Blair Books

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.

I remember having to read this book in my sixth grade class and since that time I have re-read it again and again. Lois Lowry paints an amazingly beautiful and accurate tale of bravery and friendship during the Nazi occupation of Denmark in World War II. The imagery and character interactions in this book made it really come to life for me. I recommend this book to people of any age. More than a decade since I first read it, it is still my favorite book of all time!

Every few years I read this book over and love it every time. It is a great book to introduce kids to the plight of the Jews and non-Jews of German-occupied countries during WWII. My 10 year old read it and loved it too and it brought up a lot of questions. Highly recommended.

10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen narrates this story (based on real events) set in Denmark during WWII. The Danish resistance arranged to transport many Jews to safety in Sweden after they found out that Jews were being sent to concentration camps by the Nazis.

Annemarie is not Jewish, but her best friend, Ellen, is. Annemarie's family helps smuggle Ellen and her parents, along with several other Jewish families, out of the country. Lowry manages to give the reader a sense of the horror of the Holocaust without going into graphic detail.

I recommend this book for readers who like mystery books about actual life.When I read this book I got so attachted to it. If you read this book too you would be attached to this book just like me.

Struggling through the ravages of World War II, Annemarie, her family, and her best friend Ellen wait in hiding until the Nazis retreat and let Denmark free once more. This wonderful story "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry, is about friendship, tragedy, and, love. It also integrates a lot of useful life lessons, such as: being brave and deciding what to do wisely.
This story really captured my attention because it made me inquire as I read along. It also gave me a perfect image of what Denmark was like during the Nazi invasion.
I recommend this story to children in the fourth grade or higher because it has strong vocabulary words that are worth learning.


By Teddy (soon to be in grade 5)

The voices are beautiful, but too dramatic, Jesus sounds too, I don't know, sexy? Would like to see this as a video instead. I got a great deal and gave for gifts, but everyone felt like I did about it. Still may be perfect for others hungering for the Word. I have to say, I love my old Gregory Peck reading the old testement. Wish he did the new.

I gave this as a gift and my mother-in-law loved it. I started to listen to the first CD. I wasn't impressed, but as a gift, it was a hit.

I'm so proud of this project, I listen to this almost daily in my car when I'm traveling and when I pick up my children. my kids even love the dramatic reading of God's word. Blair Underwood is so underated, he reads Jesus words with love and compassion. this is a great investment..I do wish it was done in the king james version though..but this is fine. Will be reviewing the Old testament soon...Love It!!

This recording provides an awe-inspiring experience for Christians. It's like walking with Jesus and listening to his teachings. Later, you'll find yourself in prison with a chained Paul as he sends his letters of love and admonition to the various churches.

There's only so much spiritual growth you can gain by merely reading the Bible. You also need to feel it deep inside your heart. To access your heart in this way, I strongly recommend listening to this recording which re-enacts the New Testament in the Today's New International Version. With music, sound effects, and excellent pacing, reading these sections of the Bible will never be the same for you.

These aren't just any performers: They are an all-star cast of some of your favorite performers. The excellence of their performances helps the words ascend towards heaven.

I intend to listen to these performances again and again. I'm sure you will, too!

I was very excited when I first got these recordings. I've put them on my iPod. The readers are fantastic. They definately add the needed emotion and inflection to the Word. Where the production falls short is the periodic musical breaks. Every few minutes there is a song that is interjected into the text. It usually has little to do with the text and is rather distracting. Also, it's all black gospel. Don't get me wrong, it's good music, but it's definately not my style. Zondervan should really consider alternate versions with different music styles. But this is all or nothing. I've found it distracting to the point that I'm getting little out of the scripture I've just heard.
Definately worth a try, but be warned. If you don't like black gospel, or don't want your scripture interrupted by song, look for another version.

I remember reading this story to my children and now purchased it for my grandchildren. We had a lot of fun reading the story and reciting Tikki Tikki Tembo's name. It brought back fond memories and the tradition of repeating this looooong name with much emphasis on each syllable will continue for another generation.

