Customer Reviews (3)

Mother's Diary for Daughter
This book provides a great source of "memory keeping" for the new mom in a format that provides a wonderful keepsake for mother and daughter.

Greatest gift a mother can give her daughter!
This is the most wonderful baby book out there. It is so personal and it allows the daughter to understand her mother so well. Many times as mothers it is easier to express feelings (other than hugs and kisses and I love yous) to our children by writing it down. I just never wanted any of my daughters to ever wonder exactly how I felt about all of them so I bought a book for all three girls. This book has it all and leaves nothing for the daughter to question about the mother's love for her.

Do Not Waste Your Time!
This book arrived at my house with the corners mashed, but it was not what happened in shipping because the shipping package was fine. It also had a place where someone had already glue photos in it! And it was supposed to be new! Buyer be aware of this seller! I contacted them and they wrote me an e-mail about knocking a little off the price to save me the cost of shipping it back. I AM SURE THEY DID NOT WANT IT BACK!!!! But I have Lupus and cannot get to the Post Office that often. I also made it clear how important this book was to me as I am leaving it to my daughter. I wanted to complete it while I can still use my hands. I am greatly disappointed. And you would think this seller would try to find me a new book, but I got no offer like that, even though I paid for a new book. How sad for someone to rip off people on disability! ... Read more

Product Description
If you could make a single wish, what would you wish for? Would you ask for something that would transform your own life, or would you try to take the needs of your family into consideration, too? A humble woodcutter faces this very dilemma when he rescues a faerie one day in the woods. A flash of inspiration provides the answer that makes everyone's wish come true.
Faerie expert Tanya Robyn Batt's clever plot twist will delight readers while award-winning illustrator Nicoletta Ceccoli evokes the magical atmosphere of the tale. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Bridget's Review
My nephew loved the artwork in this book. The moral of the story is great for teaching kids about making tough decisions.

Gentle mellow story and illustrations
This story is about a poor woodcutter who saves a faerie (also known as a fairy) from a circling hawk.In return the fairy grants him one wish.It is a difficult decision for the man because his wife wants a child, his mother wants her eyesight restored, and his father wants gold so they will no longer go hungry.He stares up to the sky for inspiration, and a falling star helps him make his choice.It is a clever choice because he has considered all the compelling requests and comes up with one wish that answers all.

The book has beautiful illustrations and aligns well with the mellow story.

We have found that the book is more suitable for children who are happy just to listen - it is not a book where the children get excited about what is going to happen next and attempt to guess.

Ethereal glowing illustrations draw you in to the woodcutter's dilemma
I agree with the story reviews, so I will address the pictures, because they are what drew me in to the story. Nicoletta Ceccoli is gifted in creating ethereal characters and settings that are appropriately "other worldly", yet soft and full of empathy. She has an expressive style, full of dreamy feeling and dramatic space and color that makes me believe I could walk into these evocative landscapes and understand the woodcutter's dilemma.
Check out other titles she has illustrated if you too find this work appealing: "An Island in the Sun","The Vilage of the Basketeers", "Firefighters in the Dark","The Princess and the White Bear King","Little Red Riding Hood", and "The Girl in the Castle inside the Museum".

A beautifully illustrated story w/ an ingenious twist.
On a seemingly ordinary day, a poor woodcutter rescues a faerie from a preying hawk. In return for saving his life, the faerie gives the woodcutter a gift of one wish. As the woodcutter dreams of things he's always desired, he remembers his family back at home and decides that they must all decide on what the wish will be. The woodcutter is more confused than ever when his wife wants him to wish for the child they've never been able to have, his blind mother wants him to wish for her to regain her eyesight, and his father wants him to wish for gold. How can he make his entire family happy with just one wish?


This is the type of enchanting story that many children will love. They will especially enjoy hearing the story read aloud to them. But what steals the show in this book are Nicoletta Ceccoli's breathtaking illustrations. Ceccoli's illustrations are three dimensional, and in many cases, the reader is looking at the pictures in the book from a bird's eye view. Combine this with a soft palette, and you're instantly taken into another time, a magical dream world where faeries exist and have the ability to grant wishes to good people.

pretty folk art pictures and a sweet story
This story is about a wood cutter who is given a wish by a faerie for saving his life.The wood cutter returns home with the wish only to find his family at odds over what he should wish for.In the end the wood cutter finds a way to make everyone happy.I like the story, but it is not one of my 3 year old's favorites. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Offering complete and reliable information for independent travelers on accommodation options for every budget, suggested itineraries, comprehensive health advice and safety tips, plus asides on history, legends, food, fashion, pop culture, sports, and more, this guide is the perfect companion for any traveler's trip to Brazil. 120 detailed maps. in color.Amazon.com Review
From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are LonelyPlanet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style,these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time worldtravelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrilleven the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting itsguidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience andknow-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The originalbackpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.Whilestill giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range ofaccommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

From the stunning splendor of Iguaçu Falls to the mysteries of the AmazonRiver to the wild debauchery of Carnival and the cosmopolitan streets ofSão Paulo City, Lonely Planet's Brazil will help you navigate thisvast country in the style that suits you, from low budget to no budget. Highlights include extensive coverage of parks and festivals, well-researched sections on ecology and the environment, a Portuguese language chapter, and a special feature on Carnival. --Kathryn True ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Missing some options here.
All right, out of the box, knowing nothing about Brazil, I'd toss five stars on it in a second. However, just got back from a honeymoon with wife, who is Brazilian, and we take exception to some things:

Fortaleza: Imperial Othon rooms are not 5-star, but the service and staff are. Make that known.Its location is ideal, but better rooms can be had at the Melia Confort (not a misspell).
Also, add Al Mare as an excellent dinner choice; right on the shoreline, superb food and service, and very cheap if you're used to paying $80 USD for this kind of meal.

Recife: hated it. Boa Viagem beach near Holiday Inn was so-so.The Holiday Inn had clueless staff, cheerfully unhelpful.Worst was Patio de São Pedro: don't go, don't even bother, unless your idea of fun happens to be a flea market in Newark.Some heads-up on dining: liked the Flaminggo (not a misspell) on Boa Viagem, but inexplicably had no soccer telecast for the sub-17 game against France; did not like Bargaço, which attempted to foist a classy veneer on sub-par dinner offerings, and the prices were disparate with the food as well.

Rio: fave city, but does any hotel staff know their city outside of Fortaleza? The Everest Rio is a decent 5-star hotel if you imagine it 10 years ago. At least they had 24-hr room service.

Prices do change, but the LP doesn't generally steer you wrong. A guide needs more updates, however, and the 5th edition was too long in coming for me to grant a fifth star.One final suggestion: my travel style is generally fearless but I like a good hotel and can pay for a good meal, so list some "non-backpacking" alternatives to places to stay and eat and see.

Very useful if you're willing to be flexible
I referred to this book at least 3-5 times a day while in Brazil.We spent some time in the countryside and some in major cities.I would say that it was reasonably useful for both city and countryside with a range of lodging and restaurant options.We stayed in a great little hostel and were treated very well.The other advantage is that there were other backpackers there, so we took a tour with other travellers and met some really great people (both local and other tourists).Occasionally places go out of business (more so restaurants than lodging) so we arrived into the airport with no reservations, managed to take a bus into town (schedule and location were very accurately described in the guide) and found a room at a very comfortable hostel.Some of the bars listed were hard to find in Sao Paolo, we got lost in a bad neighborhood one night, but overall locations were fairly accurate.You can probably just travel with this book and a little knowledge of Spanish or Portugese (if you speak Spanish, people try to understand).The people are extremely friendly, and supplement the basics contained in the guide.Make friends with a local, they are extremely friendly and can probably show you thinkgs that are more "of-the-moment".

Brazil, Brazil
Good way to understand a country.

Superficial and doesn't cover 99% of the country!
I used the previous eddition of the LP guide while on an extended (5-month) trip in Brazil and halfway through the trip I gave it away because it was just cluttering up my backpack.It only covered the biggest cities, and even then, I thought Andrew Draffen to some very snobbish opinions about many places (Santos being one of them).One of the most interesting "off-the-beaten path" travels I made (w/out Lonely Planet) was from Lencois Maranhenses (Barreirinhas) overland to Tutoia, and then by boat past the Ilha do Caju to Piaui, and then to Camocim and on to Jericoacoara. Had I trusted the LP guide, this region of the coast would have remained a mystery.I eventually bought a copy of Guia 4 Rodas Brazil guide in Portuguese because the maps were amazingly accurate, and it had hotel and dining options for even the most obscure towns.I also visited Parintins (an island-city in the Amazon) in June for the largest Bumba-meu-boi festival in the world, and LP doesn't even mention the place!There are some newer, better books on the market that appear better... when travelling in Brazil trust the locals and avoid Lonely Planet!

An indispensable tool
As always, Lonely Planet provides thorough advice on the country, on do's and dont's.Don't go to Brazil without it !This guide is particularly admirable for covering such a vast territory in a single book, and for offering, on top of usual information for visitors, a great deal of historical, social and political data which is interesting and easy-to-read for anyone.Indeed, at university I remember some people studied Latin American politics just by reading the politics section at the beginning of these LP guides. ... Read more

Product Description
Tom Hanks introduces the rousing story of two inseparable friends and soldiers portrayed in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers.

