Clubs Books

A very interesting book that will rattle the chains of any self respecting "Baby Boomer" with rock n roll memories from the 50's and 60's! Being in the middle of this target group: (Class of "67"/BEHS), I enjoyed this book immensely! Warning: do not give these quizes to anyone born after : 1960! They will give you a blank stare! :-)

This is a "fun" book to read. filled with lots of information that even a casual rock & roll fan might be expected to know . It's a book of quiz's and i have to admit i was REALLY surprised at how much i just didn't know or remember. But, a word of warning,don't write your answers in the book if you intend to let a friend (or 2) take the quiz's after you, use a scratch pad instead. The Oldies Music Aptitude Test is very reasonably price and certainly fun to read.....dale

My Boomer friends and I had a ball with this book - and then the kids wanted to 'play', too. Now my kids (30-somethings) grew up with my music for their lullabies and their lives in general. Imagine my chagrin to discover that these former 'Sesame Street residents' actually did better than we Boomers, in some cases! It was no consolation that they had learned it from me. As my son put it, "A test is a test, so stop crying and lose like an adult". It could have been worse - he COULD have called me a 'grown-up'. Sigh. Bring the generations together with these questions about the greatest era in music. Just check your ego at the door. Thanks, Barb, for a wonderful trip down memory lane. And next time we 'adults' play, we'll be sure to keep the kids locked out of the house!

There had to be something to all the praise over at Oldiesmusic.com about this book. So I bought it and now I understand. This is one truly different and fun trivia book. You know all those "multiple-guess" (yawn!) trivia books? Thankfully, this isn't like those at all! This one has funny categories and it's actually humorous! There are clever cartoons too that oldies lovers will really appreciate. Just take a look at the cover art, hahaha!

Spread the word, this is a super fun book and why it's not available in "real" bookstores is beyond comprehension. My college reunion is coming up and I'll bring this along with my lava lamp and Desiderata poster to set the mood. ;->

Best $... I ever spent on a trivia book, I must say!

Hohoho

I consider myself to be a bit of a trivia buff, from history to TV to music. At least I did before I got this book. Barb Jastrab has assembled a set of "tests" within the book to help you determine whether you are a "player" or a "pretender" in the world of trivia. Once you begin, you can't stop! It's funny, it's enlightening, it's humbling, and it's full of "DUH I should have known that" moments. Challenging and fun, well balanced.

I do have one complaint, Ms. Jastrab. You are responsible for eight hangovers this past weekend.

Your book and an eggtimer became the fodder for a drinking game of sorts after an otherwise civilized dinner party. Yes, I know better, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Anyway, at my age, I suffer a bit more than I did in my youth after such foolishness.

We have all agreed that next time we do this, we'll play for orange juice. But play again we must! Thanks for a great book and a fun challenge.

In Joanne Rendell's debut novel, four very different women unite to fight an evil dean determined to destroy their beloved garden. The women's stories are as individual as they are: we meet a firebrand mother, a prize-winning author in an abusive marriage, a lesbian yet to come out to her parents, and an artist trying to be true to herself. Each character is equally compelling and could easily be the subject of a stand-alone novel. The story moves along briskly, and the writing is intelligent and engaging - a wonderful book for anyone looking for a fun and stimulating read.

If you enjoy women's fiction focusing on real life problems solved through the magic of friendship, pick up Joanne Rendell's novel. Rendell's characters meet in a garden connected to Manhattan University's faculty housing and join forces as this peaceful space is threatened. Their blossoming friendships become the medium for solving problems such as spousal abuse, difficult choices between family and career, and homosexuality. I couldn't help rooting for these characters. And it's fun to read about university and New York City life along the way!

When I opened The Professor's Wives' Club, I was a little bit uncertain. After all, a book about four women - that seems to be the standard today. I was afraid that it was going to be "just another random chick lit book." By the time I reached the third chapter, I could tell I was completely wrong. For one thing, I was completely hooked. Considering the third chapter is only 20 pages in, that's quite a feat!

One of the things I loved about the book was the fact that all of the stories were equally interesting. In books where the story is told from varying points of view, more often than not, one story is more or less interesting than another. Usually the reader ends up skimming through one story in anticipation of another, more compelling story. Happily, that isn't the case with The Professors' Wives' Club. Mary, Sofia, Ashleigh, and Hannah all have entirely appealing stories to tell, and they are very enjoyable to read about.

