Richards Books

I saw both flims the original with Shirley Temple/Lon McAllister also the newer version both were great
So the the book was a must have also to learn what had happen to rest of the story(the horse/the people)

This is a wonderful book about an unbelievable champion - the kind we need today in America. A champion that reaches into the hearts of the people, unifies us and inspires us to prevail. The men who believed in Seabiscuit were not perfect, nor was Seabiscuit but they all managed to be imperfect winners. The writing itself might be a bit flourished but it is certainly well-researched and the story is entertaining told. Hillebrand has captured the ironies, truths, the agony and ecstasy of horse-racing and life itself as well. This one will make you cheer.

I'm usually concerned about purchasing items on line, especially books. I can honestly say that this experience was worth it. I would recommend this seller to anyone interested in purchasing good quality books at extremely reasonable prices.

Buy with confidence, I did!

I can't recall the number of non-fiction books that I've read. Little matter, this is the most incredible true story that I've read!!
Laura Hillenbrand has captured a time in American History. She is a true storyteller who has done impeccable research. It must have been the time she spent in Gambier, Ohio at Kenyon College that inspired her to such great in depth writing.
For those of you who have not read this book or have not seen the excellent movie, you're in for an incredible treat. Trust Me!!
If I were writing fiction, this true story would not have been told. Charles Howard, Red Pollard and Tom Smith are indeed the Holy Trinity. Remember these names, after reading this book, you will never forget them.
One little horse, so much history!!! Incredible!!!!

When I finished reading this book five years ago, I thought "Wow, that is the greatest sports book I have read." Well, I still think that way and I've read some great sports literature since.

It's the combination of fascinating mini-biographies of Seabiscuit's owner, trainer and jockey that make this book so entertaining. These were fascinating people and if you were a horse racing fan, the era was just about perfect. People went nuts over horse racing, baseball and boxing. It's not like today where football, basketball and hockey share the limelight, sports-wise.

Author Laura Hillebrand's account of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith and jockey "Red" Pollard are just incredible. These man have amazing stories and what they and Seabiscuit attained in racing, are almost unbelivable.....yet everything in this easy-to-read book is true. From the early pages on, the book hooks you in to the point where you care deeply about all the main characters.

I'll always remember getting to the chapter which told about the famous match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Hillenbrand had done such a great job of building up to that, I almost didn't want to read on for fear I would be greatly disappointed. That's how involving her book was for me, and for many others.

I guess the highest praise I can give this book is so good that it got me back reading, after a long absence.

To get the most enjoyment from this beautiful book, buy the original Katherine Woods translation.

This is a wonderful story and a great book I was able to share with my students. The only drawback with the book is that the pages are not in color, but the extremely low price allowed me to purchase the books for my students out of my own pocket.

Katherine Woods' translation is the only English-language version of The Little Prince which captures the beauty, simplicity, clarity, and profundity of the Antoine de St. Exupery's classic, penned in French.

(The newer translation is appallingly horrid and bland, mistaken, and frankly perplexing.)

This is really not a children's book, although older children will appreciate it.

Don't measure the value by the thickness of the book. De St. Exupery, himself a WWI pilot, writes with a great economy yet produces here the most beautiful poetry with a delightful playfulness and childlike innocence -- a fresh vision which thus sees clearly and does not obscure the profound.

Mr. Fred Rogers used to quote from de St. Exupery, whose image and illustrations once graced the 20-franc note (in the days before the euro).

There simply is no other work like this one. It is an exceptionally rare treasure, a masterpiece.

Be sure to read Katherine Woods' translation. Read it privately, when you have time to savor each word. And keep a box of tissues nearby.

I was an adult when i read this book, and i really appreciated the lessons in life that Saint-Exupery shares through the Little Prince.

A great book, full of beautiful illustrations, easy to read, while fun and sad at the same time.

