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James Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

James
The Rapture Dialogues: DARK DIMENSION
Published in Paperback by VMI Publishing (2006-04-01)
Author: Terry James
List price: $14.99
New price: $9.06
Used price: $3.63

Average review score:

Fictional Reality?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-20
From the Qumran Caves in 1947 to the boarding of the flight on 9/11 it is filled with an ever drawing you in intrigue with every passing page! It is a "Fictional Reality" in that much is fiction, but in fact could be a believable reality. I have read quite a few books on UFO's, and seen many documentaries on the things talked about in this book. Given where the world sets poised in prophecy right now it is a must read. The author has been given a gift from God on his ability to write about what is an actual reality combined with what could or may be happening behind the scenes in darkness. Terry James book "THE NEPHILIM IMPERATIVES DARK SENTENCES" appears to be a continuation which I am starting to read right now. I highly recommend it, and that you will have a greater insight about how UFO's tie in with these last days!

Provocative Challenging and Entertaining
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-03
In The Rapture Dialogues, Terry James added a provocative and challenging twist to the subject of UFO phenomenon. This book is both fictionally entertaining and scripturally accurate. I will definitely be reading the sequel. Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence

An exciting page turner.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-30
A fast paced, hard to put down page turner. I read most of it the first night. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Bibical prophecy and spiritual warfare. It is certainly a book for our times, and the events unfolding around us. In the words of Chuck Missler, I too, can't wait for the sequel.

The Rapture Dialogues: Dark Dimension
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-18
Roswell, New Mexico, 1947. What really happened? Did the military cover up an alien crash landing? Were alien bodies recovered? Or was something far more sinister uncovered by these and other incidents?

On July 3, 1947, James Morgan is flying a routine mission over New Mexico when his partner Clark Lansing disappears without a trace. Morgan is sworn to secrecy and tells no one of the incident. Years later, in 1967, the past comes back to haunt him. A young man, Mark Lansing, turns up on Morgan's doorstep wanting answers. The younger Lansing claims that he is having nightly visitations and is hearing a disembodied voice claiming to be his father. Oddly enough, James Morgan has been having sleep disruptions of his own.

Is Clark Lansing still alive? Are aliens holding him captive? The truth is far more terrifying?

The Rapture Dialogues adeptly combines history, alien mythology, science, and religious prophecy into an extremely convincing tale that chills the reader to the bone while gently reminding them of the possibilities and their responsibilities in their own future. The author has obviously done a great deal of research in all of these areas to create realistic characters, scenes, and scenarios. Add to this a natural talent to create good entertaining literature that draws the reader into the action and you have one of the best books I've read in a while.

Was I reading the same book?
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-29
Having read many of the glowing reviews for this book, I'm a little confused. Few of them sound like the book I read. The one I read did have nonstop action, and no doubt its basic premise is, shall we say, "too true to be good." Beyond that, however, the book I read was biblically shallow, had an over-the-top storyline, and contained numerous textual errors. After looking forward to reading it (gift from a friend), I was disappointed to find it so. Did a different book somehow implant itself in my copy of The Rapture Dialogues?

James
THE RIVER WHY
Published in Hardcover by The Sierra Club (1983)
Author: David James Duncan
List price:
Used price: $19.99
Collectible price: $325.00

Average review score:

Wise Like A Fish
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-14
Lovers of fishing, or Oregon, or life, or the search for life's meaning should love this book. So should readers interested in thoughtful, creative and honest writing; or of clever, insightful and profound character development. Gus Orviston is an enduring main character, and his discovery of his brother, Bill Bob's, unique and beautiful self, by itself, makes the book worth reading. With a comfortable, unique, often zany style, author David James Duncan has created an unexpected, very joyful book. The ending falls a bit short of the earlier 99%, but that's just quibbling.

A Great Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-04
So, I purchased this book and didn't really expect to enjoy it. I loved The Brother's K, but I thought that maybe I was biased towards the book because I'm such a big baseball fan. I have no interest in fishing.
The River Why is not about fishing. It's an exceptionally insightful look at life. Our idols, our loves, everything. I was so impressed by this book and especially by the writing of David James Duncan.

