Chinese Books

This is truly a great book. It is the real starting point for Harry's adventures. The Chamber of Secrets and The Sorcerer's Stone weren't able to give me anywhere near the amount of excitement I received while reading this book. I give this book 5 stars for many different reasons

Harry Potter's skills as a sorcerer aren't very impressive until this book when he learns to use the Patonus...something...I read this a while back lol. Also, the Dementors were the first creatures throughout the whole series to really strike fear into my mind. Sure there were traps that were devastating in the first book, and sure there was the basilisk who could kill people with its glare. But the Dementors were able to make a person suffer horribly through only emotions. I mean, who wouldn't be scared of having all the happiness and good emotions sucked out of you and the environment around you. The chilled air and flickering lights (maybe they actually turned off) scared the bejesus out of me.

Here's a measurement for how good this book is and how it's a turning point for this whole series. I cannot begin to describe how fast I read this book compared to the first two. The Sorcer's Stone took me a whole year because it bored the crap out of me. The Chamber of Secrets...I got up to the 2nd paragraph and actually could not go on reading it. The Prisoner of Azkaban, by far my favorite of the whole series, took me the better part of a week or two to read. The same with The Deathly Hallows and The Half-Blood Prince. Overall, the maturity of this book compared to the first two is pumped up and it is truly a masterpiece for people of all ages.

Mr. Dale has a strange way of pronouncing accio folks, prepare yourself.

We all really enjoy listening to the Potter series on audio CD. They are well done.

We've now bought all the Harry Potter audio books. My husband's not a great reader at home (newspaper and sports mags) but he drives a lot for his job. He loves listening to all these stories. We also play them in the car for the kids when we are travelling. We are big Harry Potter fans and these books have been a wonderful purchase. Now he can join in all our conversations too! Jim Dale is amazing, you completely forget it's only one person reading the book.

This is a very good book, i thought the harry potter books would suck but they dont. they are getting better and better. This was a good book to read

My Favorite book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling. This book is funny. My favorite characters are Harry Potter and Ron Weasly. Harry's funny and adventurous. He's fun and likes to try new things and has lots of courage. Ron is funny also, and likes to do almost what Harry does. Ron and Harry make the Harry Potter series joyful.

The author's writing style is joyful and the genre is adventure. J.K. Rowling is best at setting up the setting I think Hogwarts is a wonderful setting.


The best part of this book is that ever character is different in each chapter. They do lots of mini adventures in the big adventure; to find the prisoner Sirius Black. Best yet, Harry tries to go to Hogsmeade but gets caught by Professor Snape. I recommend this book for people in 3rd and above.

This is a great book. My 3 yr old daughter loves it! It is the one she asks for over and over.

My 7 month baby girl can't get enough of this book. She loves the rhyming verse and the big color pictures. I definately recommend it!

This is my daughter's favorite book of all time. I read it to her daily. This is definitely a book that all children should have. The colorful animals in the book are fun to look at, while the words are pleasant to read and listen to. Very nice book!

I bought this when my son was about 4 months old. Ever since, it has become my son's absolute favorite!!! He is now 12 months old and still loves it!! He will sit and flip through the pages by himself, or bring it to me, for me to read (all be it, not necessarily in order if he is turning the pages). Highly recommended!!

People are drawn to this book for its eye-catching illustrations, but the rhythm and simplicity of the text are also wonderful. As you read this book aloud, it almost feels like singing. The story is straight-forward and engaging enough to hold a toddler's attention. Highly recommended.

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

I picked up this book later in life after many family hardships befell me. Rather than looking to religion or self help books an honest and humble friend read versus from this book to me. Having loved poetry and free verse most of my life I was struck with vivid beauty in the simplicity of the words that graced my ears that night. Kahlil Gibran in his day was renowned for his prose and how he carried it with the same simplicity that met my ear that night. In his finest work he left an indelible mark on my soul, not just for his words but how his words and their importance can change to the reader throughout their life. Regardless of religion, social preference or upbringing his words have the ability to stir the soul and to channel emotion to a strong degree. Once a gift for my late mother in her dying days it remains not a pillar of strength but a pedestal on life. Not a road map but a way to look at your surroundings when the path before you seems clouded. It gives you not direction but focuses on finding a clearer path. I've read several of Gibran's other works since then but this stands the test of time. If I could ever call any writing a masterpiece, this would be it, for I still read it and still draw from it every time I pick it up.