Great book... love to read to kids. They love to hear the lesson and still enjoy it each time we read it together

I recall this book fondly from my childhood and my four year old loves listening to me read it to him. He's a sucker for repeated phrases anyhow, but now as a mom to two boys (both with long names) I am reveling again in the wonderful details in the pictures- the shapes of the kites, the frog and fish in the well, the wonderful illustration of the dream the old man with the ladder is trying to recall as Chang tries to wake him up... and at least for my boys, it sets the tone of how two brothers play and look after each other. I just wish I could find my original record that went with my falling-apart old book so that my boys could experience it the way I did so many years ago.

I remember this book from my childhood and my son now laughs at all the silly-sounding repetition. We love to read this book fast!

I bought this book for my daughter when she was 2 years old and she loved it! I had read it as a child and thought she might enjoy it. The names are tricky, but the kids find it entertaining watching these boys get into such trouble.

I watched this movie two days ago and can't stop thinking about it. It is also the first Tarkovsky film that I've seen. I've read quite a bit about his films, but this is the first one that I've watched. I mention this up front so that readers of this review can understand my perspective, I'm still trying to absorb what I saw. In short, this is an incredible, thought-compelling film, probably one of the best ever made. The praise for this film in some of the other positive Amazon reviews is well merited. It is a story about faith and about life, but mostly about figuring out what it is we are meant to do with our lives. Andrei Rublev is a painter of icons and cathedrals in the Orthodox Church in Russia during the late Middle Ages. As a young man he is widely acknowledged as the best at his craft in Russia, and is summoned to work on some of the most important projects. What follows is Rublev's lifelong journey through Russia. We watch his maturity and evolution as he questions the nature of his work and the nature of his faith. He witnesses some of the most brutal, cruel acts and treacheries by both friends and enemies. What really makes this a great film is the timeless nature of it's central theme: will we ever realize what it is we've been put on this Earth to do, even when it is staring us in the face?

This film will definitely take some discipline to sit through for 3+ hours, but you will be richly rewarded. As I was watching the film, I initially had to agree that it was too long, but once you see how everything fits together, I think you'll come to the conclusion that all is part of the whole. Tarkovsky wove a complex story in which the diverse themes presented early in the film are fully and richly developed as the film progresses. There isn't a lot of action in this film nor is there a directly linear plotline. This film is mostly dialog, so if `Lethal Weapon' is your kind of story, you should definitely avoid. There are also a few brutally graphic scenes in this film, so be forewarned. I'm sure that there is a great deal of symbolism in the film about communism, Russia, etc. that are totally lost on me. If I was to make a literary comparison, this film is like the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Elias Khoury - a difficult read but worth the journey if you stick with it. A great film for a thinking man or woman, though, highly recommended.

I have owned the Criterion edition of this film a long time; I recently bought the Ruscico (Russian Cinema Council) edition and think I should try to make clearer the differences. This is not a critique of Tarkovsky's work -- that is beyond my capabilities.

As you may already know, the Criterion edition is taken from Martin Scorsese's personal print and represents the penultimate version of the film, while the Ruscico edition represents the release version, which is about twenty minutes shorter. However, Tarkovsky did more than pare twenty minutes off the film -- it's actually a somewhat different film, though the differences are not major.

To begin with, the Scorsese print (Criterion) has a completely different set of credit titles and intertitles, and at that stage the film was titled "Strasty po Andreyu" (Passion of Andrei). The release version (Ruscico) is titled "Andrei Rublev" and is not merely shorter: it contains shots that do not appear in "Strasty po Andreyu" (Criterion). Commenting on the DVDs themselves, the Ruscico DVD is much better looking. The subtitles (as one might imagine) are written by someone whose native language is Russian, and that is very important to me. When the subtitles are written by an English-speaker they are rendered in English idioms and subtle, specific meanings are often lost. Sometimes one cannot even tell what a scene is about. (There is a scene in Criterion's "Ivanovo Detstvo", for example, where the English-written subs completely obscure the point of a scene, while the Russian-written English subs in Ruscico's version make it perfectly clear.) Russian-written English subtitles are sometimes ungrammatical, use idioms whose meanings are unclear to non-Russian speakers, and sometimes even inadvertantly use a word from yet another language (French, in one case that I saw), but I'll take subs written by someone whose native language is that of the film any day. In fact, if you see a version of any foreign film with English-written subs first, then see a version where the English subs were written in the film's country of origin, it will be like seeing a whole new film. (A spectacular example is the difference between Kino's "Zerkalo" [Mirror] and Ruscico's -- there is NO comparison [Ruscico wins!], except that you have to avoid Ruscico's 5.1 audio remix and select the original mono.)

