they can use for the rest of their lives. It would be especially relevant for students who have lost someone close to them, like a mother or father. The book shows that a tragic loss must not be someone's undoing. India Opal, though she struggled, ultimately came to appreciate her father's own frustrations. In the end, Winn-Dixie did not save India Opal, but merely provided a canvass on which to paint her memories, dreams, and dreads.
I read this book aloud to my classroom of 30 fifth graders. I am happy to say that they were captivated all the way through, and grew very angry when I decided that I could only read them one chapter. They always wanted more.

One of the best books I have read (listened to) in a long time. I read Bridge Jones' diary several years back and really enjoyed it, but this was even more fun than I remember.

I listened on audio and Barbara Roseblat does and amazing job bringing Bridget to live. Adored her at it.

It's got a nice mix of everything romance, career, friends and tons of humor. At the very end I found myself laughing histerically listening to what she wrote in her Christmas cards after having a few drinks. It's absolutely hillarious.

I will definetly give this one a listen to again. Probably on my top 10 list. Only down side and is I got out of library and would like my own copy. V. difficult to find. An absolute treasure that I hope to find. (Unabridged with Barbara Rosenblat)

Adore this book. Read it every year. It has gotten me through break ups, break downs, and life in general. Thank you Bridget.

Bridget Jones is a very memorable and enjoyable character. You never know what kind of antics are up her sleeve. It's alot of fun and will keep you smiling! It's pretty close to the movie but of course things are a little different and closer to the book version.

I read both this book and the first before I watched either movie. Both were great movies; even better books! It's the same old thing, the book is always much better than the movie. More of the plot reaches your eyes and is left to great imagination. I loved these books so much!! I'm so ready for more of Helen Fielding's books!

Bridget seems not to have grown since the first book and, frankly, sometimes seems very childish. The author relies heavily on characters failing to communicate their feelings in order to allow everything to fall apart and still be salvagable in the end. A common literary technique and nothing to be ashamed of, but nothing here really to be proud of either.

I enjoyed the reading, but I wouldn't read a second time.

This movie is the best Alice in Wonderland ever made it is for children as well as adults.

my kids watched this over and over on vhs, I just had to get the dvd, lots of famous movie stars acting silly.

I remembered waiting to see this on T.v. when it came out. I always wanted to see it again, so was so excited when I found it on DVD. It was as great as I remember. So many outstanding actors and some surprises. The songs are captivating and the costumes outstanding. It is a for T.V. program, in the 80's, and it looks that way. Still it doesn't take away from the quality and enjoyment of the program. It's dramatic and asks one to buyin to that type of show. All the kids I've shown this to, love it. Classic!

This is a wonderful version of Alice in Wonderland! I watched it when it was on tv, and am so happy to finally have it on DVD!! It has so many stars, and you don't even notice how long it is!! It is so great to finally be able to share this movie with my kids, which they enjoyed! I love this movie, and recommend it to all!!

I watched this movie so many times when I was a kid that we had to re-tape it because the tape got worn out. The DVD version seems to have been redone, so the picture quality is great!

After reading the first five Voyager series books, I was thrilled with this book. It tied up so many loose ends from the other books and gave an even more intimate look at the characters. This is one of the better books in an excellent series of books. Diana Gabaldon's books are entertaining, engrossing and even educational. I find them hard to put down once I start reading.

Loved this one! I am a big fan of revolution-era fiction, and I just love Claire and Jamie!

I have never before read a series where the author exceeds my expectations. This series owned me from the very first read. I loved the characters, her writing style has always been great. How she has gone from great to superb is amazing to me, but what a treat for us all. Diana, you truly rule the art of the story with this latest book. Love, love, love your writing!

If you have read all of the other "Outlander" books, and are still compelled to read more of Jamie and Claire, you will not be dissapointed. I think some of the reviews I read were extemely harsh in disfavor of Ms Gabaldon's latest editions, I challenge them to find another author that will go to lengths she does in character developement and still keep the story alive and "in love". I hope this is not the end and she will write of them again! I enjoy the maturing of Jamie and Claire, and think you will too.

Gabaldon paints her books with thick color. Her characters are so well-developed that I feel I know them all very well. A Breath of Snow and Ashes closes some questions left from earlier volumes, and rounds out some character detail. I don't want to give anything away here, but it was a thoroughly satisfying read. Happily, it also leaves an opening for further Jamie/Clair volumes.
After reading this 6th book in the series, I started with Outlander and am re-reading them all. They're giving me as much pleasure the second time around.

