I Books

This a practical introduction that explains the value of an integrated approach to Continous Improvement. Forrest explains the basics of CI in story book fashion through the eyes of golf buddies who discuss their Organizational problems and how IEE can help them. This is a wonderful book that is an easy read and is a great place to start if you are considering a CI journey.

Regards

Trevor Coughlan www.lean-sigmaconsulting.com

"The Basics" is a novel about a group of golf buddies who are going through problems within the companies that they are managing and how they shared experiences on how using Six Sigma Lean has helped them get out of trouble. While not going into too much statistical details, the book also gives clear definitions of the tools used at each phase of a Six Sigma lean project. The allegorical explanation of DOE for instance makes it very simple for anyone to not understand its meaning but also to be able to think about situations where it can be employed.
The approach used by Breyfogle in that book reminds me of Goldratt's way of teaching a complex subjects through a story. It is very practical and easy to understand.

Due to the fact that I don't know how to play golf (nor its rules) it was difficult to follow that book. Fortunately much of it, is Golf free. I give 3/5 on this part.

If you read The IEE An Enhanced, Unified Approach to Balanced Scorecards, Strategic Planning, and Business Improvement (the black book) you could avoid this one since it repeats the same concepts in a different way.

There are however few application examples which give you an overview of what IEE & six sigma is all about. I give 5/5 on this part.

Forrest provides a good introduction to Integrated Enterprise Excellence in a format similar to Goldratt's classic "The Goal". Easy read that provides a good overview of the power of the concepts. You may even end up improving your golf game!

This update of Breyfogle's time-tested tale of the 'Golfing Buddies' is a great introduction to the principles of Six Sigma. Read the Appendix! It provides answers to the most basic questions about Six Sigma, including a great 'How To' section for deployment in your organization.

I have taught a course in computation theory for computer science majors for almost two decades. Before the first time, I had never had any of the material in a course so I was required to learn the material on my own. This was the book that I used. For about a month, I set aside a block of time each day and went through the material section by section. When I had completed each section, I would work a few of the problems and would not move on until I understood what the answers should be.
The coverage is:

*) Deterministic and nondeterministic finite automata
*) Regular expressions
*) Context-free grammars and languages
*) Chomsky normal form
*) Pushdown automata
*) Turing machines
*) Post machines
*) The relationship between machines and computers

When it came time to teach the class for the first time, it all went very smoothly. This remains the most readable book for the self-study of computation theory that I have ever seen. Cohen has written a later, more concise edition and that is what I have been using as the text in my course.

I read it during my undergraduate, it was the course book for the thoery of automata course. More recently when I tried the popular "Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages, and Computation" by Hopcroft et al. for the purpose of revising the concepts, I realized how great this book is. It is definitely a better book than Hopcroft et al's, with in-depth explanations of all topics, lots of examples and exercises and in a writing style very friendly for the novice readers. Very good work!

I must say this is one of the best books I have ever read. The auther is humorous and insightful. He manages to take very abstract concepts and explain them in clear concrete terms and metaphors.

The book has one important attribute: it's clear, undoubtedly. Having a minimum of prerequisites, I think there's no way to not understand what Prof. Cohen says through its pages. It makes the job of learning this part of theory easier than any other text.
But ... but I can't totally agree with Cohen's crusade against formalism. I agree that the first target of a book should be to clearly transmit the intended knowledge, and Cohen perfectly succeeds in this. But formalism too has its importance, thereafter. A compact and clear formalism helps to communicate efficiently, and moreover unambiguously. Like in mathematics, the first, important thing is to understand. Yet, there's no way for you to efficiently work with math without using any kind of formalism, should it be more or less "standard".
That's it: a very powerful book for a "profound" understanding of the subject; a bit more of natural formalism would make it a "complete" understanding also, and the book a five stars one.

This an excellent book. Basically, the whole point of it is to mathematically define what a computer is and prove that it works. The author does this by defining and manipulating mathematical alphabets and languages without resorting to any kind of advanced math. Starting from nothing, the whole thing leads up to Turing Machines. More specifically, according to the Preface, the goals of the book are:

"(1) to introduce a student of Computer Science to the need for and the working of mathematical proof; (2) to develop facility with the concepts, notations, and techniques of the theories of Automata, Formal Languages, and Turing machines; and (3) to provide historical perspective on the creation of the computer with a profound understanding of some of its capabilities and limitations."

