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

Personal
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations One School at a Time
Published in MP3 CD by Tantor Media (2006-06-01)
Authors: Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
List price: $29.99
New price: $17.08
Used price: $16.36

Average review score:

green berets book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
It's OK if you are interested in how the Special Forces are equipped. No stories, it just informs about its training and camps with some descriptions.

inspiring
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
A very readable, moving testimony to what one person can do to "make a difference" in the world. We have given many copies as gifts.

Read this book and become inspired to really fight terror
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
Read this Book!! I picked this book up at the airport and couldn't put it down. The storyline is engrossing and exciting while the message is heartfelt and so necessary right now. We need more people like Mortenson. His story of failure followed by a long struggle to educate and enlighten the peoples of pakistan and afganistan even made me tear up a couple times; not for its sadness but for how hard he has worked for so long to finally make a huge difference in the lives of these people and the world. If we truly are at war with terror, we need to start by educating, not terrorizing those we fear.

This is a man's book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-12
The cover and title make it sound like a chick book. This is a book for everyone. There is high adventure throughout. The story is amazing and will touch your heart as well as your need for speed and your need to identify with various tough guy heroes. The tone stays mostly neutral on the pros and cons of the Islam/US strife, just sicking to telling the story. You will not want to put this book down.

A perfect book, made me rethink my world
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-12
A perfect read - I don't even know how to accurately describe it. The incredible impact one person can have on the world. I finished reading a few days ago and it has made me constantly think of my life and what I can do. The writing isn't perfect but it isn't bad and I think it gave the book a REAL quality. It didn't feel overly written and composed. Don't get so caught up in grammar and nit picky items that you aren't completely inspired. A brilliant story about an amazing individual selflessly improving the lives of others. I expect this book will be life changing .

Personal
Rocket Boys (The Coalwood Series #1)
Published in Hardcover by Delacorte Press (1998-09-15)
Author: Homer Hickam
List price: $26.00
New price: $6.95
Used price: $0.83
Collectible price: $26.00

Average review score:

Rockets in West Virginia
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-16
... "On June 4, 1960, the Big Creek Missile Agency, fresh from its medal winning performance at the National Science Fair, is sponsoring a day of rocket launches at its Cape Coalwood range. Everyone reading these words is invited..." This quote can be found on page 356-357 of a book called Rocket Boys; this statement showed me that the success of the main characters was a result of personal hard work and teamwork.

"Rocket Boys" by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. is a nonfiction account of a group of friends from Coalwood, West Virginia in the early 1960's who have a fetish for making rockets. Homer and his friends have a dream to shoot a rocket up into the clouds. This story gives the reader a message that dreams really can come true.

Rocket Boys is one of the strongest books I have ever read. The author accomplished his goals to tell people that team work is one of the most important things to know in your life. This book is recommended for people that like space and rockets and who want a hopeful book to read. Reading Rocket Boys really gets you thinking about team work and how far you can get with it.

Great Story
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-13
I was a little disappointed by the ending and the fact that Homer Hickam gave John Kennedy the idea to go to the Moon but other than that I couldn't help but root for the band of misfits.

Countdown to Adventure!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-11
I bought this book and the audio tapes and my son and I listened and read this amazing book together. Our plan was to read for 30 minutes a night...however it was sooooooo good we listened and read for 5 hours!

We are now going to rent the movie that was made from the film! All systems go....we enjoyed the adventure!

A great book with perfectly timed humor and emotion.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-26
Children in West Virginia mining towns became coal miners. They did not become rocket scientists. But it did not matter how well-known this was, for Homer "Sonny" Hickam, Jr. there was only one way out. He was the right age and had the right amount of ambition when the United States and Russia became entangled in the Space Race and as far as he was concerned, his fate was sealed.

Hickam's writing carried the comfort of conversation with an old friend. It was remarkable how easily I became nostalgic for neither a time nor a place that I had ever known. The story drips with the passion of a man who if he had to do it all over again, probably wouldn't change a thing. He understood and appreciated the importance of everything that happened to him and helped him on his way.

One thing that I found particularly fascinating was how closely this book resembled the old proverb that It takes a whole village to raise a child. And I mean no disrespect to Mr. Hickam when I point out how amazing his circumstance was in that he could not have done it alone. The stars seemingly aligned perfectly so that one boy from West Virginia could capture the hearts of so many people that he would be able to get such invaluable assistance. There was probably no way anyone else could have done what he did. And that is to his credit. (The way his path was guided by fate, or something like it, reminded me of how Ruth Reichl became a food critic in Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table.)