Nobody could say the storyline in Much Ado About Nothing is particularly clever. In fact, despite some very witty lyricism you would have to say this is one of Shakespeare's weakest plays. Having said that, this interpretation by Kenneth Branagh makes the most of the material. The comic characters are completely over-the-top (including Michael Keaton of Batman fame, and Ben Elton, creator of the Young Ones) and the more serious ones are given a slightly modern interpretation. The main plot which deals with the importance of virginity in a new bride, has a gently mocking modern treatment. The whole play is, as its name suggests, a storm in a teacup and Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thomson make the most of the sarcastic interplay available to them. Even the charming Denzel Washington manages not to stumble over his lines.

After swearing that they will never marry anyone, let alone each other, two bickering "friends", Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Benedick (Kenneth Branagh), end up falling in love after each is falsely led to believe that the other is in love with them.

Given the fact that neither of his most recent Shakespearean adaptations have received so much as a DVD release out here (Australia), let alone a cinema release, it is hard to imagine that there was once a time when Kenneth Branagh was hailed as being the next Laurence Olivier. However, back in the 1990's, Kenneth Branagh did manage to produce some of the best Shakespearean adaptations ever made, the best of which being the 4-hour "Hamlet" and this version of "Much Ado About Nothing".

"Much Ado About Nothing" is rare among Shakespeare's comedies in that it is actually funny, thus making it one of Shakespeare's most accessible plays, and Kenneth Branagh has a gift for making Shakespeare understandable to anyone, even someone who has never encountered "the Bard" before. Not all of the actors are up to the same standard as Branagh (Kate Beckinsale, in an early film role, is notably wooden), but this is more than made up for by Branagh and Thompson. Branagh and Thompson are both excellent actors in anything in which they appear, but they are at their best when appearing together. When this film was made, they were married to each other and the chemistry between them is something beautiful. I have always considered it to be a great tragedy that their marriage didn't last.

I consider this to be one of my favorite movies. It's a true chamer that proves that a good play of Shakespeare can be set at any time. The charming game of cat-and-mouse with lovers is only part of the wonder when it comes to the talented set of actors, each one perfect for their role. However, the best performances are demonstrated by Branagh and Emma Thomspon, whom we all know can do just about anything. The setting of the little villa is charming, and the classical score suits the story well. Even if you think Shakespeare is boring, you will adore this fun romp.

This movie has everything!! And in the end weather you want to or not , you're smiling!!

Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," adapted for film by Kenneth Branagh, is a myriad of quick wit and cheeky humor. Denzel Washington adeptly plays an upright and stately lord while Keanu Reeves was the reason it couldn't reach five stars. In the very beginning there is a shot in which you see the soldiers (Washington, Reeves, and company) riding to Messina, home of Leonato (Richard Briers). Washington leads, looking elegant and impressive, and to his left, Reeves rides exanimate. They are returning from battle and stop at Messina for rest and entertainment. They quickly become involved in love triangles, treachery, and tongue lashings from Leonato's niece Beatrice (Emma Thompson).

While this film holds true to the english of Shakespeare's writing, it is by no means difficult to understand. It is merely english used in a way we as a society are not used to, but are capable of. The humor is timeless as well since love and conniving, not to mention bickering, are parts of life we all laugh about when looking back at it.

I got the whole "Lord of the Rings" trilogy for my husband woh loved the movies. He has truly enjoyed listening to the audiobooks and so have I. The reader is excellent and provide different voices for each character. I would compare the reader to Stephen Fry of the UK version for the Harry Potter audiobooks. These books were definatly worth the money.

The third book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy (which was never meant by Tolkien to be a trilogy, but three separate books seem a lot more manageable than one 1008-page volume). I liked this one better than the second book, but not as much as the first. I thought that, like in the second book, the way Tolkien divided the narrative was weird. Rather than switching back and forth between two simultaneous stories, he tells all of one, then all of the other. Still, that's a little nit-pick for an epic of this magnitude. I'm not sure if The Lord of the Rings as a whole would make my personal top 10 list, but it definitely deserves a spot among the greatest novels ever written, if not for the writing then for the sheer imagination and ambition of the project. I've never read a book that so convincingly creates an entire world. It's no wonder this is considered to be the definitive fantasy. There were times when I wanted to live in Middle Earth and other times when I set the book down and felt like I had been in Middle Earth for a while. An incredible escape, and well worth the time it takes to read it.