This is some story!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-03
I think one wouldn't pick up this book casually. There'll never be a lot of hype about it and it takes about 100 pages to hook one. And then: oh, it is a good story. Reading a few chapters a time at night before I went to sleep, I was conscious how I came tired to this book as to bed, and left it with new energy - courage? Laughter? A sense of well-being.

What did I learn from this book? On page 227 in the paperback edition, there's the story of Nick which seems to me the book in miniature. A certain quiet is needed to tell a story which depends on the listener. Setting and introduction are essential (that's why the main story takes 100 pages to get going.) We cannot be in a hurry for the story of our lives. It's worth the read.

Brilliant
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-12
The best book I have read in years. I would recommend this book to anyone that has a hard time believing in the traditional answers to the questions of life. Great!

After the first few chapters, throw it away...
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 23 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-20
Even though I hate fishing and have maybe done it once, the first few chapters of this book are humorous and interesting, in particular Bill Bob, Gus' younger brother. Unfortunately, Bill Bob's role is small to almost nonexistent as the book goes on and the author makes him say some pretty idiotic pseudo-philosophical/religious ramblings, such as a long discussion with Gus about how shadows are our guardians.

The book is largely predictable from the beginning until the end and it's almost like a bunch of authors get together to provide the same theme. The overall structure of the book is Gus starts to question life, including death, ultimate meaning, his meaning, and other philosophy 101 questions. And, of course, Gus ends up finding his meaning in the eyes of some backwoods hippie chick and has a religious experience (if you can call it that) while walking home from a long, incredibly drawn out trip down a river following a fish in his line.

I'm sure many people will see this book as being "deep" or "an interesting discussion of blah blah blah", but if you've even remotely dipped your foot in philosophy this book is hardly enlightening. I pushed through the book simply because I got past the half way point, then promptly threw it in the trash when I was done.

James
Eagle Strike (Alex Rider Adventure)
Published in Hardcover by (2004-04-01)
Author: Anthony Horowitz
List price: $17.99
New price: $9.57
Used price: $7.71

Average review score:

One of the best books EVER!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18
During his relaxing vacation with Sabina Pleasure, Alex Rider is once again pulled into the world of spying. Sir Damian Cray, the pop star saint, has an evil plot to kill millions of innocent people! And the only person in the world who can stop him? Why, Alex Rider of course!

Best book so far
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-18
i am reading the series and i finnished this book in two days. i feel ots the best one yet. very few times when ui was reading this book i got board and when it did it would instantly be filled with awsemness and suspense. u should get it

Eagle Strike Book Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-11
Eagle Strike is one of the best teen spy novels in a series of books written by Anthony Horowitz. It combines action across numerous European countries, celebrities who aren't what they seem, Air Force One, politics, and enough chase scenes to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. This undoubtedly one of the best Alex Rider adventures yet.
Alex is vacationing in France with Sabina, his new best friend, and her family, when the man he hates most, Russian contract killer Yassen Gragorovich, shows up to stir up trouble. Yassen, though, seems to be uninterested in Alex and doesn't even know he's in the area. However Alex, being a suspicious teenager, cannot help but get in Yassen's way. After going out one day after Yassen, Alex returns to find the house he's been staying in has been blown up, and Sabina's father is in intensive care. This leads to the discovery of a strange plot involving a famous singer, Damien Cray, who has developed the ultimate video game system called Gameslayer. This seems to be nothing more than a marketing move for Cray, but the more Alex Rider dives into this Gameslayer and spies on Damien Cray, the more sinister Cray's part in the events becomes.
This leads to Alex travelling around Europe with his trusty guardian Jack in search of the truth and the bad guys, but the bad guys find him first. Alex is stuck in the middle of a plan with deadly consequences. The world's most powerful celebrity has gotten control of the world's most dangerous weapons, and his intentions are unthinkable. A brilliant climax, Eagle Strike will have you on edge of your seat, waiting to know how the book ends, while learning about an explosive secret regarding Alex's history.