I've just recently been introduced to Khalil Gibran's work, and I am very thankful for it! His words are profound and thought-provoking. I find myself reading his lines over and over -- there's more to ponder everytime. Not only is his writing beautiful, but truly meaningful.

One of the most profound books I have ever read. You can learn alot about love, life and relationships after reading this book. Very insightful.

When I first started writing poetry at age 12 or 13, I was encouraged to read other poets. Something I refused to do because I thought it might influence, "My Style"...

:)

OK, so I was hard headed... I later was introduced by a Brother In Law to Kahlil Gibran and it was like finding a kindred soul. I now totally encourage any one that want's to excel in poetry to read the greats. And you won't find many of the caliber of this man!!! His words sing from the page both in his poetry and in his short stories! I love "Martyr's To Man" (It's been a while but some of the words are still singed in my brain... And I think it truly speaks of the time we are living in now more than ever... From memory so not verbatim...

Are you a soldier?
Who must forsake wife and children?
And go fourth into the fields of battle?
For the sake of greed
Which your leaders miscall duty?
Than you are a martyr to man!

There's more but the gist of what I am saying is if you love poetry and you haven't read any Kahlil Gibran you're missing out on one of the greatest poets to ever live!

And if you write poetry, I firmly believe Kahlil Gibran should be recquired reading!!!

Not that you will feel you have to plod your way through it...

You too, will fall in love with his immense gifts!!!
Sincerely,
And best wishes to all
Chase von
Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak

I read this about a year ago and can't recall a great deal of the book. From what I do recall it was like a poem all the way through. While the writing was beautiful, I found it ambiguous and befuddled with meaning that I could not identify with. When Gibran speaks of God, I cannot identify because I have since abandoned those philosophies. It is thus difficult to revisit them in this book. I have the feeling a may have missed something great about this book. Indeed, I pulled wisdom from parts, but rather than go back and read it again, for now, perhaps I will move on to another of the many books out there that are enlightening and worth reading. Someday, I would like to read this again and dig deeper.

This was an amazing fantasy novel. It's entertaining, hilarious, and heartwarming. The detail of ancient China, its traditions and beliefs are very vivid, and there are "feel good" parts to it that remind me of a Disney/Pixar movie (terrible analogy, I know, but that's what comes to me when I think of the feeling it gave me). The solutions that Li and Ox come up with to get themselves out of their various predicaments are clever in their conception and exciting in their execution, and I'm very interested in reading the next books in the series.

I've never read anything like Bridge of Birds, and I spent my first law school semester re-reading it in my spare time. With few exceptions, I never had any idea what was going to happen. I laughed like a loon during one of the murder scenes - I don't want to give away any more, but it was deliciously ironic - and was humbled by the intellect of the character who figured out the overarching mystery. The last few chapters were like a roller coaster. I felt like I was flying during the climax, and that alone would have prompted an eventual reread and reccommendation. I can't *not* reccommend Bridge of Birds to everyone, but I am aware that those who dislike complex storytelling would be totally confused before they got anywhere in the book. I will now go off in pursuit of modestly-priced copies of the other two Hughart novels...

This novel of an 'Ancient China that Never Was' is a brilliant gem of interweaving storylines that made me both smile and cry. It was alternately silly and beautiful, so much so that I want to use overblown adjectives to describe it. Basically, it was about a man looking to find a cure for a disease affecting the children of his village, but it turns out to be so much more.

When first starting the novel, it seemed a simple quest novel, usual for the fantasy genre. As it went on, it seemed more like a series of connected short stories with the same characters with perhaps an overarching goal for the main character. Then it went on some more, and it began to quickly connect. Characters once met were met again, and again. They changed, told their stories, and moved on, leaving the book and the main character changed.