[Minor spoiler] A possible point of contention with more traditional readers might be Ashleigh's sexual orientation. In chick lit or women's fiction, readers often find that a peripheral character might be gay; rarely do we see it with a main character! Still, I believe Rendell should be commended for writing Ashleigh as a lesbian. She portrays the relationship with grace and beauty, and there is obvious love and admiration between Ashleigh and her partner, Sam. I thought it was a daring choice, and I think it really paid off!

I also loved the point of view - professor's wives. Rendell is apparently a professor's wife herself, so it is a subject about which she knows a great deal. They are a group that is often glossed over, so it is nice to stop and think about them for awhile! I was excited to learn that Rendell has another book coming out next year about two female professors - I will definitely be picking that up!

I couldn't put this book down! I loved the four main characters, particularly Mary, the wife of the evil dean. There's everything in here from the glamour of Manhattan's fashion and art scenes to the intrigue and suspense of an intellectual mystery. The writing is so smart and the whole Edgar Allan Poe plot added a little something extra. Can't wait to see what Joanne Rendell's next novel is about!

This is the story of four women with a common goal--saving the garden adjacent to the university housing where they live from demolition by the evil, self-serving Dean Havemeyer. Three of the four meet for the first time in the garden, and their relationship/s become tied with an intriguing subplot about Edgar Allan Poe. I'd say this story is primarily character-driven and I found it hard to put down.

Mary is the tragic, beaten wife of the evil Dean Havemeyer. On faculty at Manhattan U (a fictionalized version of NYU), she has made a name for herself as a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, however, she's stressed and preoccupied with the personality changes in her husband, her daughter's upcoming wedding and her plan to move to San Francisco.

Hannah is a former model whose husband, a professor of computer science, is obsessed with her looks. When we meet her she's steeped in guilt over her recent affair with one of her professors in the MFA program. She claims her husband is a sweet, wonderful man, but as his character develops there's all evidence to the contrary.

Sophia is a feisty former Hollywood agent to the stars. She married her movie star client's brother, an egghead expert on Edgar Allan Poe, and gave it all up to have babies.

Ashleigh is an in-the-closet lesbian, afraid to admit her sexual preference to her parents, particularly her right-wing conservative father the senator. She works as an attorney for the family law firm and is the only member of the "club" who isn't married to a Manhattan U professor.

Each character is given equal time to develop her role within the plot and her relationship/s with the other women. This well written story doesn't lapse into gossipy accounts of lifestyles and decisions, but instead progresses through believable dialogue and very real characters. It left me satisfied and reassured that when women get together, they can accomplish amazing things. Well done.

From the author of It's Not Your Mother's Bridge Club.

In this book, tsc helps a girl with Cp who changes what her horse's name CP stands for! Sorry this isn't good, but I gotta hury I can and have done better! But GET THIS BOOK!!!!!!!
Saddle Club's biggest fan!! Ps I luv all sc books, so this is what I always say, but it is so awesome!!!!!! Get this book and all the others, and go to www.saddleclubtv.com/ to start an adventure!

This book introduces the character of Emily, who has cerebral palsy and rides at a special riding center for the handicapped. The Saddle Club meets her while they volunteer and becomes friends. Emily wants to participate in the trail show at Pine Hollow, partly to show Veronica diAngelo that she's a real rider. She succeeds and shows that good riders and horses come in all packages.

THE SADDLE CLUB #52: RIDING CLASS

WRITTEN BY: Bonnie Bryant
COVER ART BY: Paul Casale
PUBLISHED: 1996
PUBLISHED BY: Skylark
PAGES: 130
PRICE: ...
EXTRAS: A summary for The Saddle Club #53: Horse Sitters.

SUMMARY:
Emily has cerebral palsy, but she and her specially trained horse get around just fine. The Saddle Club girls make friends with Emily and even take her on her first trail ride.
Unfortunately, Emily's wonderful outing at Pine Hollow Stables is marred by someone who doesn't think disabled people belong there. Veronica diAngelo is the most unbearable snob ever! The Saddle Club and Emily cook up a plan to show Veronica what real riding class is.

COVER ART REVIEW:
It's nice looking but it just look funny. Plus, it's not a scene from the book, which brings it down a bit.
OVERALL: YELLOW.