The author did a wonderful job of it. Plus, unlike almost all other computer/math books I've read, this book is almost enjoyable to read. Again, as stated in the Preface:

"This book is written for students with no presumed background of any kind. Every mathematical concept used is introduced from scratch. Extensive examples and illustrations spell out everything in detail to avoid any possibility of confusion."

Astonishingly, those are all true statements. At a guess, I'd say that almost anyone interested in computers could get through this book without undue stress. To make it more meaningful, I'd suggest (only suggest) prerequisites of having programmed a computer and knowing some discrete math. From that point of view, it's odd that as of last year, this book was used in Florida State University's (FSU's) COT 4420: "Theory of Computation" course, which, obviously, is a 4000 level course requiring various prerequisites that put it out of the reach of all but senior (or graduate) level students.

Now, with all that glowing out of the way, there are a couple of small problems with the book. The first is simply that the exercises don't have any solutions. For the self-studyer, that's a bad thing. In a school teaching environment, it's probably acceptable, though. The second problem is that after getting through the book, I simply have to ask: "So what? WHY should I learn this?" Again, in the Preface, the author states:

"Leaving aside the obvious worth of knowledge for its own sake, the terminology, notations, and techniques of Computer Theory are necessary in the teaching of courses on computer design, Artificial Intelligence, the analysis of algorithms, and so forth. Of all the programming skills undergraduate students learn, two of the most important are the abilities to recognize and manipulate context-free grammars and to understand the power of the recursive interaction of parts of a procedure. Very little can be accomplished if each advanced course has to begin at the level of defining rules of production and derivations."

But, in my experience, I have to say that except for one reference in one other book I've read, I've never seen any of this stuff used. Even more, I've never known anyone who even knew of anyone who used (or even knew of) any of it. EVERYTHING has been done at a much higher level of abstraction than alphabets, languages, and various levels of algorithms and machines up to Turing Machines. I'm not saying that the material in this book isn't used SOMEWHERE. But, I'd honestly have liked to have seen actual, specific, concrete cases: they'd be fascinating.

So, factoring those two nits in, I rate this book at 4 stars out of 5. If those two things don't bother you, then you could easily consider this a 5 star book.

I suppose there have been similar books written on the subject of finding the right gift for the occassion;but I doubt that any would be more helpful and inspiring than this one.
Every last one of us loves to give a gift and we all love to recieve a gift as well. Of all the gifts you give or recieve ;the ones most remembered are the ones least expected.
To the person who is always perplexed and says to themselves;I don't know wat to get him or her ,they have everything. Others say ,I'd like to get something but I can't afford it right now.This book will show you that rather than the cost,it's the thought that counts and more important it is the imagination or surprise that you put into it. After spending a little time with this book, you'll be well equipped with ideas that will amaze you. Let's say a neighbour down the street is having a birthday,is just recovering from an illness or such;and you would like to give them a gift,but are lost as to what. Just thumb through tiis book and the ideas will come to you.It may result in you giving them a plant from your garden they've admired,a box of goodies you've made,or something as simple as a note saying how much you treasure their being a neighbour. The fact that it comes totally unexpected will mean so much,just as it woulsd if it had been in the reverse.
The author has many years of experience in the gift business,but that does not mean she leans towards commercialism.She offers suggestions and ideas that cover things that are as low in cost as free, to extravagant for people looking for that "one great gift" and the cost is not an issue.How about this for an example.Fifty-fith Anniversary;which is traditionally thought as Emerald. Don't think just jewellry,how about a trip to Ireland,a new lawn,a golf game or extravagant golfing trip or a visit to a rain forest.Even something more simple such as Fifth Anniversary where Wood is the tradition.Why not a tree,golf tees,a new deck,a wooden hairbrush,a pair of Adirondack chairs,or even a load of wood for their fireplace?
Every type of event is covered in the book with appropriate gifts. Also lots of ideas on wrapping which range from the simplist to very elaborate.
Just to help you keep track of things there is a perpetual calendar at the back to record the dates of everyone and everything you want to remember.
Throughout the book,you will find information about where to find anything you are looking for;with e-mail,addresses,800 numbers,catalogues,web sites,etc.
This book will become as handy and useful to you as your address book,and rather than pulling your hair out over what would make a good gift,forgetting an event or anniversary,or whatever; you will be forever hearing things like this;"O, what a wonderful gift!,I love it!,what ever made you think of that? And most of all;

"It's Just What I've Always Wanted."

