R Books

I read this when I was in college upon the recommendation of a friend. She was giddy with excitement about how good it was. I didn't believe her, then proceeded to pick the book up and was not able to put it down. Okay, I was in college, and was used to staying up all night studying for a test. Reading this book was the first time I stayed up all night (and then some) reading for pleasure, not studies. It was just that captivating. My friend was right, and I was just as giddy afterward. The plot kept me motivated to read right on through to the end.

...skip ahead 24ish years...

I was talking with a friend recently, and was asked about some good books I had read. I didn't have a copy of "Emergence", and really couldn't remember the title. After a bit of web searching (great thing, those search engines), I was able to locate the title. Sadly, locating a copy of the book would prove much more elusive. Local libraries didn't have the book, but was able to get it on loan from another library after several weeks wait. I dug in the first night, and the book had the same effect as ~25 years ago... I just couldn't put it down. I am enjoying it more even now that I have a bit more knowledge behind me.

This book is wonderful fun, has great wit, and rides like a roller coaster with lots of "hang time". I am going to have to locate my own personal copy to place in my library. If you are fortunate enough to find a copy, buy it, read it, and enjoy it.

I now find that Mr. Palmer has written a sequel, and now am looking forward to digging into that. Who needs sleep anyway?

Emergence is unusual on many levels. One should not assume that it is doom and gloom - it is one of the funniest and learned science fiction novels ever written.

It is a coming of age novel set in a dystopian future where prodigies ( who do not know they are prodigies) must fight both the broken and dangerous spirits among them and the man-made apocalypse timed to drop on the whole world.

The main protagonist must come to terms with what it means to be possessed of unusual abilities and what it means to find others like herself who are also stunningly capable and invariably good - and her role models.

In the story, intelligence and efficacy combine with no apologies - genius level comprehension and omnibus ability ( ie, the capacity to take apart a racecar AND drive it), and a sunny spirit combine to depict one of the most memorable characters in Science Fiction.

The author has depicted the internal life of a profoundly Gifted child with laudable accuracy - the intense hunger for knowledge, the wide-eyed curiosity, the mature interaction with adults, the laser-like focus, the willingness to take on huge tasks, and the omnibus capacity, showing us that as kids this is who they are. Palmer has set the tone well.

The book is also very dense with cultural and scientific references - from culinary, survival, medical, psychological, organization, martial arts, music, machines, aeronautics, Psittaciformes, and zoology - including correct philology for many species - which could only come from an autodidact much like the characters Palmer writes about. There are a lot of big words in Emergence, but they are used well - sparking the reader's interest in many topics far after the book has been read.

The book is broken into a retrospective, a travellogue, and the final crisis. Some of the action scenes are truly memorable - the ultralight flight is something that I still see in my mind's eye. The parrot is an unusual comedic foil device.

Parents, kids, and others alike will enjoy this book. Not to be missed.
For those who wonder if people like Candy exist, or if you are a parent with a kid similar to the characters in this book, then you should read Miraca Gross Exceptionally Gifted Children or Dr Ruf - Losing Our Minds: Gifted Children Left Behind

David,

I have the February 83 Analog beside me right now, am reading Tracking in Analog, re-read the ending of Emergence just this morning, and re-read the whole thing a few months back. The original novel still carries every bit of the impact it did all those years ago. In my opinion, this is the finest science fiction book I've ever read, topping even David Brin's best work.

Have you seen the mid-July prices for the used paperbacks? They simply must re-print Emergence, and this time with that wonderful February '83 cover, the one that made us all wish we were Melville.

I read this book years ago, and while I do agree that it is a bit dated, the overall book is a keeper and a reread on my bookshelf. Just to let you know, the further adventures of Candy et al have been serialized in ANALOG science fiction magazine and I found it very disappointing, somewhat disturbing, and not worth getting excited about.

First read this in high school; borrowed from library. Captivating then; memories of first read motivated search for own copy. Found used on Amazon; purchased; enjoyed repeatedly. Just as good on second, third, fourth reads, etc. Fell in love with Candy, also with author's unique use of language.

Have now read first two parts of serialized sequel ("Seeking," to be published as novel soon); said sequel so far EVERY BIT as wonderful as original. Can't wait for October issue of "Analog" to read third (final) part; SO much left to happen, resolve.

Experience of reading this book **well** worth high price of currently-available used copies, even if reprint on the way soon. Number one on my list of favorite books ever read. As title says, extraordinary.

