Bridges Books

Loved this book. Was on the last chapter when I threw October Sky into my Netflix queue; Hoping I'd have it in hand when the book was finished. Timing was perfect. As usual, the book eclipses the movie, but both are great. Passing it onto my 10 year old son who already has aspirations of going into the sciences. Enjoy!

Was purchased due to a requirement by my childs school. He has informed me it is a good book.

I was a little disappointed by the ending and the fact that Homer Hickam gave John Kennedy the idea to go to the Moon but other than that I couldn't help but root for the band of misfits.

... "On June 4, 1960, the Big Creek Missile Agency, fresh from its medal winning performance at the National Science Fair, is sponsoring a day of rocket launches at its Cape Coalwood range. Everyone reading these words is invited..." This quote can be found on page 356-357 of a book called Rocket Boys; this statement showed me that the success of the main characters was a result of personal hard work and teamwork.

"Rocket Boys" by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. is a nonfiction account of a group of friends from Coalwood, West Virginia in the early 1960's who have a fetish for making rockets. Homer and his friends have a dream to shoot a rocket up into the clouds. This story gives the reader a message that dreams really can come true.

Rocket Boys is one of the strongest books I have ever read. The author accomplished his goals to tell people that team work is one of the most important things to know in your life. This book is recommended for people that like space and rockets and who want a hopeful book to read. Reading Rocket Boys really gets you thinking about team work and how far you can get with it.

Homer Hickam grew up in a rural isolated mountain town but went on to win the National Science Fair.

This book is his story and how he was successful.

I bought 24 copies of this book to inspire my advanced 6th grade Reading class. They loved the book. In our discussions they mentioned never giving up. Homer and his friends kept trying until they had success.

Thank you for sharing your life with us, Mr. Hickam.

The opening chapters of this book are very good, and set up high expectations for the rest of the story. The author invokes mythology, history and superstition, and infuses them into the affairs of a small Chinese village. The action begins when the children of Ku-Fu fall into a mysterious death-like coma. The hero, Number Ten Ox, hires the sage Li Kao, and together the two set off on a quest to find the Great Root of Power, which is the only known cure.

The end is wonderful, surprising and mythical. There is a twist, a mystery is solved which turns out to be much more than the original mystery, heaven itself is happy, and loose ends are tied up in a satisfying manner.

So then, why only three stars? Because honestly, aside from the first few chapters and the last few, the rest of the book is riddled with flaws - so many, in fact, that I almost gave up on it. For one thing, there turns out to be not one quest, but a tedious succession of them, into dark labyrinths from which there is no escape, etc., etc. Throughout the many adventures, the protagonist tends to be passive, allowing himself to be led by Li Kao, who is clever but not really likable. There is not a realistically-drawn female character in the book, and the humor is tasteless and sometimes mean. All of these things spoiled my enjoyment of the book. However, I am glad that I finished it, since the reward at the end was worth it.

Anyone who is a fan of Terry Pratchett should look into the three Master Li and Number Ten Ox stories. Of which, Bridge of Birds is the best.

This was an amazing fantasy novel. It's entertaining, hilarious, and heartwarming. The detail of ancient China, its traditions and beliefs are very vivid, and there are "feel good" parts to it that remind me of a Disney/Pixar movie (terrible analogy, I know, but that's what comes to me when I think of the feeling it gave me). The solutions that Li and Ox come up with to get themselves out of their various predicaments are clever in their conception and exciting in their execution, and I'm very interested in reading the next books in the series.

I've never read anything like Bridge of Birds, and I spent my first law school semester re-reading it in my spare time. With few exceptions, I never had any idea what was going to happen. I laughed like a loon during one of the murder scenes - I don't want to give away any more, but it was deliciously ironic - and was humbled by the intellect of the character who figured out the overarching mystery. The last few chapters were like a roller coaster. I felt like I was flying during the climax, and that alone would have prompted an eventual reread and reccommendation. I can't *not* reccommend Bridge of Birds to everyone, but I am aware that those who dislike complex storytelling would be totally confused before they got anywhere in the book. I will now go off in pursuit of modestly-priced copies of the other two Hughart novels...

I first read this book about 20 years ago. I read the two reviews that gave it only one star because I was curious why their reaction was so different from mine. After reading the two reviews, I believe I understand the problem.

