Berg Books

We enjoyed this short, informative book on the early 19th century!
Fun facts and stories for the children ages 8-13!

While the 1984 has come and gone, George Orwell's masterpiece of the same title is still a classic.
In this dark alternate reality, oppressive super-governments control the world. Eurasia consists of mainland Europe and Russia. Eastasia is made up of china and southeastern Asian states. Finally, Oceania consists of the Americas, Australia, Southern Africa, and the British Isles. These governments are almost identical in their policies and philosophies, but are constantly shifting alliances and enemies with one another. Although it is available, there's never enough food or good housing for the average citizen. Socialist oligarchies control every aspect of life, and are coming closer to complete control of thought by the day.
What really makes this book shine is Orwell's brilliant language and description of this dark future. This society, its way of life, governments, and ideals, seem completely thought-out and (dis)functional. It is almost as if Orwell had visited and lived in this alternate-reality 1984 himself. In Oceania, a revised form of English called Newspeak is slowly being implemented. Newspeak is designed so that free thought and speech against the government is literally impossible, because the necessary words have either been removed or had their meaning revised. Orwell gives this fictional language as much function and form as the real English language, and introduces new words like "doubleplusungood", "thoughtcrime", and "doublethink". Governments are constantly revising what is said in the media, so there is no true record of the past. Citizens can only go by the past that has been told to them by the Party. Any conflicting knowledge would be a mere doubtful memory that for sure must have been just their imagination. Every word you say, anything you do, and possibly anything you think, the Party knows about. This constant surveillance and lack of anything that can be proven true keeps the people constantly under the government's thumb, and in the Orwellian language, does an excellent job of conveying to the reader the constant sense of fear and doubt that surrounds this world.
The book itself, set in London, Airstrip One (England), which is part of Oceania, follows the life of Winston Smith. Smith, a 39 year old, is the equivalent of an "average Joe." Oceania's government has 4 ministries: The Ministry of Peace (concerned with war), the Ministry of Plenty (which insures that there's neverenough to go around), the Ministry of Love (Which is in charge of punishment and torture), and the Ministry of Truth (focused on government propaganda and revising any media that could put the government in a bad light). Smith works at the Ministry of Truth. He had never held too much doubt of the Party. He lived his life and did his job without thinking too hard about anything, until he met a young woman named Julia. When he first sees her, Julia appears to Winston as a mindless party drone, spewing out slogans and loving all the rallies, parades, public executions, and other activities that the party holds. In truth, Julia had just found a smarter way to rebel. From her, and their findings, Winston discovers that the inner Party doesn't always practice what they preach, that there are those who haven't become the government's mental slaves yet, and finds out if Big Brother really is always watching you.

1984 / 0-679-41739-7

Painful, frightening, horrific. What do you do in a world where your every movement, every gesture is watched carefully by the government? How do you live in a world where even the slightest departure from complete conformity will result in torture, dismemberment, death? What hope can you have in a world where there is no escape - there is no free travel, and nowhere to flee to since all governments are the same? You cannot even take the step of ending your own life, as the government which cannot supply the country with enough food, shoes, or clothes also fails to supply its citizenry with razor blades.

1984 paints a picture bleak and terrifying, of a government that terrorizes its populace into quiescence, and of a populace that is too fearful, too hungry, and too uneducated to attempt the mass uprising that might save them. In a world where children are taught to spy on their parents and turn them into the police for the most minor (or imagined) of crimes, there can be no love, no one worth fighting for or protecting. How does it all end? Orwell doesn't believe that it can end - 1984 is a reminder for eternal vigilance against an impossible enemy: ourselves.

1984 has come and gone but this still is one of the most important books you could read about why it's important to protect our Freedom. Orwell wrote it to condemn Stalin and the Bolshevists but power for the sake of Power happens everywhere the government gets too strong and controls your life. Keep this in mind this coming November. Especially if your going to vote for a long lanky mackdaddy Chicago politician.

George Orwell, in his book "1984", writes of a future dystopian society where the governments of a few nations maintain control of the world by keeping their inhabitants in submission and fear.

Like in his earlier work "Animal Farm", Orwell is making a pointed attack against the Soviet Union and communism. However, Orwell's work is more importantly a powerful depiction of the power and danger of an unchecked government. He grimly depicts the psychological, economic, technological, and other weapons a government has at its disposal against its people.

I recommend this book highly to everyone; I would even say that it is a must read. The writing is not difficult to understand, however, the political concepts are better appreciated with first hand experience and interaction with government and its potential for power abuse. I first read "1984" as a sophomore in high school and did not fully comprehend the books meaning. The book is even more valuable as a comparison to modern day political events.