Additionally, an extra of great interest is hidden away on Ruscico's "Andrei Rublev" DVD. In the individual filmographies certain titles are highlighted: these are accompanied by trailers, four of which are for Tarkovsky films. These trailers are made up largely of shots that are entirely different from anything that appeared in the final film, so should be of absorbing interest to any fan of his work.

To sum up: Although I prefer the long version represented on Criterion's disk ("Strasty po Andreyu"), the Ruscico disk has a superior image, better subtitles (to my way of thinking), and fascinating extras if you can find them. Get both DVDs.

Tarkovsky digs deep into history itself and reveals hidden truths about the religious experience and the mind of the artist in this epic struggle through the wintry wastelands of medieval Russia. A profound, mystical journey of enlightenment which remains perhaps the most spiritual film ever made.

When you work in the world of film, you start to look at things differently then you may have looked at them before. If I was to say that I loved the "story" of 'Andrei Rublev', I would be a liar. In fact, I hated it vehemently as I just viewed it again for the first time in a few years; BUT as a piece of filmmaking art, I can look at the typical Tarkovsky long and lingering shots and appreciate the work of a man in love with his camera. Tarkovsky's work appeals to me, not for his ability (or lack thereof) to tell a story, but to create mood. Now that is not appealing to many people, and certainly not worth the $ to pay for a DVD or VHS copy of this film. (Note: there are several versions of this film available that vary in length due to various edits this film has undergone.)

If you are planning on learning about an religious icon painter named Andrei Rublev, this film will not teach you anything, because what little to nothing is known about him is merely conjecture here on Tarkovsky's part. Tarkovsky's idea of plot is a bell, a jester and tartar hordes which frankly , in my mind, make no real sense; BUT, again, if you are viewing the film to learn about Tarkovsky's work as an artist, by all means rent this. It is, in my view, almost ponderously langorous (if that makes sense!). You must have an attention span that even outlasts mine (which is darned good frankly!).

I have a habit of returning to films that I don't care for because I am always interested to see if my opinions will change. This is my third time through "Andrei Rublev" since last winter. I have now spent over 10 hours viewing this film from many angles; I have looked at it from the religious, the political, the pagan, the historical; I have read what precious little there is to read about the real 15th-Century Iconographer; I have read about the writer/director Tarkovsky and his symbolism....and, for me, this film does not reach me on any level. Why?

Tarkovsky wanted to make a statement about his beloved Russia and how he saw it's decline during the Soviet Years. He, along with co-writer Andrei Konchalovsky, chose the character Andrei Rublev, considered to be Russia's greatest iconographer (religious images) and wrote a purely fictional account of the iconographer's life and struggle with art and faith and the conditions that prevailed in 15th-century Russia for peasants and artists under The Grand Prince and also under continuous Tatar Invasions. Through using historical Russian History as a backdrop, Tarkovsky portrays this monk through seven chapters of life from 1400 to 1412. Tarkovsky shows us peasants ,pagans, Tatars, Church Priests, inserts tons of Scripture from Ecclesiastes (the vanity of man) and Paul's First Letter to The Corinthians (the great Love chapter), and attempts to tell the "struggle" of an artisan who is to go from Church to Church and commission to commission to paint Icons (religious images). Three hours, Tarkovsky never shows one icon being painted, making it very plain that this film is not solely about the life of an artist. Why choose an iconographer and never show one icon? Wait... at the end of this black-and-white "masterpiece", as it is often referred, we are at last allowed to see, in color, icons that were "attributed" to this obscure monk, Andrei Rublev. The final icon, "The Trinity" is actually the ONLY icon that can be absolutely ascribed to Rublev. In Tarkovsky's words, his choice of black-and-white filming was motivated by his claim that "in everyday life one does not consciously notice colors. Consequently Rublev's life is in black-and-white, whereas his art is in color." I could not personally disagree more with Tarkovsky's assumption about how a person views life. That is why, for me, this film is strictly Tarkovsky, and nothing more. I don't agree with his views, nor do I like his film. My opinion only here!