I won't go into what Lord of the Rings is all about. If you're looking at this book you probably already know. Instead I'll tell you about the version you are looking at. This publication has a wonderful, classic feel to it. Map in the back which provides detail of Rohan and Gondor. The cover slip is great. Wonderful artwork. I purchased this version because it doesn't have the movie art work all over it. Remember, it was a book before a movie. If you're going to read the book, leave the movie behind. The Return of the King also has the Appendices and has a quality hard binding. I would recommend this version (any of three books) to anyone who wants the real Lord of the Rings experience.

I listen to a lot of books on tape. Every once in a while I come across a narrator who is perfectly suited to the work. I don't mean a narrarator who has a good voice, I mean a narrator whose voice brings the story alive. Rob Inglis is such a narrator in all three books in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Each character is clearly identifiable by his uncanny ability produce dozens of distinct voices. I've listened to other audio versions of Tolkien's works. Those narrarated by Rob Inglis are the only ones that I've found worth the purchase.

While Tolkien's epic has its obvious flaws : the blatant racism,
simplistic politics and superiority of Westerners he beats you over the
head with, the wonderful setting is not to be denied.

Pitched battle as decoy is not too bad a stunt either, as they try and given Sam and Frodo more time to destroy the One Ring.

After this, the repercussions of this war for Middle-Earth are felt closer to home for the four fuzzy short guys.

Third in the series and just as riviting. I read this one cover to cover, almost non-stop, save for eating and some sleep! I just love this series.

This book is part of a series, and although I haven't actually gotten to it I can be absolutely sure it is going to be exciting. One thing to remember however, is that every one of these books begins slowly, and until you get into the first 2-3 chapters it's slow going. But do keep reading!

The history of Scotland, France, etc., that Ms. Gabaldon attaches to these stories is historically accurate, too.

Awesome books by a great writer.

Cheated of the whole story, this is a version you do not want to own or listen to. After listening to the first two books in the unabridged version - narrated by a different person, this rapidly read, less than excellent version will leave you wishing you hadn't ruined the book in this way. Diana Gabaldon is an excellent author, that can tell a historical tale that has you gasping and looking for the next installment. This ABRIDGED version leaves too much of the story out and is read at a frantic pace, with little emotion. Don't waste your time or your money on this one.

Okay, I'm going to keep this review brief.
This is after all the third book in this series and chances are if you've read the other two you'll probably read this one as well...

I am so happy to have found this series, I love it. I think it's great fun...well that is if you like to be kept hanging on the edge of your seat. I love the characters and the history and the storytelling is great!

Last night I was getting to the end of the book and feeling disappointed that it would be over until I remembered that there are three more books in the series! and more on the way!

While working at a bookstore, I decided that I needed to read one sci-fi and one romance novel just to get a feel for the genre. I selected Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" for the romance novel, and was absolutely captivated by her story and style. I devoured the first three books in less than six weeks--an amazing feat for me as a slow reader with sight impairments--and have started at least 200 people on these books since then. I've had exactly 2 negative reactions.

Voyager, as I said above, is my favorite of all the books so far. In the last 300 pages or so, Gabaldon's plot moves at breathtaking speed, tying up many ends. The conclusion is stunning. In a year when real time/distance travel is curtailed by high gasoline prices, the "Outlander" series--and "Voyager" in particular--is a mental escape of the first order. If you need some place to go on your "staycation," I would strongly suggest Scotland in the mid-1700's, and a visit with Jamie and Clare Fraser. You won't be disappointed.

I couldn't imagine our children's bookshelf without The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, The Lorax and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

This is, of course, the classic beginning reader by Dr. Seuss.

What can I say about it that has not already been said? Honestly, I can't think of a thing. Just that it is a classic, and has taught many children how to read, and is a fun read-aloud to younger kids as well.

The Cat in the Hat
By Dr. Seuss

The Cat In the Hat was my first book. I remember reading it to my mom in the kitchen while she cooked dinner.

Your children's book collection would not be complete without a copy of The Cat In A Hat.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood, author
Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)

In my opinion, this is, besides being the most well-known concept of Dr. Seuss, one of the best things he has written save "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Tis the season of Seuss right now, and as I read this book to my class I was once again enchanted by the sheer awesomeness of this story. The writing has an awesome beat and flow and the pictures are hilarious! Who can not love the banter between Cat and Fish with their surprisingly detailed personalities? Great book for a rainy day.

This is the first book i read to my son that he didn't cry to and listened to the end at only 6 weeks! I'm sure it was just that he was in a good mood though!