William "Wild Bill" Guarnere and Edward "Babe" Heffron were among the first paratroopers of the U.S. Army-members of an elite unit of the 101st Airborne Division called Easy Company. Arguably the bravest, most efficient, physically fit, and tight-knit group of soldiers the Army has ever produced, the unit was called upon for every high-risk operation of the war, including D-Day, Operation Market Garden in Holland, the Battle of the Bulge, and the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden.

Both fought side-by-side-until Guarnere lost his leg in the Battle of the Bulge nd was sent home. Heffron went on to liberate concentration camps and rake Hitler's Eagle's Nest hideout. United by their experience, the two reconnected at the war's end and have been the best of friends ever since. Their story is a tribute to the lasting bond forged between comrades in arms-and to all those who fought for freedom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (88)

Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends
This book was outstanding!It is a true story of two friends; grew up close together but never knew each other.Went through basic training, then assigned to the same platoon in the 101st Airborne during World War II.Their friendship was so strong that when one was seriously wounded, the other went to save him and both suffered life-threatening wounds.A must read for anyone who wants to understand commeradrie and brotherhood.

Best Friends for Life
This is the first person memoir from these two characters from Ambrose's books and HBO's miniseries, Band of Brothers, ghost-written by Robyn Post a local Philly-based free lancer. The book is just what it purports to be, the collected stories of Wild Bill and Babe. When you're finished with it, you'll feel as if you had spent a couple of hours or days hanging out and drinking beer with these two guys from Easy Co.

Although it was interesting to read about the events from the book and miniseries from the perspective of these two guys, there really isn't anything new or surprising here. All in all, it was a good, but not great read. Its a nice way to kill a couple of hours in an airport, but not essential for even rabid fans of Easy Co.

Unfettered by political correctness
Robyn Post has compiled and organized a wonderful collection of memories from two of the fiercest fighters of Easy Company, the famed "Band of Brothers".Two young men born and raised just blocks from each other in South Philly first became acquainted and then became lifelong friends through their shared experiences as United States Army Paratroopers.

The comments and observations of both men are brutally honest, hard hitting and at times heart-wrenching.They provide a view from the foxhole, which is often left out of written histories of warfare.They prove their human fallibility by referring to the unit of the 10th Armored Division deployed at Noville as "Team Desiree".They were too busy fighting the "Battle of the Bulge" to take notice that it was Team Desobry of Combat Command B along with members of the First Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment that held the Germans away from Bastogne long enough to give the rest of the 101st Airborne Division time to dig in.

This is an excellent story told by the regular guys who fought in the roughest battles of the War.The short epilogue written by Frank John Hughes (who portrayed "Wild Bill" in the Band of Brothers miniseries) concludes this fabulous book with an absolutely stellar description of what these men were made of and why they are so important to our history!For fans of theminiseries, this book is dessert!

John E. NevolaAuthor of The Last Jump: A Novel of World War II

Well worth your time
I have read most of the Stephen Ambrose books and Winters autobiography as well as well as 6-8 books about the flyers inWWII and I would put this one up there near the top of the list of excellent, interesting and educational books.Most all of these books are great reading but I think when it comes to capturing the emotional and physical roller coaster these guys experiencedand day to day details and hardships of the paratroopers lives, the and the long term effects of the war on the men, this book captures the essence, in a unique, entertaining and educational way that should make it required reading for anyone interested in WWII, or any war for that matter.

Good book about two members of Easy Company
This is a great no holds barred account of Wild Bill and Babe. Both tell you their experience of WWII with Easy Company. ... Read more

Product Description
Like his novel, Snow Falling On Cedars, for which he received the PEN/Faulkner Award, Guterson's beautifully observed and emotionally piercing short stories are set largely in the Pacific Northwest. In these vast landscapes, hunting, fishing, and sports are the givens of men's lives. With prose that stings like the scent of gunpowder, this is a collection of power. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A Powerful Collection of Stories
It surprises me to see the mixed reviews for The Country Ahead of Us, the Country Behind. I found (most of) the stories to be well conceived, beautifully written, and poignant.
I first read Mr. Guterson's Snow Falling on Cedars and East of the Mountains and I will say that his collection of short stories is a much different literary experience. It stems, I think, from the fact that the approach in writing a short story is much different than writing a novel (I am a budding writer myself, dabbling in short stories). Narratives must be much more concise, and are often centered around a specific single idea or event. There is no room for fluff, and for the most part, Guterson executes these ideas very well in this collection.
Dealing primarily with characters and locations in the Pacific Northwest, all the stories are worth a look but the strongest showings here are "Wood Grouse on a High Promontory Overlooking Canada", "Opening Day", and "Arcturus".
As a nota bene, I believe this work was published before his full length novels and Guterson's staccato writing style is more prominent here, but is often used to great effect. Worth a look in any case for any fan of Guterson's work.

Time well spent.
Guterson in smaller bites. The pictures evoked by "Snow Falling on Cedars" and the thoughts from "East of the Mountains" come
differently, but every bit as clearly.
Not as different as "The Other", and perhaps that was due to the medium.
I look forward to his next novel, more than short stories.

beautiful writing
The short story much more demanding of an author than a novel is, yet David Guterson's writing is much better here than in Snow Falling on Cedars.Fantastic.

A very mixed bag
This audio collection contains two cassettes and unabridged versions of many of the short stories in Guterson's collection, but not all stories are included in the audio version.Sorry I can't tell you which ones are here, cause the cover for some reason has no contents listed,and narrator Campbell Scott often moved so fast from one story to the next I never heard the title of half of them.

By and large,I liked the stories on tape number one,especially the poignant tale of two brothers growing up in the 1960's whose family leaves their Oregon coastal motel and moves to Seattle.I think that one was titled"Day of the Moonwalk" or something like that. There is a real sense of nostalgia here, and the interplay between the brothers was heartwarming as they realized they didn't share a bedroom anymore, and as they scoured downtown Seatlle for a basketball hoop.

I also enjoyed the duckhunting tale (probably "Opening Day"), as well as the doomed romance between a bookish young girl and a minor league pitching prospect.I thought the book was narrated effectively by actor Campbell Scott (he of the movie "Singles"), who handled dialogue especially well.

However, especially once we get to tape two, Guterson sometimes lapses into an overly descriptive, somewhat experimental style that probably would give creative writing professors nationwide fits.I was particularly appalled by the story involving the young guy who wanders over an old man's land in Massachusetts, on his way to a nursing home to care for the elderly.Throughout the story,Guterson bombards the reader with an endless array of adjectives and adverbs, over-extending his sentences with unnecessary verbal flourishes that ruined the otherwise mediocre story for me.Hemingway,always a proponent of lean, unflowery prose, would have spun in his grave had he heard this one.

I really liked Snow Falling on Cedars,and Guterson has a knack for writing about the Pacific Northwest and using the setting as an integral part of the story. These stories show a young writer first experimenting and finding his voice, with a handful of successes surrounded by an occasional clunker.

Better than Snow
I'm aghast when I read the reviews of my fellow readers but then I take in account the common misperception that a short story is somehow easier to write or a lesser achievement than a novel. The truth is that short stories are more difficult to write, every sentence must punctuate, there is no breathing room. In the two novels I have read of Guterson, the endless pages of description are wonderful but can be top-heavy at times, whereas these stories are lean creations, leaving me wanting more. While it's no Pigeon Feathers, Guterson has been handed the wordsmithing baton from Updike, and the rich prose reminds me of Updike, satiating a yearn I have for quality short stories. I thoroughly enjoyed these, I liked them better than either of his novels, I hope he writes more. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
It seems that being a Friend of Bill is all too often just thefirst step on that slippery slope to disgrace and the hoosegow. Take,for example, Jim McDougal, Susan McDougal, and Webster Hubbell--allformer First Friends now facing stiff prison sentences. Susan McDougalhas refused to talk about her case at all, while her ex-husband Jim issaving his material for a grand jury; Webb Hubbell, however, hasdecided to bare both his soul and his legal difficulties in Friendsin High Places, an account of his rise in Little Rock and fall inWashington, DC. In a nutshell, Hubbell--a former law partner ofHillary Clinton's--confessed to stealing almost half a million dollarsfrom the law firm and its clients. His book purports to reveal thefull inside story. Readers looking for dirt on the Clintons will bedisappointed--Hubbell takes full responsibility for his crimes,absolving the White House of any knowledge about his shady financialdealings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Part autobiography, part coverup, part conspiracy - but where's the punchline?
Webb Hubbell's Mea Culpa leaves out the
best parts and he rambles on about how
hard he, Bill and Hillary worked to get
to Washington, District of Corruption.

But Webb, where's all the stuff that Jere-
miah Films and Tom Valentine's guest Larry
Nichols covered about Hitlery Klinton's
shredding documents at Rose Law Firm, et,
al.? I could go on. I got this book for
pennies on the dollar at the local Ches-
apeake, VA library. So since I didn't pay
full price, I don't feel cheated - monetarily
wise. But intellectually, being no political
fan of the corrupt Klinton regime, I have been
taken, so to speak with Webb's failed attempt
at 'woe is me.'

