Collins Books

I own and have read several books on Feng Shui, but never really "got it." This simple deck of cards pulled it all together for me. For the first time I understand what had been a complicated, intricate system for which I hadn't the time nor intelligence. Terah Kathryn Collins' writing is unique in this field -- simple, concise, relevant -- and it just flows. The beautifully illustrated cards and little booklet are a perfect introduction to this subject....and a great gift item. They show how easily Feng Shui can be relevant and useful in creating positive changes in one's life. I plan to get all of Collins' books on this subject -- and toss the rest.

Beautiful color photos on one side with easy to read text on the other side. A booklet comes with it explaining feng shui basics. Cards cover a wide variety of topics including specific areas of your life (career, children & creativity, love & marriage, fame & recognition, wealth & prosperity, health & family.) These cards are full of good ideas to enhance your life. Enjoy!

A friend gave me these cards for Christmas and I've been organizing and decluttering (improving my Ch'i) ever since! They really work! The little book that comes with the cards very succinctly explains the philosophy of Feng Shui and how to incorporate it into your life. There's a card for every room in your home and a before and after picture of a room that has been made Feng Shui complaint. I highly recommend these to anyone seeking to get orgazined or simplify your life! Thanks, Angie!!

A good reference for the student, a good textbook for the professor who teaches a course on either the basics or the advanced principles, a good help for the design engineer who wishes to refresh his memory on the theory.

After you read this book you will think that Jackson's 'Classical Electrodynamic' is brief and easy. I was required to learn for my job the physics of waveguides.
I purchased this book because it was recommended by Jackson. In fact Jacksons chapter on waveguide is a summery of what you can find it here.
Although very difficullt to read you can find all information about guided waves you need. I was never required to go beyond this book.

Simply staten this is one of the finest books ever written in applied electromagnetics.There is a deligthful analytical treatment of everything related to wave-propagation in waveguides.But Mr Collin is not a dry-hearted teacher ,he is able to explain very complicated mathematical instruments with a very clear and fresh approach.Expecially good is the Green Function's treatment which is the best i ever saw in any book.Reading this book you will be able to progress from the intermediate to the very advanced level in Applied Electromagnetism.While it is true that nowadays there is a lot of software around that analyses almost every conceivable structure,it is also true that a analytical study gives you the possibility to sort the important from the accessory ,a thing no computer system is still able to do.I reccomend this book to anyone interested in advanced Electromagnetism.Only bad point is the price ,which is too much high expecially with the weak Euro we have now .On the whole a "top" book:5 stars!

This book is a great resource about the history of the Mediterranean. Attenborouh does a good job in telling about the geological as well as human history. He has to lose the accent though. Get it if you get a chance. Only...

David Attenborouh does not have an accent, though I can understand that a colonial might think he does. It was a truly great TV series for those interested in history.

Whether or not Sir David has an accent is missing the point (in reference to previous reviews). David Attenborough is one of the most unique individuals and does exemplary performances on his productions no matter if it's a television documentary or publishing a book. He surely is an inspiration to any naturalist, or any person interested in life itself. His passion for the natural world is evident in any of his work and it surely does not fail to guide him in this book, which focuses on the natural history of the Mediterranean. It may be hard to recommend any resource simply assuming its quality based on the reputation of its particual producer or author, but David Attenborough is an exeption.

In the land of Camarrhan, a realm where magic is taken for granted, Empath Cael is mortally wounded by an arrow in his shoulder that was shot by his country's enemy. Cael's Wayfinder (a person who controls the gates between the various worlds) takes him to an Australian hospital on Earth where Jenna Wade, takes care of him. A loner, she surprises herself by being attracted to him. When Verra opens the Way and takes them to Jenna's home to her surprise she heals him and the wayshe does it makes them believe Jenna belongs in Camrrhan.

Jenna learns that her grandmother was chased by an evil man and escaped onto Earth and she is taken to the Guild where she hones her Healing powers. Cael wants nothing to do with her because when he was unconscious, she had sex with him, forming an empathic bond between them. He feels like he was given no chance in taking a mate and while they do try to work out their differences because the bond is unbreakable they have to find and capture who is trying to decimate the magic from Camrrhan by killing those that are strong in magic.

SLEEPING DRAGONS is a fine work of romantic fantasy. Cat Collins has created a world almost identical to Earth except for the fact that technology is banned believing it destroys the planet. Magic works better than technology when properly used and the heroine after learning how to wield her magic has to agree. She is a strong yet vulnerable woman who realizes first that she loves Cael and her new world but readers will want to hit the hero over the head for being so unforgiving to a woman who didn't know what her impulsive act would cause to happen. Cat Collins' debut novel will win the author many fans who hope there will be more books set in the word of Camrrhan.