BOOK REVIEW:
This book is perfect. It introduces a wonderful, human character named Emily. Hopefully, we'll see more of her and maybe she'll join the Saddle Club too. We also have Lisa actually thinking about something and someone other then herself. We have Veronica acting like herself and Carole and Stevie both show though wonderfully.
OVERALL: CHAMPION. This is a wonderful book on a topic that no other Saddle Club or horse book has hit upon. Theres to hoping that we'll see more of Emily.

This was one of Bryant's finest! Emily, a girl with cerebral palsy, is an awesome new character! And she doesn't fade away, like some! In fact, she's included a lot in the later series, Pine Hollow! It really makes you think twice about people with physical disabilities! Emily has a lot of heart, and so does her horse, P.C. THat's another thing I like; P.C. always stands for soemthing different! This is a great book for any die hard fan, or anybody who likes horses! The Saddle Club rocks!

I really enjoyed this book about a young girl who refused to let her disability keep her from wanting to try new experiences, and I think that it was great that the saddle club wanted to help her achieve what her heart desired and it didn't hurt that they put a certain rich snob in her place, Look out Veronica or Emily will beat you every time! Great book I love all the saddle club series! I want more !

David L. Thompson's River of Memories: An Appalachian Boyhood is a walk back in time for Appalachians in general and West Virginians in particular.

Having grown up in an area just a few miles from David and only a few years later, I was filled with nostalgia, as I recalled the simpler times from some fifty years ago.

He showed us a scared little boy being wheeled off to surgery. I felt every bit of his trepidation, but had to laugh when I pictured his wide, fearful eyes on their way to the operating room.

I cried when he drew me into the deep respect for a mother who had always demonstrated the love and caring of the mothers of yesteryear. As we witnessed her family mourning her passing into the arms of God, I had to set the book down and weep.

For a feel-good read of a wholesome, stirring book, full of laughter and tears, I can think of no other I would recommend more highly than River of Memories: An Appalachian Boyhood.

I have just spent the day enjoying River of Memories An Appalachian Boyhood. It has taken me to a world I knew little of, growing up at the same time in West Virginia in very different circumstances.

What an engaginging and wonderful way to preserve the past!

This is a well written account of country life in West Virginia in the 40 and 50's.I could not put it down!
BeBe Beatty

I really enjoyed David Thompson's book River of Memories. I to grew up in WV and his words brought back visions from my own childhood. This is just a good read to escape from the everyday stress and hassles and return to a time when we valued family more than the materialisms we strive for today.

There once was actually a time and a place that the author David Thompson talks about; but I used to think that it was only in our collective dreams from the old movies of the 1950's. He captures a part of Americana that is forever lost and is no more. He takes us through his early life leading up to his tour in Vietnam much like a river flowing through our heart. It is a well written account of not just what it was like but how it felt to be a young boy of the "Baby Boom Generation" in West Virginia.

This book is not about war or its aftermath but about the human spirit and the values that make us and define who we are. This is a treasure of unique experiences and feelings. It is a pleasure and a joy to read.

MWSA's 2004 Gold Medal Award for Non-Fiction Personal Memoirs

The following are some of the comments I have received regarding River of Memories:

As I read well into Saturday night, I had the feeling you were actually writing about MY childhood. The winters, the one-room school, the stream, the grapevine swing (Snap! Thud! you lost your breath, and your body met the ground) and the challenges we faced but were so content, well fed, and happy we didn't realize how strong we would become because we learned that mountains were there to "go over, around or tunnel through." (Ginger Davis)

I bought a copy of your book at long last. I read it today. I really enjoyed it!!! You did a great job. Patrick was really talking up your book at our last meeting this spring. Mary Williams, one of our writing classmates, died last week. She, too, was looking forward to reading your book. (Brenda Beatty)

I wanted to share with you the inspiration I've had from the introduction of your book. I've many times mentioned that I should keep a journal for each of my girls with my view of things they do throughout their childhood. You statements in the introduction made me realize I should stop talking about it and do it before time slips away and they're no longer small children. (Che'rie Collins)

I have just completed your book, a gift from my daughter. It is a most enjoyable book, and you should take great pride in it. You capture our heritage and our humanness from crowning glory to warts. We live in a great corner of this world. Those of us, the senior generation, have been protected not by terrain but by culture, small enough to know and be known. (Jim Waugh)

