Ford Books

I am going to make this simple. I read an old paperback copy of the original "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Having enjoyed reading the original, I found the "Ultimate" version in the discount section at Barnes and Noble. What a great buy for ten dollars.

Not all may like the series. For those that do, I highly recommend all additional books to the original. You will not be let down, as (the late) Mr. Adams continues to entertain again and again as things move on. Just about any science fiction fan with a sense of humor will love these books.

Great read, I didn't even know about the Zaphod short story (my own words) that was included in this book. Happy to have all of the stories all in one book and makes it easy for me to go back and reference parts from the earlier stories, especially since I enjoy noting the really good lines.

I've lost track of the number of times I've read the Guide novels over the years. This compilation of a 'trilogy in 5 parts' makes it nice and easy to read them all as one continuous story. I don't really need to elaborate on how good these stories are as those who have read them will already know. But to the uninitiated I strongly urge you to purchase a copy, prop yourself up against your towel, and eat plenty of peanuts. And most importantly, Don't Panic!

If finding out your house is about to be bulldozed to make way for a highway bypass is unnerving and life changing, imagine finding out the same is about to happen to your planet. Thus begin the adventures of human Arthur Dent in The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide by Douglas Adams.

Of course Adams is not the first writer to use science fiction to satirize the foibles of the human race and its institutions and culture (including science fiction), but he does does so with a rare combination of sophistication, style, and humor. His description of why the bypass is being built and why Arthur doesn't know about it alone starts the series off on a scathing note. In the universe of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (the book within a book), people sometimes survive government and corporate bureaucracy and personal greed and thoughtlessness, but more often destruction and waste seem to result.

Throughout his post-Earth adventures with Ford Prefect, the two-headed Zaphod Beeblebrox, fellow human Trillian (Tricia McMillan), and Marvin the perpetually downcast robot who takes lows to new highs, Arthur is the proverbial Everyman, whose struggles to make tea (and thus achieve some sense of ordinariness) in his new life result in near-destruction. At one point, he happily serves as "Sandwich Maker" on a pre-technological world that views this skill with awe.

Adams is perhaps strongest in his numerous asides in which he talks about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the publication for which Ford Prefect researches and writes, and the Encyclopedia Galactica; the nature of improbability; the humorously and seemingly invariable and inevitable tragic histories of various planets and races; and various theories surrounding such things as time, space, and infinity, almost always with a slyly serious wink about the absurdity of it all. These digressions allow his imagination and his intellect to soar and in many cases are more interesting than the story itself. This may go back to how The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy begins--that people want to move between Points A and B very fast, and that people at Point C in between (Everyman Arthur Dent) "often wish that people would just once and for all work out where the hell they wanted to be." There seem to be no Points A and B in Arthur's new universe; there are infinite points and lines and continuums, most of them absurd in one way or another.

With the exception of Trillian, Arthur's fellow travelers are well drawn. The most amusing is, sadly, Marvin, whose programmed depression is annoying and whose perception is accurate.

There are ingenious ideas scattered throughout the six stories, including the irony of a lorry driver who hates the perpetual rain that follows him no matter where he goes because, unbeknownst to him, he is a Rain God.

The problem is that many of these ideas, like life events, crop up randomly, play themselves out, and then seem to fall flat in the end. Undoubtedly, this is part of the universe as Adams sees it; it is made up of absurdity upon absurdity, which may not have neat Point A to Point B progressions. Some of this lack of cohesion also may be the result of transforming material written for episodic radio into book form; a certain sense and continuity may have been lost as the author diverts his tale to Points E, M, and T.

The first two books, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, are the best in the series. Life, the Universe and Everything is, almost as the title promises, too contorted and meandering. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, which takes place on Earth, lacks an engaging focal point, which makes it seem long and tedious at times. "Young Zaphod Plays It Safe" appears to be a throwaway story reflecting the author's views. Mostly Harmless, written at what Adams admitted was a bad time in his life, lacks the élan of the earliest books; it is more downbeat in attitude than its predecessors and borders on determined and grim. Marvin is long gone as comic relief; the weakest character, Tricia/Trillian, now moves to the forefront but without further development; and even Ford Prefect has sobered up, quite out of character. It as though Adams wanted his characters, most notably Random, to reflect his anger and depression and his universe to end without possibility of resurrection--in the same way that Arthur Conan Doyle tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes.