First off, this book is incredible. At 13 years old, I didn't understand every aspect of it, but in a whole, everything made perfect, clear sense.
I'm very interested in socialist governments(no, I don't like communist views; I'm a die-hard patriot at 13!), and I consider myself well-informed on up-to-date politics and such. And so, upon reading this book which was recommended to me by one of my teachers, I was horrified at the resemblances that Oceania and the direction our government is headed shared. The foresight of Orwell was shocking, and he kept the book very interesting.
But a good portion of the middle was....awkward. Like, mature-content awkward (most teachers gave me girl-are-you-crazy? looks when they saw I was reading it. Later, I realized why). I almost didn't finish the book, but knowing its importance to my knowledge, I finished it. I definitely do not recommend it to anyone my age....-shudders-
But its imperative that we as Americans read it. Remembering the mistakes of the past (and, in this case, the future) is imperative to keeping our nation a democracy. If we heed most of Orwell's warnings, we will be better equipped to save the future, and in doing so saving the past.

This was a very quick, however, moving read from Elizabeth Berg. While I have been fortunate enough to not have experienced a death of a loved one from cancer, I feel that Berg did a wonderful job of portraying a very deep and meaningful friendship between Ann and Ruth. Berg truly has a gift for tapping into human emotions, and her eye for detail is amazing. My one gripe was the very stereotypical character of L.D., a sarcastic, rough lesbian with unshaved legs. It's a character that has been written so many times over, and Berg's imagination seems to have been lacking in that respect. However, I'd definitely recommend this as a heartfelt novel.

Anyone who's ever loved someone with breast cancer should read this book. It's a novel about friendship, foremost, and what makes life so important to be shared with friends and family. I couldn't put this book down, and it moved me in a profound way. I sobbed for awhile after I was done, but I loved this story. This is the book that had me searching for more family/friendship dynamic stories by Ms. Berg.

I really, really loved this book. And I read ALOT of books. My sister gave it to me after she read it. She had pre-menopausal breast cancer, was cured - and 15 yrs. later developed bone cancer. It's in remission... and we're able to talk about death - and life - and this book reminds me again that we all need to ENJOY life. We're ALL dying. Sometimes it takes being given that "death sentence" to really do what you want, to be yourself, to live each day like we all should be doing - but usually dont. Its a book about female friendship, love in marriage, and different types of women.

To reviewers who said the characters didnt develop - the book was not that long; but i thought they were developed well, and if you know women you can imagine them and know how they are. To the reviewers who said they ate too much junk food!? She was dying. There was no cure. Dont feed me bean sprouts when i KNOW im going within months! (Also, this was a fictional story.)

I read the book in a day and a half. I would recommend it to women for sure. I dont have alot of female friends, but i still loved reading about the friendships and relationships. Enjoy!

It requires a unique respect for love and friendship to wholly relate with the characters in this novel. I have experienced an unprecedented friendship myself with one woman since my youth, and reading this book reinforced my feelings on the salvation of female bonds. The truth is, the book was not at all sappy, but depicted the reality in some life situations: divorce, discontent with male counterparts, humdrum of every day common life; Ann, the protagonist of the novel, could only escape these facets after she met her best friend Ruth, and remained at her side during Ruth's last breathing moments as memories with Ruth danced in her head. They were the sisters each never had, and we all know a sisterly bond is paramount to all. The truth is, men will never be able to relate to a book such as this, in which women place their true friends in front of their husbands and children during moments of desperation to identify themselves. Men could never share this connection depicted in the novel with women or with men due to social mores, and therefore I pity those men who read this book and simply never understand it. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced any sort of strong bond with another woman, or if you have not, then to a woman who has never felt the necessity to share a bond with another woman. You will be convinced otherwise.

Somewhat dragged out, belabored but certainly a good story of loyalty and friendship as well as courage.

Seyonne was once a magician charged with guarding humanity from demonic possession, but now he is slave to Prince Aleksander, the selfish, ill-tempered heir to the throne which murdered Seyonne's people. But when demons attempt to infiltrate the palace, Seyonne discovers that Aleksander is contains the potential to change the world--if he is aided by a guide such as the magician that Seyonne once was. Transformation is delicately plotted and peopled with realistic characters, but it also moves slowly and has some unbelievable twists. This is the sort of book that is good but not quite great. I enjoyed it, but I don't have any desire to read the rest of the series. Moderately recommended.

