Clubs Books

I have long been fascinated by Coca Cola as a product - its world wide marketing and dominance is just mesmerising. This book takes a good look at this phenomenon and is marvellously entertaining to boot. The stories of Coke's determination to get their product to the boys at the front during the war are brilliant, and others of the war with Pepsi are highly entertaining. This is well worth your time. My husband was most sceptical, saying that it is just a giant advertisement for a soft drink. I told him not to be so difficult, and to get me a Coke.

This book include many information to understand the history and business operation of The Coca-Cola Company.Especially, an infomation of secret formula of Coca-Cola, so called 7X, was very interesting. Through the book, we can learn when and where Coca-Cola was invented,why Coca-Cola went to foreign markets, how New Coke was introduced, why Classic Coke was came back and so on.The detail footnote and bibliograhy of Mark Pendergrast also support us to study the business history of The Company.I look forward to reading the revised version of the book.

The real story behind the most famous brand in the world is an amazing trek through one of the most interesting centuries of world history. It is superbly written by a man of uncontestable credentials: Harvard B-school graduate and professional journalist who was born and raised in Atlanta. His style is both witty and informative, and while he shows his affection for everthing that the company means to the American way of life, Pendergrast never loses his keen sense of objectivity. This book should definitely be required reading for anyone interested in Pop Culture, U.S. History, Marketing, or just a great tale well told. This is by far one of the best books I have ever read.

Benjamin Zuckerman - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Explore the personalities, events, deals, and ordeals, that Coke has endured over the years. From the morphene adicted doctor who created the tonic to the modern day financial and brand building wizards, this book covers Coke in a way no other book does. The author, Mark Pendergrast, has many ties to Atlanta, and some of the historic figures in the book. This history combined with his research in to the company provies for a fantastic, presumably 100% factual doccumentary, chronicaling the history of one of the worlds most well nown companies.

I read this book and simply couldn't put it down! I bought 8 copies of it to give to family and friends as gifts. I'll never look at a Coca-Cola product the same way again. From a business or historical perspective, this is a great read!

A man is poisoned during a chess match, and Wolfe gets called by the daughter of the arrested suspect to clear her dad and find the real killer. Naturally, Wolfe must do this while staying firmly ensconsed in his Manhatten brownstone, while Archie Goodwin does his legwork. The story quickly develops a natural suspect after an initial series of interviews of all the people surrounding the death. But it also takes an interesting twist when another dead body is found. I enjoyed that just enough clues were left in the story to allow me to figure out who the killer was just before Wolfe announced it. Here's a hint ... the method of murder was a little different than you may originally think it is. Enjoy!

For some reason the Amazon listings don't include the audio CD version of this outstanding book.

Michael Prichard's reading style is ideally suited to this great story about chess players and the "perfect murder." The variations in personalities at the Gambit Club prefigure the chess stars of the 70s.

From a view of character study, this one is really, really good (and great to listen to also).

My 5th Nero Wolfe book, and I loved it. I caution new readers that the Nero Wolfe books are an acquired taste. For women the Wolfe character is edgy. But, this puzzle of who poisoned what, etc. really grabbed my attention, and I dreamed about it for days (a good sign for me). I can tell that I'm finally getting into these books because I envy Wolfe's life. He's a recluse, and that's my big goal in life -- a recluse with lots of help to do my chores. It'll never happen, and that's why reading these books is satisfying a longing in me.

For anyone unfamiliar with Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe mysteries I'd highly recommend this novel. While it is not my favorite of Stout's Nero Wolfe stories, it is a nice introduction to to Nero Wolfe and his confidential assistant Archie Goodwin. Wolfe is a 285 pound orchid collecting genius of a detective who almost never leaves his office for work. he can be cranky and avoids work whenever possible. Archie is a sarcastic ladies-man who's job is to do the leg work for Wolfe as well as keep him focused.

The opening sections of the book illustrate the quirks of the main characters and as I said make a good introduction for new readers.

The mystery itself is interesting and full of the twists and turns that I have come to expect from a Nero Wolfe novel. It is written in Stout's signiature sytle and kept me guessing for much of the book. In the end, Stout does a good job of tying everything up and showing the logic behind the solution and how Wolfe and Archie got from point A to Point B to the solution.