If you expect to know anymore about the artist than what is known, you will not; Tarkovsky uses this man to show that the Soviet's have ignored The Scriptures and Russian History. This is a sociopolitical film that was intended (through reading Tarkovsky) to "show an artist's maturing and development of his talent" and to show "the connection between a creative character's personality and the times through which he lives." I do not feel that this film expresses this in the least. Sorry....call me a Philistine if you must, but this film was not enjoyable or informative nor plummets the depth of an artist's soul except in Tarkovsky's mind.

The film does contain animal cruelty, which I find offensive. A cow was placed in an asbestos suit and then set aflame for one shot during carnage. Another shot shows a horse stumbling down stairs and impaling itself. Tarkovsky notes that the horse was first shot for the scene and then taken to the slaughterhouse!

On my third time through this ponderous film, I used Tarkovsky's guide that is published on the Internet, to see if I could appreciate the film and understand it any better. I could not. I think this film needs to be viewed solely for the purpose of understanding Tarkovsky's vision as an artist in the Soviet Regime, and not for anything else. You will either get it or not. I admittedly did not and do not. The film contains very long shots which, stylistically, is a Tarkovsky trademark. The narrative is extremely dull and very confusing without the guide. With the guide, you will only understand the confusion. I have honestly tried to get more out of this film than I have been able to get. I find in it nothing inspiring or interesting or artistically or cinematically that should warrant a label of "masterpiece". To each his own. Granted I have loved films that others deplore, but for me, this is the last time for "Andrei Rublev."

This book touched on a lot of helpful topics following the loss of a loved one. I gave the book as a gift to my mother when my father passed and she found some comfort and guideance from this selection.

I liked this book and would recommend it for anyone who has lost someone suddenly or for anyone who wants to understand what that person is going through. The authors speak from personal experiences and offer different perspectives on how people experience sudden loss. The book goes into the stages of grieving and then discusses how others are affected when they loose a parent, child, partner, sibling etc... The book includes exercises for dealing with the grieving process. There is also a workbook available with more tools for dealing with this type of loss.

I bought this for a friend who had lost her husband. She thanks me all the time for the book. She said it was well written and helped her a lot throughout her grieving.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has to make sense of living through this difficult time. It follows a timeline from the death time and assists the reader to make sense of what has had to be dealt with. The advice is practical yet lovingly given. The book covers all the situations that may have to be encountered; in my case the suicide of an adult son. I found the information helpful and comforting. As a family we have used it and found it invaluable for us all as we adjust to the sudden loss of a loved one. The authors have rendered 'normal' our responses to such a tragedy. Within that, we are not alone.

I read this book to help me cope with the sudden death of a loved one. It was somewhat helpful, but it mainly covered the same information in another book I read in a much less comprehensive manner. That book is How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies by Therese Rando and I highly recommend reading that book. It is the best I have read on the topic of grief/death/mourning. These authors had good intentions, but I think you will get more out of the Rando book.

I have found this book very interesting. I have recorded the scripts so that I can listen to them as I am lying in bed which is nice when I don't feel like reading it, but I do think it has been helpful reading it out loud as the method suggests. I feel like I get more out of it when I read it but I figure listening when I am too tired to read is better than nothing. I find that it has helped me have a better mind set and I am able to handle difficult instances better because I remember the suggestions in those times. The mind is very powerful and I have found this an easy way to tap into that power. I am still experimenting with the techniques in this book but I recommend this book because the author makes it so easy to do and I have felt that it has helped me. It is worth a try!