While attending 'Festival of the Hills' in Ironton on Saturday, my wife and I visited your display and bought a copy of River of Memories. That next day, I took up temporary residence in our swing on our front porch and never ventured far from there until two thirds of your book had been read. It just wouldn't let me put it down! While my wife and I grew up in Waterloo, Lawrence County, Ohio, which is about as far north of Huntington as Bowen Creek is south, we both had a similar childhood as yours, but, you tell your stories much better. And, I'm sure others who have had the pleasure of reading your book can readily identify with it, too. Every little community had its unusual characters and an Emmitt and Lessie store. But, of all your stories, "Magnolias Forever" holds a special place for me. Your book is truly gratifying. Well done, David! (Duane Null)

Thank you for sharing your work with me and for using your talents to help preserve the culture and history of our state.
(Nick J. Rahall, II, Member of Congress)

Can't imagine any trip could be better than what you described in your book. Well done. "River of Memories" would make a great movie. You have shown how wonderful growing up in the '50s was for many. Laura wrote all her books (5 or 6) after she was 65 years old. Hope you keep writing. (Pat Phillips)

I finished your book last night. Please forgive me. I do not have your gift of expression in writing. I loved the book. What a wonderfully blessed life you have! Thank you so much. (Teresa Radcliff)

I absolutely loved this little book. I prefer this kind of personal reminiscing to works of fiction. I think what I loved most about it was the fact that your life in West Virginia, growing up was a bit similar to my own upbringing in Northwestern Nebraska. I also attended a one-room schoolhouse with an outhouse and a hand pump for water from 1st through 8th grade. Gee, it was fun! (Shelley Thorton-Roby)

Thank you for writing "River of Memories." I enjoyed, laughed (and cried a little). Many thanks for the memories. (Imogene Adkins Wilson)

I have read many books on Appalachian life, but yours was the best. I could actually see the house, smell the cooking, and hear you kids fighting and playing as I read the book. How lucky your family is to have all of this on paper to share for generations. (Debi Herbert)

I absolutely loved your book. You don't write...you paint a picture. (Jane Kolstad)

I finished your book last night. I read it in two sittings. It was the only book, other than the Bible I have read in years. I enjoyed it very much, and it touched on so many memories of my life. (Verlin J. Adkins, Jr.)

This book has it all; breed history, characteristics, breed staandard, basic care, puppy care, health care, behavior training and showing in dog shows. The color pictures provide excellent detail and there are detailed drawings that provide additional helpful information. I would highly recommend this book to any person that plans to own a Shiba Inu or currently owns one.

I knew nothing of the breed but this book covers allot and has some wonderful photos and info.

This is one of the best books on Shiba Inus out there. It tells you everything you need to know about this amazing breed of dog. It's got everyting from health care, training and showing. It even tells you the shibas best fit for the AKC and Nippo. It's one of the best shiba inu books and no shiba owner should be without it.

I got this book because we were adopting a Shiba Inu pup. We already have one Shiba & they are an interesting breed. I feel that the more knowledge about the breed that you can gain, the better the relationship will be for everyone. This book has a lot of in depth information that should help any potential Shiba Inu owner. It has lots of pictures to go with the topics.

I'm a first time dog owner (and ended up getting a Shiba...ha ha!)
I thought this book was simple & an easy read. I've had my Shiba for 4 months now & still refer to the book for information!

Having failed to buy a Sierra Club Calendar before they were sold out at all of our local bookstores, I turned to Amazon and they came through, with a reduced price and prompt delivery

I buy one of these every year. I have had to buy an Audubon Society one a couple of times, but much prefer the Sierra Club calendar. The pictures are gorgeous and make me want to get out and explore the beauty. I like the section in the back for notes because it gives me space to write down all the phone numbers and addresses of doctors, schools, work, etc. so that I have it all handy. I will definitely continue to buy these as long as they make them!

I have for many years obtained a copy of the Sierra Club Engagement Calendar. It fits my needs perfectly.

I love the Sierra Club Engagement Calendars. It's perfect for me as a business calendar.

I decided to get this calendar to keep track of major appointments. I have always loved the pictures from the sierra club so this fits my needs perfectly. On one page are the photos for each week which are amazing and in great color detail. The other side has the week and there is adequate spacing to note down major appointments. If you need more space or like to see your daily schedule broken up by hour this is not the book for you.

As usual the photos in this calendar are spectacular. I like the info on holidays and cycles of the moon. I have used this form of calendar for years - keeping all personal and social info in one place. I go through and add birthdays, anniversaries, engagements to the calendar for the entire year. It helps meet deadlines for sending gifts or cards to friends and family. I also record the tasks I do in my job every day. This is very helpful in writing reviews, reports and in keeping my resume up to date. I also tape in invites, programs, tickets, etc. - resulting in a great journal. It's fun to go back over the years to 1974 when I started working and enjoy the year all over again.