Besides,being a bookaholic,I have books coming out of my ears. When I finish one ,I ask myself who might like it,and put it aside for them.When I give a book away,it gives me something too---space for another one!!

This book not only gives lots of great ideas -- it really stimulates your imagination to create original ideas of your own.

I like to give creative gifts that really reflect the recipient, and this book will really help future purchases.

Pet Sematary is a book which is simultaneously one of King's most frightening and most annoying. Like all his novels, this one is a slick, gripping page turner so chock-full of horrifying incident and violations of ancient taboos (cannibalism, for one...) that you just can't put it down. From a mythic viewpoint, the decay of Louis Creed's sanity recalls the structure of Greek tragedy - like Oedipus, Creed destroys himself and everyone he loves through his own arrogance and curiosity, even though he only does what he thinks is right. The plot forces the reader to think about many things normally swept under the rug in sanitized America: the inevitability of death and decay. For me, these themes were most grippingly explored in the sad tale of the decline and death of Rachel Creed's invalid sister - Zelda's transformation from a teenage girl to a wizened, demanding, jabbering thing reminds us that invalids are not noble, and that there is nothing romantic about terminal illness. The main problem I had with this book was the characters. Usually, King is an expert at creating characters so real and vivid that you think you know them. In this case, his characterization of the Creed family seems like an 80's "Leave It to Beaver" - Hi! We're the perfect white middle-class professional family - watch us die! Both Louis and his spoiled wife, Rachel, are the most bland and dull personalities imaginable. Their very ordinariness makes the reader care a lot less about what happens to them, rather than the reverse. Perhaps the problem is that we don't really get to know these people before Louis destroys them all. This is a fairly short book for King - I would have liked a little more convincing character development before the slaughter began. Still, a very scary book if you can handle the boring characters.

This is a marvelous little book full of great ideas on gift giving for any occasion or no reason at all. It's fun and enjoyable to read. Lots of terrific thoughts and resources, including phone numbers and web addresses. Loved the sidebars with thoughty suggestions. The book includes ideas for all age groups and in all price ranges. All in all, just a wonderful find!!!!!

Trying to find your wife the perfect anniversary gift? Got a Christmas gift to buy for that hard to buy for person? Looking for the perfect gift for the new baby? Looking for the ultimate housewarming present? Or maybe you just want to say I love you - whatever you need is right here in this book.

With over 2,000 different, unique and imaginative gift ideas, there is certainly something for everyone and something to give to everyone. You'll find gift for graduation, for those feeling the blues, for baptism and even mother's and Father's day.

You'll be treated to baby clothes, gifts for the golf fanatic, fisherman, gifts the kids can give and even the last minute shoppers have been saved because there's something in here for them. You'll find new ways to surprise that special someone.

Included is an appendix the break down the gifts by category, one appendix for gift sources including web addresses, the holiday breakdown and a calendar for you to fill in as you go. So if you are looking for that just right gift, you might want to start here.

Just what is needed for a simple study guide for leading out a discussion with this book.

I have spent a fairly large part of a long life in Sunday School,
church,Bible Classes, college courses, and daily reading of the Bible and myriad magazine, tracts etc. But never have I experienced a deeper mind shaking treatise on faith and understanding of what Jesus was doing and intended while he taught his disciples and listeners/observers during his time on earth as described in the 4 gospels. My understanding of passages I never could comprehend before is wonderfully satisfying and truly exhilerating. I haven't stopped thinking about it, and doubt I ever will.

Yancey does a good job about allowing us to paint a picture of Jesus in our eyes, and not that of Hollywood. Too often we draw conclusions based upon an image that is handed to us through advertising or visual media. The book takes you through 14 different lessons that help you experience Jesus. Afterall, being a Christian is not about the church, not about hype, not about anything else but your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The study guide is an excellent resource for anyone facilitating small group discussion on Yancey's book. The suggestions for how to enhance the discussion are doable, and a variety of options are presented. The study guide is well worth the price.

Decades ago when George Lucas presented STAR WARS for the first time, certain movie reviewers criticized it for its "silliness" and that "it would be easily forgotten." How wrong they were, and how embarrassed they now must be.