Transformation has delicate detail which makes for a clever plot and realistic characters, and these aspects are a joy to read. The plot slowly builds and reveals, and its interconnected aspects tie it up in a clever, satisfying whole. The book is rich with prophecy and magic, placing the story on a grand scale which will appeal to many fantasy fans. At its heart, however, this is the story of Aleksander and Seyonne's personal growth--and Berg writes it beautifully. Careful detail and realistic characterization bring the characters to life, and they are some of the best I've ever seen: they have strong personalities but retain realistic complexity, and the slow, thoughtful pace of their growth and change is wholly convincing. Aleksander in particular--a intelligent, valiant leader trapped within a selfish, cruel personality--is wonderfully written. With this intelligent plot and brilliant characterization, Transformation is, on the whole, compelling and enjoyable, and it's careful developments will keep the reader intrigued until the end.

Unfortunately, not all of the book is quite so good: the plot's complexity results in slow pacing, and, despite the careful plot, some aspects and twists are unbelievable. It takes a good 150 pages just to arrive at the book's premise--so while the pace never drags, it's too slow to grab the reader's avid interest. And sometimes, all the slow pacing and careful plotting is for not: some characters and a few plot points, especially in the final third of the book, are just unbelievable. Characters change alliances with unbelievable frequency; demons are evil--no wait, they're chaotic neutral--no wait, they're evil again; finally, the conclusion is an unrealistic landfall of just desserts. These aspects all seem out of place in an otherwise strong book. On their own, each of these little weaknesses is annoying but no big deal; taken together, they're just annoying enough to detract from the overall book by muddying the otherwise careful construction.

Transformation is a thoughtful and intelligent novel, but it has too many weaknesses: it's good, but it never quite manages to be great. I enjoyed it more than I expected (especially since I'm not a fan of trade paperback fantasy novels), and I loved Aleksander and Seyonne's characters and growth, but this book never grabbed me and I have no desire to read the sequels. (Luckily, with a satisfying climax and complete conclusion, the book stands alone.) I recommend it moderately: it's an interesting concept and Berg has great talent for complex plot and realistic characters, but the novel doesn't stand out and it's not particularly memorable.

"Transformation" is one of my favorite books of all time, and has a very fitting title. It describes the transformations of both a haughty Prince of an empire and his slave Seyonne. What I love best about this author is that her novels feel as though she is telling us the character's story, as opposed to some of the authors out there today that feel like glorified typists. Everything about them feels very real and natural, and it is easy to fall into the world she's created.

While there are villains in this story, there are also shades of gray, and human nature is brilliantly depicted. No one is flawless, and sometimes the heroes even make mistakes. Aleksander and Seyonne are both interesting, three-dimensional characters and I felt like I experienced both of their journeys alongside them.

I love the details she uses, including physical racial differences in the people populating the world and the differences in their lands. The system of magic is interesting and well thought out. I liked that the Ezzarians are ruled by a woman, because it is done subtly, instead of some other novels that shove feminist agendas down the reader's throat.

"Transformation" breaks so many molds of fantasy books, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.

The beginning of this book jumps right into the action, and you will find that the book goes by very quickly. It is a very promising start to this trilogy, even after having read Berg's successful series The Bridge of D'Arnath. There are new concepts that are enhanced by detailed characters that really bring this story to life.

Seyonne has been a slave for sixteen years, half his life, since his people were defeated by the Derzhi. He has had several masters, some worse and more brutal than others, but know he has come onto the hands of Crown Prince Aleksander, heir to the Derzhi ruled Empire, an impetuous and powerful warrior. Seyonne is literate, and so is employed directly by Aleksander as his scribe, but this does not excuse him the other menial and burdensome tasks assigned to slaves, nor does it mean he escapes Aleksander's wroth.
Seyonne, an Ezzarian with special magical powers now taken from him by his captors, gets through his hardships by living each moment as it comes, with no thought for either past or future. But when he alone discerns an evil threat in the form of the Kehlids, the nation the Empire is negotiating with for an alliance, he finds himself in a dilemma. Should he warn the Prince, with possible risk to his own life or limb for presumptuously speaking up, or should he keep quiet; even though the consequences of ignoring the threat are far reaching, beyond even the Empire.
Seyonne, despite his degradation, is a bold, courageous and principled man; by contrast Aleksander is a selfish and arrogant warrior. As the plot unfolds an unusual relationship develops between the two men, and Seyonne finds himself playing the key role that will determine the fate of the Empire.
An enthralling tale with a complex plot and interesting, even appealing characters, but perhaps the most captivating aspect of the story is the relationship between the two men, lowly slave and powerful master. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It was a fresh take on fantasy, especially considering the main character was a slave. There wasn't alot of your typical fantasy with magic and battles as well as heroes that never seem to die. The characterizations were done well and the dialogue between the 2 main characters as well as watching their relationship grow really kept my interest.

And then the book changed...

Nearly at the midway point the story kicks into your typical fantasy fare. I won't reveal much, but you get a very predictable plot line that follows along the fantasy guidelines to where you can pretty much predict what is upcoming.