By the time the book was over, I just sat there crying yet smiling with happiness at having read it and at the gorgeous ending. If you are not sobbing at that time, or when one of the characters has his letter to his daughter read, you are a much stronger person than me. I turned this book over to my husband who upon finishing agreed that it was a shame that the author did not have a large list of books for us to dive into.

Someone who reviewed this said it was not an accurate representation of ancient China. It truly is no more accurate in describing ancient China than modern fantasy novels describing medieval life or the Dark Ages, but as you read it, you realize that's not what you're reading it for. The way it glosses over facts and grittiness makes it a stronger work.

This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I've ever read.
I have 2 copies. One to treasure and one to lend.

I just loved this book. I don't know how to describe it, other than fantasitical literature told in the first person with a very funny main character.

If you like like literature, ancient peoples, and fantasy, you'll love this book.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Volume 2 is an inspirational and enlightening book. Being a teenager myself I can relate to a lot of the stories told in this bestseller. The first time I read this book I was younger and didn't understand what the authors in the book were saying, but when I revisited it this year I actually understood it and connected more to the stories. This book has inspired me to write about my personal experiences and really look back at the good, bad, or in between as a way to learn from my mistakes. Instead of breaking down I decided to write. This book has taught me and helped me through some rough times. This book is great and I recommend it to anyone. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul is not just for teenagers, I have even read some stories with my friends and family. This book has been a real joy and inspiration on all aspects of my life. Thanks Chicken Soul and I hope all readers out there will get a chance to read this delightful, motivating, and wonderful book.

This is a great book for every teenager. Every teen goes througha tough time at least once in their life and this book can really help. It has stories on things from teenage romance to suicide. This is a great book for everyone from teenagers to adults.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul 2 is a great book for teens because it is something we can relate to. It is filled with short anecdotes written by teenagers or once-teenagers about their adolescent experiences. It is inspirational and teaches us about who we are, about people, and about life in general. I recommend this book for all teenagers.

I think that this book was a very good and fun book to read. Anyone who enjoys hearing about different teens telling their own stories would greatly enjoy this book. While I was reading it, there were times when i felt like laughing and other times when I felt like crying too. The things that teenagers go through are so hard and alot of adults do not understand this, that is why this book is so helpful. It is a very good book to read and I would recommend it to anyone, espically teens.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul ll is a great book written by teenagers and some adults about life. It teaches us about life and how to deal with it. It shows us that no matter where you came form, what you look like, or how you act, almost all teenagers are the same. This book is an inspiration to everyone.
This book influences me because it inspires me to become a better person. Before I read this book I thought, "Oh this book is just some boo full of made-up stories", but as I continued to read into it more, I thought" Wow this is a really great book". This book tells you that all teens go through the same stuff. It shows you that your not alone, and with faith and courage you can overcome most obstacles. This book is filled amazing stories of love depression, and hope. I encourage everyone to read this book.

This is true one of the best books I have seen in years. It inspired me to take my faith to a new level, and helped me appreciate how blessed we are with freedom in this nation.

The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother YunThe book was inspirational. The story of how God can work in a life which is totally sold out to knowing Him and His Word. Brother Yun's attitude toward suffering and the cost of following God is a challenge for every Christian today. Highly recommend this book.

Enjoyed the book. Story's are amazing. Even if you question the stories, the life lessons drawn from them are amazing.

Amazing to see the story of Acts lived out today. Inspiring.

This book isnt for you if violence makes you queasy. I thought it was unbelievable what Yun went through, and it was an interesting book. I learned much about the history of Christianity, which I new nothing about before. However, I felt the book was very repetitive, as I cannot count how many times Yun went to prison, was electrocuted with a baton, beaten senselessly, etc. I definitely believe in miracles, but everytime I turned the page there was another one.......so many that it almost seemed unbelievable and I wondered if this story was actually true.