I personally read it as if Exupery is sharing with us the conversations he has with his own inner child, in the image of the Little Prince. That is why the Little Prince would ask many questions, but rarely answer the ones he was asked. Like all our inner children he's been hidden inside and kept silent for a long long time, and now that he was given his chance, he will speak. And we better listen, for he is an integral part of our psyche, who will take us through the most unbelievable adventures.

The Little Prince has often been heralded as a youthful book, required reading in elementary and high schools alike. In delivering it this way I think The Little Prince is missed by the only audience that is likely to truly appreciate it, that is adults. It is not an uncommon misconception that this is a children's book. Indeed, I keep the pictures stored on my computer, and am often asked where they came from. I reply that they are from one of my favourite books, and without fail the response is along the lines of, 'I don't mean to be rude but is that a children's book?'. 'No', I explain, 'it is not'.

The Little Prince is most needed, I think, by adults. It is easy to be caught up in, as De Saint-Exupery describes it, 'matters of consequence' and forget that it is not these matters which bring meaning to life. By pointing out the futility of professions practised endlessly and in isolation of other people, it becomes clear that the Little Prince, with his rose, is the only character with a life of consequence.

This book is beautifully written and translated by Katherine Woods. It speaks volumes through its simple tale, strange though it seems that matters such as these only become clear when they are somewhat removed from reality. Matters such as love, innocence, imagination and priorities. The Little Prince is a gentle and stirring reminder to never forget to see the boa constrictor from the hat.

Richard Rhodes provides the definitive account of the making of the Atomic Bomb. This book covers the characters, the technological dilemmas and all of the politics involved in making the atomic bomb. Starting with the various scientists and their backgrounds Rhodes takes us through the major players and their contributions towards the bomb. The book at times does get a little heavy on the physics but it is worth the detail for putting into context how the scientists came together to develop the bomb. The beginnings of the military industrial academic complex are developed and its crystallization becomes clear through people like Bush and Compton. While daunting at times given the sheer volume of the book it is worth taking your time to understand one of the greatest stories in the 20th century. This is truly the best account and a must read for those who want to understand how the 20th century and beyond was shaped by the work of the Manhattan Project.

I'm only half way through the book. However, it is making all the physicist that I read about in my science courses come alive. It is a great read.

This book is exciting to read and technically detailed. It gives a history not only of those involved in the production of the actual bomb, but of the physics and discovery of the atom and its components. No text book from walker or lectures from feynman can compare in how engaging this book makes the science and history. Since I have nothing but approbation for this book, my only complaint is slightly manufactured so as to make this more of a review. I wish that the book went into more details towards the end including maps and diagrams of the enrichment facilities. He may include that with other book and certainly this was long already, but that lack of details towards the end made the reading and experience slighly rushed.

Great book if you are interested in the subject of science and nuclear physics. The book does a good job of explaining a lot of technical jargon in layman terms and tells a compelling story of the scientists involved. I read this book back in school and fell in love with the side stories and the footnotes in the making of the bomb. The later parts of the book are a bit of a drag and it is easy to get bored. A couple of friends who i recommended this book to did not like it as they felt it was too heavy and they were not really interested in science as much :).

Myself not being a scientist there were parts of this book that were hard to understand theoretically speaking, but the historical story the book brings forth is hard not to understand. Between the people making blind discoveries to educated guesses to scientific brilliance it's all here. Leading up to the climatic climax. This book is long and could be hard to read at times but the important historical facts leave nothing to wonder. A fantastic account of the making of the atomic bomb from around the world to then center on two cities in Japan was a page turner through and through. A giant collection a names, dates and ego's that ethics aside did stop a war cold in it's tracts. A weapon with hopefully will never see the light of day again.

Penman's books are all fairly lengthy, but by the time you get to the end, you don't want it to be over. This one is no exception. I actually preferred the character of Edward to Richard in this book. Probably because he seemed more believable. Penman let his flaws show brightly and therefore seem more relatable (I think that's probably why Anne was probably my least favorite character). The almost saintly portrayal of Richard is pretty much my only complaint though. I was thoroughly entertained by this book. The relationship between Edward and Richard was touching and the shift in Edward's character throughout the book was very well done.