I loved this book for Hickam's ability to transport me from my favorite reading chair to a West Virginia high school in the late 50s. I found myself hanging on every word wondering what would happen next. There is something special about an intelligently written story about a successful man who takes no credit for himself, but rather gives it to each person who helped him make his dreams come true. Rocket Boys may now find itself among the short list of my favorite books.

Amazing True Story
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-09
Homer Hickam grew up in a rural isolated mountain town but went on to win the National Science Fair.

This book is his story and how he was successful.

I bought 24 copies of this book to inspire my advanced 6th grade Reading class. They loved the book. In our discussions they mentioned never giving up. Homer and his friends kept trying until they had success.

Thank you for sharing your life with us, Mr. Hickam.

Personal
The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family
Published in Paperback by HCI (1997-08-01)
Author: Dave Pelzer
List price: $12.95
New price: $2.91
Used price: $0.50
Collectible price: $12.95

Average review score:

Thank You!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-25
This book, along with another came in on time and for a great price. I Love this book.. I am now waiting to read the two books left that tells the rest of Dave's Story. There are 4 all together!

Inspiring
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-21
This book will open your eyes to child abuse. You will forever remember and reflect on what you have read. We all have a need to be loved.

good book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-19
this is a good book! i love it when dave sees that kid and the kid says what you call my sister? then dave says a horror? then the kid punches dave, makes his nose bleed, and says don't you ever, ever, call my sister a whore again! read it if you liek dave pelzer as much as me!

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-15
I purchased this book for my girlfrind, and she loved it! The compelling story of this little boy and his fight for survival would motivate anyone to keep moving forward. It is a must read!

A cOoL rEvIeW!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-10
"After a few sweeps I shook my head `She`s gone! She`s not there!'" The book, The Lost Boy bye Dave Pelzer, is about a boy named David who goes into foster care. His mom, (who is the actual crazy person) thinks her son, David should go into a Mental Institution! I think that she has already punished him enough, but apparently she will still try harder. On page 203, Lillian (David's first foster parents) tells David how his mom has been trying to put him down since he went into foster care! She try's everything in her power to tell everyone that David is crazy. She tells lies about David like starting fires and much more! I think that ages 13 and older could read this book. I think that anyone under the age of 13 wouldn't really understand this book very well. The setting of the book is in a couple different places, in court, and in different foster homes. This Non-Fiction book tells a true story of how David Pelzer servives his life untill he is eighteen, when he has to move out on his own! It is an interesting book, and I believe that people will like it. (It is a very emotional book.)

Personal
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
Published in Paperback by Hay House (2007-06-01)
Author: Immaculee Ilibagiza
List price: $14.95
New price: $8.74
Used price: $7.95
Collectible price: $19.95

Average review score:

Amazing!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
I loved this book! I learned about the genocide in Rwanda, as well as, I found Immaculée's story to be inspirational. Even though she was in a small bathroom with several women for such a long time, she rose above it by meditation and prayer. As a result of her relationship with God, she discovered her purpose in life. Immaculée truly soared above the suffering in Rwanda in many ways.

Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-12

I found this book very powerful and very moving! It is unbelievable that anyone could live through such an experience and come out a loving person!! I can't imagine how difficult it must be to forgive for such atrocities!! Loved loved loved the book - it's a must read

Beyond Powerful and Inspirational
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-08
This book taught me more about the Spirit within all humans and how we can stay in one place and allow that spirit to be mamed or how we hold fast to the Higer Spirit and trust our future to that Spirit and triump over the evils and atrosicities in this world.

Left to Tell
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-05
Fantastic book. Talk about forgiveness!! We can all learn from this remarkable woman.

LEft to Tell
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-29
This is a must read for everyone who has suffered pain and loss. Imaculata is amazing!

Personal
For Laci
Published in Audio Cassette by Random House Audio (2005-12-27)
Author: Sharon Rocha
List price: $25.00

Average review score:

Gift
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-22
I purchased this book for my daughter. She read and finished the book and told me that it was well written and that it was very interesting reading. I didn't read it so I would be hesitant to recommend.

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-06
I loved this book! My heart goes out to Sharon Rocha and the rest of Laci's family.