Scott Totten

Best of the Alex Rider series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-22
This book is one of the many Alex Rider books; this is defiantly an action thriller. This takes place all around Europe from Venice to England. Its theme is about a young teenage spy who has to solve mind puzzlers to saving damsels in distress. It starts in a little town in Europe when Alex and his new friend Sabina are on a vacation; But Alex ends up seeing Yassen Gregorvich, the man who killed his uncle. After Alex sees this man everything starts to go wrong. The adventure involves a famous singer named Damian Cray; this man is also the man who made the new game system called the Game Slayer. This seems nothing more then a way to make money for Cray but really it is really to fund Cray's evil plan.
One part of the book that I think you will really enjoy is a chapter called "Pain Synthesis". This chapter is when Alex has to face real challenges that are in a video game for the Game Slayer. Also Alex has to face a deadly python, gods, flying spears and electric vines.
The climax is at the end where a crazy super star is in control of weapons of mass destruction. The turnout is incredible on Air Force One. But I can't tell you the turnout you have to read the book to find out what happens.

Nice book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-22
This is a compelling, shocking, and thrilling book. this is about Alex Rider a teenager being forced to do spy work again to save his friend but this time he must do it alone. This is an action/adventure/suspense/thriller fiction novel. Four and a half stars out of five because, it had nonstop action and kept me guessing what was going to happen next throughtout the entire book. people wgi enjoy Darren Shan or Christopher Polini will enjoy this. tgis is a wonderful read for people of all ages.

James
Fields of Fire
Published in Hardcover by Prentice Hall Trade (1978-08)
Author: James H. Webb
List price: $9.95
New price: $118.21
Used price: $7.13
Collectible price: $37.50

Average review score:

"Fields of Fire"
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-04
James Webb (now US Senator Webb) has written one of the best works of fiction about the Vietnam War. He deftly characterizes the people and the place. The US Marines suffered horribly in Vietnam. This book captures the horror, heroism, and comaraderie of combat better than any book in recent memory.

Fantastic book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-23
I read this book as a young Machine-gunner assigned to "C" Company 1st Bn 5th Marines while on deplyment to Okinawa, Japan in the spring of 1983! Since then I have re-read this book 3 times and pick up something new and/or see Webb in a different light each time. A great novel, I think both military and non-military alike would get a great deal of mileage from reading this book.

A pity I did not discover this book sooner... thirty years old (the book not me)
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-07
I was deeply impressed.
I am nearly sixty by now and NOT so easy to be astonished nowadays.
Of course I have read it all before about other wars, in that field it is not particularly original, but it IS the book to read about the VIETNAM USA involvement (was it a WAR after all?... of course it was for the grunts... but part of the American society quite stupidly turned their backs on their soldiers... it would have been bad for professionals... BUT FOR DRAFTEES?...
I was a teenager during the period been born in early 52, so reading this book with perspective (I couldn't have read it when it was published because my English wasn't here nor there - excepting some Beatle songs -) was a great experience, I have seen a lot of films about VIETNAM, but this book hits the mark dead center.
Shades of Remarque, Hassel, that Russian chap and I will say it must have influenced Pressfield and Shaara a lot.
Snake is a great character but not the only one, the whole bunch is a masterful creation (only P.C.Wren's descriptions of FFL soldiers are up to it) and the chapters so much to the point it is almost as you've remembering been there. Goodrich is a fantastic counterpoint.

But I am not for spoilers. I have read a lot of History books and Historical fiction and this one is in my personal top ten.

Highly Recommended.

ADB

PS: Not for everyone I must admit.

P.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-06
I received this book in great shape. I've yet to read it but I've heard so much about it, that it is next on my list!

the finest book on Vietnam
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-25
Having read this book several times since it was first published, I still believe it is the finest written on the war.

James
Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
Published in Hardcover by Howell Book House (1992-09)
Authors: Delbert G. Carlson and James M. Giffin
List price: $25.00
New price: $9.94
Used price: $0.09
Collectible price: $25.00

Average review score:

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-05
I have a couple of paperback first aid books for dogs but I wanted something more comprehensive. We live in a rural area so a quick trip to the vet not possible. This does not take the place of seeing a vet when necessary, but the book gives easy to understand answers for many everyday problems and well organized.