Oh,The Webb We Weave
What's most important here is what's not included in this work.
Questions regarding Lippo Group,Revlon,Vernon Jordan,his wife's
rocky tenure at Bill Clinton's Interior Department while Hubbell
was in prison,and many others,remain unanswered.



If she decides in a year or two to seek "higher office",one can only
wonder if the juniorSenator from New York will regret having demanded
so much loyalty from Hubbell that he felt compelled to "roll over one more time" for her,as he stated while in prison.


This book will certainly come under intense scrutiny if that day arrives.

Friends in High Places
Those seeking insight into the Clintons are best advised to stay away from this book.It is, however, an interesting account of the personal story of Webster Hubbell.He was a lawyer at one of the most prominent law firms in Little Rock, the city's mayor as well as (briefly) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. His journey from these lofty positions to federal prison is tragic, and like most good tragedies, fascinating.

Unfortunately, Hubbell - as the title suggests - seems stuck on his friendship with the Clintons.The word "friend" is so overused in connection with the Clintons (particularly Hillary), that it forces the reader to question whether the friendship ever existed.

Hubbell is frank about his personal weaknesses and the errors of his ways.His life story, which is well told, contains useful lessons for others.

One wishes that Hubbell - who is also candid about his insecurities - will title his next book "The Life of Webster Hubbell" and tell us more about the next chapter of his life (after prison) and less about his (perhaps now former) friends.

Truth that is Better than Fiction
This is an excellent look into the world that revolved around Webb Hubbell in Little Rock and Washington DC.Mr. Hubbell is an adept storyteller who cuts through all of the partisan politics and simply tells the truth abouthis relationship with The President and First Lady.Mr. Hubbell also doessomething few men are willing to do nowadays.He accepts responsibilty forhis mistakes without casting blame and doesn't try to glorify his standingwith the Clintons or blame Kenn Starr for his failures.A good read thatprovides one of the only truly first hand accounts of the Clinton's days inLittle Rock.

Ask Me No Questions And I Will Tell You No Lies!
Webb Hubbell's begins his long climb back to manhood. The book outlines the short glory and long tragedy of a fellow colleague Webb Hubbell. Some call him a cover up artist, others brand him a liar, but whateverdescription one might try to apply to Mr. Hubbell one can never say he issnitch. Webb was given two choices, either inform on your President or weare going to burn you. What the hell does that mean, "Inform On YourFriends To Save Your Hide?" There was a time Webb Hubbell could seethe difference between right and wrong. Like all who aspire to learn andpractice the Law one cannot wait to be put in positions to help many. Webbgot to the mountain of power and after his fall he could have gave up. Webbdidn't sale out, he refused to buy his future by selling out his friends.Some would describe this as twisted integrity, others misplaced loyalty anda few such as I as uncommon character accompanied by the courage to accepthis fate, punishment and seek out atonement. I won't judge what Webb did asright or wrong. I will leave that to others with far more thoughts of theirability to do so regardless of rank or position. He no longer deserves tobe hounded by reporters, destroyed by opponents, laughed at by peers orcondemned by the public. If there is one thing this life teaches us it iswe all fall sometime, we all get muddy and many have a cold and friendlesstide find us leaving us with an amputated spirit. Well, Webb Hubbell didhis time, protected his family and has repented and now needs acceptance sohe can atone. If another colleague Ken Starr saw no reason to call for hisincarceration upon a third conviction plea, then I see no reason to condemnWebb any longer. He now needs to be embraced, protected and given newopportunities to accomplish new endeavors. I am satisfied with less so longas Webb continues on his path towards righteousness and now there is noreason why he will not and deserves another chance. ... Read more

Product Description
Alexandra Parker, a partner at one of New York's most prestigious law firms, finds her successful career and long-time marriage turned upside down by a shattering medical diagnosis, while her financier husband is haunted by his own ghosts and a career disaster. 1,000,000 first printing. $500,000 ad/promo.Amazon.com Review
With a fabulous career, wonderful husband, and adorable child,Alexandra Parker's life is perfect--until devastating news from a doctor turns her world upside down.Can the bonds of love and marriagewithstand this unexpected bolt of lightning, or will Alexandra have to seek a completely new life? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

Don't ruin it for everyone else..
This was my first ever Danielle Steel novel. While I did enjoy it, with the emotions of what was happening to Alexandra and her friends' and family's reactions to it, I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted, simply because other reviews I read blurted out the ending of the story without so much as a warning about spoilers. This isn't the first time I've had this happen when reading a review on this site. Please, please, when you review a book, make sure you put SPOILER or some such in the subject line to let people know.

That said, I enjoyed this book very much. Danielle Steel was really able to capture the emotions of Alex and what she was going through. There were parts where I laughed, I couldn't help myself, especially with little Annabelle, Alex's daughter, and some of the things she said. Kids really do say the darnedest things. Throughout most of the book, I was angry for the way Sam, Alex's husband, treated her. I hated him for the things he didn't do for his wife. I hated him for how selfish and self-centered he was. If Ms. Steel wanted her readers to hate Sam, she succeeded in my opinion.

Lightning was a great roller coaster ride of emotions. If you haven't ever read a Danielle Steel novel before, I recommend this one as your first. You won't be disappointed. Just use caution when you read the reviews on Amazon, because quite a few of them reveal the ending.

keeps your interest
Good book, keeps your interest, loved seeing the point of view of a cancer victim, very realistic. Some parts of the book regarding the husband made me quite angry!

Life always goes on
This book is a guide on how to deal with pain & struggle against the odds , I enjoyed thsi read tremendously , full of positive insight.


The only drawback is that Alex getting back with her husband Sam at the end after his crisis, although is selfishness & lack of support during her struggle with breast cancer.

A good job steele on this one !

fun book to read
fun book to read. I enjoyed it but I also cried at times while reading it.

this story is close to home
Reading this story was very poignant for me.I am a cancer survivor who also lost her husband during the process.The difference between me and Alex is that I stayed with my Brock.I have to appalud Danielle for keeping married people together in this book, when she often separates them.This book will always be close to my heart.A very good read = real to life, not just some mushy, smushy romance. ... Read more

Product Description
The author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller The Bridges of Madison County once again brings characters and situations with his special blend of lyricism and magic. This is a bittersweet story about two good people who discover that true love, when it comes, is rarely fair, or right--or without pain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

A Book That is Supposed to Be Romantic but Falls Short
This book is very formulaic, much like The Bridges of Madison County but not nearly as good.It has 'cutesy' detail such as Kincaid having a photo in an indian lodge of his lover reincarnated as a lion.

The story is about a 43 year-old man who falls in love with a 40 year-old woman.He's hip, a divergent thinker and knows a great thing when he finds it.She is in a marriage of convenience and has a secret in her past that has caused her great pain.She travels to India to try to come to terms with her past.He drops everything and goes after her. (Natuarally, they're all academics).

The book is very silly, not even very romantic.Waller reminds us that this is supposed to be romantic throughout the book.If it was really romantic, this would speak for itself.

Iowa and India Aren't So Different To This Pair.
When this one came out, I was still enarmoured with Robert Kincaid as were many other middle-aged housewives.He was our dream man who demanded little and disappeared into the distance.In 'Slow Waltz,' he's again writing about himself with a dose of imaginative wishing. He describes Michael as being out of grad school and receiving full tenure at the University due to the twenty-six published articles and promoted to full professor a week before his fortieth birthday.Now, that is quite an achievement.

He did it in Cedar Falls in actuality and had his main male character as a professof of management, sounds familiar.Robert was a photographer, one part of Robert James Waller, as the prof is another.It's the singing part I adored enough to write to him and tell him how much I loved "The Ballads of Madison County" CD and especially the narration on "Golden Apples of the Sun."He included my name in this one as a thank you.He writes about being in the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee before falling head over heels for the new professor's wife."Betty, Betty, Betty...you may end up being one of the great loves of my life."He was certainly one of mine, though I missed the chance to meet him because my son Justin did not take down the message while I was struggling to learn my last job.

Michael fell for the Madras,Indian woman and even followed her to India because he was so desperate when she ran away for some "space."Living in a college situation, married to an English professor, I could relate to his actions; a dean at ours chased after new wife each Fall.Even at Troy, during the first year of my marriage, being one of the new young wives of a few new teachers, I was singled out to be a model for the art dept. which I declined.I was no Jellie, nor sophisticated enough to ever contemplate modeling in the nude.After all, I was just a short, petite Knoxville girl with pretty dark eyes.At that time, I had no background for scholarly endeavors; it was during the PTA and literary club presidencies that I learned that I could be myself and not one of two.

James Waller was great while he stayed in Cedar Falls; after his disastrous move to the wild country of Texas, did things fall apart for him.Stephen Kennedy took a magnificient photo of the ballad singer there in the Iowa drinking houses along the highway.He was the singer/entertainer who loved to dress as a cowboy and ride his motorcycle in his mid-life crises.