A Review by Alex

Jerin is playing the usual twelve players with messengers running in a room with Jerin alone telling the layouts of each board. A man had come in with some hot chocolate for Jerin. The man's name was Blount. Later that night, Jerin dies and Blount is thrown in jail because they all think he did it. Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin have to solve the mystery and see to it that Blount is innocent. The only way they can solve it is the use of his daughter, Sally.

I really love and enjoy the fact that this book makes me think and makes it so I use my brain a little. It is a mystery, so therefore I have to be smarter than Archie. I was always trying to figure out if it is someone or not and when I read to find out it's not one person I try to guess who it could be. This book also gave me suspense, I got so excited when they were about to do questioning with someone like Sally or the mother. I always find out something new and clues of the killer. This book was also a perfect read when it came to pages, only 137 pages and the text was a bit on the small side but still made it a perfect size. Not too quick and not too long. This book always gave me a surprise.

This is a great mystery for those who love to use their brain figuring things out. Gambit is a really exciting book to discover new suspects and an unexpected murderer. You will dive into the book and not want to put in down caused by the eagerness to read about who did it and why.

Georgie by Robert Bright was sent in a very timely manner and is in very good condition for a used book. I am very pleased with the service.

I have been a first grade public school teacher for 38 years. I discovered the Georgie books in the 70's and started reading them to my first grade classes. When I realized how much the children, the parents, the school librarian, the other elementary teachers, and I all prized them, I started reading them to my daughter and son who also adored them, beginning with Georgie. He is a sweet faced, kind little ghost who looks after Mr.and Mrs. Whittaker. He is also very funny and gets himself in and out of many predicaments. I haven't seen these books for years and I was so afraid they were gone forever until I found them on Amazon com! Now I am ordering them for my three grandsons as I know they will love them as much as their mother did.

I RECENTLY VISITED MY OLD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND AS IT WAS A SUNDAY, I COULD ONLY VIEW IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. AS I PEERED INTO THE LIBRARY'S WINDOWS, I RECALLED SEVERAL BOOKS THAT I HAD CHECKED OUT OVER THE YEARS. ONE OF THESE WAS GEORGIE (ACTUALLY A FEW BUT I DOUBT THEY HAD ALL OF THEM). I RETURNED HOME LATER THAT EVENING AND CHECKED MY SHELVES. I ALSO HAD A FEW ROBERT BRIGHT BOOKS THAT I HAD PICKED UP SECONDHAND TO READ TO MY BOYS WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER. IT'S AMAZING TO ME HOW SUCH SIMPLE YET ENDEARING CHARACTER SUCH AS GEORGIE HAS STAYED WITH ME ALL THESE YEARS. I INTEND TO FIND THE REMAINING GEORGIE BOOKS AND ADD THEM TO MY PERSONAL LIBRARY. I CAN ALWAYS CLAIM THAT I GOT THEM TO READ TO ANY VISITING CHILDREN BUT WE BOTH KNOW THEY'RE REALLY FOR ME.

I had this sent to my granddaughter who is two years old. She loves it! Her father has to read it to her every night. He said that he remembers it as one of his favorites.

I loved this book as a child, and I came across it quite accidentally a couple of years ago. My youngest daughter, now 6, counts this as one of her favorite books. Now we read it to each other, almost every night, although I always secretly hope that she will let me read it to her. I love reading it to make it come even more alive (the big door GROANED so...). Her favorite part is when Georgie goes looking for a new home and a ghost at another house turns him away.

It's such a fun book!

I've never read another book like "Good Books Lately: The One-Stop Resource for Book Groups and Other Greedy Readers." It's clever and smart without being condescending. Completely accessible! The book is a blend of history, anecdote and How-To. Whether you're in a book club, or just an avid reader on your own, this book is helpful. It gives great tips on being a more active reader and participant in discussion of books.
I had the good fortune of attending a reading of this book by the authors, Kira Stevens and Ellen Moore, and they are even more charming and clever in person! I was in tears with laughter listening to their encounter with Oprah - very funny stuff! Don't worry, the Oprah story is in the book, so you can get a good laugh too!