I was waiting for this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-11
I was pregnant with my 3rd son when Laci went missing and was so devastated to hear how she went missing. As time went on, and I looked at Scott on TV, I could tell he was guilty. He was blank, cold, and detached looking. I felt so sad for Laci and her son. She was so beautiful and looked to be like such a sweet loving woman. I was drawn to the story, and waited for her mother to write a book about her. I realized it might not happen, but was happy when she finally wrote this book. I read the book by Scott's half sister, and really enjoyed that book. I also read this book and cried like a baby at certain parts. I was confused how Laci could have been so trusting of Scott, as most women (or at least I thought) have women's intuition that would tell them something was wrong. I am happy that her mother wrote this book. I always wondered what went on with Laci's side of the family during this whole tragedy. Even though I cried many tears while reading this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A mother's account of beauty and tragedy
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-25
When the story of Laci broke news, I thought it wouldn't be as sensational as it turned out to be, I mean how many people go missing, or are murdered;my husband thought the same way. I began reading the books about Laci and the investigation, which covered forensic, and mental health issues, but no emotional feelings until I read Sharon's book. It's powerful in its own right. A must read!

The loss of love
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-16
This is a compelling book which reads very quickly, as it is hard to put down. Sharon Rocha paints a lovely portrait of her daughter Laci. You can't help be empathetic as evil moves in around her. I have an incredible amount of respect for her and the search-and-rescue fund/foundation she created. This tugs at heartstrings and elicits tears. I can't help but cry.

Personal
Prophet (Arkana)
Published in Paperback by Penguin Books (1998-03)
Author: Kahlil Gibran
List price: $5.99
New price: $72.88
Used price: $1.24

Average review score:

A pedestal on life
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-06
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.

Timeless
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-03
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.

A Classic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-01
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.

The Prophet and then SOME!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-29
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

Eloquent
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-21
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.

Personal
The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library)
Published in Paperback by American Girl (1998-09)
Author: Valorie Schaefer
List price: $9.95
New price: $5.53
Used price: $2.85
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

My Step Daughter Loved it!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-28
I got this book along with the two feelings book from American Girl for my 12 years old step daughter and she loved it...Her mom really hasn't sat down with her to discuss her body changes and the importance of how things will not happen over night...we found it helpful to let her read it first and then come to us with any questions...she found the book especially helpful for her upcoming braces and how to care for them, she takes it every where with her...THANKS AMERICAN GIRL this book is great!!!

Thank goodness for this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library)
The best guide I have ever seen in helping explain the facts of life! Made having "the talk" much easier. Excellent examples of problems girls face. Does not just explain the changes in the body, but changes in perception, peer pressure, even what size of pads to buy. Covers all the changes they go through, hair, shaving, diet, self perception, and sleep. My daughter has read it actively for the last three nights, which has opened the door to a great conversation on all the ways her body and life will change with puberty. I wish my mom had it!

PARENT'S LITTLE HELPER
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
THIS BOOK IS TRULY A PARENT'S LITTLE HELPER! I GAVE IT TO MY 10 YEAR OLD TO HELP EXPLAIN HER PERIOD.(YES, SHES ONLY 10. AND YES SHE JUST GOT HER PERIOD!)
THAT BOOK HAD AN ANSWER FOR EVERY QUESTION MY CHILD ASKED.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, "AMERICAN GIRL!" YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER!!

Great conversation starter!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-19
Initially picked this up at the library to introduce my 8 1/2 year old daughter to the subject of her developing body. She read it cover to cover several times and we needed to buy it because she wanted to be able to use it as a reference book! This was the easiest way to introduce the subject and initiated hours of conversation between us. Highly recommended!

Best book to teach selfcare to preteens!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-18
I bought this for my 9yo daughter and she loved it. She read the whole book and is now more self reliant about caring for herself.

Personal
Seductive Poison: A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple
Published in Paperback by Anchor (1999-11-09)
Author: Deborah Layton
List price: $14.95
New price: $8.40
Used price: $9.14

Average review score:

Insider's view of the rise and fall of the Peoples Temple
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-28
This book is an insider's view of the rise and fall of the Peoples Temple. Ms. Layton was one of Jim's most trusted aides and as such knows more about what went on in the temple than the average member. She describes how she got sucked into the cult, her activities after being sucked in, what life was like in Jonestown, and how she came to see the truth and escape. At the end of the book she gives updates on many of the people who were significant to her, whether they survived or died, and, if they survived, how.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars only because I read the book Escape right before this book and it was a more riveting read.