This was disappointing. I really liked the direction the story started and got through that in just a few days, but found it hard to read the 2nd half and to maintain my interest.

Pierre Berg's autobiographical novel is the account of an eighteen year old concentration camp inmate. Pierre was arrested as a political prisoner for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In 1943 he picked the wrong time to visit his friend's house and was detained by the Gestapo. Berg's constant struggles, countless escapes from death, exhaustive labor, near starvation, and his endurance of inhumane conditions keep the reader fearfuly engrossed in his story. I recommend this novel, though graphic at times, as a frank account of a horrible event in Mr. Berg's life.

I've never really read a biography of someone who has been on the inside of a concentration camp.

The book is so graphically detailed, that this is not for the faint of heart.

One of the chilling things about the book is that the author need to relive many of the details of this horror story to provide them to te writer.

Since the author spoke 3 languages and had some tradesman skills, it improved his chances for survival.
Without those skills, I dread to think about how quickly his demise might have happened.

This is a story of true human spirit and survival.

It's absolutely amazing at what this person overcame to simply remain alive.

I recommend the book as a story of human triiumph but intense sadness.

Pierre Berg is a genuine survivor not just from the prison camps in German occupied areas of Europe but in surviving a living death every day. He was not a Jew, but anyone close to Jews by association or being in the wrong place at the wrong time when the Nazi's and their associates saw them, was branded in their minds as the same as Jews. Berg has no idea how he survived the war when most of his friends had not made it. Some made it to prison camps but could not survive the horrible treatment in the camps or, in many cases they were in the "wrong" group and were "selected" by the Nazi's and sent right to the crematorium. Those "selected" were generally older and/or weaker and did not give a strong appearance to the ones directing human traffic when they arrived at the camps on a train or in trucks.

The citizens of France and surrounding nations did all they could to hide or run from the Nazi's but eventually they were tracked down, given work of various nasty jobs, and eventually sent to one of the prison camps where the work got even worse. Their transportation generally was in railroad cattle cars where they were packed in like sardines with no room to lay down or even, in most cases, sit. They had to relieve themselves as they stood so we can imagine the stench of those cars. Also as food and water ran out, some became sick and eventually died or were thrown out of the cars when almost dead.

For anyone today to say the Holocaust did not take place, all they dare need to do is read this book. There are several other books I have read that were written very well but this has by far the best description of what actually occurred to the prisoners of the Nazi's. They were given various colored arm bands telling all whether they were Jews, political prisoners, German prisoners, or one of many other various categories. Sometimes those that were not Jews were given better jobs but in general, the only "better" jobs were given to the prisoners that were selected by the Germans as a leader--at least for a while!

Peter Berg's existence as he was either marched or taken by train or truck through several prison camps is an indescribable personal miracle. Surviving through such miserable conditions of disease, no food or spoiled food, no healthy water, no warm clothes or shoes, sleeping in the same cot as a sick or dead person, and never knowing if you were going to be selected for a beating or a job you couldn't handle kept all of the prisoners on edge. Even the ones that were selected to lead the various groups never knew if they would be dead or alive the next minute.

Peter Berg made some friends as he went along but most disappeared or died before they could know each other well enough to trust. The few that did exist helped each other as far as they were allowed. There were times when some leaders subjected the prisoners to sexual attacks as well as by the Nazi's themselves. Disease ran rampant in all the camps; some sexual diseases had many other normally preventative sicknesses that were not treated.

You will not believe ANY human could endure what went on through the author's eyes but he did survive to write this book years after the war ended and he was freed. He was very reluctant to write this all down but when Brian Brock read the original notes and partial manuscripts, Peter decided he would help the entire world by letting them know what occurred during that terrible period during which he was imprisoned in a "death camp."

In the Preface to his story, Pierre Berg writes, "All I can give you, I hope . . . is an understanding of what it was like to be an able-bodied teenager torn from family, friends, and home, tossed into a Nazi death camp, and nearly reduced to what the Nazis considered all of us who were tattooed, . . . subhuman."

Berg, an eighteen-year-old French Gentile, carries through on his promise, taking the reader through the Grand Guignol Theatre of the Real. He does not philosophize, call on God for help (he is an atheist), or attempt to reason out the reasons for the Holocaust. Rather, he credits his survival to scheisshaus luck--s--thouse in English--and I believe he was right.

Berg's arrest by a suspicious Gestapo officer led to a designation of political prisoner and a trip to Auschwitz III-Monowitz--a labor camp for the gigantic I.G. Farben chemical factories. While Monowitz had no ovens, hundreds of prisoners died from the back breaking work, exposure to the freezing cold and wind, severe malnutrition, disease, bullets to the head, and hanging for minor infractions. The bodies were loaded onto trucks and sent to Auschwitz II-Birkenau's crematoriums, the ashes then used to fertilize the Polish cabbage fields.