I think the reason why I'm such a huge fan of SKP is her ability to really make you sympathize with the characters. She always makes their motives really clear and you almost can't dislike any of them, because you really feel like you understand them. The best example of this was Richard's decision in the final battle.

The best part, for me, is that the history is amazingly well researched, as always. There's only one fictional "main" character, and she's not a very important. The story just sucks you in even if you don't have much background knowledge. This one is definitely a keeper!

Dealing with complex issues, a distant time, and unfamiliar (to me) names, this author knocked it out of the park. This book is absorbing from its first page to its last. While managing to tell the not-uncomplicated story of the Wars of the Roses, the author creates compelling, even sympathetic, characters. Her research is obviously well-done, as her descriptions of everyday life in that long-ago time were vivid and fascinating.
I loved this book.

This is the first book by Sharon Kay Penman that I've read and I have to say that I'm very impressed. Penman does an amazing job of laying before the reader the tangled web of deceit that surrounded the reigns of Edward IV and Richard III in way that makes it easy to understand.

This is the story of The War of the Roses and the life of Richard III. We follow Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester, 'Dickon', as his family calls him, through the deaths of his father and brother, the rise of his brother Edward to the throne, Edward's death, Richard's crowning as king and his eventual death at the hands of Henry VII.

Penman shows the reader the potential motives behind the endless betrayals as well as the scandalous rumors that were rampant during the time. The story brings to mind the old saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer".

Yes, there's a lot of history and a lot of people with multiple names to keep track of but I don't know that I've read another book where the author was so generous in keeping them all straight for the reader. I confess that I always read with paper and pen in hand so I can keep track of 'whose who', and I did with this book as well, but Penman offers so many opportunities to clear up any confusion that I found I referred to my notes on 'whose who' very little.

The book is broken up into four different parts and while I found the first part a bit dry and heavy on the battle scenes the rest of the book is much more expansive.

I was moved by this story, fascinated by the history and very impressed with the writing.

I bought this book for my Kindle and am besotted with it.

I read it then read it for the second time without pausing and am now more than half way through a third reading. It is intoxicating and addictive. The language is glorious, the ambience exact and the characters full bloodied and three dimensional. Ms Penman seems to have used Kendall as her primary source and what excellent use she has made of his biography of Richard! I am left wordless with admiration at the skill with which she weaves the complex strands of the dynastic civil wars into a coherent tapestry of such great beauty.

I would recommend this book to any reader hunting for a richly detailed and thoroughly engrossing tale. It is quite truly one of those "couldn't put it down" books which come along only too rarely in today's world. My only complaint is that more of Ms Penman's works are not available for the Kindle. I would like to have her complete collection available to carry around with me to read whenever I chose.

15 years ago a friend loaned me this book and I fell in love with this talented author's writing. After this book I read everything available by Sharon Kay Penman and then began to read anything to do with British medieval history.

Penman painstakingly researched her subjects and brought them to life as no one else could. I fell in love with Richard who as a 5 year old boy lost in the woods proved his absolute loyality to his older brother. This is the brother who would become Edward IV. He was willing to say he was in the wrong rather then get his shining brother, "Ned" into trouble with their mother.

He faced the horrors of war, the loss of his father and brother in a brutal massacre and he became a great, loyal, honorable man. I despise the stories that claim he was a hunchback with a withered arm. As if any man who could fight with a broad sword and lead men into battle would be anything less then a strong fighter in his own right.

The years that Richard suffered to prepare both mind and body to be worthy of a great knight are proof that he had to be in superb condition. But the lies that Henry VII put out were believed by Shakespeare and used to malign him further in history.

It's such a wonderful tale of love, battles, defeat, glory, men who fall lose everything & fight their way back, wonderful women and the greed of the Queen's family that helped bring down the dynasty.

I can't believe it has not been made into a movie. What is wrong with Hollywood? We see so many movies with men and armor fighting with broadswords. Everyone loves these stories. Will someone wake up?

I have 2 favorite books and this is one of them.