Underneath the satire, the humor, and the bitterness, The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide is imaginative and thought provoking, revealing a rare story-telling and writing gift that is brilliant both on the surface and in the depths.

As usual the movie can't live up to the book. This is a must-read -- one of those points of cultural brilliance that will still be read three hundred years from now. Be prepared for very dry humor, British-style...

We purchased this along with Blue Moo for our 4 yr old grandaughter and we love them both. Have loads of fun dancing with her to the music.

MY whole family LOVES this CD. There are only about 3 songs that we generally skip over, the rest are all really really great!!!! I would recommend this for anyone with kids who wants to also enjoy music with them. It's not boring at all!!!!

My two year old and several of her two and three year old friends who we have since introduced to it love the songs. I think it's pretty cute and not annoying like most kiddie music. My husband really likes it. The songs are catchy and varied. I highly recommend it.

I'm really enjoying this album! I bought it for my 7-month-old son, who, while I know is too young to truly enjoy the music now, certainly enjoys hearing some of these songs. The lyrics are easy to learn. I sing the Belly Button song to him and his face lights up. This will be an album we can enjoy together for years to come! I've heard Dog Train and love it--must buy that next! I'm glad there's actual musical children's music that all ages can enjoy without going nuts!

After recently purchasing another copy of this to give as a birthday gift I am reminded of how much our family has enjoyed these songs over the years. As a child, I remember listening to Free to be You and Me and I believe Philadelphia Chickens belongs in the same category-it is creative and fun-it is a classic!

Beautiful Book! The binding and high quality of the paper and printing would have made Douglas proud... this is the way you should remember this extraordinary and hillarious set of books. I bought two copies for my daughter and myself. I'll be ordering more for Christmas presents - what a great gift for all of my slightly crazy friends.

Buy this and you will not be sorry.

Excellent printing and binding quality for the price. Looks like a treasured heirloom of classic literature. Most people who saw me reading this thought I was reading Shakespeare or a Bible until I told them what it was and gave them a closer look.

This is really a Deluxe Edition, love the perfect size of the font! Elegant cover and a touch of distinction on the golden edge of the pages. The only inconvenience is that's just too heavy to carrying it on your handbag all day long, but a book like this, you should keep it at home!

Excellent book, looks amazing and a great read. Only problem was the packaging scratched some of the leather.

All in all it made this hoopy frood happy.

I read the reviews before buying this for a friend's 42nd birthday (42!), and was a little uncertain what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the pages are of a reasonable weight considering the size. I'm sure a purist would rather have each individual book, but this is a nice collection for the bookshelf.

I have 3 of her books and I found this the most useful. It was geared more towards action, and not as much on a philosophical level. Very helpful.
I am involved in the coaching program through her institute and it has had a dramatic change on my life.

This small book packs a punch, if you let it. If you spend just a few minutes applying the concepts to your own life and your own experience, Debbie Ford's words could possibly change your experience of life. This is not one of those "if you can imagine it, it will happen" kinds of books. In fact, she stresses that fantasizing will not get us the life we want. Instead, she focuses on methods for getting closer to your own integrity and your own best self. I'd describe the book as practical, engaging, and highly useful.

This book has given me the inspiration to re-create my life; re-create myself. For me, I'm not even thinking of it as the best 'year' of my life... I'm looking at it as the best LIFE I could possibly create. So far, I've gotten off of depression meds, stopped smoking, joined weight watchers, stopped existing off of soda, and began preperations for nursing school entrance. The sky's the limit, and I don't plan on stopping the transformation anytime soon. Every time I pick up this book, I feel inspired for the day. I read a page from it every day before I even get out of bed, and it sets the tone for my day. If you're looking to start over or re-create yourself, or just to start living the life that you KNOW you should be living... this book is a must have. I can't say enough good things about it.

This is an amazing book. I bought her kit and also ordered online course too.
If you follow this instruction, I am so sure that you can create much much better life!!

it reminded me of my dreams...to not to give up...to do what you can, to fully do your best, and that is if you really want to achieve something you have to make it happen. It made me realize that dreams that the you didn't achieve are the ones you didn't go after....