At last there is a lively resource book for book group discussions! With easy to follow chapters, this book gives the reader the tools to deepen any book group discussion. Whatever book type your group prefers, Kira Stevens and Ellen Moore have created a one-stop easy reference guide. I find that I often return to the book before book dicussions, making Good Books Lately an invaluable investment. The authors have made the analytical art of book discussions accessible, and fun. For all of us "greedy readers" - this is the ultimate reference for book lovers everywhere.

Everything one could want to know about starting a book group in a helpful, informative, and entertaining format. A great read from authors who are not just PhDs in English but clearly women who love reading and writing. In addition to detailed descriptions of just about everything one would need to know to get started and keep going, the authors provide lists of books that have proved to be most popular with reading groups. Loved the part about their meeting with Oprah. This is the sort of book just to keep handy to refer back to when you need inspiration or validation in what you're doing whether it's preparing for a group meeting or analyzing a book on your own.

What a great book! Most how-to books can be dull or hokey, but the advice in this book is interesting, creative, fun and often hilariously funny. The authors take an important topic and make it very accessible. I was pretty nervous about starting a book group before I encountered "Good Books Lately," but now I'm encouraged and excited! After just starting this book, I felt like Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens were good friends of mine! This book's a great reference that I'll use and recommend often.

I absolutely loved this book on book groups. A friend of mine recommended it because I was complaining that our book group had gotten a little dull after 7 years. Now, we have reinvigorated our group with the help of this book. Every book group needs to read this book. Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens are absolutely brilliant and incredibly funny.

I bought this book for my mom - she is a pre-school teacher and was telling this story to her class for years without having the book. The kids love this story so much, so she was excited to be able to bring her new book to share with her kids.

The Gunniwolf is a classic story about a little girl who wanders off into the woods, where she is confronted by a wolf. She is, of course, frightened, but she and the wolf soon establish a cordial relationship. In fact, the wolf wants nothing more from the little girl than that she sing a little song for him. Although the Gunniwolf story has been around for years, the illustrations in this new version make it particularly appealing. A young child can enjoy the book simply by turning through the pages.

This was my favorite book as a child. I am so excited it is back in print. The text is the same, but the illustrations are different. I prefer the older illustrations, but that may just nostalgia. This has been a favorite of all four of my children. It is fun to read aloud and teaches an important lesson about obedience.

The Gunniwolf should be in every home with children 7 and under. It was consistantly the favorite picture storybook for my kindergarten classes over a 20 year time span. The book was out of print for a long time, and I was delighted to see the book become available again. My only regret is that the wolf doesn't look a bit more scary in the new illustrations. The text is excellent for using voice inflections, and to incorporate movement via hand movements, nodding, etc. Why this story isn't better known is beyond me!

This story is a classic and has been presented in many cultures using familiar places and customs. I liked it mainly becasue of the lack of violence. Most importantly my three year old grandson loves it.

I don't really feel it is necessary to add my humble opinion about Neruda, his poetry, or this particular collection of poems. If you are even considering purchasing this book, then you are on the right track. I would, however, like to add a few comments about this particular edition.

I was somewhat confused because one reviewer stated the book was only in English, although the book claims to be a bilingual edition. I purchased it anyway due to the difficutly in general of finding some Spanish language literature in this country, and even on this site, with the intention to return it if it was only in English. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was indeed a bilingual edition. The cover art is quite different on the copy I received - just an observation.

If you are buying this book for the original Spanish version, then I can highly recommend this book. However, I must agree with several other reviewers as to the quality of the English translation. Honestly, and I hate to say it, but it is terrible. I realize that translating great poetry is a formidable task, and that certain license may need to be taken, but I have many other bilingual poetry editions (in several other languages as well) where the English versions are faithful to the original and yet beautiful in their own right, and where I have even felt occasionally that a reading of the English version can actually enhance the overall experience of the poem. This is definitely not the case with this translation. After reading the Spanish, I would find myself peeking over at the English, and thinking to myself, "What on earth was Tarn thinking?" Some of the liberties Tarn has taken... At one point, I seriously felt like taking a Sharpie to the English versions to obliterate them entirely. Realizing that this was probably a little extreme, and would certainly destroy the Spanish poetry on the other side of the paper, I have settled on making copies of the Spanish versions and putting them in a notebook so as to avoid the English versions entirely. I realize this may sound extreme, but only if you have not read the translations. Even if your Spanish is intermediate, you would probably be better off with this book (or a Spanish only version if you can find one) and a good dictionary.