Harriet Klausner

Reading all the other reviews, including the professional ones, I really can't add too much in the way of description. I think the only things I would want to add are that Jenna feels incredibly compelled to mate with Cael. She awakes after "one of those" dreams, next to Cael, feeling this strong affinity, almost a pull towards him, and she just keeps going. None of this does she ever explain to anybody, because she is so horrified by her actions afterward. And she isn't one to run from responsibility. Cael fights the bonding so hard because he was drilled over and over that it must be made by choice and MUST include Love, Trust, and Passion. Of course, to him, Jenna broke the trust part all to smithereens before it could even begin to form! Since he is so angry with her, he has a hard time admitting to his growing attraction to her, and his growing love. Yes, it is frustrating because in typical male fashion, he takes twice as long as any sensible (female?) person would to come to his senses and admit to himself, let alone her, that Jenna is kind, warm-hearted, honorable, valiant, loyal, and loving to an incredible degree, and that he returns her love in equal measure. The last thing to add is that if you are a person who believes in preserving our world as best we can, you will like the way Ms. Collins has portrayed her world of Camarrhan. Yes, they keep technology out, use magic instead, but not everyone had magic, only some. I really enjoyed the way the author thought through the substitutions, it was well-thought out, and flowed well throughout the book.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to fantasy and romance readers alike! Both will find a lot to enjoy here. This is a very well-paced book. There is never a dull moment, and I could not put it down. I can hardly wait for the following books that are announced at the end of this one. Ms. Collins states that the sequel is already written and so is a third novel set in the same world. I say, GET THOSE BOOKS PUBLISHED! I want to read them, NOW. Welcome whole-heartedly, with open arms Cat Collins! Thank you and keep up the great work!

I loved this. Cat Collins sees with the heart. The fantasy world of Camarrhan is an interesting, parallel world where magic takes the place of technology. Not spell-making or wizardry kind of magic, but a practical, fantastical, imaginative kind of magic that really works for those lucky enough to be gifted. I couldn't put it down. The non-relationship of Cael and Jenna had me both intrigued and frustrated, and the way the author plays them and their emotions off against each other is most involving. I wanted to cheer whenever Cael made some small concession to Jenna, but wanted to thump him often! She's feisty yet vulnerable, strong but not pushy. He's desirable and talented, yet bound by his beliefs and culture. I loved the magic of the land and the way it works. Healers heal (of course), Empaths mindspeak, and can pick up others emotions. Wayfinders provide doorways into other worlds as well as transporting Camarrhan folk around the land and Wielders can call up magical fire for light, heat or as a weapon. The supporting cast of characters is also well-written. The villain is a nasty piece of work, and I thought Cat did well in 'creeping me out' with his sadistic side. I want to visit Camarrhan again, and I definitely want to read more about Cael and Jenna. They are hot! (Cat writes a good sex scene, too -- tasteful, not graphic, but mm!)

Every person should watch this great story. All my friends purchased it to give to their grandchildren.

Michael Collins was a NASA astronaut from 1963-1970. During that time he flew on two missions: Gemini 10 and Apollo 11. These two missions, along with his training and military career are described in great detail in his earlier book "Carrying the Fire" which is geared for an older audience. This book is essentially same as "Carrying the Fire", but written with a younger audience in mind. However, I feel that many adults would like this book as well. You can't beat the price either, 4.95$ for any book is a great bargin

The book opens with Collins describing the day of the first moon landing and then he begins to reflect on all the events that led him to be on Apollo 11 that day. The first few chapters of the book describe his earlier fascination with aircraft that ultimately led him to join the US Air Force. After an interesting and exciting career in the Air Force, which included being a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, he is chosen to be an astronaut in the third group selected. After years of training he eventually lift offs on his first flight in Gemini 10 with John Young. After more training and a nearly career-ending neck operation, he flies on Apollo 11.

Through out this book, the author describes his feelings and experiences about being an astronaut, what it's like to fly in space, what he did, what he saw and all the numerous sacrifices he and his family made so that he could be an astronaut. His experience of being alone while orbiting the moon is exhilarating. All this done in a very non-technical and jargon free way.

One final thing to add, this book won several Outstanding Book of Year Awards.

Probably the only thing better than "Flying to the Moon" is the return trip home. Michael Collins was the Command Module Pilot on the historic first Moon landing mission, Apollo 11. That glorious spaceflight will forever be embedded in my mind and a fascinating history lesson for those not yet born in July of 1969. The author tells a GREAT story and Educators can be grateful to Mr. Collins for writing this book for the younger set. It should be a required reading in grade school History.