Maui H.S. Another reason I love Randy Wayne White's novels is that the bad guys usually get what they deserve. It is done quietly and without fanfare, but those that enjoy the pain and suffering of others end up quite dead.
Ten Thousand Islands bring to life a murder ruled suicide fifteen years ago. The psychopath murderer is running for political office. (Not too hard to imagine for me.) Unafraid of anything and believing wealth allows you to do anything, the psychopath and equally psychopathic father aren't afraid. What they want they get regardless the cost, simply because they want it. (More fact in fiction.)
The twist in the novel is a play on the supernatural. Is it a soul mate? Does love truly never die? Ancient Calusa, powerful symbols, and black magic are intertwined in this interesting and unique story.
I love the ending. An Eye for an Eye!

This book was received in great condition. I have thoroughly enjoyed all Randy's books. They are the type of mystery novel that you can't put down. I laugh, I am entertained by eloquence that does not overtake the reader. I experience every part of southern Florida, its heritage, its geography, and its marine life in Randy's books. Since moving to SW Florida, I've also found them an invaluable source of information. Doc Ford is my favorite!

John D. Mcdonald - not even close.

I Soooooo wanted to have this be good. What a fine premise . . . a sophisticated dropout in the boonies. Fascinating possibilities abound!

But White is INCREDIBLY, NUMBINGLY VERBOSE. I do not care about what a snook spawn thinks about the moonlight during the summer solstice while barnacles grow on the bottom of somebody's boat which was built in Texas by some wetback during the summer of discontent when Batista was in power on the "Big Island" . . .

How about just a LITTLE action around the DRONE of White's contemplation of his (and everybody else's) naval.

This could be so, SO fascinating - but it is actually just so TEDIOUS.

Sorry. I'd LOVE for it to be a new love. It isn't

Note: I made some Mormon reader angry over my negative reviews of books written by Mormons out to prove the Book of Mormon, and that person has been slamming my reviews as soon as they are posted. Oh, well.

Your "helpful" votes are appreciated. Thanks.

I ask you, how can a person with a sense of adventure possibly resist a title like "Ten Thousand Islands"? It sounds great and it is.

Doc Ford is up to more adventures and a lifestyle that appeals to men. I mean, he's not married, he lives in the stilt house in Florida, has a lot of friends (some quirky like Tomlinson, a wonderful character), and he has a lot of lady friends. Doc Ford's background is mirky, a lot of it spent on secret missions for a CIA type of organization.

The average man will get lost most of White's novels, sailing away with him on some grand adventure.

I've enjoyed all of Randy Wayne White's novels. If you're not in the mood to read, then get them on CD. Ron McLarty does a super job with Tomlinson's voice! He makes him sound like Jack Nicholson--very funny. Tomlinson is a strung-out hippy type, whose ramblings contain surprising bits of wisdom. A very compelling character and friend of Doc Ford.

Also, highly recommended for men is "Sands of the Kalahari," by William Mulvihill, and "Cry Wolf," by Wilbur Smith. Both are up-in-the-night African adventures. Check out my reviews.

The Sands of Kalahari

Cry Wolf

Your comments--good or bad--are appreciated. Thanks from one adverturer to another.

Doc Ford is great! This book is hard to put down. Definitely my favorite Randy Wayne White book! Just when you think it can't get better he twists the story to add another element. Great read! you won't be disappointed!

Anyone with a background in Boy Scouting will love and appreciate this book. Oh my gosh, the memories that it brought back. I will definitely read this again.

A great read, very uplifting.
Captures the positive difference that Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts create in our world.