All of that having been said, the introduction is adequate. And, of course, Neruda is remarkable.

Every review here mentions the spectacular nature of Neruda's captivating poem. As he said himself, he follows the philosophy of Rimbaud and arms himself with a "burning patience" that allows him to "enter splendid cities." However, the translation falls short of the quality of Neruda's words. Tarn inserts his own interpretations/images in his word choice which result in the creation of a new poem--ocassionally distant or discordant with the original. (quick example: in Canto XII, Neruda twice uses the word "río" in one of many instances of repetition in the poem. Tarn replaces the first use with "torrent" and the second with "Amazon." He effectively removed Neruda's use of repetition and inserted a proper noun which carries with it connotations perhaps not intended by Neruda. This is merely one of many instances where Tarn's translation subtly, but importantly changes the poem's meaning). However, if you are a lover of Neruda poems and have a reasonable grasp of Spanish, this is an essential for your collection.

6 stars for the poem, 2 for the translation = overall score of 4 stars

Neruda is easily one of the 20th centuries greatest poets. The Heights of Macchu Picchu is an excellent poem (Tarn's translation is a good one). It weakens a bit towards the end, but the first 2/3 of the poems is wonderful stuff. And Robert Pring-Mill prefaces this edition with a great essay that really takes you into the meaning of Neruda's poem.

I printed this book in 1986 in Bandon, Oregon using a Vandercook Universal #3 Press, Lutetia type from Harold Berliner's Typefoundry on Arches laid paper.

There are several inaccurate assumptions in the reviews here. Most importantly, this is not a Tarn translation. It is by the poet David Young, editor of Field Magazine at Oberlin College. His translations of Rilke are equally stunning.

This is an English only edition: Farrar, Straus & Giroux owns ALL English versions of Neruda published in English (or did so at that time) and the Neruda Estate owned the Spanish. It took 18 months to receive permission for 155 editions of the English and the Spanish permissions were far more daunting.

The binding was done by Greg Campbell at Campbell-Logan Bindery in St. Paul, Minn. I used green Roma paper over boards with red cloth 1/4 bound spine.

The full page line drawing of the condor was done by Jack Schroeder, a well known artist from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I asked him to draw the condor as if embracing the sense of "sloping height", and "Incan priest." I think he accomplished it well.

I hope this helps and falls within Amazon's guidelines

Pablo Neruda, born in Chile 1904, is one of the greatest Latin American Poets to have livedwas one of Latin Americaýs greatest poets.

The Heights of Macchu Picchu (considered by some to be his finest poem) was inspired by his journey to this famed ruined Peruvian Inca city. These poems take on a progressive journey within both the past of Latin America and the roots of the poet himself.

Lovers and devoted students of poetry will be caught up in Neruda's poetic power, hopefully capturing the quintessence of this great poets mind. Others, like myself, who are occasional readers of poetry, may need to reread his words, but, through the rereading, Neruda's own spirit will descend into you mind.

Pablo Neruda speaks to the heart and struggle of us all, as he writes, "How many times in wintry streets, or in a bus, a boat a dusk,.... in the very lair of human pleasure, have I wanted to pause and look for the eternal, unfathomable truth's filament I'd fingered once in stone, or in the flash of a kiss released." Highly Recommended.

Anyone who grew up in the 60's-70's should read this book ... it is very inspiring!

One need not be African-American to love this book. It is a deep insight into a tough time. She talks of things usual life
does not include, as the powerlessness of women doing full nude strip dancing when one or a few refused to have customers give them money in a particularly intrusive way--what awaited such women and what choices did they really have. Neitzsche called Evil, "All that which proceeds out of weakness." He could have had this book in mind. Yet Ethel Water's life has more than defeat.

If you are not moved by this book, you must have a large problem.