The book is autobiographical in nature. Ms. Layton talks about all the things she was involved with in the Peoples Temple - the illegal bank accounts, her first time being raped by Jim Jones, how and when Jonestown went from a paradise to hell on earth (when Jones came, it completely changed), and the continuous brainwashing from when she first came to the temple to when she finally escaped. The escape itself completely absorbed me and it was hard to put the book down. Ms. Layton also gives insights into Jim Jones, his charisma, and his character.

I was only 7 1/2 years old when Jonestown occurred and the book helped fill in so many details that I had never known. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple.

Very compelling and insightful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-25
Something I always have a hard time grasping is: how does a person get sucked into something so clearly unhealthy, and what keeps them in? It's so hard to understand because it's such a gradual process, and many of us feel we are perhaps too "smart" to get hooked into any kind of cult. In reality, it takes months or years for cult brainwashing to reach levels where it really does feel impossible to escape, and even highly intelligent people are caught up - this is not easily conveyed in ANY medium, be it a 2 hour documentary or a 300 page book.

But Layton takes a really good shot at it, and does an excellent job. The first two chapters of the book are somewhat slow and give background information on Deborah before she even finds out about the Temple. They describe her troubled childhood, and help understand how she could view the Church as a positive force in her life. Then, in great detail, she recounts how Jones continually manipulated, re-divided and controlled all the people within his organization. You really feel the stress and fear of the people trapped within. She makes it easy to understand everyone's plight.

Some things really struck me about the book. One thing I liked was Layton's strong desire to tell the truth. I felt it shine through in her measured descriptions of events, honest retelling of her less-than-perfect childhood, and disinclination to "play the victim" or sensationalize her experiences. I also liked that she didn't attempt to provide historical information on events she didn't experience herself - like the Church years before she joined, or the actual events of Nov. 18 in Jonestown where she wasn't present.

I also really appreciated the fact that this factual memoir was still interwoven with a good message. The parallels Deborah drew between her experiences and those of her Grandparents in WW2 concentration camps were interesting. I really liked the way she pointed out the choice she makes in what to share with her daughter, compared with what (and how) her mother shared with her: it helps to reassure that Deborah's experiences were not in vain.

For anyone interested in the history and facts behind life in the People's Temple, this is an important read. It's the most detailed account I've yet heard, and the story itself is quite riveting. I do not know how well it would serve someone who knew nothing about Jonestown whatsoever, but as a supplement to e.g. a documentary (or some other very historical look at the People's Temple), this makes an excellent read.

The Inner Workings of a Cult Life and Death in Jonestown
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
I have never read a memoir that was this honest or this terrifying. Deborah Layton was a member of the People's Temple for 7 years. She was one of Jim Jones trusted few. This is a true "insider account" of what happened.

Ms Layton has the rare ability of pulling the reader into the story. It allows you to feel and understand the working of a cult from the inside out.. You see the path that led her to Jones and the bravery it took for her to leave. As a confused and rebellious adolescent Layton was attracted to Jim Jones' religious movement for its radical teachings on inter racialism and social justice. As a member of his inner circle, she saw things that made her secretly question him, though she remained faithful to his socialist vision. Layton paints a graphic picture of how Jones exercised confusing emotional, sexual and physical manipulation and abuse. This mixture of love, fear and a sense of purpose, the sense of working for a greater good, kept her there for seven years and kept others there until the end.

In December 1977 Layton (along with her Mother who had also joined) traveled to the new headquarters in Jonestown, Guyana. Upon arrival they discover that the residents were enduring a living hell. The conditions were appalling. Constant middle of the night suicide drills followed by 16 hour work days in unbearable heat. People are near starvation. There is a constant fear of being labeled a "traitor" and the punishment that would follow.

With no money, passport or way of contacting anyone on the outside Layton finds a way to escape. It's heart pounding and terrifying. My hands were shaking as each new obstacle unfolded itself. She returns to the United States with dire warnings, trying to get help for her sick Mother who is still there. (Layton's Mother died of cancer a few days before the "mass suicide". She died with no pain killers. They were confiscated upon arrival in Jonestown and given to Jones) No one believes the people inside are being held hostage by the infamous Jones and his growing madness.

Only months after her escape, the Jonestown Mass Suicide/Murder occurred. Deborah Layton was one of the few who escaped. Her story is told in an honest and insightful way. It's a riveting, nail biting, heart pounding, stay up all night book that reads like a novel.