A second class scout, I left Scouting at 16, became a father at 21, joined as an adult leader when my eldest of two sons turned 11. Two months later, the Scoutmaster announced at a Court of Honor that his job had gone away and I was taking over as Scoutmaster, and I was too surprised to say no. Steve came home from his first meeting and announced that he was going to be an Eagle Scout as soon as he could, and two years and 4 months later, his mother pinned his Eagle on his shirt, and I, as his Scoutmaster, MC'd his Eagle Court of Honor. His younger brother took a longer route, with more encouragement, and after I despaired of his ever getting there, he decided he also wanted the honor, and had his board of review the eve before his 18th birthday. I bought 3 copies of the book, after reading it, to give one each to my two Eagles, and one to the troop, which I still serve as a troop leader and counselor for several merit badges, in the hope that it will encourage several more boys to achieve. Years later, their Eagle awards opened doors for my sons, and in a way, I am still "paying thier dues".
As an adult leader, I have organised and led our sons and others to most of the high adventure bases, and many other high adventure trips, and as many of those quoted in the book, get more out of Scouting than I put in.

This is a priceless book for someone who is into scouting or who is an Eagle Scout. I bought this book for a family member who was extremely pleased. I would highly recommend purchasing this book!

Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts This is a great book for all Eagle Scouts, both new and old. Makes a great gift for a new Eagle. Solidifies the importance of the rank of Eagle latter in life. I bought two and gave them to knew Eagles. It was a great hit. Not likely to be a duplicate gift and something to refer back to as the scout gets older.

Bette Ford is indeed one of the best romance writers of our time. Her books have set the bar, that other authors need to strive for. Her book After Dark is simply wonderful. If I have re-read it once I re-read it 5 times, along with her other books. Awesome Talent!!! Simply Awesome!!!

Bette Ford is a premier writer of the most sensous and heartwarming romances. In "After Dark" we are given a birds eye view of Donald and Taylor's hot, bumpy romance. I loved the way Ms Ford weaved bits and pieces of the Montgomerys and Randols (from her previous books, "For Always and Forever After")into the storyline. Donald is a gorgeous, famous NBA star and Taylor is the down-to-earth beauty he falls in love with. He practically moves heaven and earth to win her trust and love. The MANY delectable steamy love scenes left me breathless. Once again, Bette Ford delivers..this was pure satisfaction!

Ok Ms Ford was another author on my "to read list". This book was really good! Different for me b/c I hadn't really read any romance novels with a celeb involved. I loved Donald's character. He knew what he wanted and he was patient until he got his woman. And when he finally tells her how he feels wooooooo. I could identify with Taylor's character in not letting go of past hurts and letting her guard down. I also liked the sub story of her brother and his girlfriend. Made me wonder if they have/had a story. Definite recommendation.

I know this is supposed to be a romance but the back to back love sessions were a bit much. We don't have to have details every single time they make love. An author is prone to run out of creative scenes. And why must most of the main female characters be so hard up with chips on their shoulders? Yes, men love a challenge and women who play hard to get but too much independence and bitchiness is a turn-off. But the author did touch well on the life of a celebrity. Donald was my only likable character.

This book is too much...just too much love, passion and excitement. Bette Ford is an amazing author and Donald and Taylor are proof of that. Their story is one filled with turmoil that only confusion and misunderstanding can cause. Taylor harbors her feelings toward Donald and Donald goes out of his way to find a way around the wall she has erected. WOnderful reading.

My son and I send a lot of time dancing to this great cd. This is also a cd that my mom enjoys lsening to with him too.

Sandra Boyton and Michael Ford have birthed their fourth book & cd package (Rhinocerus Tap, Philadelphia Chickens & Dog Train). Using singers from the 50s thru 70s singing wonderfully silly lyrics makes both the parents (or grandparents) and kids all happy. If you wondered where some of the Beach Boys, Davy Jones and Neil Sedaka went - well, here they are! Sandra's illustrations and witty words truly compliment the sounds of Michael Ford. My Personal Penguin (sung by Davy Jones) is my personal favorite. Get this one to put you in a "Happy Days" mood. Get all of the others for some great Rock and Roll!

Humor is excellent, songs are fun for both kids (my son is 2 and loves this CD, and adults. The variety of music genres is also impressive - rock, blues, big band, and lullaby. Love it!

At the moment I like this book and album more than my kids do, but they're only two and a half (twins) and they're catching on quick. This combo meets the Sesame Street standard -- accessible and entertaining for kids (at least, say, ages 2 and up), but smart enough to interest adults too. I still can't help tapping my toes and singing along to "Singing in the Shower," and I've heard it several dozen times and counting. And although the words and melodies are complex and interesting, the concept of each song is simple enough that when my two-year-olds ask "What dis song about?", I can explain it to them -- "It's about singing in the shower." "It's about how much I love your nose." "It's about a turtle that wears sneakers."