It's called Fantasy for a reason.

It's not Literature, and it's not a History of ancient china.

Barry Hughart taught me that ancient wise men don't see themselves as "Ancient Wise Men". They see themselves as the little boys they once were (as do we all). They pass gas like the rest of us, sometimes they drink too much like the rest of us, and sometimes they are immoral like the rest of us.

Number Ten Ox may not have been the perfect foil for Kao Li, but he wasn't too far off the mark. His awe at Kao's "wisdom" (more often than not just common sense) and his willingness (and almost desire) to be proved to be less intelligent than Kao tells us a great deal about human nature.

By the end of the book I had reached the conclusion that there was little difference between Number Ten Ox and Kao Li, and that they, of all, knew that best. They each had their roles in a highly structured society and they played them to the hilt, trying their best to do good despite society's nonsense.

I loved this book 20 years ago and I love it still. I don't always want High Brow Literture. Sometimes I want a good, fun, frolic in the pool. The Number Ten Ox stories are the later.

I was given this book by and friend, and I have to say, it may be the best gift I've ever been given. I have since purchased several cases, giving it out to many people that I care about. It provides inspiring, comforting and empowering thoughts for one to digest daily. Plus, it's supple leather cover and convenient size make it something for you to carry with you throughout each day. I cannot say enough about the power of this book!

This is one of my favorite books of daily devotions.
I've been through it several times and never tire of it.

I use this every morning along with another book by Joyce Meyers called "The Secret Of Speaking God's Word". It is amazing that no matter what day it is the message always seems to speak to something going on in my life during that time. It allows me to better identify certain area(s) I want to focus my prayer and meditation on. Joyce Meyers book give specific scriptures outlined by subject, "Fear, Anxeity, Depression, Hope, etc. . ."

I have purchased at least 6 copies of this book in the past three months because I have friends I knew would benefit and enjoy them as I do.

I had a paperback copy of this book, and it really helped me to grow closer to God. So, I bought the journal..one for myself and a couple as birthday gifts for my friends. If you are searching for a closer walk...this book will help you find it...

I have been reading God Calling ever since the early 1970's. This book has helped me to know God in a personal way. I have given many copies away as gifts and worn out 3 paperbacks. I just received the Devotinal Journal and will now write in it along with my meditations. Every person I have given God Calling to has found peace, joy and guidance in their spiritual life and thanked me for introducing this timely book to them.

These books are always enjoyable. I've been a mythology enthusiast since I was a kid and am still a sucker for creative variations on Greek Myths. I had to particularly laugh at the Sphinx who ditches the traditional riddle contest for a standardized test. Her lines are classic.

"Think? How am I supposed to test whether you can think?, that's ridiculous!"

"If you won't pass, you fail. And since we can't allow any children to be held back, you'll be eaten!"

"My grading machine! I can't be exemplary without my test scores!"

OK, I'm a teacher. I probably found this much more amusing than the kids that this book is targeted toward.

This is the 4th book in the Percy and the Olympians series. I have heard that there are supposed to be 5 books in the series. This book was as good as the previous ones and follows the same basic formula as those ones. I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was very well done!

Percy is going to orientation at yet another new school. This time more is at stake because he was allowed into this school on a recommendation from his mother's boyfriend. As usual trouble ensues and he is attacked right off the bat by evil monster cheerleaders. So starts another fun fast-paced adventure with Percy and his buddies.

Percy flees the scene meeting Annabeth on the way and they end up back at camp half-blood where Annabeth is finally given a quest. Her quest will take her, Tyson, Percy, and Grover through the depths of the fabled Labyrinth and through many other fantastical areas of Greek mythology. As Aphrodite promised Percy's "love life" begins to get difficult with the addition of Elizabeth Rachel Dare to the story.

This was another great book. I continue to love how the Greek myths are woven in with everyday reality. I love the characters. I love how even Percy's everyday normal mortal life is kept track of and not forgotten about. This is just an all-in-all great book. I love this series and am very excited to see how it ends.

Great book!
Karissabooks.blogspot.com

Purchased for 12-year-old son. It's always been difficult to get him to read, but he can't put these books down! I hope the series never ends.