My 2-year old daughter *loves* this book, especially finding Goldbug. Although now she's done it so many times, she remembers where he is on each page, so even though it's still fun for her, it's lost a little of the mystery. Can anyone recommend any similar proto-'where's waldo'-type books for toddlers?

My grandson loves the book. He's into trucks, etc., and the abundance and variety of moving vehicles is fascinating to him.

Wonderful book. Lots to look at and discuss. My son cannot get enough of this book. It has been his favorite for at least three months so far! We wore out a yard sale copy and bought a new one! It is a great distraction in the car and at restaurants. Excellent at bedtime. Richard Scarry is great.

I bought this book for my 2-year-old son and he loves it. He is into trucks and cars and wouldn't put this down. He now knows about all kinds of trucks. There isn't much of a story. He just likes looking at and saying all of the different trucks (such as a flatbed trailer).

My son loves Richard Scarry books and construction equipment so this book is a good match. He pores over the pictures looking for Goldbug and pointing out funny things like Hilda Hippo driving a loader.

I give this book 5 stars for a few reasons. One, it has a couple of subplots that make up the bigger plot, but they are not disjointed and then hastily tied together in the end. The subplots build carefully with interesting character development that make it interesting from the beginning even if you are not sure how they will tie together.

Two, the characters are very believable. I enjoy Christian fiction immensely if it is quality and the characters are believable, someone you could picture in real life. I have a hard time finding Christian fiction I enjoy because the characters seem canned and to be perfectly honest, corny. Francine Rivers however is able to develop interesting characters with characteristics and interaction you can find believable and that you can relate to. Hadassah can at times seem a little too "good", but you get to see the human side of her when her struggles and thoughts are described. And to be perfectly honest even if it is difficult to relate to her at times you see the impact she has on people and see something to aspire to.

The third reason I enjoyed it is because of the Christian principles and characteristics involved. Like I mentioned, Hadassah does seem a little too "good" at times, but you get to see her struggles and how she handles them. Struggles I find very believable and easily related to. Many other characters are able to be related to as well. The selfishness of Julia, the unwavering pursuit of money and pleasure by Marcus, the frustration and sadness of Phoebe and Decimus, and the judgment from the servants all make it able to be related to. I know that even as a Christian who is pursuing God, I still struggle with many of the same things that people who don't know God struggle with and this book shows clearly the logical conclusions that these characteristics take you to. Hands down one of the best Christian fiction books I have ever read.

This Book is not only an inspirational book but also a thought provoking book and a love story. You won't be able to read this one and not order the next two books that come with it.

From Jerusalem to Rome to Ephesus, travel with Hadassah, a young slave girl, as she clings to her faith in the face of the decadence of Rome in "A Voice on the Wind". As usual, Francine Rivers crafts a beautiful work of fiction full of poignant and thoughtful moments that touch the heart. There is also plenty of action as the author brilliantly draws the reader into the breathtaking locations of her tale. She brings Biblical characters to life beside her fictional creations in this wonderful novel. I highly recommend this novel and am proud to have it in my collection.

This book also contains a very helpful glossary of terms and an invaluable discussion guide for use with any reading group.

This book was recommended to me by multiple people and I found out why once I read it. It is my new favorite book, and Francine Rivers is definitely a new favorite author. Francine Rivers knows how to create an exciting story plot and bring you into it with vivid descriptions and believable characters.

Well written ... check.
Historical ... check.
Spiritual ... check.
Adventure ... check.
Romance ... check.
Characters you love ... check.
Characters you don't ... check.
Pondering when you set it down ... check.
Today's reality revealed ... check.
Lessons for life ... check.
Growth in your heart ... check.
Inexplicable deep meaning ... check.
Wish you read it earlier ... check.
A hunger for more ... check.

Bon Appetit!

Book was in said condition, very nice. It arrived in a timely manner.
I am happy to have purchased it as the content is very meaningful and helpful.