Listening to the music while reading the book is even more rewarding, though it requires enough attention span that it might work better with slightly older kids. Next on my list: Philadelphia Chickens!

My two daughters, ages 5 and 8 can't get enough of this CD ... they play it nearly everyday. The toons are just delightful and not only for kids to jump and sing to, but trust me, it will tickle your grownup ears likewise. If you love that great old 50's sound, you'll enjoy this treat. Great music for everyone! Don't hesitate to purchase for yourself or as a gift.

President Ford has not been the most prolific writer as far as Ex-Presidents go. This unique insight into one of the most important events in the last 50 years is an American treasure. Ford has forever been reluctant to discuss this topic, and used this unique forum to give what will likely be his "final" views on the topic. A must read for those interested in history. If you are a book collector you will be extremely impressed with the quality of this volume. The quality and workmanship should redefine what we come to expect in a leatherbound book.

First off, I am of an "age" where this Kennedy controversy was nothing but something folk argued about over the years. I was an infant when the assassination took place, so I have no emotional involvement in either side of the story. That having been said, let me say about this book:

From the "outside", this volume "oozes" quality, elegance and opulence.

On the inside, the "old" story of the Warren Commission, which I admittedly never really believed, is told again with additions that augment the original report. I have seen other documentaries, and one or two I saw "proved" to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that these folk from the 1960s knew what they were talking about.

To have such an elegant edition of a book, signed by the only surviving member of the Warren Commission, is a must-have for any collector, whether you "believe" what it says or not.

A wonderful book full of new thoughts on the assasination of JFK and even hand-signed by President Gerald Ford. A beautiful piece of art that has a living soul that you can not find in a book any more. This book is worth every penny that is spent and will only go up in value from here. I am glad I have been lucky enough to have come across this book before the big bang happens and prices skyrocket. I recommend this book for any collector. A truly great piece of American history!!!

It's often true that form is indeed content. This handsome leather volume is uniquely produced and the fact that it is signed by President Ford further enhances its desirability. This important publishing event is a credit to The Flatsigned Press. The new foreword by President Gerald Ford offers new material published here for the very first time. Wonderful. We're happy to have it in our collection.

This volume is nicely put together, beautiful leather, tight binding. Signed by President Ford! Brings back all those memories of Nov. 1963. Very worthwhile investment! Should last a long time and be handed down. Well done!

I don't get a chance to read very much but I started this book and couldn't put it down.

What a great book to read. I couldn't put it down. Even if you are only mildly interested in our "feathered friends", you should read this book.

When I first picked up this book, I was impressed by the beautiful feel of the cover and the subtle, beautiful artwork. Kay Charter's stories inside matched the effort put into the quality printing. With a delightful blend of humor and candor, Kay tells of her decision to give up a "comfortable" retirement and opt instead for a meaningful retirement devoted to her wildlife sanctuary. These aren't sugar-coated anecdotes of life with birds. Kay gets down and dirty with the predators in order to protect her beloved and rare species, making the book all the more thought-provoking. Bird lovers will be inspired and entertained; non-birders will learn a tremendous amount about birds and the people who love them.

Kay Charter's book is a well-written story of a life dedicated to following one of the roads less traveled in our society - the road leading towards helping some facet of nature at the expense of accumulating conventional material wealth. In Kay's life, that road she chose to travel led to helping birds. In a series of marvelous vignettes she describes how her choice of roads unfurled before her over the past twenty years as she traveled around the country. Each chapter is very well-written. Most of them make a good point without being preachy. The book is easy to read in snatches of time here and there or in a few longer readings. Reading this book is well worth the time invested.

I saw Kay speak at the Oxford Michigan library. She has an unbelievable love for birds, and I truly appreciate people who have such a passion for anything (legal). While I only have a moderate interest in 'birding', I did find this book entertaining and easy to read. Itr consisits of aminly short 'stories' involving some bird related topic. I applaud Kay for working so hard for the birds and the environment- we need more people like her.