Variety has criticized films that are ahead of their time. Take for example the TV movie A CHILD CALLED JESUS, starring Matteo Bellina. Variety complains about long shots, excessive makeup, amateur sets, unrealistic dialogue and unsynchronized dubbing.

But many people who have seen this film have praised it for its uniqueness compared to other Jesus films. Just visit www.imdb.com for reviews about this film. If you watch it, you will be mesmerized by the long shots; you will see that the makeup is NOT excessive (the actors have very natural skin tones compared to Cecil B. de Mille actors); you will observe that the sets are as natural as they should be in a Middle Eastern country; you will appreciate the dialogue as the words would personally touch you; you will tolerate the dubbing because this isn't even the fault of the filmmakers.

I am glad that this book is recommending the watching of this film to help readers understand the Jesus they never knew. Although it may seem that some parts are apocryphal, they do not necessarily go against the Gospels. These unbiblical scenes "could have happened" -- for didn't the evangelist John say that Jesus did so many things that they couldn't be fit into the Gospels?

If you are interested in owning an English copy of A CHILD CALLED JESUS, kindly email me at jaeho-treble2668@mailblocks.com .

This book has helped me to express creativity I haven't felt since I was a kid. My friends and I --I am 42 and they are about the same are using the book as therapy.We are meeting 1 time every two weeks and doing the heart & hands projects. It is fun and inspiring. I plan to use the book with my nieces this summer when they visit. It is beautiful and life-changing even for big kids too!!

I am a school teacher and counselor. I have read just about everything out there-- looking for solutions for my students. This is the first book that combines truly inspired writing; a simple action process; and the amazing proof of photography worthy of awards. Just looking at the photos motivated me--seeing what was possible. Then, I began to read what it all meant. How the heart issues of the kids became tangible through the creative heart and hand projects. On any basis this is an inspiring book--I even found my own creative desires reemerge. However, the real value is in bringing an action process to the intentions that we all have. Intentions for character, growth, esteem, confidence, and learning.
This is a spiritual process for anyone: combining the best ideas regardless of religous tradition or culture. Kelee Katillac redefines "sacred" as a personal term that can only be stated by ones own creativity and self-styled beliefs. This book gives teachers, parents, and kids a process for making one's own sense of self. And that is what is sacred about the rooms they have created.

Kids' Sacred Places motivated me as a mother to help find ways to encourage my children to bring out their own creativity. I believe as Kelee does that being creative helps improve a child's self-esteem. This book has great ideas in helping make that special place in your childrens' home personal for them. My husband who is a teacher and coach, is very excited to use some of these "heart and hand" projects in his classroom and also with our two sons.

Beyond the amazing rooms beautifully illustrated in Kids' Sacred Places,is the importance of parents doing something with their children. This book shows us how parents can lead their children through simple creative steps, using children's own individual ideas. This process builds confidence. Once children develop their confidence... anything is possible! Kelee's work is proof that these creative actions will help children face their fears, insecurities and peer pressure.

Since my divorce, I don't have much time with my four boys. It is especially hard to talk with them when I have a week between visits. A friend's wife recommended this book. At first, I thought creativity and decorating wasn't for guys. Then, I started reading the inspiring stories of other families with heartache and issues like mine. They used creativity to communicate and get through it. The dads were involved with the heart and hands projects--that are like active therapy. I am not so good at talking but doing creative stuff helps us to break through the silence.

This has helped us a lot. Thank-you.

I've read dozens of WWII books and this is one of the best! There is nothing quite like reading about Great Americans' experiences in their own words. They answered the call, did their duty and risked their lives every day to protect their Country and our way of life. Now everyone can find out what it was like in graphic detail. This is the first book written by Brooks Mitchell that I have read and I look forward to reading his other works.

My father was the pilot in this book and he passed away prior to it's being published. I can only read a few pages at a time as the emotion of the events wells up very quickly. It is a wonderful look into one airplane crew from different individual perspectives as they faced each mission not knowing what they were to encounter. My father would be proud!! They were good Americans applies to the ones who gave their lives and the ones who made it to tell their stories. God Bless You

My Dad is 79. He was in the Army Air Corp and Air Force from 1944 to 1949. He now spends much of his day reading and, on occasion, still enjoys assemblng a WWII model airplane. He does not have the same eye for detail and the dexterity he once had, but the pleasure of his hobby remains. I gave my Dad Kipling's Error III as a gift. His emotional response and heartfelt appreciation was my gift. He enjoyed the sensitive writing style and personal diaries with a tear in his eye and a flood of memories. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Brooks Mitchell and Capt. Lloyd Mitchell for kindly and respectfully honoring and remembering our veterans. Thank you.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/06)

Brooks Mitchell, PhD, wrote this biography about his father, a B-17 navigator of Kipling's Error III, and his crew's 25 combat missions that took place over Europe during World War II. Mitchell gathered his information from diaries written by his father and four of his crewmen. He also used a taped interview with his father that his daughter created while she was doing a high school paper. There are also vintage photographs that bring the stories more vividly alive.