A Good Love Story
SPOLIER - DO NOT READ FURTHER - Yes, I liked it but still only gave it 3 stars. Other's reviews here have done an excellent job capturing the intimate scenes between the main characters. Tears came from my eyes many times at different parts. My only big issue was how (SPOILER)was how fast Michael fell in love with Jellie. The author should've done a better job in communicating why this was possible; after all, he is a talented writer. It just didn't seem plausible. Oh, I believe in love at first sight, but the author didn't really say he fell in love at first sight - only he wanted to bend her over. Not exactly love at first sight feelings. I just wanted a little more description of why Michael felt he was in love with Jellie so much, that he couldn't think about anything else despite barely knowing the woman. I even re-read the beginning twice half through the book because this detail bothered me - lol.Oh well. Other than that - great book. I plan on reading more of Waller's books.

MAN FROM "VILLIPURAM"
IT ALL STARTED EXACTLY 20 YEARS AGO.ROBERT J WALLER WAS INVITED BY A MANAGEMENT COSULTANCY FIRM TO BANGALORE IN INDIA TO
TEACH A NEW MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE BASED ON AN ANCIENT VEDIC PHILOSOPHY "EVERTHING IS CONNECTED TO EVERYTHING" TO CORPORATE
MANAGERS.SINCE I WAS A FACILITATOR FR THE SEMINAR, I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO BEFRIEND ROBERT.

SINCE THAT EVENTFUL ASSOCIATION WE WERE IN CONSTANT TOUCH (HIS WIFE AND MY WIFE INCLUDED). AROUND THE YEAR 1990 ROBERT AND GEORGIA VISITED US IN PONDICHERRY,30 MILES AWAY FROM VILLIPURAM.I HAVE LOST TRACK OF THE EVENTS THAT LED US TO THE VILLIPURAM STATION TO BOARD THE TRIVANDRUM MAIL. I WILL COME BACK THAT AFTER I CHECK WITH MY WIFE I HAVE BEEN URGENTLY SUMMONED BY MY STUDENTS WHO ARE LEARNING ENGLISH FRM ME TO CLARIFY SOME COMPLICATION WITH AN ESSAY COMPETITION DEADLINE NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
I WANT TO SHARE WITH READERS OF THIS BOOK MANY MORE DETAILS. AND PROMISE TO COME BACK ON THAT AS SOON AS I CAN.

I AM REACHABLE ON THIS ADD. kleep50@

A Challenging Love Story
I started reading this book with a preconceived notion that this story would be exactly like Bridges of Madison County (I almost was not let down); I was sure of another tear jerking unhappy ending, so I was happily surprised when I got to the end of this story. I rated this book with three stars. I would have rated it two and a half; you can only rate by whole stars, because I liked it as much as I did not like it. I wasn't sure if I would like this story when I first started reading it but who doesn't love a good love affair, especially if it involves infidelity and a few good sex scenes? If you can overlook the infidelity, you can tell that the author seems like a hopeless romantic and that this story comes from his heart. How refreshing to know that someone from the male gender can be such a romantic! It was a little difficult to really get into reading this book at first, so thank God! it wasn't too long. After getting farther into the story, the more interesting it became. The duck rescue was a very touching. I really enjoyed how Michael went to India to prove his love for Jellie, and how his elderly mother encouraged him to chase after his love (that part also touched my heart somewhat). I also liked how the author tried to make this story seem real to the reader. He used good foreshadowing. I liked how the scenery was always changing. The accident was good because the plot kept you guessing. I had a few tears at this point. One thing I really wish was that if Jellie's name was pronounced Jah'lay, then that should have been how it was spelled. I wonder what the author was thinking when he came up with that name. ... Read more

Product Description
Join Deepak Chopra on a wondrous journey. . . "The Path to Love." Philosophical, inspiring, and ultimately very practical, The Path to Love is a book that can change lives as it invites the spirit to work its wonders on the most complex and richly rewarding terrain of all: the human heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

The Path to Love
This book is very enlightening. You must be ready too do the work it is a journey!

ugghh
After Leo Buscaglia, Deepak leaves a lot to be desired. Love him, don't like this book.

the path to love
if you like the way Chopra writes, and you need to find positive about love, you must read this book

Loaded w tools/insights for knowing yourself/others
Once I started this book,I simply couldn't put it down. It unfolds so many hidden layers of self. In turn allowing us a different view of approaching others. Chopra has a gift of making the very deep and personal an easy fun adventure

love this is love
This bringme to me the lover that i have today. My love in all forms, how beautiful is love expansion from pratices exercicies of this big gift to the world. ... Read more

Product Description
SOMEBODY WAS WATCHING HER

She had read about stalkers, but they belonged in a different, farawayworld. She had no idea who it could be, who would want to harm her. She wastrying desperately not to panic, but lately her sleep had been filled withnightmares, and she had awakened each morning with a feeling of impendingdoom.

Thus begins Sidney Sheldon's chilling new novel, Tell Me Your Dreams. Threebeautiful young women are suspected of committing a series of brutalmurders. The police make an arrest that leads to one of the most bizarremurder trials of the century. Based on actual events, Sheldon's novel racesfrom London to Rome to the city of Quebec to San Francisco, with a climaxthat will leave the reader stunned.Amazon.com Review
Meet Ashley Patterson, the brainy, babelicious "computer whiz" andconfused heroine of Tell Me Your Dreams. Although she has a cushyjob at Global Computer Graphics, a fast-growing start-up in Silicon Valley,her life falls short of fulfilling.She's lonely, shy, and absolutelyconvinced she's being stalked. What's worse, the only sympathetic eararound is her father, Dr. Patterson, the heartless heart surgeon, who hasthe charm of an electric eel and the compassion of a tarantula. Given heroptions, Ashley looks to the heavens for support and offers up an ultimatumto the Almighty: "I'll make a deal with you, God. If it doesn't rain, itmeans that everything is all right, that I've been imagining everything."Of course, it starts raining buckets just paragraphs later, setting off acar alarm of an omen about our computer cutie's fate.

Enter Toni Prescott and Alette Peters. They both work with Ashley at GlobalComputer Graphics, but the similarities end there. Toni is a saucy, Britishvixen with a penchant for Internet dating and discotheques. La bellaItaliana Alette, on the other hand, is a wannabe artist who prefers quiet,dreamy weekends withbeefcake painters. Reminiscent of junior high school,Toni and Alette do their best to keep Ashley out of their cool clique, butfind it difficult when a string of murders irrevocably binds them together. Based on a true story and laden with realistic details--not to mention awhopper of an ending--Tell Me Your Dreams is vintage Sheldon.However, there is one necessary caveat: avoid moviegoer types who insiston telling you the entire plot before you have a chance to see it.You should be doing this anyway, but takeextra care with this book. Once the surprise ending is blown, so is the funin reading it. --RebekahWarren ... Read more

Customer Reviews (229)

The Last Paragraph Saves It From Complete Failure
I love Sidney Sheldon.I say that knowing that he doesn't write "challenging" prose, but that's precisely why I love him.I choose his books when I want enjoyable, dishy reading.Unfortunately, TELL ME YOUR DREAMS doesn't even reach that plateau.

It is a murder mystery with a twist (unfortunately given away by other reviewers on Amazon).In actuality, however, I determined by page 20 what that twist would be, and thus was annoyed at how badly it was hidden.The trial scenes were laughable.I spent more than twenty years working in the legal field, and these sorts of Perry Mason courtroom scenes always crack me up.To be fair, legal proceedings, even in a murder trial, are so boring as to be soporific, so I can understand an author's wish to jazz things up a bit just to make it readable, but there is a way to do it believeably, and this isn't it.What did strike true was the defense attorney's firm's reaction (the bottom line is the only thing that matters; integrity doesn't make money and thus is to be avoided).

The characters aren't terribly interesting, the situations are too pat, and the dialog is trite.This isn't the crackling, snazzy stuff that I've come to expect from my favorite popular author.

What saved this book was the final page.It was the only interesting, twisty segment of the book.It's a shame that I had to read more than 330 pages in order to get to it.

It look knew
I am quite happy with this purchase. It arrive on time, the book was almost free and on prefect conditions.

Missed the mark by a mile.
I read this book hoping to get a better understanding of multiple personality disorder, but it lost a lot of credibility as I began to see how poorly researched it was.I am a counselor and work with a great many people who have gone through traumatic experiences.Sheldon's notion that multiple personality disorder can be cured is laughable.Treated, yes.But the idea that Ashley would spend five years in a lock-down psych hospital and then go home feeling absolutely wonderful and totally at peace with the world is crazy.Also, the idea that it would be acceptible for her therapist to take her to dinner and dancing regularly is so far from what is ethical clinical practice that it made the book seem like a joke.There are numerous other events and passages in the book that convinced me that Sheldon is shooting in the dark, hoping the words he puts down will be believable but falling short.I realize he is not a clinician, but good authors who don't necessarily start out knowing a lot about their subject do their homework, research the topic thoroughly, have numerous experts read their book and provide feedback prior to publication, and deliver a credible product.This is not it.