I also read Michael Collins earlier book titled "Chariots of Fire" which recounts his career in far greater detail as an Air Force test pilot and his training as a NASA astronaut during the two man Gemini and subsequent Apollo trio manned spaceflights.

His first mission was on Gemini 10 and later selected to be on Apollo 8, the first flight to circumnavigate the Moon on Christmas of 1968. Due to a pinched nerve in his spinal cord he was replaced on that flight by Jim Lovell of the now infamous, Apollo 13 Moon flight.

Of course, he fully recovered from what could have prematurely ended his NASA career. Seven months after the wonderously successful flight of Apollo 8, he flew on the even more successful and most memorable Apollo 11. I think he must be very happy with how things turned out. On Apollo 11, Michael Collins became the first person to ever orbit the Moon by himself, completely alone. I can only begin to image what an absolute thrill that must have been. Nevertheless, as he writes in both his books, he was geniunely more concerned with the safe return of his crew mates, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, after making the first ever landing on the Moon.

Sadly, all of the Apollo astronauts are getting on in years - all are well into their late 70 and early 80s and several have already left us. Most have written their own books to share their experiences for all of us to better remember those long ago, buty still thrilling events. We can all be justly proud of their personal sacrifices, professional committment and outstanding achievements in pioneering manned spaceflight. BRAVO!!!

What a great book! Beautiful illustrations, fantastic recipes and much interesting info about the various areas of France. Reading it is like taking a trip. My son used a lot of the info from the book when he had to write a report on France in school.

This book looks at French cooking by region. It gives a bit of history for each region and insight into the region's cuisine.

There are pictures of many of the dishes to aid in preparation and the recipes are solid.

If you enjoy reading cookbooks, this is definately one worth getting.

Since recently learning how to speak French, a friend brought me this book so I could also cook French cusine. A Culinary Journey has not only guided me in preparing some wonderful dishes, but it has been very educational. Some of the value added offerings of this cookbook are that all the dishes are spelled out in both French and English, which helps to write the menu for when your French friends come for dinner. The book also provides maps that indicate what are commonly grown or raised foods in the region. There are historical tid bits that explain where and why the foods have become a common way of eating and tradition. Additionally, this book if filled with hundreds of breathtaking photos of not only the dishes you will be preparing, but of the all the regions in France. If you never wanted to visit France, you will after reading and cooking with this book. Bon appetite

I was looking for a book that I could share with my four year old niece, and found this great book about Germs! My niece absolutely LOVES it! She giggles every time you say some of the germ names while reading the book. She asked everyone to read it to her over and over and over during my weekend visit. She couldn't get enough of it. And it's educational, which her Mom, the school teacher, loves. I would highly recommend.

We first got this book from our local Library because of the awesome pictures but after reading it knew it had to be one we added to our personal collection! Any time my 6 year old starts feeling sick, we pull this book out and it comforts him. He learned how his body's defences fight off the bug that gets inside him. We then discuss how the germ might have gotten into his body, and exactly how it comes out. Now that he can put a visual representation on what is going on, he is a bit more comfortable with being sick. I really LOVE this book!

When I saw this book didn't yet have a customer review, I felt compelled to correct the injustice. I purchased this book for my four-year-old niece and it has remained one of her absolute favorites for over a year now. Granted, she is a "just the facts, ma'am" sort of kid -- very interested in how things work, especially the human body. With space-age detail, Germs tells the story of Pox, a student at germ academy (along with roommates Pus, Snot, and Rash) who is learning how to make people sick. Not happy with his mission, Pox is sent to infect a little girl named Myrtle. When confronted with her white blood cells (an army of mini versions of Myrtle herself), Pox decides to make friends instead and opt for a non-infecting life of leisure inside Myrtle's body. While instructive about how we get sick, the book also is empowering in teaching about our immune systems. The pastel color palette has a retro feel, and the germs are cartoonishly gross -- perfect for kids who love to say "Ewww!" -- and yet Pox is adorably cuddly and cute. I highly recommend this book for any science-minded children out there.

Why this book is pigeonholed as Children's Literature is a mystery to me, perhaps merely because the protagonist is a twelve-year old, perhaps owing to the author's past works--I'm just glad to have found it. "The Giver" treats the most profound issues in a manner that speaks of deep understanding; the book will ring you like a bell, the ideas resonate and can not be forgotten. For this reason I call this the rarest of books; once read it will immediately and forever be a part of the reader--in a sense, our author becomes her own creation, she becomes the Giver of memory and her reader a Receiver.