Through this story, Brooks achieves his goal of preserving the experiences of these crewmen during the time of war. The reader learns about the difficult times that these men experienced while they were stationed in Snetterton-Heath England. "Kipling's Error III" provides excellent insights into what these brave men had to sacrifice during their time of serving our country. Because the information was taken from some of the crewmen's personal diaries, the reader gets to see life as it really was during this time. Every aspect of the men's lives is covered.

This book provides so much more rich detail, than a traditional history book. When Captain Lloyd Mitchell wrote in his diary, "They were good Americans," he was referring to friends of his who were killed during a raid into the Third Reich. He had to help clean up their remains. By learning about the war from the experiences of these men, the reader is able to see the full range of emotions that they had to deal with while they were at war and then the personal issues they faced being so far away from their family and friends.

I highly recommend this book to World War II fans. Reading through the diary entries and seeing the photographs will really make you feel like you are present. Passing on this story also an important way to preserve this historical experience of American men who were truly, "good Americans."

Drawing from flight crew diaries and enhanced with vintage photographs, Kipling's Error III: They Were Good Americans is the story of the men who flew a B-17 Flying Fortress on twenty-five successful raids over enemy occupied Europe. Striking out from their base in Snetterton-heath, England, these were men who were put through every possible human emotion in a bloody and savage aerial war that included bravery, terror, duty, patriotism, love and hate. The author, Brooks Mitchell , is the eldest of three sons of Captain Lloyd Mitchell who served as the navigator of Kipling's Error II and has provided an invaluable contribution to the growing library of World War II aviation combat histories. Kipling's Error III is impressively informative, exceptionally well edited and written, very highly recommended reading for military buffs, and a core addition to academic and community library World War II Military Studies reference collections.

Bruce Milne's book is a welcomed book on doctrine in a time when doctrinal material is sorely lacking. It is well organized and easy to read. It can serve as an excellent reference book. It also serves well one who simply wishes to think about God and his nature using the Scripture in a way it was intended to be use.

Many books of theology are hard to read, and often do not entertain the possibility that anyone else's point of view could be correct.

I like Bruce Milne's book, because he writes in language that I can understand, and in discussing opposing points of view, while clearly expressing an evangelical interpretation of scripture, he allows for varying viewpoints within that compass. He even points out deficiencies in his own preferred view!

Milne's book fills a great need, because many people will not read the larger, more arcane works. [Including me!]

We used this book with a correspondence course in theology, in which I shared leadership, ad it was accessible for those who had thought through the issues before, and for those who never had.

Highly recommended

Milne has produced a fine introduction to Christian truth (i.e. theology) and I found this book very useful. I think Milne was wise to begin with, "The final authority in matters of faith," namely the Bible. Milne says that there are two sources of special revelation: The Incarnate Word (i.e. Jesus Christ Himself) and the Word (which is the Bible). Milne then examines what Jesus said about the Bible, what the Apostles said about it, inspiration, and the ideas of infallible vs. inerrant and so on.

I particularly liked his section on ecclesiology (the doctrine of the Church); it is a field that I have not studied much and it was good to get a biblical introduction to it. The section on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ was very good as well; Milne affirms the orthodox position that Christ is 100% man and 100% God. Milne also examines many of the historical heresies that were advanced against this (e.g. the Doetic heresy; that Jesus was God and merely appeared to be human or the Ebionite heresy; that Jesus was just a human being and was not God) and how they fail to agree with the Bible. Milne addresses the most sensationalized of doctrines "the last things," (i.e. eschatology; especially in the Book of Revelation); he outlines what we know for certain from the Bible and what is less clear. He also examines different perspectives on the Millennium.