I am floored! I finally found a self help book that actually does "help". My only nit pick is that he could have axed the first three chapters and gone straight to the meat which was the self hypnosis. This is my first try and I have to say it works better then any meditation CD I have bought. And believe me, I own them all. So, bypass all of the others... this is the real deal. WOW!!!

I've used the script for Total Self Confidence from this book for the past week or two, on average about every other day, and see a complete difference in how I carry myself and how I interact with others. The idea is simple; letting your conscious mind relax and allow ideas to be entered into your subconscious. This is an amazing way to learn positive traits and flush out old, negative ways of thinking. It's not "messing with your mind", any more than working out at the gym "messes with your body". I must say, that if you do this, you have to be open-minded and believe it will work. Set all skepticism aside.

I can't wait to try some of the other scripts! This is the best $10 I've ever spent.

i really learned alot from reading this book. this book has helped me feel better almost immediately after reading the scripts. i recommend this book for the person eager for immediate results and for the person who may be curious about pursuing self-hypnosis. Worth every penny.

I've been a "student" of self hypnosis for 10 years now so I was intrigued when I found this book title.

Having read the book and tried out the techniques, I would have to say self hypnosis "eyes wide open" is great.

The section that deals with creating your own sessions/suggestions is excellent.

I now get into my "state" in less than 30 seconds and start doing powerful work.

I still like to use these techniques, and combine reading other books/scripts while in my "state" with my eyes wide open - works great!

This book is is a "must read" if you want to branch out and improve your self hypnosis skills.

If your just starting out, I'd say give this book a try because self hypnosis with your eyes wide open is probably the best technique - so why not learn the best method first?

I saw Blair Underwood doing press for the second book in the series, and decided to pick this one up. I really like Underwood as an actor and he is super hot... Yes...I read the book because the author is hot, so sue me...

I did like the book, at first I was pretty unsure, as it went a little slow for my tastes, but it did pick up. I thought the ending was a little anti-climactic, but over all, I would recommend it.

The sex was nice, and didn't detract from the story, although, I thought the second encounter was (if happened in real life) a little sleazy (in setting and timing).

The one, I dont really want to say, complaint... but the one amusement (I guess) was that I kept seeing Underwoods face when hearing about Ten... Ten sure has a high opinion of himself "the face" and the constant discussion of how great he was in bed, and how women swooned at his mear presence...Just made me think that the author was trying to describe himself. (which i wouldnt mind doing a little research on B.U. skills) Just funny... nothing more.

Overall, a good read, and I already have book 2 in my hands...

Blair Underwood with the help of Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes delivers a new hero Tennyson "Ten" Hardwick who is a fresh as the tabloid headlines. The pace is fast with many twists and turns as the reader delves into the underside of the "rapper" music scene.
An old client turns up for an afternoon's delight that holds hints of a future, but before the night is over Serena "Afrodite" Johnson is found wrapped in trash bags and Ten is suspect number one.
Plenty of family problems keep this novel moving and interesting, heavy sex no longer carries a story for the reader. There must be something more substantial and CASANEGRA delivers.
Writing as a Small BusinessSins of the Fathers: A Brewster County NovelUnder the Liberty OakSweet Man Is Gone (Five Star Mystery Series) (Five Star Mystery Series) (Five Star Mystery Series)

Kudos to Blair and his assisting writers! The book is a mix of sex, intriquue, whodunit, suspense and romance. Love it, and looking forward to more books from Blair and crew!

The presentation of the story reminds me of Drive's Me Crazy, at the beginning you didn't know what would happen when, and the choices the main character makes seem to be out of place with the way he, and the rest of the world describe him. But I guess when your back is against the wall, you do what must be done. I listened to the audiobook, soI'll be looking for the 2nd books edition soon.

Whoo-ee!! Of the three authors, Tananarive Due was the only 1 whose work I was familiar with...in fact I had turned up my nose at the thought of her collaborating with others. Well-shame on ME and my most humble apologies to her writing partners. This book ROCKS DA HOUSE--as an erotic, a** whuppin', hip-hoppin' whodunit. I even found myself trying to figure out who wrote which passages...especially the sex scenes ;)

If either of these scribes' renderings were a drug I'd now be a crackhead for 'em. So I am now reading Steven Barnes' LIONHEART while I look forward to more of Tennyson Hardwick's escapades.