It is a spare presentation of a dystopic future world where the "problems" of humanity have all been neatly resolved; everyone is polite, happy with their job, unthreatened by pain, sickness, conflict and even death. Though it becomes quickly evident that what the author really gives us is a rather convincing rationalization for the fact that evil, pain and suffering are necessary. Foes of religious belief often claim that the idea of pain and suffering is inconsistent with a loving God; but, even for the secular among us, Ms. Lowry shows how suffering and joy are linked. "The Giver" argues that granting unlimited license to those who would sacrifice individual choice in their attempts to achieve relief from war, famine and economic inequality could very well eliminate that which makes life worth living. "The Giver" says much about the danger of placing the interests of the community above the interests of individuals.

To say much about the story risks spoiling the slow exposition of the underlying flaws in the utopia, which was exceptionally well paced. At first the "community" seems vaguely creepy, by the end of the book it is horrifying. "The Giver" is a novel of ideas that begs to be discussed and argued over as the part of any moral education. It is powerful beyond my ability to express and like any truth, it offers something of value to any reader at any level.

Highest Recommendation.

I did not read this book until my mid-forties, but I would have enjoyed it at any age past about seven or eight.

Story: Jonas is twelve, and has grown up in a community where there is no crime, no violence, no poverty, and no misery. All of that has been methodically eliminated, in an attempt to create ultimate peace, harmony, and happiness. Everything is very well-organized and planned out. Couples are matched together based upon very good reasons, founded in the community's goals. Each couple has two children. The children's aggressive and sexual impulses are muted by medication. At age twelve, each child is matched with the career that best fits him or her. The Elders teach the children and train them in their careers. There is no pain; there is no misery; there is no poverty. And, there is no freedom. Freedom and individual choice and variety are the costs paid by the community for the peace, the harmony, and the . . er, happiness.

Happiness? Maybe contentment. No joy.

At twelve, Jonas is assigned his career: Receiver of Memories. He is trained by an Elder called "The Giver." And, Jonas finds out what the world could be like. He comes to understand the price that has been paid by the community, the price the community doesn't even realize it is paying, as they have all forgotten what life, freedom, and choice are all about. The Giver has not forgotten, and now, Jonas learns about that price. And, he refuses to pay that price.

What will the community do to Jonas, to preserve its harmony? I will not give that away here, but think about "Brave New World" or "Logan's Run".

"The Giver" earned five stars from me on two points: technical quality and content. Technically, this book is very well-written, with a fast pace, no lulls, three-dimensional characters, a well-described setting, and no plot contradictions. The nature of the community is described so well that you feel that you have been there, and you want to avoid going back.

It is the story content that really elevates this book to five-star quality, however. Diversity and conformity are issues that surround us, in the news, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in government and politics, and in the courts. The Giver puts the debate under a microscope, and it leaves room for no simplistic answers. It portrays an artificial society where diversity has just about been abolished. It depicts the benefits of that society, the shortcomings of it, and the internal conflicts caused in the mind of the protagonist. "The Giver" gives no answers, but gifts us with a wonderful way to look at an important question. This is a great book for a classroom project, or for a parent to read with his/her child. There are discussion questions listed at the end, that can be used as a launching pad for an intellectual exploration of the issues portrayed.

I think that, while written for children, many teenagers and adults will enjoy it, and find it thought-provoking. While the reading level of the book is aimed at children, the concepts are relevant to all ages.

A non-spoiler spoiler: The end is intentionally ambiguous. While I have decided, for myself, what the ending means, each reader must make his/her own decision on what happened at the end. You get to choose. What a nice gift that is.

NOTE: This review appears on other, unlinked editions of this book.

Lois Lowry is one of those unique authors who has won the John Newbery Medal for children's literature twice. Once for the first book in this trilogy and once for a book about the Holocaust called Number the Stars. (Just as an aside only one other author has ever done that Madeleine L'Engle who I would also recommend highly.) I would begin by recommending any of her books; they are all worth the time and the effort. This trilogy is set in a post apocalyptic world. The first two books each focus on different community's who have recovered from the devastation differently, both have strengths and both have weaknesses. And a young boy must heal them both and the land if either is to survive.