To comment on the approach the Milne uses throughout the book, I would have to say that he is very balanced and sober. Often, he will briefly look at a few views on an issue and consider the biblical texts cited in support. Milne is also cautious; he is not dogmatic on issues where the Bible is not dogmatic. Also, throughout the book, there are end of section review questions (if you wanted to lead an intensive series of Bible studies, these questions could be used), all the various Scriptures cited (and arranged by topic e.g. Atonement in the Old Testament, Christ the prophet, Christ the priest and justification) are helpful as well. Milne also has mini-Bibliographies at the end of every section. My only possible criticism is that many of the works he cites in his Bibliography are old, likely out of print books (i.e. from 1960's or 1970's). There is also an Index at the end of the book, which gives the book a ready-reference function. However, I am reading the 1982 edition of the book (ISBN 0-87784-392-9), so that "problem" might have been addressed in this new 1999 edition.

I would very much recommend this book to all new Christians to get a firm footing in Christian doctrine. The book could also be described as the Bible doctrinally arranged; Want to know who God is? Want to know the nature of humanity? Want to know what the Church is supposed to be?

In our pragmatic, outcomes oriented age, the church has begun to lose its way. "Theology" and "Doctrine" are considered too theoretical and impractical for the needs of today.

Milne reminds us that at the source of all practice is belief. He also reminds us that any movement away from basic Christian belief is to court disaster. Those who deride theology need to re-examine their hearts and submit to God's view of the world, rather than our own.

This book is fairly simple in its layout, and is valuable as a reference book for basic Christian beliefs - you can easily turn to one section and consult it without having to have read the rest of the book. It does not go into unnecessary detail, and reflects a conservative, evangelical and reformed position.

Part one examines authority - how do we know what is true and how can know what God is saying to us? Part two looks at God - his characteristics and his works. Part three examines humankind - what our nature is and how sin has affected us. Part four examines Jesus - who he was and why he came to die on the cross. Part Five looks at the Holy Spirit - who he is and what his role is in the Christian life. Part Six examines the Church - its identity, function and life. Finally, part Seven looks at the future - the return of Jesus and eternal life.

If you are a serious Christian who loves the Lord with head and heart, this book is invaluable.

What a valuable service this little book provides! Milne has the rare ability to present complex ideas in concise yet fully accurate ways. There is no polemic for any position other than that which is unabashedly orthodox - and yet he covers some hotly contested ground (see the table of contents) with refreshing honesty.

This book is very heavily footnoted with scripture within each section of text, and each chapter is followed by references to least a dozen works by scholars who have more thoroughly expounded the varying viewpoints. I found myself reading with my Bible open in order to verify Milne's exposition and I never found a single instance of scripture twisting.

Milne has opinions, but these are never shoved down the reader's throat, nor presented in such a way as to belittle other views within orthodox faith. Rather, Milne gives the scriptural support for each position AND also the scripture and interpretation which might mitigate against that position - even his own. Should the reader desire more information, the scripture in each section and the reference works at the end of the chapters provide a very good start.

Each chapter is also followed by discussion questions enabling the book to be used easily in a class discussion.

Milne also handles the cult and unorthodox position very well. He does not ridicule, but condemns frankly from scripture.

Les Miserables is such a classic that one has the impression of already having read it, or seen it in one's mind, perhaps with Michel Bouquet in the role of Javert, or Gerard Depardieu. To read Les Miserables, published by Victor Hugo in 1862, offers the pleasure of recognition and a fresh beginning. Always one is carried away by the tension of this book, its unforgettable characters, is use of language--let us not forget that Hugo was the first to introduce slang and popular language into written French--its story and its time. The unhappy tale of Jean Valjean, from its progressive redemption, disastrous childhood of Cosette to the idylle with Marius, from the sacrificial figure of Fantine to the sinister characters of Thénardier and Javert, the novel is a beautiful lesson of humanity. "I come to destroy human fate," wrote Hugo, "I condemn slavery, I drive out misery, I inform ignorance, I treat the disease, I light the night, I hate hatred. This is what I am and for this reason I wrote Les Miserables."

(...)