The coupling of Mr. Warren and Ms. Craig is casting genius! Never before has the usual dry home repair industry had such a sharp, sophisticated, and witty voice. This completely charming and easy-to-understand book has, undoubtedly drawn numerous women, such as myself, to an area which until now was perceived as forbidden. Three cheers!

Mr.Warren and Ms. Craig have accomplished something no one else ever has in this really wonderful publication. Many thanks to a couple in perfect harmony!

I was looking for a book that tells you how to prevent bad things from happening- a recommended schedule of maintenance for my home. This book tells you how to handle problems after they have happened. I get the impression that they want you to buy the book, figure out that you have no idea how to fix your problem, then look to see if there's a "Rent-a-Husband" franchise in your city.

This book was recommended to me after numerous attempts to become "mistress of my domain" failed. It is so well done I plan to pass the word along to all of my home challenged friends. Fantastic in every way,particularly in the extraordinary way in which it is written.

Truly helpful and a joyous reading experience.

Having traveled the Mediterranean, lived in Worcester County where the first human was cloned (and then promptly destroyed), contributed to the research of The Shroud, and strolled through Central Park, I was amazed that so gifted an author could integrate reflections of all of these life experiences into a few action trilled pages that go way beyond my own life experiences. I am excitedly awaiting the rest of the novel.

There's some good writing here but it is spoiled by a lack of depth in the characters and the plot. Maybe this should have been designated a "Thriller" as it is more genre than General Fiction or General Literature. Basic stuff: the author shouldn't assume that a cloned Jesus would be a problem, just because he's a Jesus doesn't make him a Christ. Or tell us why, even quickly, round things out. Very early on the story becomes only about greed and malevolence, without exploring the complex side of religious passion that can lead to doctrinaire institutions, and greed and malevolence. The doctor praying over the patient is too subtle to balance things, so we get another whack at religion without giving us understanding about why people practice religion. e.g. Da Vinci Code had the strange fellow who whipped himself to remind us of the foundational spiritual fervor. There's some good vignettes and interactions though.

The last time I felt this way, craving the rest of the story, was when Stephen King released The Green Mile in 6 sections, each one several months apart. Or when waiting for the next Harry Potter book to come out. Lankford's sequel to the page-turner The Jesus Thief appears to be just as captivating, entertaining, and expertly crafted as the original. Please don't tease us too much longer! I might have to go back and reread The Jesus Thief to get my fix of these lifelike characters and their amazing story, while waiting for the rest of the sequel!

It's not often that we are educated as we are entertained, but after reading this excerpt, I'm assured that's just what this author does, and with great style. I was swept into the story by skillful scene-setting of New York as the author begins to reveal characters one at a time and the plot begins to open up. A clone of Jesus? Not implausible in today's world. The idea is at once scary and exciting, and I can imagine that the same controversy surrounding The Da Vinci Code will exist for this author's work, created by religious entities who feel the subject matter is sacro sanct, while those of us who are willing to let our minds be stretched might very well believe there could be a true story behind this work of fiction. The excerpt whetted my appetite to read the complete novel.

I was excited to hear there was a sequel to The Jesus Thief. After reading the exerpt, I know I will not be disappointed. I have one suggestion for both of the books, MAKE A MOVIE.

In the beginning, the book was uninteresting but as the story goes deeper, it becomes interesting. This book is a pageturner especially when Jill was stuck with the murderer in the cabin at Fear Street woods. That part was near the end. That one was very exciting.

The Fire Game was indeed very exciting! At first, The Fire Game was for fun. Jill and her friends are the ones playing it and it's all because of Gabe who convinced them to play with fire but as the story goes on, the fire game quickly becomes dangerous.

This book is one of my favorite Fear Street book. I was really excited to find out who the murderer was and when I found out, I was really shocked. I didn't think that person was capable of being a murderer!

This is the best Fear Street book I have read. I wasn't expecting this certain person to be the murderer. I really thought it was Andrea since she was acting like a snob. Instead, it was someone else. Someone close to Jill.

This book was full of surprises. You never know what would happen next. I found this book very exciting especially when Jill found out who the murderer was and she was stuck with that person at that time. The ending is very different from the other Fear Street books I've read.

The story is really epic and introduces you to a new world. However I felt that some of the characters were more symbols than characters.