I bought this book as a "collector" item for my 15 year old.
This is her favorite story and she wanted the original illustrations in the book. She was thrilled!

Far better words than mine have extolled this book. My favorite as a child, then my children, and now my grandchildren. And I expect my great-grand-children will also love it.

One of the classic Disney movies I remembered was the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Reading this novel gave me the same feelings I had in my childhood years watching the movie. I could be wrong but it seems to me that everything in the book was exactly like the movie. Alice was reading her sister's book and fell asleep under a tree. Then she woke up, saw a rabbit in clothes with a clock talking. She then followed the rabbit into this hole. After that she was in a never ending tunnel, which lead her to a strange world. Alice encounters many obstacles in the story and showed how she dealt with them.
I thought the book was just like the movie. I guess was I was reading the novel made me have a better understanding. I was mainly looking for any symbolism of some sort, but failed to do so. I was also shocked at what the things characters were doing in the book and made it into a Disney movie. For example the Caterpillar smoking a hookah. I didn't know what hookah was until last year. I was really confused in some parts of the novel. This book I thought was great for someone that hasn't even heard of Alice in Wonderland. It is a very thin book but it was like reading a children's book. I thought the novel would have a different story than the movie. From a scale of 1 - 10 I would give it a 7. Just because it was interesting and reminded me of the past.

In the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll a young girl with the name of Alice travels to a distant land that seems altogether and quite possibly unreal to her. The book starts off with Alice in the park with her sister. She has nothing to do as her sister is reading so when Alice sees a talking white rabbit scampering by, she doesn't hesitate to follow it. Following the rabbit leads her to a world she could have never dreamed of. This book can take you to magical places you would have never dreamed of. Through the use of Carroll's thorough descriptions and dramatic elements this book is sure to take you on one wild ride. I thought that the book was very well written and very interesting. I could really imagine what the characters look like and feel how Alice would have felt. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good adventure and lots of twists along the way. This book is for children and adults alike. As long as you have an imagination and a great sense of adventure you are sure to love this great tale of a girl and how she found herself in an imaginary world.

This book is the Norton Critical Edition (Second Edition) of _Alice in Wonderland_ by Lewis Carroll, edited by Donald J. Gray, with the picture of the "Jabberwock" on the front. The Norton Critical Edition contains the following parts: a brief preface, the text of _Alice's Adventures in Wonderland_, the text of _Through the Looking-Glass_, the excised "The Wasp in a Wig", the poem "The Hunting of the Snark: An Agony, in Eight Fits", background material from Carroll's early life, the Alice books, and later life (including letters of his), and several interesting essays in criticism. The Alice stories are some of the greatest classics of children's literature, but their bizarre nature and intriguing mathematical, philosophical, and theological speculations make them interesting for adults and thinkers as well. Many have tried to psycho-analyze the stories (using absurd antiquated Freudian methods), but I agree with G. K. Chesterton that to do such is to destroy the stories. These stories exist in the fine tradition of the Victorian fairy tale (which emphasizes what has been called the "Victorian cult of the child"), and despite modern difficulties, they remain an important contribution to children's literature. Among other things it has been suggested that the stories include elements that resemble drug use and that Carroll was a precursor to Einstein in his understanding of the relativity of size and shape, but despite these understandings the stories remain unique for their captivating power and intriguing as stories themselves. Lewis Carroll was the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832-1898) who was perhaps best known in his time as a logician and tutor in logic and mathematics. Dodgson did quite well in mathematics as a youth (as he did in nearly all his subjects, but particularly in mathematics) and continued his studies at Oxford. Originally Dodgson had promised to become an Anglican clergyman upon completion of his studies, but he never fully completed his ordination. Instead he served as a lecturer in mathematics and logic, writing several interesting books in logic for popular audiences at the time (though he could not have foreseen more recent developments in logic, such as the work of Russell and Whitehead in the _Principia Mathematica_). Dodgson also served as a tutor to children (and he developed a particular fondness for children, particularly young girls, that many would come to criticize later). As a tutor Dodgson met the girl Alice Liddell, who served as the inspiration for the Alice stories. It is rumored that Dodgson may have fallen in love with her, which led to some difficulty. Dodgson's philosophical, religious, and social views were notoriously conservative and conventional, though it seems that he incorporated many unconventional ideas into his stories. In his old age, Dodgson remained a bachelor, though he increasingly involved himself in amateur photography (some of which proved particularly risqué and has led to subsequent rumors about Dodgson). Today, what Dodgson remains most famous for are his stories for children. Within his stories interesting mathematical, philosophical, and theological issues are raised; among them, the issue of the meaning of words and language (Dodgson's writings and poems have been called "nonsense" and he frequently makes use of "nonsense words" of his own invention) calling to mind the later philosophy of Wittgenstein, various theological issues, the philosophical issue of the dream-like nature of reality, the issue of birth, adolescence, sexual development, and life and death, the issue of Darwinian evolutionism, and various mathematical and logical issues, as well as interesting puzzles. The essays included with this volume bring up some of these issues and provide interesting points about the stories.