The Battle of the Labyrinth, I have to say, is my second favorite book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians series." The Lightning Thief is my favorite. The Battle of the Labyrinth is thrilling and spectacular. If you like mystery and adventure, read this book.
Percy Jackson is the main character who is brave and courageous. He is a half-blood, meaning his dad is a god, Poseidon, and his mom is mortal. He is a fourteen-year-old teenager who is learning about the powers that he possesses. He needs to learn how to use his powers appropriately or run away. Percy, also, can be obnoxious because he makes stupid jokes at the worst times.
This epic starts with a surprise attack on Percy by a demon-cheerleader while he is at summer orientation for another new school. As he flees, he takes a taxi to Camp Half-Blood and the real adventure begins. Percy and his friends, Annabeth, Grover, and Tyson, find a secret entrance to the labyrinth and searches for its inventor, Daedalus, and a way to stop the evil Titan lord's , Kronos, invasion. Inside the labyrinth, it is dark, murky, chilly, and ever changing. It is full of entrances, exits, changing paths, and monsters. Percy kills monster after monster with his pen that turns into a 3-foot sword named Riptide. Inside Daedalus' workshop, they ask for the addias string, which is a guide that point the way through the labyrinth. They leave the labyrinth to get ready to destroy Kronos and his army. The camp was losing to the evil army until Daedalus sacrifices himself to destroy his creation, the labyrinth. Percy thinks his adventure of fighting Kronos is over but he was mistaken. (We will have to read the next book to find out what happens.)
The theme of The Battle of the Labyrinth is to have great friends that you can trust, because friendships must prevail no matter the odds.

Four books down and one to go :-( (Mr. Riordan, PLEASE consider writing more books in the series!!!)

This series has captured my son's interest and imagination unlike any other fiction series with the exception of the Magic Treehouse books. He is an 11-year old and despite being considered AG in reading skills, he would rather eat liver than read novels. My son's fifth grade teacher got him interested in the first book. After that, he had to have the whole set. He read all four books in about 1.5 weeks time -- usually reading over 100 pages a day -- even on school nights.

He thought this book was the best though the ending definitely leaves you hanging -- and waiting for Book 5.

The things that he likes best about the series:

1. Percy is a regular kid just like him who has his struggles in school.
2. He loves the Greek Mythology tie-ins
3. He loves the writing style and humor of the author
4. The stories don't take place in ancient times -- rather uses ancient stories in modern times.

Now my problem is what to get him reading next. He isn't interested in Harry Potter or most of the other popular fantasy collections. If any one has a suggestion on other series with the above characteristics, please let me know -- I would be eternally grateful!

the book is another example of Cornelius Ryan's superb research. A good read, too.

I can't say it much better than the previous reviews have already. I wanted to read something on this subject and was led to this book. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the topic. Broad in scope yet detailed in its descriptions of the soldiers, units, and battles in this massive offensive. This is an excellent jumping off point to begin studying the Battle of Arnhem. Well written and exciting to discover.

A Bridge Too Far: The Classic History of the Greatest Battle of World War II by Cornelius Ryan gives one of the best accounts of General Montgomery's ill-fated plan and operation to turn the German northern flank on the Western front during September 1944 of World War II. Montgomery hoped to push into the heart of industrial Germany. It was his plan for personal glory to end the war in 1944.

This narrative non-fiction work by Cornelius Ryan brings together the objectivity and insights of a historian with the narrative style of a novelist. Ryan brings historical events to life in a style like Stephen Ambrose. Ryan's writings keep your interest. He gives the experiences of the individual soldiers and Dutch resistance members. He tells the story from all sides. The roles and effects of these operations on the civilians unfortunate enough to be caught up in events are included. I was shocked to learn of the horrific communication issues among the British. I felt Ryan was placing blame for those problems at the feet of the Americans. From reading Ryan's work I found a dramatic lack of urgency on the part of the British. An example is after the 82nd had secured their main bridge objective which included tremendous sacrifice the British simply camped for the night brewing their tea while their fellow countryman were still encircled and dying in Arhen. I was disappointed that Montgomery was not slammed for this operation. From the account Montgomery is lucky he wasn't relieved of command or sacked on the spot.