Excellent book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-11
Very helpful book, easy to use, full of information about different dog diseases and ailments. I highly recommend this book hand in hand with:
The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets) These books should be in every dog owners' home.

Excellant book for Dog owners
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-09
This is a excellant Book for any Dog Owner. Has lots of information that is useful.

Dog Owners Home Vet Handbook
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-01
Very concise and to the point. Great index in the front of the book to help quickly identify and find the dogs ailment. Very detailed and has a lot of incredibly useful information. A must-have for every dog owner.

Good Resource Material
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-14
Easy to use, good info, extremely helpful in deciding how quickly to get to the vet.

James
Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary - The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
Published in Hardcover by DK CHILDREN (2006-09-25)
Authors: David West Reynolds and James Luceno
List price: $40.00
New price: $26.00
Used price: $24.99

Average review score:

Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary - The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-19
I bought this book for my seven year old emerging Stars Wars fan. He LOVES this book and brings it with him everywhere. The book is great as it has all the characters from all the movies. The pictures are great as well as all the information about the characters.

Great book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-13
Basically, this book is all four visual guides put together, but with several new pages! With full-color pictures from the movies, this book tells not only about the characters, vehicles, and droids of the six Star Wars movies, but also adds in knowledge from the expanded universe. This is a great buy for fans of Star Wars!

Great book for a Star Wars fan
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-08
My son is an avid Star Wars fan and loves this book. He checked it out of the library so many times - we finally just bought it! Great pictures and detail.

A must for any Star Wars Fan!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18
I wasn't sure what exactly to expect from this book. When I got it and started looking at the page after page of amazing documented discriptions of anything and everything you would see in these movies I was so pleased with my purchase. The only thing I noticed was the emphisis on Episodes 1-3 and remaining episodes were all lumped together in a quick glance almost. The book is amazing non the less and I am more then pleased with it, and can't wait to give it to my significant other for his birthday.

Star Wars Fanatic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-26
Bought this as a gift for my 9yr. old son.
This is a great book for the Star Wars fanatic.

James
Streams in the Desert
Published in Leather Bound by Zondervan Publishing Company (2001-10-01)
Author: Charles E., Mrs. Cowman
List price: $22.99
New price: $73.88
Used price: $4.95

Average review score:

Helpful daily reading
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-15
I've had this book for many years and still read it every day. It has a dark soft cover. I was just disappointed in the size I ordered first. I then ordered the larger soft cover edition for my children. It does not have the extra lined area for notes as my original book does. That is why the 4 stars. It was a good feature.

Awesome books to share
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-28
I've ordered multiple copies of this book on three occasions, and will probably reorder more. This is a book with more than the typical daily devotion ... it has meat and it has substance. It is a great light to follow during your day and it contains plenty of 'food for thought'. I received my first copy of this devotional from one of my pastors and have shared 8 copies with other people in my life who need/want God's guidance in their lives. It's very easy to share; it's an excellent book. I keep mine at my office desk and read it every morning to start the work day.

Inspiring, Uplifting, a sweet essence for dark days!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-18
Read this book if you have experienced the grief from losing a loved one physically as in my case or you are broken from a life circumstance. This book along with the word of God will uplift you and see you through those difficult days when again your tears seem to be the only medicine for your heart. I love that each day starts off with a scripture. I usually will read the scripture then look it up in my bible and do a small study on the scripture. I will then read the devotion for that day. This book and Oswald Chambers devotional book is what I read daily. I recommend it for anyone who has walked down the road of losing a child, parent or sibling. It also makes a great gift for someone facing cancer or for the single mom who is struggling to makes ends meet and feels hopeless. Whoever you are and wherever you are you will be blessed by the golden pages and by the sweet quiet whisper of Gods spirit revealed in the writing of this book.

deejjay20
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
This is a great book for anyone going thru a difficult time. I received my book after the death of my son. Took me four years to actually pick it up and I am so glad that I did. It gives me hope for each new day. I just purchased four more to give to friends that I know are struggling. I hope that it can help them as much as it has helped me.

well worth the money
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-18
This is one of the most hopeful devotional books I have ever found. If you are having difficulties or going through trials, this devotional will help light your way using God's word and uplifting thoughts, poems, and other writings. This book enriches my relationship with God and helps me trust and rely on Him more. Well worth the money.