Good
The book was definitely entertaining, but it did make me a bit depressed. But it certainly is worth a read.

A Definite Page Turner
Multiple personality disorder is the subject of this Sheldon work and it is nothing short of outstanding.The story centers around the character of serene Ashley Patterson, 28 year old graphic artist at a company called Global Computer Graphics.Toni Prescott is 22 years old with a powerful desire to stir things up and live on the edge.Alette Peters is a low-key type personality always trying to keep Toni from blowing up but in the end, giving into whatever Toni says.As the story unfolds and Ashley's memory takes on more and more black holes, the reader realizes that this is a dire situation, involving murder, that may be next to impossible to correct.Sheldon takes us deep into the minds of the three personalities and keeps us on the edge of our seats to see "what happens next," never knowing who will prevail.In the words of a familiar children's song, "pop! goes the weasel" - you'll have to read the book to understand the real meaning of this phrase. ... Read more

Product Description
Gary Zukav, bestselling author of "The Seat of the Soul", has written this book to show how the concepts of intuition, harmony, co-operation, and reverence for life actually play out in people's lives.Amazon.com Review
One of Gary Zukav's many gifts as a speaker and bestselling writer is his ability to present complicated metaphysical and spiritual themes in a way that is simultaneously down-to-earth and spine-tingling. How does he do it? Through story--the oldest and most powerful form of teaching the mind and touching the heart. As a frequent guest on Oprah, Zukav has also discovered that the American public is starved for grounded information on ethereal topics such as intuition, soulful relationships, and nonhuman teachers.

Soul Stories is a collection of true tales that speak to themes such as "Reincarnation," "A Higher Form of Reasoning," "Psychic Archaeology," "The New Female," and "Universal Humans." Some stories come from Zukav's personal experience, like his sister's auto accident and his mother instantly knowing that her daughter was hurt even though they were 100 miles apart. It is tempting to view these 52 tales of fate, coincidence, and sixth sense with an air of doubt. "You have to decide," Zukav warns. "That means thinking about it and, even more important, discovering what you feel about it. Eventually, you might find that what you feel about a Soul Story is more important to you than what you think about it." No matter what you feel about the individual tales, you will leave this book trusting that the best way to understand the meaning and mysteries of life is through story. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (86)

Life Changing
This book changed my life. It provided a whole new perspective at looking at myself and others.

A useful but not essential read
I have mixed feelings about Soul Stories.This book is a series of thought provoking stories.You will not like all of them, at least I didn't, but on the whole the book was a good read.

I believe Gary is sincere in his efforts improve the human condition and I believe he is one of many people making progress in this area.You are as well and this book may help you along that path.

My only hesitation in this review is some of the stories seem to stretch Gary's sincerity or experience.I have a strong preference for guides to only talk from experience.I don't know if this impression is fair or perhaps it is only something in me.

Check to see if your library has the book and see for yourself.

This book was published in 2000.I found Soul to Soul published in 2007 to be a more mature read on the subject.

A serendipitous helper
I was recommended this book by my boyfriends aunt and trying to be gracious I took down the name and title.I have to say that I was skeptical about the whole self-help book thing. This is not one of them.It doesn't try to change you. It tells you stories, then lets you decide for yourself whether you will take them to heart or not.I am 25 and my mom just passed away. Not knowing how to cope with the grief I wanted to give this a try.I didn't sit down and read this book in one sitting, I read bits of it and it seemed to weave its way into my life.I strongly recommend this book, whether you are going through hard times or not. I have given it as gifts to people in heartache and they seem to really appreciate it.I re-read it all the time, just to go back through. This book will stay in my collection forever.

Something went wrong
I ordered two used copies of Soul Stories by Zukav, from different dealers, but only got one!

Joanne Lind

Wonderful place to begin . . .
I acquired this set of CDs to listen to while on a long-distance drive. They are very interesting and enjoyable.Zukov teaches moral principles with a series of parables--a long established tool for teaching.The principles he teaches this way are pretty basic, but foundational for us all.For those who feel they're more "advanced", remember that we ALL benefit from review and reminder on the basics. When he got to the subject of men and women that, at times, he came from a more narrow, "traditional" position, which saddened me. This seems to be the one area where he hasn't put away at least some of old fashioned but not necessarily good or helpful attitudes.Otherwise, I must say, this is worth your time.Parents, it will certainly give you additional resources for helping your children understand as well. ... Read more

Product Description
Narcotics Anonymous: White Booklet

One of NA's earliest publications became the heart of N.A. meetings and the basis for all subsequent N.A. literature.

This booklet contains the twelve steps or principles to recovery, the twelve traditions of NA, and an inspiring selection of personal stories written by men and women who are recovering from an addiction to drugs. Recommended for anyone embarking on the road to recovery, and for all who want to help themselves or someone else stay clean. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

As described
Thanks NA book was as described.Only thing is that you should have listed the Edition of the book. Its a 5th Ed which is good since I already have the 6th.Thanks

what?????
I am in the program of Narcotics Anonymous and trulyDO NOY UNDERSTAND WHY this booklet is $999.00 when it is given out free in meetings!If you think you are an addict, give yourself a break and call 1-800-narcotics anonymous to find a meeting and get this book for free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Basic Text
This book contains the spiritual principles that have helped many thousands of addicts stay free from active addiction and to find a new way of life.

It never came
Well I am sure it would have been good and helpful reading, but it never did arrive, not a good book to buy used

A good resource
The Big Book for NA tells us everything we need to know to work the steps.A great way to start for those wanting help. ... Read more

Product Description
Five women are missing from the sleepy mountain town of Cleary, North Carolina, and a blue ribbon has been left near where each woman was last seen. Lilly Martin has returned to Cleary to close the sale of her cabin. But when her car skids and strikes a stranger, Ben Tierney, as he emerges from the woods, they've no choice but to wait out a brutal blizzard in the cabin. And as the hours of their confinement mount, Lilly wonders if the greater threat to her safety isn't the storm, but the stranger beside her.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (107)

excellent book
I love this book.It sure kept my interest and I like a book that does that or I won't read it. Sandra Brown is a very good writer.I like all her books.If I have known that she was such a good writer I would have bought her books long ago.I didn't hear about her until a friend gave me one of her books to read and now I want to read all her books new and old.

Kept me guessing.
I couldn't put the book down.I thought it was clever the way Sandra Brown kept the reader guessing.The romance part is small but still there.Good story!

Sandra Brown does it again
Wonderfully entertaining, you can almost feel the chillwhile reading,
The characters areso real you feel like you know them and want to help them get through the snow.
Just the right amount of intrigue and romance.

Loved it
Sandra Brown is one of my favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint in this thriller. Is the man Lilly is snowbound with the man of her dreams or her worst nightmare? This is a romantic suspense with the emphasis on suspense. Brown pulls you into the scene. The pacing in taunt. Action fills each page and nothing less than the characters lives are at stake. I loved the way Brown drew the characters. Since you are not sure who the killer is until the end there is an ambivalence in how the characters are presented. He is the one? Is this one the good guy? If you like romance thrown in to spice up your thriller then Chill Factor is your cup of tea.

Don't waste your time
This book was not up to Brown's usual standards.The plot is awful and the characters are revolting.It was difficult to have any sympathy for any of them, and at times I found myself cheering on the bad guys as our intrepid heroine was such a useless piece of humanity. While I realize that this is fiction, there should be at least some believable elements in a book and they were sadly lacking in this one.

If this had been the first book I'd read by Brown it would have been my last.I really don't understand all the rave reviews this book has, it's one of the worst books I've read this year and I go through at least 7-10 books a week. ... Read more

Product Description
Ever wonder how to retrieve a sunken golf cart from a snake-infested lake? Or which club in your bag is best suited for combat against a horde of rats? If these and other sporting questions are gnawing at you, The Downhill Lie, Carl Hiaasen’s hilarious confessional about returning to the fairways after a thirty-two-year absence, is definitely the book for you.

Originally drawn to the game by his father, Carl wisely quit golfing in 1973, when “Richard Nixon was hunkered down like a meth-crazed badger in the White House, Hank Aaron was one dinger shy of Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, and The Who had just released Quadrophenia.” But some ambitions refuse to die, and as the years—and memories of shanked 7-irons—faded, it dawned on Carl that there might be one thing in life he could do better in middle age than he could as a youth. So gradually he ventured back to the dreaded driving range, this time as the father of a five-year-old son—and also as a grandfather.

“What possesses a man to return in midlife to a game at which he’d never excelled in his prime, and which in fact had dealt him mostly failure, angst and exasperation? Here’s why I did it: I’m one sick bastard.”

And thus we have Carl’s foray into a world of baffling titanium technology, high-priced golf gurus, bizarre infomercial gimmicks and the mind-bending phenomenon of Tiger Woods; a maddening universe of hooks and slices where Carl ultimately—and foolishly—agrees to compete in a country-club tournament against players who can actually hit the ball. “That’s the secret of the sport’s infernal seduction,” he writes. “It surrenders just enough good shots to let you talk yourself out of quitting.”