The Giver
Lois Lowry
Laurel-Leaf Books
ISBN:0440219078

Jonas is a young boy who lives in a community with a lot of technology and many rules about it. He has only seen an airplane twice for planes were not suppose to over fly villages, it was against the rules. Children of the same age are raised together and each December they move up a grade, when the reach the age of twelve they are selected for occupational training Jonas in talking to his friend states about selections: "Jonas Shrugged. It didn't worry him, how could someone not fit in? The Community was so meticulously ordered, the choices so carefully made." However all the other Twelve's were assigned and Jonas was skipped then at the end of the ceremony it was announced that he had been selected he was chosen to become the `receiver of memory.' He was to learn all the history and story of the people and become an advisor to the council that ruled the village. It only happened every so many generations and only 1 keeper of memories was installed in each village. Jonas and his family take in an infant who is not maturing and growing quickly enough. The child is given a year extension, when the child is marked to me replaced (abandoned and killed). Jonas takes the child and runs away. Through the winter Jonas knows he will not make it and pours all the memories he has learnt into the child. But can he save the child? What will happen to him and his community? Jonas thought his world was perfect, that the elders had everything under control, that there would never be war again. But also a world without choices. Till he is given the knowledge of the past the choice to save a child or let it die?

Gathering Blue
Lois Lowry
Laurel-Leaf Books
ISBN:0440229499

Kira, is an orphan and she has a twisted leg, she lives in a village with very little technology and one that casts aside those who do not contribute. The weak, injured, and helpless are abandoned. However things are starting to turn around for Kira, she has been spared by the all powerful Council of Guardians, for she has a gift she is a weaver and can die cloths in ways no other in the community can. As an artisan she is installed in the palatial Council Edifice and spends the whole year working her trade, her primary task is to care for the Robe of Remembrance that tell's the story of this community. But with her privilege comes expectations that she will do the council biddings. She befriends a young boy and his ragged dog, Matty `The Fiercest of the Fierce'. Matt tells Kira about another village where people are not cast aside, where they share their food. Matt brings her a gift the color blue, and a blind man that is her father. She is torn between staying and leaving the life she knows, and the truths she can find out what will happen.

Messenger
Lois Lowry
Thomas Allen & Son
ISBN:0618404414

Matt has returned he is with Kira's father and living in the new community from beyond yonder. This village is guided by love and compassion, and guided by the `Leader' a seer arrived in this village one winter night many years ago on a sleigh with an older boy who did not survive the journey. The Seer can see the future and can often see for people what might be for his people. Matty is almost at the age where he will be named, he is hoping to be named `Messenger' for he takes message both in the village and to other villages which many can not do. But things are changing, the village is becoming hostile, starting to turn people away and the woods are becoming ferial and people are dieing. Can the Leader save the village, can the world be healed, what will happen to Kira, her father and Matty?

These three books will challenge you, after reading The Giver the first time I was overwhelmed and it haunted me for a long time. I went back and have reread it many many times. All three books raise questions about community, love, friendship, and care for other people. They also show dark paths that we as a people can go down, and how it can devastate all around us when we make the wrong choices for the wrong reasons.

I originally thought that this book would be one that I would sit down and read cover-to-cover, but after reading the first few "glimpses", I realized that this was the type of book that I needed to savor and "use" . I am absolutely awed that the author reached so deep within to prepare such an extensive collection of very, very philosophical writings. After reading each "glimpse", there's no way that the reader can avoid being reflective about the meaning of their own life.

The author's writing style is refreshingly thought-provoking and insightful. The text provides a keen understanding into the gloriousness of God in simple, yet profound poetic verse. Individual "glimpses" provide instruction on how to see Him in all aspects of everyday life while collectively the "glimpses" provide an illuminating roadmap for living an abundant, purposeful life in Him. My favorite "glimpse" varies as God has lead me to many glimpses based upon my current circumstance and/or situation, but each one has calmed my spirit and blessed my soul while increasing my faith of things not yet seen but definitely hoped for.

Looking for God, look here within the pages of this spiritual gift and you shall find Him.

A Glimpse of a Glimmer invites the reader into rich and deep vistas of understanding of each of the several aspects of God's character and nature that are addressed here. The reader's faith is challenged and renewed by "glimmers" of God that provide catalysts for spiritual nourishment and certain growth. In a rather unique way, the format lends itself to multiple uses: reference for specific challenges, daily inspiration, and wisdom and counsel. It leaves the reader wanting more of these glimpses and hungering for the author's next venture.

I bought this as a gift, so cannot give a fair review as it is going to someone else.

This is simply another great collection of sudoku puzzles. This one will make a great holiday gift as it was very recently released and it's likely that your favorite puzzler will not yet own it.

Of special interest are the super-sudoku puzzles in this book, they're definitely not for a coffee break: you'd better have a good block of time available to work them out!

This book is a great mind challenge. You will lose track of time working on these puzzles.