This is just the perfect calendar for a person with just a few appointments per day. The photos are fantastic. I would give it full marks but some of the extra pages at the back have been eliminated. Those included pages for addresses and phone numbers. Now that information has to be put in under "Notes" which means not enough room for one's notes.

Once you become accustomed to an egagement calendar that starts very logically with Monday and finishes with the weekend, you will never go back!

I use this as my appointment book and I keep it by the phone. I get one every year and have never been disappointed with the photographs. It is a nice size to keep on my counter by the phone and it has plenty of room to write. When I am talking on the phone I enjoy looking at the beautiful photography that I can really get lost in. I think it is a good price for such a practical and beautiful item with so many amazing photographs.

Every year I purchase a new Sierra Club Engagement Calendar. One year I purchased an Audubon Society Engagement Calendar because I could not find the Sierra Club one, and although it was nice, it didn't begin to compare to the Sierra Club images. The weekly format is easy to navigate with plenty of room to write your day's scheduled activities, plus small enough to tote around with you if you please, all the while getting a great new picture to look at every week. I sometimes cut out the pictures and frame them to put on my desk.

SOUTH: THE LAST ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

Here is a list of equipment that Sir Ernest Shackleton did NOT have for his memorable Endurance expedition: GPS location finders; radio ; RADAR, SONAR; computerized navigation; professional medical care; thermal clothes; MRE'S (Meals Ready To Eat), double steel hull; air and logistical support, public relations agents; marketing proposals; lawyers.
Shacketon's crew navigated with a sextant; traversed the icecap with dog sleds instead of ski-doos, and ate canned herring, tinned meat, pemmican, biscuits and occasional seals.

What he did have was an old ship, a strong crew, an incredible work ethic, classic British stoicism and unerring sense of the right thing to do.

His book reads like a Robert Louis Stevenson or H.G. Welles story, but it is the unvarnished truth. His matter -of -fact account is brilliantly illustrated by Frank Hurley's dramatic black & white photos of The Endurance encapsulated in ice, its masts and spars dripping frozen water like the maritime apparition in Melville's "Benito Cereno."
I seriously doubt whether a modern expedition equipped with all the bells and whistles and sponsored with corporate money could duplicate what Shackleton's Endurance accomplished under the most adverse circumstances imaginable.
Because the Endurance expedition occurred in 1914-15 at the start of World World War I
Shackleton's accomplishment was largely overshadowed, and the Antarctic was all but forgotten until the `fifties and `sixties when its scientific and strategic value was rediscovered.
Now, as the Antarctic ice cap melts from global warming, one wonders at Shackleton's accomplishment.

When the Antarctic explorer ship Endurance became trapped by ice in the opening days of World War I, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his companions found themselves stranded for the winter. Months later, when the ice floe that had been their "home" became unstable as spring breakup began, the party - with their ship long since broken apart - took to their three open boats, and made their way to Elephant Island. There they set up a precarious camp, where most of the group waited while Sir Ernest and a few carefully chosen companions struck out for South Georgia. That South Atlantic island, 800 miles away, was known to have year-round British inhabitants.

Those are the bare facts of one of the great true adventures, a story told here by Sir Ernest himself. His dry writing style may take some slogging, at first, for contemporary (especially American) readers; but his wit is equally dry, and his descriptions vivid. I was especially interested to note the differences between the Shackleton party's attitudes and those of today. Not only is this a magnificent survival tale (NOT ONE of Shackleton's men died!); it's also a snapshot of how those quintessential English explorers of another era thought about the world they were discovering. For better or for worse, how times and attitudes have changed!