I recommend the book, though at times I found the reading and story too slowly unfolding. It is one of the all time classics of World War II and should be in the library of every military history buff.

excellent book. i remember seeing the movie when it first came out and it blew me away. this book remains my favorite all-time military choice. if you can get your hands on the paperback, i suggest it. the paperback has more detail, but this book is truly remarkable even if it has been condensed a bit. cornelius ryan was a fantastic author. this book tells about a military campaign that is usually overlooked due to d-day and the battle of the bulge. i think this military campaign needs to be remembered due to the heroism of the men involved and cornelius ryan brings out that heroism as if you are actually seeing the battle unfold. great military literature.

One of the best-written WWII accounts of war, focusing on a disastrous Allied military operation near the end of WWII, I am absolutely flummoxed as to why this classic is now out of print. With millions sold, did no publisher think this great book might continue to generate interest?

As many here have already noted, this book is a must-read. Pick it up from a online seller or go to your local used bookstore, but don't miss this fine dissection of a huge strategic misfire.

this is a good book, delivered well by amazon.punctual time delivery, and it's a very good service from amazon.com

I bought the first part of the series "The Alchemist" for my 13 year old daughter. We loved it so much that I have purchased "The Magician", and... hid it away from her, so I could read it first. It is a great, imaginative story with lots of twist and turns. Each chapter delivers another great adventure and ends with unexpected suspension . But - and this is why I really liked it for my daughter - all of the action discreetly TEACHES. Michael Scott is not only a great writer but also acknowledged scholar of legends, history, ancient gods and goddesses, hence all imaginative characters in the book are somehow "real". What a great way to introduce 13-year old to ancient history, religion.
And to top it all, the story is delivered without the dark gore, bloody mess and age inappropriate content. Just one may hope that Hollywood will not convert this great and captivating story into another gruesome movie...

I enjoyed this fast reading sequel as much as the first book...cant wait for the next.

Both this book and The Alchemyst are fantastic! I loved them and highly recommend them both to people of all ages!

As the action in this sequel to The Alchemyst begins, the immortal Nicholas Flamel, the twins Sophie and Josh, and the ancient but young-looking Scathach have escaped the devastation and danger in Ojai for Paris, arriving instantaneously through a leygate located in the Witch of Endor's house. They soon join up with another immortal, the Fire Master and rock star Saint-Germain. But Niccolo Machiavelli, soon to be joined by the evil magician Dr. John Dee, is in relentless pursuit of them. Meanwhile, Nicholas' wife, Perenelle, is imprisoned by Dee in Alcatraz.

Like the first book, this one is a first-rate fantastical, magical thriller, filled with nonstop action and mythological references from diverse cultures. In addition to being enthralled by the story itself, readers can use it as a starting point for learning more about these characters of myth, such as Nidhogg, the Valkyries, the Celtic warrior maiden Scathach, Mars, the spider Elder Areop-Enap, Dagon, plus legendary artifacts like the swords Excalibur and Clarent. And then there are the historical characters: Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel, John Dee, Niccolo Machiavelli, the Comte de Saint-Germain, and Joan of Arc.

It seems to me that a great deal of today's best fantasy is being written for middle-grade and young-adult readers, and these wonderful books shouldn't be missed by grown-ups who love a good, fast-paced fantasy thriller written by someone with a thorough knowledge of mythology and folklore. I also recommend this series to those who enjoy Brandon Mull's Fablehaven books. We are really fortunate to have two such fun, imaginative fantasy series appearing at the same time.

Powerful with many incites to getting were we need to be in regards to the right way to live. Learning to live the impossible and liking it.

Jerry Bridges is insightful and penetrating in his writing. He is easy to understand and gets to the heart of the matter. I used this in conjunction with the companion study book. This really helped me put into action the principles he discusses. It's well worth your time.