The works of Lewis Carroll included in this volume are as follows:

_Alice's Adventures in Wonderland_ (1897 edition) - a rewrite of the original _Alice's Adventures Under Ground_ and beautifully illustrated. This is the story of Alice (based on Dodgson's student Alice Liddell) as she encounters a talking White Rabbit, travels down a rabbit-hole, and there encounters many bizarre happenings and various talking creatures. The story has an eerie drug-induced feel to it (which causes one to question the very basis of reality) and many have speculated that this story may include instances of drug use. In particular, while in "Wonderland", Alice eats various foods and drinks various potions which cause her to grow taller or shorter. In "Wonderland", Alice encounters the rabbit, a talking mouse (who she reminds of her cat Dinah and provokes him thus), various birds and animals (in which they have a "caucus race", perhaps calling to mind the "Caucasian race" and various racialist theories of the time which Dodgson disapproved of), a lizard named Bill, and a puppy. After this, however, Alice encounters a caterpillar sitting on a mushroom. The caterpillar is smoking from a "hookah" (perhaps a reference to drug paraphernalia) and invites Alice to take a bite from the mushroom. Upon taking the bite from the mushroom, Alice undergoes radical changes in height. Some have regarded these alterations to be reminiscent of the hallucinations that occur upon ingestion of certain mushrooms, such as the Amanita muscaria. Alice also encounters the Duchess and her baby (a pig), the Cheshire cat (who fades away leaving only his grin), the Madhatter (mad no doubt from mercury poisoning), the March Hare, and the Dormouse having tea, and then she encounters the Queen of Hearts playing croquet as well as the "mock turtle". Finally, a trial occurs in which the Knave of Hearts is accused of stealing the tarts from the Queen of Hearts. At this trial, Alice must testify and present her evidence. At the end, Alice awakes from her dream after realizing that the Queen and the King are nothing but a pack of cards.

_Through the Looking-Glass_ (1897 edition) - This story begins with Alice reflecting on her cats and a game of chess. Indeed, the entire story involves a set-up on the chess board in which Alice herself is to eventually become queen. Alice enters a mysterious world ("Wonderland" again no doubt) through the looking-glass and there encounters various creatures. This is of course the story where the infamous nonsense poem "Jabberwocky" appears. Alice encounters various talking flowers, various insects, two brothers Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Humpty Dumpty (an egg), and the lion and the unicorn. Alice also encounters the red and white queens and eventually is to become queen herself. During the course of the story the secret meaning of certain words in "Jabberwocky" are revealed to Alice. At the end, Alice is at a feast when she suddenly shakes the red queen who becomes a kitten. Alice awakes to conclude that it was "all a dream", though the issue of reality is raised again.

"The Wasp in a Wig" is a short scene left out of the original _Through the Looking-Glass_.

Also included is the poem, "The Hunting of the Snark" (1876), which is a nonsense poem about a group of men on a ship who are hunting a "snark".