This is a unique, life-changing book. I found this story of a simple, humble Chinese brother and how the risen Lord appeared to them to bless, heal, save and call his family into a life of service for the Gospel and for the name of the Lord. It is much about our Lord and not so much about brother Yun, and this is one of the marks of its authenticity. I found it deeply convicting, life-changing and inspirational. It is a reminder that the call of Christ is a call to the cross, and that His ways are infinitely above ours. I also feel I got a glimpse of one of the ways God will reach what we westerners call the unreached peoples of the "10-40 window" and what our Chinese brothers and sisters call the way back to Jerusalem. Read this book, my friend, and be blessed!

An excellent book. Every Christian should read this to help expand their understanding of the persecution Christians around the world experience daily. We are blessed to live in the U.S.A. And thank God for our soldiers who help preserve our freedom to worship freely.

http://www.alpharelief.wordpress.com

http://www.alpharelief.org

I just read a book called "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn and it shook my life to the core. As you traveled with Ben Fielding, as you watch all of his preconceived ideas of the persecuted church be dashed on the rocks, I saw my on ideas being torn from me as well. As he sees persecution first hand and how they find it an honor, not a punishment to go through these horrific tortures, it brought me to my knees in repentance of my own trivial whining. I saw how, in my own way of thinking, I demand that my life stay as rattled free as possible, we call it a right that we deserve. I looked at my own life with new eyes and with much shame as I watched in the pages what persecution truly looks like. If you are quite content with your life and you really don't want anything to rock your boat, I strongly suggest that you do not read this book. If you are ready to see how our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer for the cross of Christ, with joy, hope, and peace, then I challenge you to open this book with a readiness to be changed forever. Even though this is a work of fiction, Randy Alcorn stays faithful to the true facts of the life of a persecuted christian. As I finished the book my heart was broken in how I live my life in my own selfishness and how amazing my life is blessed by God. It was a book that stay with me even into the grocery store and the ice cream aisle. This is a must read for anyone who is ready to fall in love with those who are prepared and ready to die for their faith. They are willing to teach us what true living is all about. Are you ready?

Randy Alcorn is a wonderful, talented writer. His gift for describing Heaven is amazing. This book could only be described as "life-changing".

A superbly written book! I've read lots of books about China, but never have I read one quite like this. Yes, it is fiction, but there is so much truth and history to be found in its pages. I have a renewed heart for the persecuted church throughout the world.

While the message of "Safely Home" is important, the book largely failed to resonate with me. The writing is just plain poor, with flat, stereotypical characters; a plodding, cliched, predictable plot; and long passages of dull sermonizing as the author preaches to the choir. (Mild spoilers?...) The frequent shift to the POV of characters watching the events from heaven was hugely ham-fisted, irritating, and (especially towards the end) a bit blasphemous as the author takes it upon himself to think God's thoughts for him. I think it's a shame we let ourselves be content with poor writing such as this simply because it's "Christian". I continue to be underwhelmed by modern Christian fiction.

Just as the majority of others,I give this book 5 stars. I have been using it almost daily for several years. True,I am a holistic practitioner,but I use it personally with and for my family. My husband actually got the book as his course text for a nutrition course in his Acupuncture graduate program. I have used it far more than he.
With beginners,or say,someone new to all of the 'type diagnosing',I usually recommend they look through the back glossary of foods,categorized by types such as legumes,veggies,fruits,etc. Pitchford breaks down the 'energies' of the foods so well,and gives a brief overview of how they are helpful,along with some basic recipes.
He also has sections on oils,sweeteners,greens/chlorophyll,etc.
I just don't see how anyone would be confused or find it contradictory,if you take it a little at a time,and don't attempt to 'diagnose yourself western style'. [this is the trick-it's not a how-to manual;it's a resource guide!]
You can learn the basics of what is important and why,which types of sweeteners to replace with what,etc.
What I love about this book,too,is his focus on assisting those who are transitioning from a more standard western diet. ie,he will discuss meat,fish and their healing properties,when they may be needed,when to avoid,how to transition from,etc.
This is not an 'all or none' preachy type of book.
Pitchford is sincere and obviously knowledgeable/experienced.
For all around great,useful books on health and nutrition,I really cannot think of any other that I'd recommend so highly. Accessible to beginners,but will still challenge/provide info for more experienced folks/practitioners.