A haunting tale
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-26
I recently saw Deborah Layton discussing her experiences with Jim Jones and the People's Temple on PBS. I was really struck by this attractive, intelligent, and articulate woman who seemed nothing like what I'd imagined someone involved with the People's Temple would be. I guess I had somehow imagined they were all, well, kooks and wierdos. I've long been intrigued by Jonestown, and could never wrap my brain around how 913 people could be duped into mass suicide, so I quickly bought Deborah's book, Seductive Poison. I found it to be one of those rare books that whenever I got a few minutes to spare, I just had to pull it out and devour a few more pages. The book is richly written and gives deep insight into the People's Temple movement and the sad tragedy that unfolded in Jonestown, written by someone with firsthand knowledge. One aspect that I found so moving about "Seductive Poison" is that Layton really humanized the people of Jonestown. These were good, decent folks who were terribly deceived and manipulated by an evil madman. They weren't the kooks I'd imagined, but rather people I think I genuinely would have liked, had a lot in common with, and would have been friends with. Fortunately Deborah Layton was eventually able to see through Jim Jones' lies and find her way to freedom. The story of her final escape from Guyana is as tense and heart-stopping as any action movie, yet profoundly sad, and ultimately hopeful as she emerges from the lies and manipulation that once held her. Sadly, so many others at Jonestown were unable to find that freedom. Seductive Poison is a haunting journey, and will cause you to understand the human loss of the Jonestown tragedy in ways that will linger with you for a long time.

A different kind of terror
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-12
Gosh! I doevoured this book in this last carnival holiday! It's really amazing and one of the most shocking stories i've ever seen. It's interesting to check out how more than 900 ppl are led outside their habitat and slaved by a weird guy... as someone once said'"it's the hypnotized being led by the f**cked up". Also I can imagine the paranoic state the writer was into as soon as she leaves jonestown. JJ had this belief of them being followed by government agencies so much ingrained in thei followers head.

There's a movie called "bug", by th same producers of "the exorcist" that also shows a girl being converted to the reality of a paranoic guy she's never seen before ... the end is also shocking.

Personal
The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate -- Before the Public Auction
Published in Paperback by Wiley (2004-12-27)
Author: Thomas Lucier
List price: $24.95
New price: $13.74
Used price: $13.25

Average review score:

Shortsales
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-27
The information included in this book has made my job much easier and has expanded my knowledge base and expertise. The organization I have derived from it is most valuable.

Good read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-17
Very informative kit. Many people hear the word foreclosure or pre-foreclosure and automatically think, bargain or a steal or buying a home for dirt cheap; but there's a lot more to it than that and this book gives you a very good insight of how the process works. Buying distressed Real Estate can be time consuming, costly and a real challenge, as you will find out after reading this book.

one of the top foreclosure books
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
I spent a weekend reading the book. Loved it. The author knows what he is talking about. He also has a good website where you can download the proper letter you should send out to people in distress.

I own a foreclosure company and have adapted some of his techniques, nevertheless (not to take away any merit from the authorm but instead to enhance the next version of his book) our company principals felt like the letters were a little bit to hard on the person that is loosing their homes. And sometimes talking this hard to people could have negative consequences. We have to understand that these are individuals that when loosing their homes, can go into denial and sometimes enter into very heavy depression.

If you do decide to get into this process of sending out letters the only thing you should try and add to them, is to let the people know that you are there because you really care to help them out and you are not there to make a quick buck! People will give you their homes if you are upfront, honest and ethic about what you are trying to do.

Don't forget to add a little note written by hand thats tells the reader that you: "really care to help them!"

Other than that, you should buy the book if you are into the business of Real Estate.

Excellent book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-26
Highly recommend. Too many of these RE investment books are full of air. This one, however, is timely and substantive without being too wordy. Very easy to peruse and use!

Perhaps the best book on foreclosures for the average reader.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-27
This is the fourth book on foreclosures that I have read in the last two weeks and it is by far the best. copywrite is 2005. The author says less than 10% of the people reading this book will ever buy a foreclosure property. He also says, "The number one reason most beginners strike out in this business is they overestimate the current market value of the very first pre-foreclosure property they purchase". "Market value" is not the same as "current value". "Assessed value" is not the same as "appraised value". The author explains things in detail. He also gives you many, many sources online where you can gather much needed information to make quality business decisions. The many online sources alone justify the purchase of this book, but it is the author's honest handling of all phases of the foreclosure process that should make this your first foreclosure book. If you are currently in foreclosure buy this book and help yourself negotiate. If you are thinking of buying a foreclosure buy this book and learn why not to "purchase at auction on the courthouse steps" and why you should always pay a professional to do a through title search. One more thing. Some properties are not insurable. This book can easily save you thousands of dollars.