This Norton Critical Edition is an excellent edition of Lewis Carroll's children stories and poems. Carroll's stories are to live on due to their uniqueness and their bizarre nature. But, as pointed out they also raise several interesting philosophical questions and thus are interesting for adults as well as children. They are also greatly enjoyable and certainly recommended.

Great short story, good book club read. Has odd twists, that if your paying attention you can see coming. A quick easy read, that makes you feel good. Must read with an open mind to relationships.

I was first drawn to this book because the idea of a mother/daughter team on a reality TV show (a la Amazing Race) seemed like something that would be very interesting and very funny. And it was indeed both.

The writing was fresh; it wasn't forced. At first I thought the characters might get boring and might be a little too "in their own mold" - the religious contestants, the brothers, the mother and the daughter, the ex-child stars. They weren't. Nothing was stale about this book. I was very, very entertained throughout.

The plot kept me going, but it didn't overwhelm the characters and their journeys. Honestly, what a unique, thoughtful book. And it was written so very well. I just really can't express it any better, except to say I was really happy with what I found.

I am a fan of reality TV, but not typically the Survivor or Amazing Race variety; although I somewhat sadly (yet honestly) must admit I love the Real World/Road Rules challenges on MTV. They bring out secrets and they bring out drama. Friendships and relationships get tested, some ruined forever. This happened in Lost and Found, but that is not necessarily why I liked the book. I liked the book because Carolyn Parkhurst did something that perhaps has been done before, but she did it in a way that brought everything together under a fresh, new perspective. Loved the story, loved the characters, loved the turns, loved it all. Loved it.

I hadn't read Parkhurst's books before, but now I look forward to trying The Dogs of Babel and whatever she does next in the future. She found a fan with this book. I highly recommend it.

I loved, loved, loved this book! Much like reality TV itself, it is hooked based. I keep reading chapter after chapter to learn where the characters were going, what secrets they were hiding, and what was going to happen to each of them. I wish every book I read could be as engaging as this one.

The novel envisions "The Amazing Race" if it were hosted by Anne Robinson (is that the name of "The Weakest Link" host?) and if the teams had many secrets that the show wanted to exploit. As the teams travel the globe, we learn their inner thoughts as they narrate separate chapters. (I think there are six narrators in all.) As it turns out, there is enough drama to fill a week of Oprahs.

My only complaint about the book (other than the fact that some of the twists were easy to predict, especially if you watch "AR") is about the (paperback) book design. Who came up with this ultra feminine, dippy cover? For one thing, Cassie was supposed to be zaftig, and the girl on the cover is slender. For another, the image bears no resemblance to the events of the book. Would you even guess what the book was about from this image?

This is going right to the top of my favorite reads of this year, followed by "The Myth of You and Me" by Leah Stewart, "Scorpio Rising" by RG Vliet (an unknown book you need to seek out), "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield, and "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner. It was great fun, and I didn't want it to end.

This is just a fun, terrific book! I am a closet watcher of reality TV shows so this book highly entertained me! It isn't a deep, thought provoking story but it did offer insights into the characters, who were likeable. I can't wait for Carolyn Parkhurst's next book.

What a lovely breathe of fresh air, "Lost and Found" turned out to be. With an amusing yet deeply moving plotline, I fell in love with this thoughtful prose from the first page.

Several couples begin a quick trek around the world in tandem with a "reality" game show titled "Lost and Found." Throughout the adventure we learn the deeper issues in each person's hope for a million dollars, come to realize there is very little reality in a "reality show," and explore incredible landmarks vividly described. We mine philosophy earned from deep experiences, while delighting in moments of genuine laughter and tears. The couples are diverse and quirky...examples....a mother and daughter trying to mend over a secreted pregnancy, two ex-child stars scheming for another shot at fame, a married couple who are former homosexuals now crusading for "Redemption" an organization that is designed to "ungay" them. Other teams as well as the motley crew filming and hosting the show add more colorful diversity. The read is quick paced, but probing and intelligent.

Philosophically composed with excellent prose.

A must read.