Berg made it through an eighteen-month odyssey through hell using his wits, his ability to speak four or five languages, and scheisshaus luck. Two years after his liberation he wrote down all of his experiences while they were still fresh in his mind. In 2001, more than fifty years after the fact, Berg met his co-writer Brian Brock in the Cannon Theatre in Beverly Hills: Berg was an usher, Brock was at the concession stand, and I wonder if it was scheisshaus luck that brought these two employees together. Their goal was to preserve the voice of a young Berg, and I think they were successful.

This Holocaust memoir is an extraordinary account of one man's attempt to survive the most horrible of human atrocities. Pierre Berg's book should be placed beside Elie Wiesel and Anne Frank as another deeply moving historical document on the Holocaust. Berg's story will move you to tears as many of his encounters during his WWII experience are truly unimaginable and written with raw emotion.

Pierre Berg brings to life the fact that various political prisoners were captured and exterminated alongside the Jewish people during WWII. Berg, a French teenager, is forced to clean despicable places during his stays at Auschwitz and Dora. With a true sense of feel Berg manages to place his readers right beside him as he deals with starvation, death, rampant disease and paralyzing fear. We smell his surroundings, ache with his hunger and carry his weight toward freedom. He finds a way to perfectly move in and out of his circumstances with a balance of humor and horror. He writes, "We have never learned from history, so I hate to admit that I'm not optimistic that the genocide and enslavement on the scope orchestrated by the Nazis will never be repeated.......We'll never find Utopia, but that doesn't mean we should stop seeking it. Just maybe, some day, the human race will conquer its learning disability." (Pg 276-277).

It is only through the insight and suffering of the many people like Berg who survived the Holocaust that the rest of us can learn, but once we learn it we can't ignore it. Sadly many atrocities and violations of human rights have occurred during the time between WWII and now, I wonder how many books will have to be written before we change. I would never believe I could survive a "Scheisshaus" but through the uplifting spirit of Berg's words I know I would try, because human beings will always rise. Each book, like Berg's, will help us stand up stronger by confronting the truth with honest eyes.

Easy to read and a very sweet story. I am a busy Mom of 2 little ones and I was able to read this and enjoy it between diapers and bottles and choo-choo's. It is an easy read with a nice story.

Lifeline Online: A Memoir
Joy School

So simply written, yet so full of knowledge. Katie, a young girl wants to grow up, fall in love and be noticed by her peers. She learns and grows the hard way through rejection and trying to be a circle that doesn't quite fit the square. Like most of us at the age of thirteen, she's awkward and full of questions. With each hurt and sorrow, Katie learns life's lessons, the hard way. She learns of herself.

Berg, not only speaks to the young adult in this story, but to the adult. Her philosophy on life is insightful and speaks straight from the heart. The world would be a better place if we all did this. What a wonderful way to pass on what you believe and Berg has done just that.

Katie, a lonely 13-year-old living alone with an emotionally distant father, longs for friendships which just don't seem to be happening. Just having moved from Texas to Missouri, Katie waits for sporadic letters from Cherylanne, her former "best friend" who isn't much of a friend at all; and without any provocation, the twins across the street leave nasty notes in Katie's yard.

Then one fateful winter afternoon, Katie decides to ice skate in a small pond behind a gas station. She falls through the ice, and nearly succumbs to the cold wetness when she is helped by Jimmy, the 23-year-old station manager.

Katie immediately falls in love, although there is over a decade between them, and she knows that Jimmy is married with a young son. All that matters, she decides, is that she loves him and he must love her back in the same way.

As the months progress, Katie continues to visit the gas station. She tells both Cherylanne and her new friends Cynthia and Taylor about him, and it's obvious that Katie truly believes she has a chance at a future with Jimmy. He is, as she dubs it, her "joy school," her opportunity to finally learn to be happy for once.

There comes a time, of course, when Katie is forced to realize what's really happening -- and as painful as it is, she realizes that the experience has caused her to mature, just as all the other people in her life have been slowly changing all the while, without her noticing.

While Katie's story is simple (and, one might say, fairly predictable) it's still poignant and engrossing. Who among us can't relate to being thirteen and feeling the pangs of first love, of being surrounded by others yet lonely? Berg is a talented storyteller.

When one is 13, every feeling and emotion is utterly and deeply heightened. The world becomes wrapped around one person and that person happens to be the 13 year old narrator. In this case, the teenager is Katie, whom falls madly in love with a 23 year old Paul Newman look-a-like, whom happens to be married.