Personal
Lucky Man: A Memoir
Published in Hardcover by Hyperion (2002-04)
Author: Michael J. Fox
List price: $22.95
New price: $0.35
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $11.00

Average review score:

A memoir that is good and fun to read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-02
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Would it be just about Michael J Fox's life or would it center too much on his Parkinson's disease. I'm not usually big on reading celebrity autobiographies and memoirs.
This one is definitely worth reading! Mr. Fox shares his story with humor and humility and a wonderful honesty. He speaks honestly about his struggles with Parkinson's and trying to hide it in order to continue working. He also speaks honestly about his personal struggles with alcohol and depression. But the struggles don't dominate the book. There are many fun anecdotes about his years growing up in Canada and about the world of acting.
In the end, what made the biggest impression on me was his gratitude. Gratitude for the life he was able to have as an actor, for his family, and ultimately, even for the disease that changed his life.
This is a book that I would recommend for anyone who is interested in celebrity biographies. And I would especially recommend it for anyone who has Parkinson's disease or has a family member or friend who has this disease. When you have a disease such as this, it can be difficult to articulate to others just what it is you go through without sounding sorry for yourself.
Now when I need to explain this to someone, I can just hand them this book and say, "READ IT. NOW."
Thanks, Mr. Fox!!

Inspirational
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-22
Absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put this book down. I actually thought it might be a bit depressing but it wasn't. Michael J. Fox is such an inspiration. There are parts of this book that will make you laugh out loud. It is also a book I will read again and again.

What A Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-07
It is humbling to read about someones journey back to reality. Michael had a huge career and was living his dream when he was diagnosed with Parkinsons and soon realized how much he had to be thankful about.

How Lucky can you get!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-31
Michael J. Fox's memoir about his Parkinson's disease, his Canadian upbringing, HOllywood, Family Ties, and career success is quite dull at times. He has no pictures of him or his family or his career as well. He writes about his relationship with his wife, Tracy Pollan, who I learned to dislike reading about this book. Yes, she is a true New Yorker but she grew up on Park Avenue, went to private schools, vacationed in Martha's Vineyard, and her parents have a country home in Connecticut. I kind of was turned off by the New Yorker attitude in this book where they think they're better than Hollywood. Okay but in New York City, money rules the East and West Side and even downtown. I don't think New Yorkers are better than the Hollywood types. I give credit to HOllywood where they don't pretend to better culturally or intellectually as New York City does. Regardless, the Foxes have identical girl twins without even trying. Fox rarely talks much about his career or his interactions with fellow co-stars which is pretty sad, not even offending anybody. He writes very little about his co-stars and that's a shame because I would have liked to have known about his relationship with his Family ties co-stars as well as Spin City. I don't doubt that he's a nice guy, a loving father, and husband who is battling Parkinson's disease for almost 20 years.

A Bit of Luck and a LOT of Inspiration Make This Book A Must Read!
Helpful Votes: 19 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-27
Michael J. Fox, one of my favorite sitcom actors from the 90's, has written a poignant and inspirational memoir "Lucky Man". Indeed some may see this title as a very ironic choice for Fox because of his story. The actor recounts some major transitions in his life depicting the meteoric rise of his television and film career alongside his battle with Parkinson's disease. The actor takes us through his initial reaction of denial and avoidance when he first receives his diagnosis. Battling an escalating drinking habit, Fox begins to shift the priorities in his life from fame & fortune to developing more substantial relationships with his wife and children. Eventually he begins to view his medical diagnosis as a `lucky' opportunity to live a more fulfilling and enriched life.

In one of my favorite passages in Fox's book, the actor depicts his transformation from "struggling" with his Parkinson's diagnosis to eventual acceptance. He shares that he had the most difficult time dealing with his medical situation when he spent time thinking about the past, or worrying about the future. When he learned to enjoy each and every moment in the present, he was then able to move past his frustrations and reclaim his life. This made me think of one of my favorite inspirational books, Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, by Ariel and Shya Kane. The Kanes' book is filled with inspirational narratives as they depict stories of their friends and family members who also achieve happiness and satisfaction by living and enjoying each moment of each day. The Kanes, like Mr. Fox, have discovered that a fulfilling, satisfying life may be attained by simply living in the moment, without harboring regret for the past or worrying about what may or may not happen tomorrow. I suggest that you pick up both of these books for some significant insights on how to embrace all of the "possibilities" in life.


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