If you are serious about getting healthy the natural way this is an encyclopedia of knowledge. GET IT!

You can't read this book in one sitting. It's massive. Best used as a reference book. A must for your library.

Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition
Very informative. Written so it can be easily understood. Has helped me understand my condition better and what I can do to help myself.

this is the most amazing health book I've ever read, it is like a bible for healing and/or balancing your life throught food and good habits.

Jackie Chan has had a very eventful life. When he was a child he lived in on an ambassadors mansion in Hong Kong. Soon he was sent to a Cantonese Opera school, which was a boarding school where he was trained, day and night for over 10 years of his young life, in the ways of Chinese Opera. Chinese Opera is not the same Opera you and I may think of it as, but instead is a very acrobatic physically demanding show. He then went into the stuntman business, which was a very difficult road for him. For many years he struggled with finding work but he soon became a much wanted stuntman. Eventually he went into small acting parts, which led to bigger acting parts. Soon enough he was a huge success in Hong Kong, and eventually got married to a famous Chinese actress. Jackie still travels a lot and his wife is a stay at home wife who raises his son.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. It is full of constant action and keeps your attention. I Am Jackie Chan is an easy read and fast paced I was unable to put it down, except of course when class was over.

I Am Jackie Chan My Life in Action 1998 5/5
Written by :Jackie Chan & Jeff Yang

Easily one of the best books I have ever read. This books contains 398 pages of pure joy. Seriously I read this book In one sitting . I was already a fan of Jackie Chan now I have so much respect for him. The copy I own includes a extra chapter, I would say it's worth buying again to read that extra chapter. Jackie Chan had a very interesting upbringing filled with beating and let downs. I mean he was abandoned by his parents who essentially sold him to the Peking Opera. Where they had the power to punish him up till death.

In here Jackie talks about the makings his earlier films. I really enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy his movies. Jeff Yang has said in interviews that there is works to release a second volume. Lets hope for that!

my wife's english is not good. but she found that it is very easy to understand this book as Jackie's movie. She has fun with it and use it to prove her english.

Dood tottally I'm not kidding, Jackie Chan is like a god amongst men, a god who makes flawed movies in his old age (flawed is polite considering the horrible movies he's currently putting out). Man Jackie Chan is so great it makes my balls sweat whenever I think about it, in this book he talks about how he and his crew broke into an amusement park to steal... not money but bread crumbs!!! Becuase Master wanted his students to work hard, this is not a book for weaklings, they will fret and feel weak as they learn of the heroic and disciplined exploits of my man JACKIE FING CHAN! Man in this book he talks about how some dudes wanted to fight, but he didn't cuase Master taught him only to fight for show and not fight for violence. Man the world would be a better place if we all had to read this book. Mandatory reading for High Schools this should be.

A fascinating insight into the mind and career of the world's biggest movie star. With exhaustive (and exhausting!) descriptions of Jackie's brutal Peking opera training and early days as a stuntman and actor, almost everything you want to know about Jackie is here.

Not that there aren't omissions - his illegitimate son Jaycee, now trying to make a name for himself as an actor, is never mentioned. Jackie is also quick to take credit (he claims 'Half a Loaf of Kung Fu' and 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow' were the first kung fu comedies, which they weren't) and slow to give it out (he describes his opera brothers' film 'The Prodigal Son,' arguably the best kung fu movie ever made, as "solid"). But Jackie's charisma and determination shine through on every page, and you can't help but admire the guy. A must read for Jackie fans and aficionados of Hong Kong cinema.