I have been an Oswald Chambers follower for many years. I had been reading a tattered copy that belonged to my dad. For my birthday today I got this copy for my birthday and it is so very special. The leather cover is so soft and beautiful. Two shades of purple and liliac. Soft and comfortable to hold.

The dovotions are still current today. They make you look deep within your heart to what God is saying to you.

Highly recommend.

This book has been a profound daily devotional for me for 15 + years. I have read it every year. The insights this man of God had are some of the most relevant, authentic, and remarkable devotions I have ever read. I continue to be amazed.

Oswald Chambers gives the awesome truths of the Bible and God's character in this easy, daily study.

If I had to make a choice of only one book that I could have in addition to my Bible "My Utmost for His Highest" would be it. Next to the Bible, this book has had the greatest impact on my understanging of what is means to walk with Jesus.

Micheal Yon's book is exceptional. It is, in my opinion, an absolute exercise in truth telling. You will be appalled at the blindness at the top of the command structure and, perhaps as I was, brought to an occasional tear at the creativity, courage and humanity of the soldiers on the ground.

If you are interested in as close to an unbiased view of what has gone on in Iraq this book is a must read. If you want your faith restored in the absolutly incredible capabilities of our armed services this book serves that pubpose in spades.

I completed this book with a renewed sense of an already strong pride in the quality of our fighting men and women.

Yon is not an Ernie Pyle: he is objective and even-handed and has been very critical of U.S. policies and actions at times. At all times, however, he remembers that he is a U.S. citizen. He realizes that it is not possible to be "neutral" in a war in which the other side has been absolutely clear that they will kill or enslave "neutrals" if given the opportunity.

From the book: "I prefer to write what I see with my own eyes in the streets and on the battlefield, to paint a picture as intimate and rich in detail as I can, and then, as much as possible, let the reader come to his own understanding." So-called "journalists" from the major news organizations would do well to try doing the same - it's called "reporting".

"Moment of Truth in Iraq" is not military history, it is journalism - a branch of journalism that might be called "military human interest stories". The writing is much tighter than in Yon's freshman book, "Danger Close", which is more of a true-life adventure story (and a good one at that). All-in-all this is an outstanding collection. [...]

Yon is now reporting from Afghanistan.

The Soul of Wisdom

This book carves a sharp and prolific path through courage and combat, harm and heroism, tactics, strategy and diplomacy.
The spiritual transfer of courage and morality from Americans to Iraqis is at once hopeful and inspiring.
Explanations about the cross-cultural bonding and diplomatic elements of counterinsurgency are crisp and comprehensive.
Luminous vision from a book of such brevity is awesome, exciting and astonishing.
It shines a wide and very bright light.
"Brevity is the soul of wit," but it is also the soul of wisdom.

Mr. Yons book is a tremendous edition to the myriad of literature about the war in Iraq. I tend to believe the facts he uses in the book becuase I was in Sadr City and Diyala province and he describes the areas, the attitude and the overall gist of these areas quite well. What Mr. Yon brings to the table is an accurate description of what it takes to fight a counter insurgency and why we were failing at it. He describes why we seem to have gotten a second chance at winning over the majority population in Iraq and what we are doing with that chance. The bottom line is he stays away from the "why" and "if" we should be in Iraq and stays with whats going on there right now. The fact is that we are in Iraq, will be there for a long time, and the way we get along with the locals and our moral compass dictates how many times we will be attacked and subsequently, how many soldiers we have to send home in a casket. A very good point Mike makes here is that Iraqis just want to go outside every day and not worry about catching a bomb or a bullet in the face. All the other issues (oil, infidels, religion, etc.) are all underscored by a basic need to be alive. Iraqis are human beings and they are motivated by strong, passionate, and yes, caring leaders.

We went Iraq and most soldiers in 2003-2004 (I was one of them) believed that the way to win over the Iraqi people was with an iron fist and audacity, because that is what they knew. We just became the next baddest gang they had to deal with. We have learned to change that. Iraq has responded to us. It doesnt matter why because it doesnt look like we are getting out of there any time soon. Mr. Yon brings this fact out beautifully.