But love is only one segment of the story. Katie moves to a new state and is meeting new friends--one who is strange and awkward--and one who is beautiful and 13 going on 30. Of course, being a girl, one knows three is a bad mix, so Katie juggles between the two.

Berg, once again, creates irresistable characters, such as Nona, the weird old Italian grandma "When you-a-come over again. Bring-a-me-a- some whiskey, no?"

And the priest who listens to Katie's concerns about coming of age. He is absolutely lovely and I want him as my preist, only I'm Baptist! Katie describes him as bent over and old, but seeing everything, looking you in the eye,really listening.

"Joy School" is deliciously delightful. Berg's insights and wisdom is continually right on, witty, and thought provoking. I love this woman. I understand her. She is a true woman's author. "Joy School" and most of her other books make one feel as if they are eating a sweet bowl of chocolate ice cream--savoring the sugar upon their tongues until they turn the last page.

We first met Katie in Durable Goods, now she's back.
It's the late 1950s, and Katie is living with her father and a housekeeper in a small suburban home.

Her teenager neighbors love to tease Katie by leaving her mean notes in the hedges beside her window. The kids at school also tease Katie, and her father is still strict and mean.

One day Katie decides to go iceskating behind the Mobile station. She gets a little to far to the thin ice and falls through. Somehow she managers to pull herself out of the water, and walks freezing cold into the Mobile station where she meets the twenty five year old manager, Jimmy. Katie developes a crush on Jimmy, despite the fact that he is married.

With her new secret crush Katie begins to have more confidence in herself, and begins to stand up to her neighbors, the kids at school, as well as her father.

I honestly think this is a great book. Written in the usual Elizabeth Berg fashion. If you have ever read an Elizabeth Berg book you will know what I mean.

4 1/2 stars, really, but we can't do that. This is the original 1855 version. Whitman added to the collection throughout his life, ending up with an overstuffed and very uneven "deathbed" version, which is better known. There are some good poems in it which aren't in the original, such as When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom'd, but there's a lot of pretty weak stuff, too. The 1855 has a small number of pretty consistently excellent poems which are highly original and loosely but definitely connected. Reading it is a very different experience from wading through the bloated, inconsistent final version - there's something Whitmanesque (i.e., at it's best) about the original collection as a unit. Malcolm Cowley's introduction is also a bit wild and wooly (written in the late 60s or early 70s), but interesting and enlightening.

Choosing the fullest, most complete version of Whitman's text, before the final editing of the deathbed edition, but following the additions made after the Civil War, the Norton Critical is a must have for students of poetry, or literature, and of nature. The wild, ecstatic hunger for the world, the ravishment of the senses, as Norman Mailer put it (though not about Whitman), the mysticism of the flesh, Whitman is, arguably, the most accomplished poet of American letters.

A must read for poets, students, and pagans (Whitman as spirit of the Green Man himself!).

At least as available for the Kindle, this is not the 1855 edition. It seems to be the final edition, which is of course great, but not what I intended to get based on the product description posted. Also, the foreward and afterward mentioned in the description are missing. I don't expect the moon for a low price, but I do expect to get what I pay for.

I bought this and returned it. There must be someone out there with the right voice and reading skills to bring us Whitman's words and rhythms. Ms. Gibson's soprano sing-song doesn't make it.

There seems to be some confusion, both in the editorial reviews and the customer reviews, about what edition is being referred to in this listing. the first editorial review correctly discusses the first edition as shorter and "less bloated" than the deathbed edition. however, the rest of the reviews seem to discuss either edition indiscriminately.

the two are effectively different books. the cover shown is of the first edition including an illuminating essay by malcolm cowley--that's certainly the edition I prefer, and I hope thats what you would get if you ordered this.

Be sure to listen to the reading of this book by Arija Bareikis. She's terrific!

Imagine that you are a thirteen year-old girl whose mother has died, and your authoritarian father (who is in the Army) gets you two jobs for the summer that you don't want. Obviously, you are going to do the jobs . . . but your stomach is churning with dread. What is there to look forward to?

Katie Nash ends up having the summer of her life, learning new meanings to friendship, making new friends, and finding out important lessons about herself and the challenges of being a teenage girl. She brings a caring heart to her life that takes this book from being somewhat of a formula book into one that will bring many smiles.

Although I was never a teenage girl, Ms. Berg's writing took me back to those days and the desire to be an adult . . . while my parents had other ideas.

Part of the book's charm is that Ms. Berg knows how to let her characters grow and change in ways that you usually don't expect.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to re-create 1961 and think about the importance of becoming open to more possibilities.

Following the recent death of her mother, 13-year-old Katie Nash and her family have moved to Missouri, the latest of her father's military postings. It's the summer of 1961, and Katie keeps busy with her two jobs - babysitting the rambunctious Wexler boys and helping care for her elderly disabled neighbor Mrs. Randolph.