Whew, what an upbringing, what a life. Waters goes into great detail about her rearing in the slums of Philadelphia, her life as vaudevillian Sweet Mama Stringbean and finally the Ethel Waters of stage, screen, and records. I didn't really know much about Miss Waters other than her role in the movie Pinky, so this book provided great insight into her life. Pretty good. The conversational tone makes it easy to read.

I've had the hardback 1951 copy of this book for some time, just picked it up to read last week. It is an astounding story of faith, determination, and strength;It is also an excellent insight into Black History pre-Martin Luther King. I hope the paperback version of this is being read. (and I wish Nikki Giovanni would read it as well).
Highly recommended.

When I was a kid, I knew Ethel Waters as that gray haired old lady that sang at the Billy Graham events on TV... In reading this autobiography I discovered the incredible legacy of her recordings and films.

"His Eye Is On the Sparrow" reads just like you're sitting in the room talking with this remarkable woman... The book not only shares the details of her fascinating career, but it is also an absorbing historical record of early 20th century show business and American society. Absolutely fascinating, warm, funny and poignant.

Title: Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: 1998
Number of Pages: 233 (hardcover book)
Genre: Adventure
Reading Level: Mid 4th Grade
Recommended Interest Level: All age levels!

The Yelnats family has long since believed their family was cursed. Stanley Yelnats was convicted of a crime he did not commit. Instead of going to jail, Stanley and his parents opted for a juvenile correctional facility named Camp Green Lake. Camp Green Lake is located in a Texas dessert. There is nothing green about Camp Green Lake, and the lake has long been dry. Stanley struggles to make friends at Camp Green Lake and also struggles to understand why he is forced to dig a five-foot wide by five-foot deep hole every day in the dried up lake. He quickly realizes that there is more to hole digging than "building character." Eventually, Stanley finds a true friend in another kid at Camp Green Lake named Zero. Together, Stanley and Zero embark on a wild adventure to escape from Camp Green Lake. Along the way, they discover the importance of friendship, perseverance and destiny.

I purchased this book to determine whether or not all the hype is true. I quickly discovered that it is! Holes is definitely worthy of all the praise and awards it has received. Holes is great for a book report or a book project because it is truly fun to read and contains many lessons that can be analyzed. The connection between the four brilliantly interwoven stories within this book is revealed at the end. The chapters are short and suspenseful, making it difficult to put this book down! It is a quick read and I recommend it for all age groups. This book is perfect for children and parents, students and teachers, and everyone else! If you have not read Holes yet, you need to make it your top priority!!!

This has to be one of the best books I've ever read. It has everything: Mystery, action, adventure, historical fiction, and above all a wonderful plot line that really makes you think. It gets better and better with every chapter, and you'll be sad when it ends.

Try this book and I promise you that you won't be able to put it down!

Louis Sachar, the great author of Holes, was probably so into this book while he was writting it. He had to have been thinking about something or someone when he was writing it and I would like to ask him if it is true. the whole book in a brief message would be, Stanley Yelnatz got in trouble, went to camp, and good things happened after that. It was really inspirational and thats why I gave it a 4. I would have gaven it a five if he added a little more excitement. I think a person who would enjoy a nice non fiction book would read it and they wouldn't be able to stop after 10 pages because you get really into it. In my opinion if you read this book once you will read it again.

Holes, by Louis Sachar, 5/5. It was really good; I loved it. Stanley Yelnats is falsely accused of stealing a pair of sneakers and set to Camp Green Lake, for criminal boys. To build character, the boys get up at 4:30 every morning and dig holes--big holes. If they find anything unusual, they are supposed to report it. But the warden isn't looking for fossils or pretty rocks. Something is going on other than character building, and Stanley wonders what they are looking for. The story is at once whimsical and dark, horrifying and funny, heartrending and heart-warming. There are rattlesnakes (one boy was been bitten and rushed to the hospital. He never comes back.) and many highly poisonous eleven-spotted yellow lizards with red eyes, black teeth and white tongues. We also learn about Stanley's no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing great grandfather and the curse put on his family by the gypsy woman who was missing one pig, his grandfather who found refuge on God's thumb after being robbed by Kissing Kate Barlow, Kissing Kate herself and her handyman, Sam the onion man and how history does and doesn't affect the lives of living people. This many generational multiple story-lines slowly merge in unpredictable but delightful ways. We, the readers, meet a famous basketball player and an inventor and, of course, learn that bad boys are human, just like the rest of us, and sometimes even better than those not so confined. And we encounter inspiring courage fortitude and strength. 2/4/08

I bought this as an accident -- probably drunk online -- not realizing that it's actually a kids book. But what a pleasant error to have made.