Hiaasen’s chronicle of his shaky return to this bedeviling pastime and the ensuing demolition of his self-esteem—culminating with the savage 45-hole tournament—will have you rolling with laughter. Yet the bittersweet memories of playing with his own father and the glow he feels when watching his own young son belt the ball down the fairway will also touch your heart. Forget Tiger, Phil and Ernie. If you want to understand the true lure of golf, turn to Carl Hiaasen, who has written an extraordinary book for the ordinary hacker. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (75)

You can't make this stuff up
Hiassen hits it again and doesn't call FORE and the book hits you fully in the funny zone.If you play golf or not this book will put you on the floor laughing at his shenanigans.I'm a newbie at the sport and dang, he's dead on with every word.If you've never lost every last ounce of human dignity, play golf but read this book first so you know what to expect.Ignore the frogs...

the downhill lie
The book was very entertaining and was all that Carl Hiaasen is noted for.I have read all of his books and this one was just as entertaining as all the others.I would recommend it to all the golfers out there..

The Downhill Slide: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport
I was thinking I was getting one of Carl Hiaasen's great books of the past.I'm not a golfer and don't understand the terms for golf.He can sometime's be a very complex writter, in this one he truly is.I wish I would have gotten a different book.

Just what a golf addict needed
Mr. Hiaasen hit the tee-shot straight up the fairway with this book.It was a great read and just what I needed in the middle of winter to rekindle my golf itch.

The Downhill Lie: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport
If you love golf you will love this story.Full of good humor and full of golf. ... Read more

Product Description
With each of his #1 New York Times bestsellers, Dean Koontz has displayed an unparalleled ability to entertain and enlighten readers with novels that capture the essence of our times even as they bring us to the edge of our seats. Now he delivers a heart-gripping tour de force he’s been waiting years to write, at once a love story, a thrilling adventure, and a masterwork of suspense that redefines the boundaries of primal fear—and of enduring devotion.

Amy Redwing has dedicated her life to the southern California organization she founded to rescue abandoned and endangered golden retrievers. Among dog lovers, she’s a legend for the risks she’ll take to save an animal from abuse. Among her friends, Amy’s heedless devotion is often cause for concern. To widower Brian McCarthy, whose commitment she can’t allow herself to return, Amy’s behavior is far more puzzling and hides a shattering secret.

No one is surprised when Amy risks her life to save Nickie, nor when she takes the female golden into her home. The bond between Amy and Nickie is immediate and uncanny. Even her two other goldens, Fred and Ethel, recognize Nickie as special, a natural alpha. But the instant joy Nickie brings is shadowed by a series of eerie incidents. An ominous stranger. A mysterious home invasion.

And the unmistakable sense that someone is watching Amy’s every move and that, whoever it is, he’s not alone.

Someone has come back to turn Amy into the desperate, hunted creature she’s always been there to save. But now there’s no one to save Amy and those she loves. From its breathtaking opening scene to its shocking climax, The Darkest Evening of the Year is Dean Koontz at his finest, a transcendent thriller certain to have readers turning pages until dawn.Amazon.com Review
Amazon.com Exclusive:
The Darkest Ice Cream of the Year by Dean Koontz

I once said writing a novel is sometimes like making love and sometimes like having a tooth pulled--and sometimes like making love while having a tooth pulled. I arrived at one of those joyful yet excruciating moments while working on The Darkest Evening of the Year.

Because I am obsessive about the revision of each page--the word fussbudget is embarrassingly apt when I am brooding over whether to use a comma or a semicolon--I have more than once held on to a manuscript until the drop-dead date for delivery. When that date rolled around for this book, I had written everything, but I was unwilling to send all of it to my editor. I withheld the last fifty pages for another four days, causing a quiet panic in those at my publishing house who are responsible for meeting production deadlines.

Although the book was done, I felt that something was wrong with Chapter 63. The action worked, the characters were in character, the mood was sustained...but something felt wrong with it, some fine point of the villain's motivation. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I worked 12-hour days, trying to identify the source of my doubt, but couldn't specify it to my satisfaction.

Nothing like this had ever happened to me. Previously, my worst struggles with a story had come in the first two-thirds, and the final third had been, if not a sweet swift toboggan run, at least a sleigh ride.

Sunday, I got up at 6:00 and set to work, revising, looking for the thorn I could feel but couldn't see--and ended up working 22 hours, eating at my desk, before tumbling to the problem at 4:00 a.m. Monday morning. "Eureka!" I cried, but I was so weary and my voice was so weak that my shout of jubilation came out as a squeak.

The revisions required to Chapter 63 were minor, but after working 58 hours in four days, after having passed a night without sleep, I was unable to focus sharply enough to get them done in the little time that remained before the production schedule would be derailed. In desperation, I turned to that source of creative energy and literary enlightenment that is without equal: ice cream.

I shuffled to the kitchen and snared a Dreyer's Slow-Churned Vanilla Almond Crunch bar from the freezer. I devoured this sweet-and-creamy muse, and felt the scales lift from my eyes; inspiration sparkled between my ears. I finished the revisions and e-mailed the final version of Chapter 63 to my editor with not a minute to spare. Although the American Heart Association will take issue with me, my advice to young writers stuck on a scene is to stop worrying about your arteries and give your wheel-spinning imagination what it needs to find traction: a tasty shot of fat and sugar.

--Dean Koontz, October 2007

Customer Reviews (281)

Mother of all Deus ex machinas
Reading "The Darkest Evening of the Year" by Dean Koontz was my most recent attempt at finding something by Koontz that came close to the "Odd Thomas" books or "Life Expectancy" or any of a number of other, older, Dean Koontz novels in terms of overall enjoyment. Unfortunately for me, I failed. This was pretty much a train wreck of a book, as was his most recent effort, "Breathless", although for (mostly) different reasons. It wasn't so much because of the way-over-the-top hyperbole about dogs in general and Golden Retrievers in particular (specifically one named Nickie who was rescued by our (human) heroine, Amy, from an abusive owner as the book opens), it was two other things.

The first was the amazingly one dimensional characterizations of Amy and her boyfriend, Brian.No personality for either, witty and amusing banter aside, no idea really even what they looked like or what they felt like or what they liked or disliked, like you know what I mean?Both had significant pasts that supposedly shaped their present personalities (we know this because Koontz tells us so) but both were basically just placeholders for the characters that they were supposed to be.Ouch!

The villains, on the other hand, were much more clearly drawn.Especially the minor villains. P.I. Vern Lesley aka his cyberpersona, Von Longwood, was a hoot.He had twice as much depth as either Amy or Brian.His lingo-slinging partner was also funny.Billy Pilgrim had a nice bit part as a cold-blooded killer.But the real villains, Moongirl and Harrow were also complete ciphers with no depth.Sadistic and mean and inhumanly vicious and cold -and no reason why.And no personalities other than the inexplicable meanness and sadism

The second reason was the ending.I cannot say too much more than the title of the review without being a spoiler but... come on Dean.Can't you do any better than that?The novel proceeds towards a fairly tight climax until.... in the space of 3 pages it's all over. Done.Fini.Yuck.

Talk about unanswered questions.Look no further.This one was full of 'em.I don't know. Maybe I've already read all the good books that Koontz is ever gonna write. This sure wasn't one of them.

J.M. Tepper

UN-SCARY AND ULTIMATELY UNENJOYABLE
I read THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR for a book club challenge. although admittedly it had been sitting on my TBR shelf for a couple of years, I was happy to finally find a reason to stop passing it over (in favour of vampire romance and testosterone filled Navy Seals) and get into a good horror novel. Unfortunately I now wished I'd left it sitting on the shelf because this was not in any way an enjoyable read and ultimately a real struggle to finish.

To start with I didn't enjoy Koontz's style of writing, he seemed to take for-ever and a whole lot of adjectives to get across what he was trying to say and I found myself skimming almost immediately just to get on with the story;

"The pleasantly warm morning was freshened by a breeze as light as a caress, and the feathery fronds of queen palms cast shadows that resembled the plumed tails of the Golden's."Um, yeah.

For something in the horror genre I also found this to be very un-scary, the plot revolving more around reincarnation and weird feelings then anything truly horrifying. Thankfully the chapters were short, containing several alternating POV's most of which involved hit men who were all trying to kill each other. The main antagonist, Moongirl was a nasty piece of work and our hero Amy Redwing had an interesting past that slowly got revealed however I never truly got a feel for her. So I kept plugging along thinking this has to improve, Koontz is hugely popular, what am I missing? Well upon completion I came away rather underwhelmed and realized I wasn't missing anything.

The only good thing in this story would have to be the Golden Retrievers that Koontz knows well and obviously loves. His dog descriptions and mannerisms of the breed were spot on. However I couldn't in good conscience recommend this book even to dog lovers, because the story was so convoluted and just plain painful to read. Koontz also tended to get a little preachy when it came to describing abused dogs, euthanasia and puppy mills. I'm a dog owner and lover (That's originally why I bought the book, for the dog on the cover) And Iunderstood the message he was trying to get across, however I didn't want these facts thrown in my face every couple of chapters. I get it, puppy mills bad, adopt from the pound, move on.