Initially Katie is less than thrilled with both prospects. The boys all but tear each other apart each day, and Katie is uncomfortable with the elderly.

But within a short time, Katie begins to enjoy the time she spends in both homes. By being clever, Katie is able to control - and even build a rapport with - the three Wexlers, and it's clear to her that the Randolphs are an extraordinary couple - who just happened to get older.

Katie's summer would be wonderful - except for some shocking news from her best friend back in Texas. All of a sudden, the two-years-older Cherylanne, who always seemed so mature, is seen by Katie as the child she really is.

This final novel in Berg's trilogy about Katie follows the events of just one summer, when she is forced to grow up in ways that readers will be able to identify with themselves...

"True to Form" beautifully illustrates the small challenges and trials of growing up in one of the most realistically stunning novels I've read in a long time.

In this coming of age novel, we are reunited with young Katie Nash, of Berg's previous novels, who is facing some difficult choices apropos for a young girl at the age of 13. While, as many have noted, we're not exactly breaking new ground here, Berg writes beautifully and with such authenticity that it's nearly impossible not to enjoy the ride.

Katie's struggles are relatively minor, but they are vividly drawn portraits of the challenges of a thirteen year-old girl, and watching Katie work through it with the pluck and shortcomings of a precocious young girl is an absolute delight. Unlike other novels that deal with childhood betrayal, Katie's transgressions are fairly simple, and more typical of a girl her age - she backstabs a close friend in the name of being 'cool' - yet it is so wonderfully written that every scene leaps off the page. This is not a book that's high on plot - it's more of a simple, beautiful character study of a young girl coming into her own, warts and all.

I absolutely reveled and delighted in it, and it's short enough to be a quick summer read while frittering away a hot afternoon by the pool.

"True to Form" is actually a sequel to one of Berg's previous books, "Joy School." Once again, the writing and plot seem aimed at a young adult reader. To a mature reader, the book may appear juvenile in content and writing style.

Katie, the main character, has moved to Missouri with her strict army-dad, her new step mom and the two family dogs. She has also found a new best friend in Cynthia. One of the strongest characters in the book is Cynthia's Mom who is just a tad bizarre. Katie wins a radio contest and the prize is a plane trip anywhere she would would like to go. She chooses to visit her former best friend in Fort Hood, Texas, where she once lived. There is a lesson for Katie from this trip - nothing is ever quite the same as it was.

The plot of "True to Form" is not exceptionally exciting, but the well-developed characters are what gives the book warmth, humour and style. "True to Form" is certainly not once of my favourite Berg novels; however, it is an okay read and we have the opportunity to find out how Katie's teen years are progressing.

I have no idea how long this book has been on my bookshelf. I was bored the other night and needed something to read ~~ not too thick of a book and something that I can sink my teeth in. After having read Berg's other books, I thought, oh I can't go wrong with this one! Yep! I didn't go wrong! For such a slim book, it really packed in a story that makes me want more!

Katie Nash is living in St. Louis. She is lonely. She has only one friend, Cynthia. She still keeps in touch with her best friend from Texas, Cherylanne and visited her for a few days after winning a contest on the radio. Katie was planning to have a nice quiet summer ~~ but her father has other plans. She has two babysitting jobs and they both impacted her life in more ways than one. She has to babysit three little boys and help an elderly couple with the caretaking of the wife. Katie didn't want to take these jobs ~~ she had dreams of glamourous jobs like working the concession stand at the local pool or something else. Just not babysitting.

This is one of the best written books I have read in a long time. Berg describes the midwestern summer nights so perfectly or even the long summer days. I grew up in the Midwest and just lived in those descriptions. Katie is a budding poetress and her thoughts are so similar to what I had as a teenager ~~ it felt like I was reliving my past through the words of this book. I love it when I find a good book like this ~~ because it's a keeper and it hits close to home. It is about a young girl growing up ~~ and it is about life, viewed through the eyes of a young girl.

If you have a chance to, I would recommend this book for you to read. It is one of the most unforgettable books you'll ever have a chance to read. Katie will stick with you long after the last page has turned.

2-27-06

I just received my copy in the mail and skimmed through the entire book in about 4 hours. The make it at home stuff was neat but I thought just buying it already together was faster and cheaper. I got a little bored with it as I already knew just about everything she mentioned thanks to beauty magazines. As always no one mentions Mary Kay products. I tried to look up several websites and many were outdated and the sites were closed. I do plan on returning it and am angry at myself for not noticing the publishing date and that i have to pay shipping again. Don't waste your money! Beauty magazines are just as informational as well as having newer tips and there are so many new products out since this book was published. Since i can't change the stars I should probably make it 1 star.