Should we "let go and let God", trusting Him to bring us victory in the battle for holiness? Jerry Bridges would answer this question with a firm "no." Instead, he would lead us to "grab hold and let God." In other words, Bridges charges us to take hold of the resources Christ offers us to kill sin's power and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. In Bridges' view, holiness is not a matter of victory or defeat, but of obedience or disobedience. He teaches that victory is the byproduct of obedience, not the aim of the pursuit of holiness. Holiness is still the work of God, but we must actively lay hold of the work of God in our lives to see the fullest possible work of the Holy Spirit in us. As I consider all of the personal commands to action in the Bible regarding holiness, I am convinced that Bridges is right. Commands like, "put off your old self, mortify the deeds of the flesh, put on the new self, pursue righteousness, think about whatever is good and pure, walk in the Spirit" and many more show me that my part in holiness is to throw off everything that hinders and fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. This excellent book is best in its final half, as Bridges deals with some of the details of this walk of faith and the specifics of how to fight sin and cultivate good in your life. Highly recommended.

When I started reading this book I had the "fear" that true "holiness" was something I could never achieve. Yet scripture calls us to be holy (1 Peter 1:13-25) so it must be possible. As I went through this book and examined my heart, I realized the obstacles that stood in the way of holiness and came away from the book with a whole new understanding and sense of hope and purpose. I now encourage other men to step up and TRULY pursue a life of holiness.

Don't read this book unless you are ready to be convicted and own up to your responsibility as a Christian! I have read this book twice and am reading it again (along with the Study Guide) with my church's women's Bible Study. It is a provocative book to study alone or with a group. It lends itself to wonderful group discussions. Jerry Bridge's book, very practically written, is an aid to Christians in our understanding of God's grace on one hand and our obligation to live a life worthy of His calling on the other.

With pretense that would make P.T. Barnum blush, L. Ron Hubbard presents 22 famous names as sources of inspiration of this book. Its first few pages reveal only one debt of inspiration, to the late English Magician, self-proclaimed "Beast 666," Aleister Crowley.

In this text Hubbard denounces belief in God as a symptom of insanity, and presents Crowley's intriguing Cosmology as his own.

Imitating - but poorly - Crowley's "O.T.O.", he would, in a few years, initiate his own secret "O.T. levels," and use '8-8008' to entice the unsuspecting into believing his empty promises of creating a race of World-ruling 'Supermen'.

This is an advanced Scientology text; I don't recommend it for someone knew to the subject.

This book contains scales and data for use with other Scientology materials. While it is vital to advanced Scientology study, for the new Scientologist, I recommend "Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought" or "Scientology: A New Slant on Life" first.

For anyone familiar with the subject of Scientology, this book is a must read!

This is not for someone that doesn't understand Scientology and propably wouldn't understand the theory behind this book either. But if you are looking for the answers to life and how you fit into things as such - not just assumptions and guess work - then this is the book for you.

It takes the dream like state of guessing and thinking that all those guys at the "top" or "authorities on the subject" should only know, to here it is - you have responsibility for what is put here and now and in how we live. You can either believe it's so or carry on in your dream states.

Really it is an eye opener for those who can clear up all the concepts and demonstrate for themselves how they apply to self!

What are the qualities and attributes and capabilities of the Human Spirit? What exactly is the Physical Universe? You were immensely powerful once, so what happened? How can you rise to greater heights of awareness and ability and once again become the YOU that you actually are? This book by L. Ron Hubbard embraces the essence of Scientology. You need this information.

Scientology 8-8008 was originally written by Hubbard in London in October 1952 as the textbook for an upcoming series of lectures which he delivered to students in Philadelphia in December of that year.

The title of this book, "Scientology 8-8008" is actually a formulaic/symbolic statement of the Goal of Scientology. Translated it means: "The attainment of Infinity by reducing the apparent infinity of the Physical Universe to "0" and then taking the apparent "0" value of one's own universe and increasing it to Infinity". (An "8" laid on its side is the symbol for infinity).

Scientology 8-8008 is the best book you will ever read on Spirituality and your Native Abilities. It really does contain the Truth that will set you Free.

I have read this book a number of times since the 1960s. It contains more distilled truth about life and the spiritual nature and capabilities of people than you will find anywhere. You read it carefully, cosidering each line, and WOA! it dawns on you that what Mr. Hubbard says is TRUE with a capital T. But you have to have the courage to really look at what he says and the smarts to really grock exactly what he did say. Everyone you meet treats you like a hunk of meat. Like people all in cars with no consideration there even is a driver. This book adresses the driver! YOU, not the meat. You will be well rewarded with knowledge of your true potential and how to achieve it if you read this book.