James
Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) (Write Great Fiction)
Published in Paperback by Writers Digest Books (2004-10-06)
Author: James Scott Bell
List price: $16.99
New price: $10.12
Used price: $10.00

Average review score:

Simple and clear
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-17
This book is most effective when you do the corresponding exercises at the end of each chapter. Bell doesn't give you busy work. Each assignment helps you flesh out material that can be directly used in your novel. In other words, his chapters are insightful and helpful. I found his verbiage easy to understand. Whether you've taken writing classes in the past or not, this novel on plot and structure will give you a new way of looking at your stories. Filled with examples from other bestsellers, Bell makes it easy for readers to get a sense for what will help make their fiction stand apart from other bland novels on the shelf. I highly recommend this book. There's plenty of variety here to keep you interested and once you're done, you'll feel ready to get going on your next novel--I know I am!

Plot & Structure
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-15
James Scott Bell continues to make learning the craft interesting and worthwhile. A must have for all writers, new and old!
Revisions & Self -Editing is of the same quality. I find that even though I have read it I go back to them.

I only wish he would come out with more writing books!

Excellent advice even for the professional
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-08
I work with authors for a living, and I have published two successful nonfiction books. But I still learned so much from James Scott Bell. When I read his brilliant insight about The Big Lie, I knew that I had believed it, too. Because plotting never came "naturally" to me, I assumed that I couldn't do it. But I dislike literary prose that meanders and never goes anywhere, so I felt locked out of fiction.

Not only did his clear-eyed, accessible advice help me with my third nonfiction book (breaking a two-year block in the process by helping me see how to structure it), but it also gave me the wherewithal to tackle fiction again, something I had abandoned in the mid-1990s even though an editor was interested in publishing it!

Thank you, James Scott Bell. I now buy copies of your book and send them to my literary clients as gifts. You're right up there with Donald Maass for offering timely, well-stated, on-target, USABLE advice. Just to show you my appreciation, I'm now going to read one of your novels! :-)

plot and structure
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-08
clear, user friendly, a solid "how-to" and many ideas that can be used for a novice or professional writer....

Great read for all writers!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-24
This little gem cuts through all the noise and gets right down to analyzing the mechanics of good stories. It's full of wonderfully simple observations and immediately applicable guidelines, the kind that are obvious in retrospect but that I never noticed before. The author's not out to cramp anyone's style, either - he recognizes that writers generate material in all kinds of different ways. Definitely worth picking up.

James
Push Not the River
Published in Hardcover by Thomas Dunne Books (2003-09-23)
Author: James Conroyd Martin
List price: $24.95
New price: $4.79
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Collectible price: $24.95

Average review score:

A TRUE CLASSIC: ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER WRITTEN
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-04
Push Not the River by James Conroyd Martin is a one-of-a kind truely unique novel that is bound to become a classic for many years to come. The novel's concept is unprecedented as the author uses the diary of a real life Polish Countess, Anna Maria Berezowska, (1791-1794) and mixes facts with fiction to creat a truely outstanding historical fictional novel.

The novel is based on the real life story of a young polish girl who's diary is found after passing down generation after generation. The author discovered the diary from a friend who had translated it from his great great great great grandmother and then spent many years researching the historical period it covered.

This novel is beautifully written with intricate details which allow the reader to identify with the main character Anna. I was so encredibly moved by this novel. I found that I shared all her devastations, hopes, losses, loves, betrayals and despairs. It is a novel about loss, love, hope, betrayel, despair and redemption set in the tremulous period in 1790's Poland. I also found the historical content of Poland very interesting. It was a time when Poland was being torn apart by surrounding countries.