I found this book to be very informative and comprehensive. It is a must read for anyone who wants to learn how to take care of herself. The only problem I have with this book is the product suggestions are outdated. Many of the products are no longer on the market. But it teaches enough for you to be able to use it as a guide in selecting similar products.

So many times it seems beauty editors are overly influenced by the hordes of free samples they get from obscure/expensive make up/hair companies and they forget about us real folks. Not everyone can spend $$$$$ on Creme de la Mar although I'm sure it's completely worth it--but so is my car!
This books uses the faces of everyday folks--warts, wrinkles and all so you can clearly see that makeup is an improvement--it won't fix many years of bad decisions and wear and tear. Many good suggestions on products (by name) and techniques, but the homemade products were less successful for me. I made three of the masks and they were awful--just a waste of food. One of the best books out there for all purpose beauty/hair/makeup info.

I bought this book about a year ago and refer to it often. I agree with other reviewers that it contains a wealth of information about beauty and the beauty industry.

However, in going back and rereading this book I have noticed a few things that I disagree with. Berg mentions in a few different places that mineral oils clog pores and should not be used by people who are prone to breakouts. This is debateable; there are plenty of dermatologists who believe that mineral oil is not comedogenic. Berg also discusses the anti-acne drug Accutane in a brief paragraph and writes, "although it works, its potential to do harm far outweighs its potential to do good." Accutane can cause harsh side effects in some people, which is why it should be used a last resort when other medications have not been been effective, but it can also work wonders. Although of course Berg is entitled to her own opinion, I think she could have provided a more balanced view of the drug; it can cause harsh side effects but can also be extremely effective.

I also found some of her advice regarding head lice a bit odd. On page 203 she advises that to prevent head lice one should "spritz hair with a mixture of lavender and water". Since lice are quite hardy and regular shampooing doesn't kill them, I don't know why a combination of lavender and water would prevent them. To treat lice, she writes to "coat hair with olive oil (lice slip off) or spray generously with hairspray". Hairspray?

Despite my own difference of opinion on a few topics I do feel like I've learned a lot from this book, and would definitely recommend it. It's easy to read and well-organized, and quite comprehensive. I like Berg's product recommendations; since there is no revenue from advertisers involved (unlike with magazines), I put more faith into her opinions. Although the title of the book is "Beauty: the New Basics" it covers much more than just the basics.

This book is unique in that it's one of the first books on the subject that does not touchup the photos used for "The Looks" section. You'll find the pictures different--most of us are conditioned to touched up photos. Kudos to Workman Publishing and Rona Berg for this. We need more realistic expectations of what beauty is. On top of a brave move with the photos, this is an excellent book. The overall tone of this book is nonjudgmental and it has more depth than the other forty-three books I own on the subject. Rona not only gives you, the reader, advice that will contribute to your beauty, she names some good products to try in a plethora of budget ranges. I'm an insider in the beauty industry and this book is one of the few I recommend you own. There are only aspects of the skin care chapter that are a little out of date since it was published in 2001, and new technology has replaced some of her recommendations. The book is worth your time to read. It's sure to be a classic that will help you out if you choose to read it.

This book has good advice/insight in some areas, but I didn't love it. Buy it if under $5. Otherwise, get another book on Kabbalah!

great book + great author = a perfect combination...even if i dont agree upon some of 'the way', it is indeed a great source for reference or personal library and spiritual quest...and although im not jewish, i know that i will flip the pages on a periodic basis ;)

This was the first Kabbalah book that I read, definetely the right one, the subject being so new to me, since I am not Jewish, but Michael Berg writes so beautifully and it such simple words that I understood easily and so did my soul. It gave me a very good intro to Kabbalah, has beautiful stories about the Baalshemtov (a Tzadik, mystic, sage), it has the beautiful story about the white Angels, the black Angels and the grey Angels, after this story, I see dificulties in my life from a totally diferent perspective. This book talks about redemption, and God's mercy, and many more subjects that can only enrich your life!!! After this book I continue to read The Essential Zohar, the 72 names of God, which I meditate on frequently, and so on, the journey continues!!!

This book helps to develop personal relationship with God and find the way to Eternal Life. The person who gains Eternal Life has accomplished the goal of life. This book helps the humanity to accomplished the goal of life.

This is a very interesting book. I fully recommend it to anyone looking for spiritual answers. You may not agree with everything -- and that's OK. But take whatever you get from this book and simply make it yours. You don't have to become a follower of Kabbalah to put some of the ideas into practice. Try it. You may like it.

Also recommended: "What Did Jesus Really Say, How Christianity Went Astray: [What To Say To A Born Again Christian Fundamentalist, But Never Had The Information]" by Peter Cayce