I dont like this book because of a specific value or wing affiliation, but rather because he brings hope for both sides based on facts that I can confirm as true. In a time when the Iraq situation is not much more than a political issue or tool for milllions (we know IT IS much more), this book made me a little less frustrated, even if it may be short lived.

We gave this book to our daughter on her graduation from Army basic training. My husband and I both had careers in the Navy, and, while in active duty service, I was always aware of the huge reality gap between what gets reported in the news, and what really happens in the arena. If you REALLY want to know what is going on in Iraq, READ THIS BOOK!

Every now and then I read a book that I believe should be on every Christian thinker's bookshelf. Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov is one such book. It is not an exaggeration to say that The Brothers Karamazov might possibly be one of the greatest novels of all time.

Warning: Plot spoilers follow...

Dostoevsky's description of the tragic Karamazov brothers and the murder of their father provokes questions about God's sovereignty, the place of suffering in our world, human depravity, and redemption through pain.

I have decided not to give a description of this book's storyline. There are many places where one can find the story. I will say that there are sections of this book where the theological questions are so profound and well-treated that the reader feels he must read them several times to fully feel their force.

The Brothers Karamazov is a long book (almost 800 pages). Pevear and Volokhonsky's translation is, undoubtedly, the easiest to read in English, but even the good translation cannot overcome some of the slow-moving moments where the novel labors in details. Many Karamazov fans (and I am one of them) love the extra details, as the information helps to better form each of the unforgettable characters.

Who, after reading this book, can forget Fyodor Karamazov, the wicked and sensual father? Or Ivan, the cold rationalist son who has abandoned his belief in God? Or Dmitri, the well-intentioned son who is held captive to his own base desires? And of course, Alyosha, the good son who trusts in God but is powerless to stop the murder of his father? And these are just the Karamazovs. Dostoevsky's descriptions of Katerina, Grushenka, Father Zosima and Smerdyakov are just as compelling.

The Brothers Karamazov is not for the faint of heart. It is, at times, difficult to read. At other times, its story is captivating. And, as always in Dostoevsky's works, the depth of thought behind the philosophical questioning is what makes the book stand out. If you have time to read and you love classic literature, buy the book and read it all. If you don't have time, but would like a taste, I suggest you at least read "The Grand Inquisitor" chapter.

Great book --compelling and one of Dostoyevsky's best. The conversation between Christ and the Grand Inquisitor is a passage for all human kind.

With this book, Dostoevsky makes a brilliant social critique spanning over religion, family, social caste, and existential thought. His characters are passionate and real. His observations are apt and moving.

I found the beauty of this work to be that I appreciate its darkness and let it depress me only because it is timeless and relevant still.

Yeah you've got to read Dostoyevsky's Brothers Karamazov

Yes I know its long (indeed, it was intended to be the first book of a trilogy) and the names can be hard (Smerdyakov, Kolya Krossotkin) and characters can have more than one name (Dmitri, Mitya)

But just stick with me here. The books incredibly moving. You finish reading it, it knocks you over like a pile of bricks. POW!

I've read the book twice. Its a long one, make no mistake. HUGE. Books like this can be used as doorstops, stop up the winter draft


Not to give anything away, but the book is the story of a family. The father is a rather nasty piece of work, and you won't care what happens to him. "Why is such a man alive?" one of the character asks early on, and noone really cares for him except Alexey (more often called Alyosha)

Not to give away the plot, but there are sons of the lecher and all of them are vividly drawn. You have the young novice Alyosha, brother to Ivan (they share the same mother). You have the illegitimate son, and the intellectual. To write about the relationship between those two would be a sin, suffice it to say that terrible thoughts will find someone to act upon (Raskolnikov in Crime & Punishment is similar - fixated on an idea)

I was saying the book was powerful. This is so. So many high points! In his letters Dostoyevsky wrote of the book having its climax - in 2 different points!