After more than a year of seeing pretty much nothing but ice and snow, and living in, at times, sub-zero temperatures, Sir Ernest Shackleton writes about his camp's current conditions; "Drifts four feet deep covered everything, and we had to be continually digging up our scanty stock of meat to prevent its being lost altogether... On this day, and for the next two or three also, it was impossible to do anything but get right inside one's frozen sleeping bag to try and get warm. Too cold to read or sew, we had to keep our hands well inside, and pass the time in conversation with each other." He's so matter-of-fact... no fluff here. He just tells it like it is. I love that about this book. The conditions worsen by leaps and bounds as the story continues, but I'll leave that for you to explore on your own. Anyway, the first few chapters are very informative regarding how the expedition was planned, where they were headed, how they got there, etc... for me, it started a little slow, but I understand why the writer wanted to include this information. So, then you get into the "meaty" survival stuff... and is it ever so fascinating. And for me, it's especially fascinating because it doesn't seem to be sugar-coated, as so many writers are proned to do when telling their story. In fiction, I don't mind so much the way a writer gives you every detail, written ever so eloquently, but when it comes to true stories... especially survival stories, I personally just want to hear the straight talk. A GREAT SURVIVAL STORY AND PERFECTLY WRITTEN for this reader.

What an expedition! There is a lot to be learned about leadership and survival by the adventurers on this journey. If you like men against the elements, who survive by their wits and never ever give up, this is the tale for you. A great winter read.

Shackleton was an amazing man full of true grit and true leadership. Among the many things that stand out in his story of survival is the importance of keeping a journal. Even after many supplies and equipment were left on the ice, the men were instructed to continue to carry their journals. And what if they had not? Where would be the true story that outshines most fictional adventure stories in the minds and imaginations of many, including myself?

If you want to read more about Antarctica, I suggest T.H. Baughman's "Before the Heroes Came."

Ok, I will freely admit that this may not be considered by some to be a scholarly historical assessment. I have been interested in the reign of Louis XIV since childhood when my mother purchased for me a coffee table book of photographs of Versailles. I wondered what could possibly have taken place at such a monstrous and wonderful palace. Since then I have read at least a dozen books on the period which tend to focus on the development and impact of absolutism in 17th century Europe. But this little book is a gem because of its author. Nancy Mitford was the daughter of an English Baron and spent her life as both an academic and a socialite. Her telling of the lives that swirled around Versailles palace is authenticated by the impression one gets that she would have been completely at ease in that setting. This book was written in 1966, just 7 years before her death. Her style sounds more like gossip than history, but is generally regarded as very well-researched. I warn you that if you read this book or one of her other historical biographies, you are in danger of becoming hooked on Mitford and will probably seek out some of her other well-loved books. This was a very enjoyable book and I find myself going back to certain chapters from time to time. One of the most memorable portions is the end where she describes a ghoulish sacrilege; the looting and desecration of the tombs during the revolution. As any good book will, it fascinated me and left me wanting to know more.

Nancy Mitford is best known as an author of witty, elegant novels like The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate. In the 1950s and 1960s she also produced a number of historical works, of which The Sun King is one of the best.

The Sun King is a personal biography of Louis XIV. It does not deal in great detail with the political, military, or economic issues of Louis XIV's reign but primarily focuses on his personal life and that of his family. Louis married his double first cousin Marie Therese of Spain (she being his genetic sister for all intents and purposes, the reader is amazed that his family turned out as strong and healthy as they did). He also had three major mistresses and a string of casual acquaintanceships which produced a number of illegitimate children. His numerous relations also produced a quantity of children and had many extramarital relationships.

A major part of the book deals with the construction of Versailles. Indeed the book seems almost to be a biography of the chateau. The profuse illustrations, including many photographs of the chateau and its grounds, add immeasurably to the pleasure of reading this work.

But the most compelling reason for reading The Sun King is to enjoy Mitford's elegant, witty, prose style, which is as much in evidence here as in her novels.

Here's "Lifestyles of the Obscenely Wealthy and Powerful"! I admit I'd never read much about this period of history (I'm fond of joking that my in-depth knowledge of politics and history more or less ends with Elizabeth I's death), but the bit I read at the bookstore made this book irresistible. I passed up an Alison Weir for this, but I don't regret the choice at all. It is both charming and knowledgable, with a witty, personable, almost gossipy tone.

There's a lot of information here, packaged with lots of pictures and glossy pages. It is a lovely book to look at purely on an aesthetic level. But do take the time to actually read it! Though sparse in areas, it is a rich look at the life of Louis, and at the lifestyle of a courtier of his day. The creation of Versailles is gone into in much detail, as are sexual politics and wartime attitudes. Mostly this focuses on Louis' personal life and that of his court and how Versailles came about, so there isn't much here about actual wars or about international politics. But what there is is just stupendous. I'd call this a must-have for a beginner in French history. I'm very glad I got it.