Push Not The River is a truely epic saga that you simply cannot miss. This novel has everything in it and is a truely universal book. It is a novel that all genders, ages and cultures would appreciate. After you read this book, read the sequel, "Against a Crimson Sky" and look for the last book that he is currently working on. The author also received the Polish Culture Award from Poland for this novel. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

A sweeping romantic epic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-31

"Push Not the River" is a gripping tale of love and loss, not just on a personal scale, but on a national scale, as the Polish nation is finally taken over by the Russians in 1794. "Push Not the River," is a story based on the Countess Anna Maria Berezowska's diary which she kept from 1791-1794. Her story is fascinating, compelling, and will have the reader anxiously turning the page to find out what happens next.

The story begins with seventeen-year-old Anna reeling from the loss of her immediate family. Her father is killed in a fight with a peasant, and her mother, grief stricken, gives premature birth. Anna's infant brother and her mother also pass away. Anna goes to stay with her aunt and uncle, the Gronska's. They live in Halicuz, a town in southern Poland. They have a son, Walter, who is in the Russian army, and a daughter, Zofia, a couple of years older than Anna. Zofia takes a liking to Anna, and befriends her.

While exploring the countryside, Anna meets a young man, Count Jan Stelnicki, who is only a few years older than her. Anna finds herself losing her heart to him. When she finally comes out of mourning for her parents, she spends a wonderful day riding with Jan and he asks her to marry him. The moment is ruined as Zofia arrives - jealous that Anna has captured Jan's heart when she wanted it for herself. A fight ensues and Jan leaves. Anna has sprained her ankle and Zofia goes for help. While Anna waits, she's raped, and doesn't recognize her attacker. Finally, her uncle and Walter arrive to take her back to the house.

Anna is pregnant as a result of the rape and is forced into a marriage she doesn't want to Count Antoni Grawinski. The marriage is unbearable for both of them. Antoni and Jan duel over Anna, but it's not Jan who kills him, but a mysterious sniper. Just as Anna and Jan are about to give into their feelings, Poland is threatened by yet another partion, and Jan goes off to war before Anna can tell him she loves him. Anna stays with Zofia in Praga, near Warsaw, but Zofia, now Countess Gronska, is an enigma to her cousin, and Anna can't help but wonder if Zofia is continuing to keep her from Jan. As the Russians burn Praga, both Anna and Zofia face the ultimate challenge.

"Push Not the River," is wonderfully paced in a grand, sweeping style that will keep the reader enthralled in Anna's story. The plot is tight, expertly weaving between the destruction of a nation and the love story of Anna and Jan. Anna's story is so very human, it's one that leaves the reader thinking about her even after they put the novel down.

A Polish Love Story in the Time of King Stanislaw
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-03
This excellent novel, which gets its name from the Polish proverb "Push not the river; it will flow of its own accord", is the story of two cousins, both countesses, who are in love with the same untitled man in a period of eightieth century history, a time when Russia, Prussia and Austria were bent on conquering and dividing Poland.

The characters are well developed, the dialogue is free flowing, and the plot is fast moving, interesting and convoluted. It is a superb five star piece of work.

Simultaneously Fascinating, Frightening and Fantastic
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-12
James Conroyd Martin has taken the diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska and created a dramatic and moving historical novel.

A friend of Martin's, a direct descendant of the Countess's shared her diary with him, he thought her life was fascinating and spent years researching the historical setting for this novelization. He was unable to get his work published and so initially published the book himself.

Many times while reading this story I found myself impressed that Martin could write in a woman's voice so perfectly. I later learned the author said he employed almost all of the events and much of the dialogue from Anna Maria's diary.

Anna Maria sadly lost her parents when she was only seventeen. She went to live with her aunt Countess Stella Gronska and her family in Halicz. Her cousin Zofia is a year older yet far more worldly than her country cousin. Zofia's older brother Walter is serving Empress Catherine of Russia.