He was referring to the Zossima narrative and the Pro & Contra chapters, but its all strong

Pro & Contra is probably the most famous section of the novel: Ivan and his Alyosha relax with one another over a meal, and talk. And argue (although Alyosha for the most part listens)

To tell more would be unfair, Alyosha loves his brother Ivan, but has to call what his brother suggests Rebellion, and the relation between the 2 will become even more sundered

You get vivid characters (even the minor characters, like the dreamer and the nihilist Rakitin are well drawn). A powerful plot (a character is murdered, and thats all I'll say about that). You get deep intense conversations about God and the devil (and Ivan returning his "ticket" as a matter of course, since its the suffering of children he cannot abide)

So powerful its beyond words. And this was just going to be the first of a TRILOGY. Amazing

At the beginning of my freshman year at college, a girl told me to read this book, it would 'change my life'. She wouldn't elaborate further. Now that I've read it, maybe I shouldn't either.

Read it.

Odd, its one of the most painful books I have ever read, it left me a wreck when I finished it.

But its...comforting. Not in the story, in my own life. That won't make any sense till you read the book. (And every synopsis/interpretation on the web misses the whole meaning completely.)

Take it as the last testament of a man who bounced from Christian to Socialist and back, "tormented by everlasting sin and injustice--both of one's own, and the world's" (quote from character in BK). "Thirsting for belief" and simultaneously very much "I will be a child of this age--a man of unbelief--till the lid of my coffin closes", and asking 'the parable of the prodigal son' to be read to him as he died.

The story is like life in general...beautiful and then ghastly, painful, loads of hatred and love twisted and not so twisted.

It hasn't got any pat answers, beautiful explanations for tormenting questions, or happy endings. But its...comforting. Read it.

________________________________

Actually, I couldn't stop crying for awhile after I finished The Brothers Karamazov. It was weird, it hurt so much, and yet it felt so true, like real life is like that. And then I felt this love welling up inside that didn't leave for awhile. Its like TBK hurt so much and at the same time gave this love inside and felt so true that the book was devastating and painful and comforting all at once.

This book will probably give you these common symptoms of many readers of the books. Namely:

1. took 3 weeks to recover from one of the books and become a functioning member of society again. Couldn't talk about the books with other people during that time, because it felt so intensely personal.
2. wanted to change your life after recovering from TBK.
3. shortly after recovering from TBK, found oneself choking up about the meanings of things too heavy for words.



******spoilers ahead****************
It says so much about life, and it is so true. Especially what it says about shame, hatred, strained virtue (Katya), torment, injustice, hope, and love. At the end of the book, I was bawling so hard because it felt so real. This sounds weird, but the book is so comforting precisely because parts of it are so painful and raw like life. I felt like it was saying: yes, there is so much wrongness, there is so much pain and defeat and death, and we have the choice to rage against earthly injustice like Ivan, or like Mitya and Alyosha, put all our hope in that inexplicable love that rushes into our heart at the darkest moment....to put our hope in it, and to love and forgive. Oh dear, I'm slaughtering it, this post doesn't do it justice at all.

Animation is now done in 3-D this book is dated.
The book I have on by Don Bluth were much more elaborate on the animnation process then this book. The drawings are primative and don't offer much of the way of substance you can take them at face value.
If you like stick figures you might like this book.

This a must-purchase for the starting animator. I read The Illusion of Life first, which was a lot of words and theory but fewer walk-throughs (though you should buy that, too!). Get it, you won't be disappointed.

this was the textbook for my principles of animation I class, and it was an immense help. if I was ever confused about how to liven up an animation, or make a movement more believable, I could look in the book for an explanation of a walk, run, jump, or any of a number of movements and get an example of the keyframes at the very least.
while it doesn't sit down and explain the 12 principles of animation in a section, it does end up covering the essentials in an easy to understand way.

my instructor put it this way "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation is the old testament of animation, and this book, is the new testament."

This is an easy to understand book that i am sure will give me an edge starting my animation history classes. It lays everything out in an understandable format. great book

a much needed item for an inspiring animator or anyone interested in the entertainment field