I absolutely LOVE this book. Dr. Sha teaches you how to heal yourself and others by using various chants, affirmation-like sayings, and by using various positions of your hands. He's a great writer and the techniques are easy to grasp and use in daily living. I recommend this book to everyone with an open-mind and desire to heal.

I have read this book and four of Master Sha's other books. I would say that it is a clever and eclectic marketing mix of new age, psychic and traditional qi gong techniques. The techniques for healing specific ailments seem to be congruent with similar healing techniques which fall under "energy work".

The leap of faith for me is ignoring the inconsistencies in his seemingly virtuous intentions. Some things just send up a red flag for me.

Has anybody noticed if you start with page nine of all eighty-some reviews that the majority of the reviewers have only reviewed Master Sha's books?

Has anybody noticed on Dr. Sha's website that he offers the services of "Karma Cleansing" for $1,000 and a Divine Protection Package for $1,200.

Has anybody noticed that most of the reviews for his books are regurgitated descriptions from the back cover or in the introduction of the book?

Has anybody noticed that out of eighty-some book reviews most are romantic reflections about the book's philosophy as if it were a novel instead of a how to get results book on self-healing?

Has anybody noticed that there are only approximately five reviewers out of eighty-some reviews that cite any reduction or elimination of specific, chronic, physical conditions?

I wrote a review called "Missing the Obvious" for another one of his books. In that review I made the honest observation that if Master Sha's soul healing methods work, and he includes specific techniques for healing the eyes, why does he wear glasses?

Since then, I looked for contact information on his website. I called the contact phone number and spoke with one of his representatives. The representative I spoke with assured me repeatedly that Dr. Sha does not wear glasses. I told the representative that I have five of Dr. Sha's books and in all his photographs in the books and often on the book covers, he was wearing glasses. As we spoke I was staring at the website's homepage where Dr. Sha is smiling with glasses on. The representative said, "Oh it's because, like many other healers and guru's, he's so busy taking care of others he hasn't taken the time to heal himself."

Is it just me? Since when have we become so gullible or so helplessly in need of a medical cure or warm hug that we'll believe anything we're told?

My intentions are not to take away any hope for any readers involved; however, I would like people to make an informed decision as to whether or not they want to invest their money, time and energy on the newest spin in snake oil, even if it does tout of being on the N.Y. Times Best Seller list or come recommended by another best selling author.

Dr. Sha's concept of healing the soul first, then the mind and body healing will follow will make tremendous sense to anyone who has done any serious level of self exploration and soul searching, and will be quite eye opening to anyone suffering from illnesses that western doctors cannot explain. Dr. Sha's style of combining prayer, meditation, positive intention, visual imagery, and energy healing is revolutionary.
The exercises he describes which I have I tried provided amazingly powerful results.

This book is a practicle guide to awakening happiness at the deepest level. Dr. Sha's beautiful and noble intentions radiate throughout it's pages. Practicing the teachings in this book has readied me to take on new challenges. Thank you, Master Sha.

from the other 1 star review:

Has anybody noticed if you start with page nine of all eighty-some reviews that the majority of the reviewers have only reviewed Master Sha's books?

Has anybody noticed on Dr. Sha's website that he offers the services of "Karma Cleansing" for $1,000 and a Divine Protection Package for $1,200.

Has anybody noticed that most of the reviews for his books are regurgitated descriptions from the back cover or in the introduction of the book?

Has anybody noticed that out of eighty-some book reviews most are romantic reflections about the book's philosophy as if it were a novel instead of a how to get results book on self-healing?

Has anybody noticed that there are only approximately five reviewers out of eighty-some reviews that cite any reduction or elimination of specific, chronic, physical conditions?

I wrote a review called "Missing the Obvious" for another one of his books. In that review I made the honest observation that if Master Sha's soul healing methods work, and he includes specific techniques for healing the eyes, why does he wear glasses?

OK ,,TO ELABORATE ON MISTER SHA.......I WALKED OUT ON HIS LECTURE..his students were doing healings and talking/channeling...it was unbearable..
as far as the book goes if the exercises help you GREAT,,....
but he seems to be a very slick businessman....