As an ardent reader of history, I was familar with the horrors perpetrated by Hitler and Stalin. But it took Grossman's "Life and Fate" to bring them to life. I almost hate to say it for fear of scaring readers off, but Grossman puts you there under the crushing weight of a society crafted by Stalinism, he puts you there in a Nazi death camp. As terriable as that sounds (and it is indeed), this book is simply too good not to be read. Its sweep and scope and rush of characters is pure Tolstoy. But Grossman combines this with an eye for detail that comes from his years as a reporter (he was a popular war correspondent in WWII) to make a thoroughly modern novel. Grossman shows how humans are capable of unspeakable cruelty and (almost as bad) indifference to each other, but also contain the ability to be caring and kind even to strangers they might have every reason to hate. If I had to recommend a handful of books as my top pics, this would definitely make the list.

With the exception of Bulgakov I don't care much for Soviet literature. I could never finish Dr. Zhivago or Quiet Flows the Don. This book I did enjoy. Particularly the parts that dealt with the jewish physicist (I forgot his name) and his family. The letter he receives from his mother before she's deported is probably the most memorable part of the novel. Some people compare it to War and Peace. I wouldn't go that far but it is good enough that you might want to read it again as I plan to some day.

One of the most relevant, startling and magnificent novels never read. Awe-inspiring from start to finish: for the characters themselves, their historical counterparts, the author's world and the world at large. Evokes the Greek idea of "necessity;" no understanding, truth without any value, no solid principles, no foundation. You don't read the story: you tumble through it, terrified, grasping blindly for something to stabilize the free fall.

This masterpiece published by New York Review of Books Classics enters my Top 5 among novels by James Joyce (Ulysses), Proust (La Recherche du Temps Perdu), Tolstoy (War and Peace) and Gaddis (JR): it is pure genius in its epic scope. Inspired by Tolstoy's War and Peace and the siege of Russia by Napoleon, Grossman depicts the siege of Stalingrad by Hitler. Grossman narrates the epic from the perspectives of diverse players into whose lives the reader becomes immersed. The cast is vast and the Russian names are daunting to track but Grossman enables us to understand what it was like to experience the fate of Russians in World War II. The catastrophe was overwhelming as millions of people's lives were adversely impacted by the power of two great warring states on the front lines of Stalingrad. Yet somehow the resourcefulness, courage, strength, faith and every virtue of her people, tested under the worst human conditions, Russia was able to withstand the siege of Hitler only to suffer subsequently the immense cruelty of Stalin. The writing in this novel is nothing short of magnificent: it is great literature and profound philosophy by a novelist who knew his subject thoroughly. It's no wonder that Stalin wanted not only the manuscript but its carbon copies because the truth evident in this novel was certainly starkly and baldly critical of the State. At the end of the novel an old woman, Alexandra Vladmirovna, who to me symbolized Mother Russia, returns to the ruins of her home in Stalingrad and admires the spring sky wondering: "why the future of those she loved was so obscure and the past so full of mistakes, not realizing that this very obscurity and unhappiness concealed a strange hope and clarity, not realizing that in the depths of her soul she already knew the meaning of both her life and the lives of her nearest and dearest, not realizing that even though neither she herself nor any of them could tell what was in store, even though they all knew too well that at times like these no man can forge his own happiness and that fate alone has the power to pardon and chastise, to raise up to glory and to plunge into need, to reduce a man to labour camp dust, nevertheless neither fate, nor history, nor the anger of the State, nor the glory or infamy of battle has any power to affect those who call themselves human beings. No, whatever life holds in store -- hard won glory, poverty and despair, or death in a labour camp --they live as human beings and die as human beings, the same as those who have already perished: and in this alone lies man's eternal and bitter victory over all the grandiose and inhuman forces that ever have been or ever will be..." The translation by Robert Chandler was as masterful as the original writing itself: Chandler was articulate, true to the text and humble in bringing to light without affectation or coyness or ego the profundity of this master work. I wish there had been maps of the front lines, which I found on the Internet to help me gain my bearings with unfamiliar geography at http://users.pandora.be/stalingrad/maps/stanlingrad map 7.htm. Having read War and Peace, Grossman gives the master, Tolstoy, a real run for his money in this epic: don't let this masterpiece pass you by! It's a novel fated to change your life.

This is probably my favorite book in the whole series. Wonder a thoroughbred filly, is ruined during training but Ashleigh Griffen, a 13-year old girl, Charlie, a retired trainer and Jilly, a young jockey believe she still has potential. They work hard with her and the ending is so wonderful and relieving.