A great story that is designed to be appealing to young boys, but is a good story in its own right and well written enough to keep you turning pages as an adult -- particularly if you were a bit of a naughty kid growing up.

The boys in the camp have to dig holes ostensibly to build character, but in reality it is to help the warden find something hidden years ago. All is revealed in flashbacks to relationships that connect the characters and actions all the way through to the very enjoyable ending. Makes me want to start reading kids books exclusively!

I absolutely love this story. It was perfect for my son who at the time was a challenge at bedtime. I stillsometimes read this to him (now 5) but almost nightly to my daughter who is now 3.
The story is captivating enough to keep the little ones interestwith just the right number of words per page so that you are turning pages frequently. It is also educational in that kids learn number ordinance, and different animals. This book is a great find. It is a book you will definately read for years to come, my copy is already five years old !

This is a great bedtime book! I read it often to the kids, ages 3-10, at the daycare where I work when we are putting them to bed at night. In fact I've read it so often that I have it nearly memorized. The repeatizeness is comforting and the story is somthing they can identify with! I whole heartedly recommend it!

I don't want to go to bed is a great example of a perfect children's story. It has all the elements that are required for a children's story. These are, funny characters, good illistrations, the ability to relate to kids, and teaches them a lesson. It also has some much needed humor. It has all the elements and it isnt long and drug out and boring like many other children's storys. In conclusion, it is a great book and I would recomend it to any kids.

I have two young sons who are 3 & 4 years old. Everynight before bedtime, they get to pick out six books for us to read before they get tucked in, and everynight, this book is one they want to hear!

We've gotten into the habit of me pointing at them when it's time and they get to say, "I don't want to go to bed!"

Wonderful book! I highly recommend it to all children! Not only is it a great message, but it allows the youngsters to become involved in the story.

This book was a easy reading and totally enjoyable. All young readers having a bad time going to bed should read this book. This book is also really great for babysitters to read to thier children, whom they put kids to bed and which this is a really great bed time story book. I personally like this book because of it's beautiful pictures and kids get a kick out of this book.

I bought this book for myself after I lost my father to leukemia last year. This year at school, I was in charge of doing a fundraiser for the Leukemia Society. To help my first graders understand what leukemia was, I read this book to them. I do admit that I ad libbed a bit, especially when they talked about breast cancer. But my little ones really got it. They understood what being that ill meant. I shared how the leukemia society helped my family out when my dad was in the hospital. The next day, I had students bring in the contents of their piggy banks and give up their snack money to contribute instead. The story is beautifully written, of course, and it was a welcome addition to my classroom library.

There are very few books by Polacco that aren't listed amongst my favorites...she writes with such feeling that most of her work tugs at my heartstrings. This book is no exception. She deals with a difficult subject with such a gentle, yet powerful way that you can't help but fall completely in love with her characters. You'll laugh when they do and cry right along with them. Another beautiful piece of writing not to be missed.

This is the first children's book that ever made me cry. The next night it had my husband tearing up. It is a great story -- and even more amazing because it is a true story. My 7 year old is fascinated by it -- in part perhaps because of the strong reaction of her parents to it. And, of course, it prompts discussion of friends (adults and children) we know who are fighting cancer.

My daughter and I read this book cover to cover. She and I discussed many of our friends and family members who have had cancer and how this book relates. It was a wonderful story with a great ending. I have recommended this book to many people.

Thanks for giving us a wonderful story to share with our children!!

My daugher and I LOVE Patricia Polacco. This was another great book. We love the way she incorporates her own family members or friends into almost every one of her books. This book is a touching story about two best friends and how they deal with a devastating illness. It also describes a special bond the girls form with their teacher, who also is suffering with her own illness. My daughter and I went through several tissues reading this book. The ending was beautiful and I would strongly recommend this book to children (and their parents).