New Slant on Life will show you things that you can use today to better enjoy your life. I was especially impressed with the section "How to Live With Children" that helped me greatly in my relationship with my child. If you only ever read one Scientology book, I'd recommend this one.

When of the first books I read when first starting to study Scientology. I still refer to it and use it 18 years later. Some basic ideas that can change your life!

ENjoy!

There was a chapter that changed my life and my idea on effort. The Chapter "Anatomy of Failure" explained that a person's downfall comes from things not happening the way they want. This was true for me. My life was a long chain of failures and I was miserable from failing. So, the change came with the advice to intend for life to keep on happening the way life keeps on happening--and a healthier way of living to try to change things for the better BUT not to be broken hearted when failure occurs. Hello! I thought I always had to be gung-ho and do or die and I was just killing myself because not everything goes my way. So I was stupid. I guess this is a confession, not a review. However, each chapter is a different subject and an excellent insight into the scope of the Scientology religion. Don't be scar'd! Books don't bite.

For anyone interested in finding out what Scientology is all about, I recommend this book first. It isn't "about" Scientology - rather, it is a little piece of the kinds of things we learn in Scientology.

Composed of essays, it gives a look into how the mind works, what the relationship is between the mind, spirit, and body, a brief look at what our capabilities are as spiritual beings, and some applicable rules about life and livingness. You can study the material, apply it to your own life, and see how it works FOR YOU.

This is a great first book for anyone interested in the subject.

Out of all of L. Ron Hubbard's works, this is the most straight forward and interesting. This book makes it easy to understand Scientology and apply it to your life.

This was a gift for my 9 yr old granddaughter. She told me she loved it.She had rented from the library and was overjoyed to have her own copy.

Be sure to keep reading to reach chapter three where entrepreneurship takes off in the most subtle way, selling mini toys at school. (We had a little trouble getting entranced in chapters one and two.) But soon after, Greg is creating and selling homemade comic books. The comic book assembly is explained (including drawings) which is a nice touch for readers who would like to try and create their own. It's never too early to let your child write and create their own book.

I especially enjoyed the competitive relationship with the girl next door and how feelings (anger, admiration, jealousy, etc.) were expressed throughout. My son would often ask to continue reading as I finished a chapter.

Money, sales and partnership ideas are nicely addressed. You read about advertisement examples kids are exposed to at school (there is a surprisingly long list), ideas on why money is important, compromises needed when working with a partner, and the good feelings that arise from making donations.

I think my favorite part is when Greg realizes (through discussion with the school board) that he was as guilty as all the other advertisers. He was also targeting the children at school. "He was the hunter, and they were the prey." Actually, this is not a bad thing as entrepreneurs need to understand their target audience but it is the first book I have read that addresses this issue. A++

My nine year old son has read my book so I wasn't surprised when he asked, "How come none of the books we read mention taxes?" (We've read a few entrepreneur books recently.) I had to laugh and remind him, "Not everyone enjoys doing taxes... or even reading about it, so maybe the author decided to leave that technical part out."

Of all the Andrew Clements school books I've read, Lunch Money was by far the least engaging. The reason for this is that a large part of the book focuses on numbers instead of people, and where Clements has succeeded in the past is in his ability to make us really like his leading characters. Greg, the lead character in this book, is not very nice. He's largely driven by money and selfishness, and although Clements does try to make Greg more personable by depicting his change of attitude, the change does not come off convincingly.

The concept itself behind the book is terrific: schools are hypocritical because while they profess to be trying to promote certain values and healthy lifestyles, the actions districts take are at times directly opposed to the high moral standards the districts are imposing on the students.

I did enjoy the book, and recommend it to those looking to read more of Andrew Clements' books. I would pick up Frindle, The School Story, or The Report Card first however.

Lunch Money is a good book for money lovers. Its about a boy who has all these good ideas to make money and then he comes up with his best idea yethe decides to make comic books!The princapal disagres but then Mrs Davenport decidesto let Greg sell comic books. I highly recomend this book!

I'm a nine year old boy from NY. This book is funny and serious, too. This boy Greg wants to make lots of money while copycats try to steal his ideas. He makes money by selling little chunky comics. I recommend this book to everyone.

WB