Just like the first book in the series, this book has be glued to it. Once again, this book is great for any young reader who's a horse fanatic. You really get a better look at the bond between wonder and ashleigh.

this is probably my favorite book of the whole series!(not that i've read them all) It's great, great, great! So...I would defintely reccomend this to any1!

A boy, Digory, and a girl, Polly, are friends who have a secret place by Digory's uncle's attic, and they accidentally stumble into his attic. Digory's uncle is a magician and he uses Digory and Polly as an experiment on his newest trick. He brought them to a different world and when they came back, Digory's uncle went with them for a second trip and ended up in a place called Narnia. They met talking animals and the king of the beasts have a mission for Digory and Polly. When they finish, they find out a witch has followed them and she is trying to take over that world. Digory and Polly make things a little easier on the animals, and bring Digory's uncle back home. Digory's mother was very sick, so he and Polly went back and got some healing medicine for her, but will it work?

Ashleigh is worried about Wonder after failing to get trained by somebody other than Ashleigh. When Wonder's trainer gives up, Ashleigh tries to train Wonder and soon she succeeds. At first Ashleigh was worried because Wonder threw her. It was hard for her to believe that the horse she had raised would do such a thing. When Wonder proved she could be a racehorse like her owner had hoped, he agreed to let Ashleigh train her thoroughly. Asheigh couldn't have been more happier till a jockey friend, Jilly, was chosen to race Wonder. The End.

After reading the stellar reviews I purchased this book for my 13 year old sister. All I can say is "Blah". This is some of the lamest young fantasy I have ever read, needless to say she never got this book. Falling prey to a host of storybook and fashion cliches Emily the spunky loveable red-head, Adriane the quiet and mysterious raven haired guide at the Raven's Wood Animal Preserve, and Kira the blonde valley girl princess tromp about in a terribly typical manner discovering magic from another world and befriending a host of magical animal companions. Perhaps I've been spoiled by J.K.Rowling, but Rachel/Shelly Roberts writes as though the young women reading these books are stupid. Upon reading "Circles In The Stream" I was a little surprised that it was considered appropriate reading for a 13 year old!

On a less negative note, if you have a little girl about 7-10 that enjoys reading- this will be right up her alley. Certainly not a classic novel but one that is a "safe" fantasy book that younger readers can handle with ease. For all you not so little girls out there try "Howl's Moving Castle"- a charming fantasy novel and love story- or if you prefer a series Dragonsong, Dragonsinger, and Dragondrums are an excellent age-appropriate set of fantasy novels.

This book is the best I have read ever!
The book is mainly about, friendship,magic, and the love of Animals, for those parents out there if you want to know more about this book and the series, go to....

http://avalonclubhouse.piczo.com/

This book a no put down, something to treasure. Shelly Roberts has a true talent for book writing!

Highly recommanded to Magic lovers everywhere!

this book is awsome!! Right now I'm middle of reading trail by fire but anyways this is a must read! I love all the magic in the book and friendship. Every thing is so magical. If u lov magic well this is a book for u!!

this book is the best its nice and thick and super interesting i wish i had the auctal book i took it out of the libray if you cant decide to buy it or not buy it you wont be disaponted also another good seires isw w.i.t.c.h.

I loved it! Emily is this new girl in town and is lonely but doesn't mind as her mom is a vet so spends most of her time with animals. As she gets adjusted to the town one day this sick animal comes with these brutal green gashes that everybody thinks is pioson. Not just that but dogs are soon found dead by the wildlife perserve. Emily decides to explore until she finds a stone that later turns beautiful like in all differnet rainbow colours. She later meets a girl Adriane and becomes fast friends. They learn to except the magic that entered their lives and most of all they learn that magic is strongest when your friends are there to help, and not to mention a magical world with evil lurking everywhere.

This book saw it coming.It was well ahead of it's time. Hundreds of my fellow employess were able to avoid the recent corporate incompetence and mismanagement by implementing the cultural changes detailed in the book. A must read to adapt to the new business ethics for running a sucessful company.

Have fun reading this book while you learn where your sales organization can avoid the pitfalls of growth. The authors write in a style that is fun, yet makes very important points about how to make a business successful. I have used this book with my small business clients to show them how to anticipate problems that inevitably arise as their business grows. This book had a great deal of credibility with me, because I have seen clients go through exactly the successes and problems that are described.