Nancy Mitford came to me by way of this book and, ignorant of the incredible talents that lie with her, her sisters and the aristocratic family into which she was born. Since then, I have devoured Nancy's fiction, her personal history and I have much more to learn. However, it is her talents as a biographer and historian, perhaps best exemplified with this book, that I believe she achieves the realization of her greatest gift; that is to send life into the dead hand of history. In "The Sun King" history comes alive as I have truly never experienced. Here is a book that takes heretofore one dimensional characters and fills their frames with humanity, giving them dimemsionality, life. She uncovers the perspective that sheds light on each characters good and bad side, turning Louis XIV, Monsieur, The King's wives, his children, in fact the whole of the court at Versailles into a vision in one's head that makes it easy to understand why the Ancien Regime in France can still provide relevance to a contemporary world that approximates it so little. Relevance and topic interest, to be sure, is the most amazing feat for a historian to achieve. Nancy Mitford with "The Sun King" stands among rarified company in such an achievement.

This book is an absolutely amazing piece of work. I was introduced to it while looking for audiobooks on ITunes. The audiobook was so enjoyable that I felt compelled to purchase the actual book to read along with it.

Mitford makes each of the historical figures come alive, and makes an opulent and enclosed society accessible to readers of any age. The work is gossipy enough to be interesting, but not to such a degree as to detract from the historical accuracy. I would recommend "The Sun King" to anyone who wishes to learn more about the age of France's greatest king and the people that surrounded him.

The only drawback is that for one to fully appreciate the book, they should have a very basic knowledge of French and European history (at least as far as names and dates are concerned). Having long been interested in history, I did not find this a problem, but I can see how one who was not familiar may find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Otherwise, this book is about as close to perfection as I've seen.

This ison of the best book written by the British queen of suspense. It has doesn't star her favourite character, Hercule POirot, nor can the reader guess who is the murderer (because Agatha made a swindle to the readers, the murderer being on of the fellows already described in the book as being murdered). THe tension is almos unbreathable!

Ten little niggers was written in the early stages of the twentieth century, and still today it must be considered one of the best whodunnit thrillers ever.

Ten people are invited by the misterious U.N. Owen to spend a weekend in a very isolated island. They don't know each other, but all of them have something in common. They commited crimes in such a way that they can't be touched by common justice.
Suddenly, the murders begin.

Agatha Christie has created in this book a story with an amazing psychological level, that has set the parameter for most of future books of such kind.

The outcome of the plot is an amazing effort of creation, and no reader can guess who is responsible for the deadly reunion, or his/her motives.

Another information: there is a movie with the same name, starring (incredible) Sylvester Stallone's brother. It's terrible, don't ever think of watching it.

One of the best books in the collection! A friend loaned me her copy and I plotted her death to own this book, but now I must find it and add it to my collection of "most favored" titles! My friend, like the book, lives on long after closing the cover.

This book is not too long - I read it in an hour or three. It's a typical story for Agatha Christie - a storyline that's continuously surprising and is not over until the final page. What do we get? Ten people are invited to a house on a lonely island near the English coast. They don't know each other but all show up. The link between these ten is a rather cruel one: all of them are more or less responsible for someone's death, although they weren't condemned for it. Unfortunately, the host who invited them doesn't show up and all get al little nervous. Not without reason, because what happens then, is similar to the verse of `ten little niggers': first there are ten, then nine, eight, seven, etc. One by one they fall until nobody remains. The theme of this song may sound a little racist by now, and I wonder why Agatha Christie couldn't have used another verse (like that of the ten green bottles). But this is what we get. Indeed, one by one the island visitors are murdered. Weird enough, there are exactly ten little nigger figures standing in the living room. Each time someone is killed, one of the figures is thrown out of the window by the murderer. The main persons grow more and more anxious and try to protect themselves in some way against their invisible murderer. The end of the story is an absolute surprise and can't be predicted easily, which makes the book all the more interesting. This book is a pretty read; probably you'll want to read it out in one big breath like me. Certainly recommended for those who want a quick, exciting book to read that contains the same question on every page: whodunit?

This is an unbelieveble book of Agatha Cristie I had red many of Agatha Cristie but ý havent red so wicked book before because the book containes everything which you wanted to read in a formal book.The begining of the book is a little bit hard to understand but you feel very nervous when you read middle of the book because you dont know who is the murder and count of people always count down and you suspect a man or a woman is a murder after that that man killed.This is a book that you must read and must be in your library.