When I decided to read Les Misérables I was pursuing two objectives: to read a classic novel and to practice and improve my knowledge of the French language. Knowing how long the novel was, both goals seemed difficult to attain. I am happy to say that I was able to accomplish both.
Les Misérables is a fascinating novel in which the author denounces the French society of the 19th century. It tells the story of Jean Valjean, who after 19 years in prison is released only to realize that there is no place in society for a man like him. Reading the story, your learn about the marginal life ex prisoners have to live in a society that forces them to carry a document (a yellow passport) that they have to show all the time in order to function in society; the horrible situation unmarried women are placed in when society punishes them for having children out of wedlock; the situation of the the elderly; and also of abandoned children ...
Hugo also intercalates the main story with long passages of reflections about different subjects such as the history of the "argot", Waterloo, a description of the underground sewer system in Paris, that although they can be challenging for the reader because of their length, they enrich and complete the story.
Les Misérables is not an easy book to read. In order to fully comprehend this story, it is necessary to have some knowledge of the historic events that took place during those years.
The third volume of the Pocket Classiques edition has a listing, in the back of the book, under Les Clés De L'Oeuvre, of the historic events that happened in France since 1723 until 1852, that are paralleled to the events of the story. This feature and a Larousse Encyclopedic Dictionary were very useful to me to identify the events as well as the historic characters that are named in the book.
Even though the vocabulary is not easy, with the aid of a dictionary, I was able to comprehend and enjoy the totality of the text. Due to Hugo's style, long paragraphs in which sentences are connected to each other to no end, to reflect the flow of the writer's thoughts, and the difficulty of the vocabulary, I would not recommend this reading to a French beginner or even an intermediate level.
I laughed, I cried , I worried about the characters ... I spent hours reading the story without being able to put the book down. After finishing, Jean Valjean, Cossette, Fantine, Marius, Gavroche, Javert were in my mind and in my heart for a long time. I feel that Les Misérable enriched my life.

Les Misérables en français est un très excellent livre. Le texte est vraiment mieux que les traductions en anglais, tous ceux qui ne montrent pas la vrai beauté et grace de la prose d'auteur. L'histoire est d'un homme qui est presque detruit par son systeme de justice, d'un homme bon qui doit colleter avec son gouvernement parce qu'il croit dans le mieux-être de toute la humanité, même s'il doit donner sa vie.

D'ensemble, ce livre est un oeuvre de génie, et oui, peut-être les anglophones devraient le lire en anglais avant qu'ils commencent à le lire en français. Mais, de vraiment comprendre l'esprit d'un cerveau, on doit lire Les Misérables dans la langue d'origine. Je jure qu'on ne sera pas déçu avec le livre original. Il en vaut la peine de lire ce livre en français, mme si seulement d'enrichir la vie et l'esprit. Achetez ce livre et soyez content que vous avez gagné un vrai chef-d'oeuvre pour lire et chérir pour toute la vie.

I am providing a feedback on other reviews of this title, not a review of my own. Unfortunately, I can't find another way to send feedback to the reviewers.

I've found it so very odd that all the reviewers of a French text have written their reviews in English. None addresses the advantages of the original text over a translation. So my question is: have any of you read the French version or are you reviewing the English text?

I am not trying to question your proficiency in French, but I suspect the Amazon system may be lumping all reviews together without regard for the particular version or edition reviewed.

This novel is one of the all-time classics in literature. It is a compelling story of a simple working man, Jean Valjean, caught up in the French "justice" system of the 19th century. His crime was petty. He broke into a bakery to get bread for starving family members (in the modern United States, he might have received probation). Because the baker's family lived in the building, he was charged with breaking into an occupied dwelling and sent to prison. In France, you were required to have a passport to travel within the country. Released from prison, he is given the infamous "yellow passport" issued to people with criminal records. An act of heroism allows him to obtain work without showing his passport, but his past catches up with him and he is sent to a prison galley for life for a second petty crime in his past as a "repeat offender."

He escapes and recovers a cache of gold that he had buried, then rescues the orphan daughter of a woman he had known, but is pursued by the relentless policeman Javert, a man who has no compassion and enforces the law to the letter.

Jean Valjean is a simple man and, basicly, is trying to help other people. The system does its best to grind him down. It is notable that the story ends when people are taking to the streets and building barricades in a fight against the very system that led to his troubles.

Mapper Of Mountains: M.P. Bridgland In The Canadian Rockies 1902-1930 is the true story of dominion land surveyor Morrison Parsons Bridgland, who climbed many of Canada's Rocky Mountains for the first time and perfected photographic techniques to compile a series of mountaintop photographs and create accurate topographical maps. In 1915 he applied his top-rate skills to Jasper Park, creating a legacy of research and exacting quality for future generations to build upon. Mapper Of Mountains is the true testimony of one man's lifetime dedication to, and passion for, precisely recording the lay of high and sometimes deadly peaks. Illustrated with black-and-white maps and photographs throughout, Mapper Of Mountains is as much a tribute to geographic history as it is to Bridgland's acute vision and drive.