I also didn't appreciate the storyline involving a 10 year old girl with Down syndrome who's abused, called "Piggy" and threatened with being lit on fire. That was WAY out of my comfort zone. Although maybe meant to be the horror aspect I kept waiting for? In the end I just wanted this to be over.

Dean Koontz Dissapoints Again
I've been a lifelong fan of SOME of Dean Koontz's work.His books are very hit or miss for me.I have loved some of his books and I have loathed others.This one was not the worst but it was definitely a disappointment.

Koontz spends pages developing a character who dies suddently and unceremoniously half way through the book, but barely explains the background of characters who are integral parts of the story!It seems almost elementary - he inserts such great care and detail into the beginning of the book (with some of his fantastic descriptive writing I have come to love), but the end just seems slapped together.The entire confrontation with the "bad guys" only lasts about a page and then it's over in a very abrupt and cheesy manner (I love fantasy/sci fi, but come on!).

The whole book is a big chaotic and hard to follow in general.If you want to read Koontz, take a look at Life Expectancy or the Odd Thomas series.I highly advise steering clear of this one!

The Build Up is Great, the Ending is a Dud
I read this book and Breathless just a few weeks apart from each other and felt they both had the same downfall. Dean Koontz spends so much time developing his characters and the story that he seems to run out of steam when it comes time to wrap things up. The ending came across as very anticlimatic to me with too many loose ends.

This Doggerel Won't Hunt
After reading Chapter 1 you might expect the rest of the book to follow the same promising pattern: well-developed characters, witty, playful banter and courageous action in the face of evil. The characters are compelling, and I found the word-play between Amy and Brian in the first chapter to be just delightful.

One thing Koontz excels at is the depiction of pure evil; not the supernatural night-horror kind of terror, but the friendly neighbor down the block who looks like your favorite uncle but who likes children (when properly cooked) kind. Moongirl/Vanessa is this kind of chilling horror and Koontz does a superb job of presenting her undiluted evil to the reader, though without explanation as to the origins of her madness.

Unfortunately, the rest of the book reads more like a made-for-TV movie: with disjointed, rapid-fire character and scenery changes. Like television, it leaves you unsatisfied. For example, the author thoroughly develops an eccentric major character, even giving him a "Second Life" virtual life - then eliminates him! His place in the plot is apparently (unnecessarily, I think) taken by another psychotic character who is also, eventually, eliminated.

The final chapter is hurried and just plain ridiculous. Fellow Koontz fans are advised to tear Chapter 66 (unread!) from their copy and simply write on the flyleaf: "And they all lived happily, ever after."

If you're a dog-lover you'll enjoy the doggy interactions with people and with one another. Whether you find doggy "in-canine-ation" believable or not, you'll agree with the author that a loving dog can be the best therapy there is.

Some questions I would like to have had answered:

Is "Redwing" Amy's real name?
Who the heck is "Bear"?
What happened to Harrow's evil nanny?
What's up with Vanessa? Did she have an evil nanny too?
What did Brian see in Nickie's eyes?
What's up with Theresa with the weird eyes? (How many psychics does the story really need?) ... Read more

Product Description
A deadly game of hide-and-seek played out in 18 days over 4000 miles of ocean. Red October is the Soviet Navy's newest ballistic missile submarine. When the whole crew decides to defect, the Soviet fleet sets out to destroy it, while the US and British fleets attempt to prevent them.Amazon.com Review
Somewhere under the Atlantic, a Soviet sub commander has just made a fateful decision: the Red October is heading west.The Americans want her. The Russians want her back.And the most incredible chase in history is on....

The Hunt for Red October is the runaway bestseller that launched Tom Clancy's phenomenal career. A military thriller so accurate and convincing that the author was rumored to have been debriefed by the White House. Its theme: the greatest espionage coup in history. Its story: the chase for a runaway top secret Russian missile sub. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (320)

Blew my mind!!
This is the first (and best) Tom Clancy available to date.

It is an intense tale of cat-and-mouse in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page was turned, or, more accurately, the last time I clicked the 'next' button.
This book is one of the best I have ever read, and I look forward to reading Clancy's future exploits.

Fanatastic - Gripping & Great Ending !!
I haven't read the book, however can't stop playing the movie. Is it a true story? Strong evidence says yes.
My brother is a reader - he thanked me for referring him to it, though he read the book. Book probably better, however, I'm a visual person. "Combat tactics" real, & pushed to the limit.

Ultra-detailed thriller still holds up!
Clancy's first Jack Ryan novel is so detailed I'm pretty sure I could pilot a Russian submarine.Its pretty amazing some of the knowledge that he was able to attain and included in the novel in a way that fit in and didn't read like a manual.The cast got too huge at times but overall a good book, just a little dense.

Submarine Spy Thriller
When this book first was published, the Navy and CIA were worried there was a leak in Naval operations, that is how accurate Clancy was in his story telling. The stalking of Soviet subs by the US subs which were better, quieter and more aggressive, the "Crazy Ivan" moves, experimental propulsion systems all add to the realism of this novel.

It's addictive reading. It's believable (OK, so Jack Ryan is perfect all American father/husband/patriot, but shouldn't our all of our hero's be?). It is a techno-thriller, but sets the standards by which others have been measured since Clancy wrote this one. It has politics, good guys vs bad guys and plenty of suspense. There are many things to be learned from this novel about life on board a modern sub, the tactics both sides used....maybe that is why it has been so popular and still stands the test of time. The movie was also excellent and faithful to the book. Highly recommended.

A classic for the technology lovers
The Red October, a new nuclear stealth submarine invented by the Russians, is violently taken over by Ramius and starts making its way into American waters.

With half the Russian navy and the rest of the world watching Jack Ryan is assigned by none other than the U.S. president to aid the military intercepting the sub and working out what the hell is going on.

The novel is a product of extensive research, which is likely its claim to fame. It takes 100 pages before the actual hunt for Red October begins, and its only around page 300 that some real action begins.

The majority of the book is devoted to intricate descriptions of military techology, maneuvers and a little Russian psychology. This is fine if thats what you like, I usually prefer a little more character based stuff, bu hey! If military novels are your thing than this classic is for you. ... Read more

Product Description
A dazzling novel in the most untraditional fashion, this is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap, and it is Audrey Niffenegger's cinematic storytelling that makes the novel's unconventional chronology so vibrantly triumphant.

An enchanting debut and a spellbinding tale of fate and belief in the bonds of love, The Time Traveler's Wife is destined to captivate readers for years to come.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2268)

WIFE HATED IT
Wife hated this compared to the movie, mostly due to homosexual activity that threw off the story.

"You're searching for good times...but you'll come...back...to me." Song Lyrics
In a well acclaimed, tender, coming of age story, "The Time Traveler's Wife," opens with Claire Abshire, age twenty, and Henry De Tamble, age twenty-eight, accidentally meeting at her library.

Claire immediately recognizes Henry from her past but Henry is at a point of time travel where he hasn't met her yet. He suffers from Chrono-Displacement Disorder and moves through time without control.

Claire is a sweet woman who appears like a special next door neighbor or the girl you fell in love with in the eighth grade. Her love for Henry is intricately described so that the reader knows just what Claire is feeling as she finds her love, as he had promised she would, in the past.

The story moves back and forth between other times and is told from both points of view.

We are also privy to Claire's and Henry's difficulties with time travel. Henry tells us about seeing a young child die in an accident and wishing that he could go back in time so he could warn the child's mother to be careful. However, he's learned that with time travel, he isn't able to change history.

Claire has the difficulty of keeping Henry's appearances a secret. When she becomes a teenager, there is a lonliness during the time that Henry is not with her. She also feels segrated from her friends since, at this point in the story, she can't tell her friends about Henry.

There is some difficulty in keeping track of the character's ages at the various times that they meet since this happens out of sequence. I also found the point of view a bit hard to follow when Henry goes back in time and visits himself at a younger age.

The love story was a pleasure to read and observe the characters overcoming the difficulties with time. I felt that at certain points the story meandered. However, for originality and the manner in which the author created characters that the reader could emphasize and become fond of, this was an exceptional novel.

Good Love Story, too Graphic for me
I liked the idea behind this story. It was a great idea of Love enduring through time. I really like the character emotion expressed. What i didn't like was all the graphic sex scenes. I don't want to read that. I know everyone thinks I'm a prude but it seemed to me that as a new author she did not know what to do with the story so enter another sex scene. We can get the idea of enduring great love with out all the details. So I would not recommend this book to other readers who don't want to read a story that should have been a harlequin romance novel. And I hope the author will grow in her story telling ability for her next book.

Superb
I found this book discarded on a subway; because I had over an hour until my stop, and because I needed something to distract me from the homeless man who was shouting expletives at me from across the aisle, I flipped open the cover. 3 days later (yes, I had gotten off the train) I finished.

I consider myself a tough critic most of the time. But this book was amazing. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, I loved the ending. It was real, messy, and brilliant! None of this cookie cutter stuff you read where you expect every plot twist, and where everything works out wonderfully in the end for everyone. No, this is some good storytelling!

I would never have bought this book, not in a million years. But I want to thank the person who left it on the subway. I'm going to start doing that with the books I really like.