It's a quick read, yet every chapter points out ways that we can either be successful or not successful, depending upon the decisions we make. The authors cover the functions at just about every management level, so no matter where you stand in the hieracrchy, you will benefit by reading the book.

I'd recommend this to both large and small busineses. For the small business, there is important information here whether you are just starting up, or are experiencing the inevitable pain of growth. Large organizations will recognize themselves also, and will benefit from the tips provided about how to manage your culture to be more effective.

Cancel the 12 year old review. My mistake in logging on. All businesses should read this book. follow it"s advice and message and you will be rewared if you have the desie and drive to suceed. Take it from one who was not only a Hunter and then a chief Hunter, but also became a Tribal Leader of four successful Finance Companies, (1) Commercial and (3) leasing companies. Dan Grow SR.

buy and read trak da prey or u r da prey carefully and then follow it's message ( if at first you din't suceed-try again abd you will be rewarded if you have the desire and drive. take it from one who was not onlt a hunter and then a chief hunter, but also became a tribal leader of four successful finance companies, (1) commerical finance and (3) leasing companies. dan grow sr.

At last I know what I am. It was fun to figure out my role and comforting to know it's OKAY to be something besides the Hunter. A village needs all kinds. If you want to know how YOU fit into the grand scheme of things in your village, I recommend this book.

YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK< IT ROCKS!
Caution!!!>May not be able to put book down

Put it down. I dare you

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-10

This very well could be the world's first YA Hispanic Mystery novel, I don't know. When I picked it up and read the back, I immediately categorized it as one (as in "let's see what stereotypes we can check off the list today") and dismissed it. But it kept showing up at our local writers' group meetings, so I eventually picked it up and started reading. Twelve pages later, people were calling my name. "DeAnna...DeAnna...it's time for your critiques. Are you ready?" Wha? No more read book? Where book go?

So when I met Ron Cree at a writers' conference, I told him I planned to pick up the book, because I kept reading it when I saw it. He handed me over a copy, which totally floored me. Look, it's the first time this kind of thing has happened to me, all right?

--But enough about how I got the book. Here's the setup:

When the famous Nick Hernandez, star of the hit police action show Desert Blood, adopted Gus Gonzalez a couple of years ago, everybody said his career was going to tank. It certainly opened the door for even more nasty tabloid action than he'd had to face before. But now someone's making threats against Nick and Gus, and Gus is having trouble sorting through all the plots and lies around him to find out who's out to wreck both their lives.

I have to say, I successfully did not suspect Gus. I suspected everyone else, and I had no idea who was guilty until the end. I finished the book in one straight sitting, too -- just as soon as I thought about putting it down, there'd be another hook to pull me along.

Here's the beginning. The rest of the book is just as sarcastic and fun:

"In big, bold letters, the front-page tabloid headline announced that I'd been abducted by aliens: HERNANDEZ HEARTBREAK! ADOPTED SON TAKEN CAPTIVE ABOARD FLYING SAUCER..."

"I was sitting on the edge of my bed, scanning the details of my unfortunate abduction and wondering at the same time if I had a clean shirt to wear."

Desert Blood Author Ronald Cree

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-06

I'm not a kid anymore, but it wasn't long ago that my two were teenagers who experienced angst at every turn. So it wasn't hard to relate to this boy raised in a foster home who seemingly makes good only to feel his new love and security ripped from his reach at every turn. Amid his celebrity status, hero father, teenager Gus Gonzales emerges the true hero of this story, a worthy, smart protagonist and amateur sleuth of amazing proportions. For anyone who loves to see character growth, among an amazing California backdrop of celebrities, glamour and a page-turning who dun it, Desert Blood is a fantastic read and one I couldn't put down.

Action Pack!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-05

I was hooked right away, even with the prologue. Nicely done.
Rich and well-developed characters. I never guessed who done it.

~Leni Checkas
Writer

An entertaining read

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-21

I am a librarian who runs a small public library in rural New Mexico and who loves to read teen literature and mysteries. Once I started Desert Blood 10pm/9c, I found it difficult to put down. I quickly came to care about the main characters, Nick and Gus and Lalo. Nick's movie star status and the fast pace of the mystery as it evolves have appeal for teens. This is an entertaining book that I will be recommending to our teen readers during this year's summer reading program. It is great fun and I will be looking forward to any sequels to get to know Nick and Gus better.