Mapper Of Mountains: M.P. Bridgland In The Canadian Rockies 1902-1930 is the true story of dominion land surveyor Morrison Parsons Bridgland, who climbed many of Canada's Rocky Mountains for the first time and perfected photographic techniques to compile a series of mountaintop photographs and create accurate topographical maps. In 1915 he applied his top-rate skills to Jasper Park, creating a legacy of research and exacting quality for future generations to build upon. Mapper Of Mountains is the true testimony of one man's lifetime dedication to, and passion for, precisely recording the lay of high and sometimes deadly peaks. Illustrated with black-and-white maps and photographs throughout, Mapper Of Mountains is as much a tribute to geographic history as it is to Bridgland's acute vision and drive.

Mapper Of Mountains: M.P. Bridgland In The Canadian Rockies 1902-1930 is the true story of dominion land surveyor Morrison Parsons Bridgland, who climbed many of Canada's Rocky Mountains for the first time and perfected photographic techniques to compile a series of mountaintop photographs and create accurate topographical maps. In 1915 he applied his top-rate skills to Jasper Park, creating a legacy of research and exacting quality for future generations to build upon. Mapper Of Mountains is the true testimony of one man's lifetime dedication to, and passion for, precisely recording the lay of high and sometimes deadly peaks. Illustrated with black-and-white maps and photographs throughout, Mapper Of Mountains is as much a tribute to geographic history as it is to Bridgland's acute vision and drive.

Mapper Of Mountains: M.P. Bridgland In The Canadian Rockies 1902-1930 is the true story of dominion land surveyor Morrison Parsons Bridgland, who climbed many of Canada's Rocky Mountains for the first time and perfected photographic techniques to compile a series of mountaintop photographs and create accurate topographical maps. In 1915 he applied his top-rate skills to Jasper Park, creating a legacy of research and exacting quality for future generations to build upon. Mapper Of Mountains is the true testimony of one man's lifetime dedication to, and passion for, precisely recording the lay of high and sometimes deadly peaks. Illustrated with black-and-white maps and photographs throughout, Mapper Of Mountains is as much a tribute to geographic history as it is to Bridgland's acute vision and drive.

Mapper Of Mountains: M.P. Bridgland In The Canadian Rockies 1902-1930 is the true story of dominion land surveyor Morrison Parsons Bridgland, who climbed many of Canada's Rocky Mountains for the first time and perfected photographic techniques to compile a series of mountaintop photographs and create accurate topographical maps. In 1915 he applied his top-rate skills to Jasper Park, creating a legacy of research and exacting quality for future generations to build upon. Mapper Of Mountains is the true testimony of one man's lifetime dedication to, and passion for, precisely recording the lay of high and sometimes deadly peaks. Illustrated with black-and-white maps and photographs throughout, Mapper Of Mountains is as much a tribute to geographic history as it is to Bridgland's acute vision and drive.

UN GRAN LIBRO, ESCRITO HACE BASTANTE TIEMPO, MUCHO MEJOR EXPLICADO Q EL :SECRETO" QUIERES CONOCER LA VERDADERA LEY DE LA ATRACCION ? LEE ESTE LIBRO

So much information and so much to learn from such a little book. This book is a guide for living and bettering your life and the world.

Well this book is probably the best book, I have ever read in my life. Because it helped me change the way, I see life and it is very important; what the message in the book, it is also important to practice, the exercises that are in the book. I do not mean "exercise" to go to the gym, but exercises to help you control your mind and body. I love this book it changed my life and I have giving this book as a gift to many of my friends and close family and it has change the way they see life. So read it and try what it says, on the book and you will see!!!

Recientemente compre este libro, y confieso que me dio un poco de miedo cuando estaba en plena desicion de comprarlo, pero, NO ME ARREPIENTO, excelente en todos los sentidos.
Lo he leido aprox. 8 veces.

I recently bought this book, i readed aprox. 8 times, EXCELLENT!

MIAMI FL.

this book helped me a lot with my life and understanding the power of love, you will keep it just close to you to give you guidance and wisdom.