Clearly the book isn't for everyone. It has swearing, sex, and violence, and aside from the latter, I am usually very critical of books with these inclusions. But for this book, the swearing the sex and most certainly the violence, was all necessary.

Read it if you want, or don't. But when you finish it, leave it on the train or bus or ferry or airplane. Guys like me need to read stuff like this and we won't unless we stumble upon it when we are seeking distraction from the mentally ill.

Disappointing to Me...
******SPOILERS*******
Was this a beautiful love story for the ages? Yes. Was it wonderfully written and woven together, through time? Yes. Would I read it again or recommend it to anyone? No

I saw the movie first and then decided to read the book. I loved the movie. I'm not in love with the book.

I love the strength of Clare & Henry's love & relationship. I think it is beautiful and amazing. But through the first half of the book I was making myself continue to read it because I want to know what happened. Not because of the writing. Because of the movie. Everyone knows the movies are never as good as the book. The books always have more detail and are much better than the movies. I wanted to know what happens that I didn't know from the movie, that I loved. But I had to push myself through it. Yes, their love was practically legendary, certainly fate, and wonderful and beautiful. But it felt like they spent more time unhappy than happy.

Then the whole thing with Gomez was riduculous to me. I don't even understand the point of it. To show that Clare was completely devoted to Henry? I don't think she needed to use Gomez's character to show that. And instead, it made Gomez & Clare look bad. Yes, the first time, Clare hadn't found Henry yet, but she still slept with her best friend's boyfriend! And the second time, yes, Clare was in immense emotional pain and longing, and was imagining he was Henry, but she still could have controled herself! And Gomez is just a worthless ass if you ask me. His entire marriage & life he spent longing for Clare and his wife & her best friend knew and didn't do anything about it or care? And what does that say about Charisse? For someone who's supposed to be such a strong character, I don't think a strong woman would stay with a man she knows is in love with her best friend, even if her best friend doesn't reciprocate and ignores him!

And finally the end, once Henry dies and he begs her not to wait for him, and she does. I understand what the author is trying to show...Henry's the only guy for her, the love of her life, she can't live without him, the theme of longing, etc. I get it. But you have a child to live for. You can truly live your life, not just go through the motions, and still look forward to the day you'll see Henry again.

I love my husband very much, and I would be absolutely devastated if I lost him. But it absolutely terrifies me, the thought of something happening to me and my daughter having to live without me...What's the difference if I'm still physically here and just going through the motions, but not really living my life anymore?

The ending made me sad...for Alba. She lost both of her parents, as far as I'm concerned.

I would have liked the ending, as written, if there had been one added section where Clare explains in some capacity or we see her in some capacity, recovering enough to really live and be happy with Alba and the rest of their family. Instead I feel like she spent the rest of her days, approximately 50 years, "vanishing" and "waiting" and going through the motions for Alba's sake. Alba deserved more than that. I'm not saying Clare should move on and find someone else. It's possible she could be happy, celebrating the love she had & lost, celebrating life, raising Alba, looking forward to when they'll meet again, rather than waiting & longing depressively.

Just my opinion. ... Read more

Product Description
"WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES isn't just another book. It is a gift of profound insight, wisdom, and love. An oracle from one who knows."
Alice Walker
Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D., Jungian analyst and cantadora storyteller shows how women's vitality can be restored through what she calls "psychic archeological digs" into the ruins of the female unconsious. Using multicultural myths, fairy tales, folk tales, and stories, Dr. Estes helps women reconnect with the healthy, instinctual, visionary attributes of the Wild Woman archetype.
Dr. Estes has created a new lexicon for describing the female psyche. Fertile and life-giving, it is a psychology of women in the truest sense, a knowing of the soul.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (129)

women who run with wolves
the book came in excellent condition and time.this is an excellent book that our book club is now using by this exceptional author.thank you

Thanks!I needed that!
A compassionate but good hard push to get busy, changing the things that keep us from celebrating womanhood.You will see yourself, re-imagine yourself, and re-empower yourself.Read it, and then read it again!lol.

Ever Changing
This is the one book I would want to have on the proverbial deserted island . . . it was a gift from my mother 10 or 12 years ago, and I've read it a thousand million times. Depending on what is going on in my life at the time, the stories and interpretations can be completely different from one reading to the next. I have taken away several facets to one story or another over the years, making these precious tales truly alive and magical.

The stories are told by an utter genius who is able to find that river beneath the river, that flowing part of ourselves that is the soul.

Excellent everything!Life-saving for those going through life changes.
Well, the book should be read by every woman (and men who can relate), especially those going through life changing events, then the understanding of what drives us, and what ultimately keeps us alive, is understood.If we don't understand ourselves we will never be able to reach the happiness we deserve.Happiness and joy that comes from the soul are quite different from the artificially induced happiness, that as an American we are taught to create, all too often developing toxic environments that kill, that which is precious and life-fulfilling. I see now life gives me the answers when I ask, and when I listen, to anything I am struggling with. It is a power we should all have. It is a power that eliminates all need for war and hatred and selfishness in anyway.Wow, I can't believe I said that!!

Fantastic Book
I use Women Who Run With The Wolves as my bible.My therapist recommended I read this over 12 years ago.It's educated me on how and why women are the way they are in a loving and fascinating way.I laughed and cried and rejoyced at the stories both familiar and not.
No wonder we are so fabulous.It's time we remembered it!
I recommend this to anyone who wishes to truly embrace the wonderful wild nature of women. ... Read more

Product Description
There is nothing inevitable about aging--that is the inspiring message from Dr. Deepak Chopra. "Once again Dr. Chopra presents us with information that can help us live long, healthy lives. For all those interested in a long, full life, this book is a valuable resource."--Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine and Miracles Over 1.5 million copies sold. National bestseller. Line drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

"Educational Material"
By Albert C. Bender, author of "YOU ARE FOREVER IN TIME"
"Ageless Body-Timeless Mind" clearly ampliefied for me, this authors knowledge and intellect on the subject matter he has written. It provides information that truly moves to the core of the subject matter that the author speaks about.
It is well written and thought-provoking throughout. I recommend this book highly to those who's interest lie within...I know it true, I practice it, and it works, believe me. Also read his other book titled "Grow Younger-Live Longer."

No easy path
I believe one of the quotes in this book "People don't grow old. When they stop growing, they become old"illustrates what Chopra is helping to bring in this world of ours. In another way he is explaining what Dr Bruce Lipton has been able to show through science that Epigenetics is what determines how we age and how we will fare with our health. But through meditation, right living and awareness we can live a life of fulfillment that medicine can not offer us. It takes courage to step outside of the traditional paradigm and Chopra does it so well.
Dr Gunta Krumins-Caldwell author of On Silver Wings

TRULY INTERESTING READ
A fine book on attitudes and how they affect our lives.
Also on love as a key focus. Much more.
For a followup, I'd suggest Paul Twitchell's masterpiece, The Flute of God.
It took me into spiritual health. See what fits you! - - -

To understand your immortal nature...
In this wonderful book (a must!), Deepak Chopra explains in a very understandable way and from A to Z, the difference between growing old and growing sick, being the last one, the accepted condition in our Western cultures for anyone over 45 years old, but amazingly, this does not have to be... it's actually a matter of awareness! biological age depends on psychological age he says, implying that knowledge of true nature is essential to overcome the fear and sorrow feelings that are really responsible for our cells' inability at a certain point of age (beginning at around 30 years old) to rejuvenate themselves; "the habit of fear has sunk so deep that the body remembers to carry it out, even when the mind is resisting with all its might".

We are not these bodies, but the thoughts that create it and those ones come from the Field... and it is right here where this book grows interesting; unity is what we should always aim for. Our physical world and our inner world (quantum) are closely related, forming the unity that gives consistency to the world we perceive, but perception is reality and ours is conditioned to think we are trapped in time and space so,we grow old and die because we expect that. We interpret that as the end, while it is really transformation. The moment we understand that the nature of our awareness is timeless, this process of growing old can stop and even reverse. It's our unique capacity of consciousness among all living creatures, which gives us this possibility.

After reading this book, I can also see, that in a couple hundred years from now, many aspects of our Western, modern medicine, will be seen as not very different to that from the middle ages in our eyes today... a wonderful read that will give you a completely different view of life, death, health, sickness, aging, healing and eternity. A tool, more than a book.

Ageless and Timeless it IS
I first read this book in 1994, the year after it was first published. It was then that I found it quite inspiring and I still do. For anyone that needs to know that there are things about ourselves to believe in, other than what we can see and feel, this book will show you the grand possibilities that exist. It is awe-inspiring and all-inspiring to be able to recognize just how vast the science of health and healing truly is...and this book is simply the introduction to it all. For those of you that need "proof" about everything in life, I think you would do well to try this book on for size and see how you can open your mind to the alternatives and the things that make our world as complex and as wonderful as it truly is. The science is explained in an easy to read format and Dr. Chopra's spiritual wisdom is an extra bonus. You will begin to see life from a multi-faceted perspective and I do believe it will help you to become more optimistic about your health and your life in general. I highly recommend it. ... Read more