Not long after her arrival Anna Maria meets a handsome young man named Jan Stelnicki who is impressed by her intellect and appreciation of nature. Anna Maria is happy to have something to take her mind off the deep sadness she feels because of the loss of her parents. However her cousin is also interested in Jan Stelnicki and Zofia is manipulative and conniving and willing to do anything to get what she wants.

While Anna Maria seems an innocent and weak young girl events happen that shape her into a strong and persevering woman. She is a heroine to admire.

I enjoyed this story very much. The backdrop of political unrest made for even more dramatic events in the lives of these people. The history of Poland's fight for democracy as well as independence from Russia, Prussia and Austria was all very interesting.

I also enjoyed the special little things included in this book; the historical maps of the locations in the story that show the changes Poland underwent during this period in time, the Polish proverbs as well as the Wycinanki (folk papercuts) by Frances Drwal.

I think there could have been a better title for the book. For some reason I didn't care for the title Push Not the River which is taken from a Polish proverb 'Don't push the river it will flow of it's own accord'. I didn't like it before reading the book and I still don't, I just seems like there could have been a title that was a more reflective of Anna Maria Berezowska's indomitable spirit. But that's hardly worth mentioning.

I did finish the book wanting to know more of what happened to Anna Maria. And I subsequently discovered that there is a continuation of Anna Maria's story. Yay! It's called Against a Crimson Sky, and I will be reading it.


LOVE THAT FLOWS LIKE A RIVER
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-20
PUSH NOT THE RIVER is a dream of a book for lovers of historical fiction, panoramic sagas and/or romance novels. Based upon the actual diary of an eighteenth century Polish Countess, Anna Maria Berezowska, this tale sweeps the reader into an adventure in Polish history as they experience the Third of May Constitution which granted freedom to noblemen and peasants alike. The resulting violence and intrigue generated by the Constitution produced an outcome that devastated Poland. It was repeatedly partitioned by bordering countries, an act which literally erased it from the maps of Europe for over 100 years .

The book itself covers three exciting but turbulent years in Anna Maria's life. Readers will find a story that resonates with meticulous historical detail and adventure coupled with a fabulous love story that continues to echo long after the final page is turned.

If there ever was a story that lent credibility to the adage that "truth is stranger (and in this case more hauntingly beautiful) than fiction..........this is that story!

James
Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Win in High-Stakes Commercial Real Estate
Published in Paperback by McGraw-Hill (2005-12-19)
Author: James A. Randel
List price: $21.95
New price: $12.11
Used price: $12.07

Average review score:

A MUST READ for all real estate investors!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-25
Jim Randel shares his 30+ years of real estate experience in this outstanding book. You might not know that he leased Bed, Bath and Beyond space in one of his buildings and they tried to hire him to expand nationwide. He turned down the job. Also, he leased Martha Stewart her first store in the 1980s in Westport, CT. He has closed more than 5,000 transactions as an attorney and is one of the brightest real estate investors in the country. His self-deprecating writing style is refreshing. He once made almost $1,000,000 for an hour long meeting that resulted in a 50/50 split of a brokerage commission. You'll learn more about these stories and much more in "Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur".

You simply must buy this book!

Confessions of a Commercial Real Estate Entrepeneur
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-11
This book is absolutely excellent. Jim's writing is straightforward and easy to understand even when he is discussing fairly complex ideas. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in any aspect of commercial Real Estate!

Inspration and Insightful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-09
Finally a book for someone in the NE to read and understand NE real estate numbers, both insightful and inspirational.

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-28
This is the best commercial real estate primer I have ever read. I run a commercial real estate brokerage and this is required reading for all of my agents. I highly recommend it.

Kick Start Your Brain
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-30
If you are looking for a step by step buy a house, rehab it, and get rich, please find another book. If you are looking for a dull textbook type presentation you should also pass.

If you are looking for clear explanations of concepts and illustrated with some small case studies to kick start your brain, then this might be just the thing to get you from dreaming to doing.

Although I knew almost all the concepts presented, this book made them much more concrete. I have already begun the process of actually doing instead of sitting on my butt thinking about doing!

Thank You!!


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