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Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight / SalesRank : 16

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Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight
Author : Karl Rove

Amazon Price : $18.00 40%($12.00) OFF
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Hardcover [ Threshold Editions ] [ Release : 2010 / 03 / 09 ]
ISBN : 9781439191057 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 1439191050
[ ListPrice : $30.00 ] [ Used Price:$17.37 ]

Average Customer Review :

3.5stars [ See more reviews ]

I recommend reading this book if you are interested in seeing the skillful application of politics in presenting a life-story. I discourage reading it though if you are interested in learning how Karl Rove actually thought or thinks. The book is mostly bashing of Bush critics (such as McCain), liberals, and Democrats (even conservatives ones) and the elevating of extreme right-wingers like Barry Goldwater, who former president Richard Nixon identified as bad Republican leadership, as heroes. I respect Karl's approach, the best defense is a strong offense.

1stars - "Politics in its Purest Form" (SirWalterLaffer)

Whether you love, hate or are neutral about the politics of Karl Rove, he had a front row seat to American history for over 6 years at the White House. I really enjoyed that history from his perspective, as an advisor to the President. His facts and assertions in the book seem to be backed up by the truth. Karl Rove admits his flaws and mistakes in this book, which is refreshing in the political climate that we live in today. I really enjoyed this book.

Collier Swecker

5stars - "Conservative or Liberal - This Really is a History Lesson & Great Biography" (Collier H. Swecker)

I have just finished Karl Rove's book and I found it fascinating. With clear, unadorned prose Mr. Rove captures the essences of the Bush years with grace and conviction. He clarifies most of the controversial issues of the Bush presidency with convincing explanations and obviously heartfelt respect and support for the President. Rove, himself, comes across as an unassuming patriotic American. I recommend this book to every American who has love of country and an interest in governance and politics. To the Bush and Rove haters I say if you can read Karl Rove's account of the events surrounding the 911 attack with dry eyes, then you are a truly devoted partisan...in the worst sense of the word.

5stars - "Significant Book" (E. Sutton)

Who knew Karl Rove was such a raconteur? This is a fascinating, close-up look at the man at the center of the Bush administration. It is well written, anecdotal, factual, humorous and, on occasion, very moving.

Rove's rather starchy public image is contradicted by the hijinks of his early career, first in the College Republicans then with various campaigns. After a rather tragic childhood, this self-described "nerd" entered politics full of energy, enthusiasm and practical jokes. His rapid upward trajectory included meeting a number of famous people, including Elizabeth Taylor in her nightgown.

Rove is, however, deadly serious about politics. He believes that a campaign must be "centered on big ideas that reflect the candidates philosophy and views." What a contrast to campaigns run on such pap as "together we can" and "hope and change." He is obsessive about the details because this how you win. In 2004 when the exit polls were strongly indicating a Kerry victory, Rove had the numbers to prove differently. He was able to protest with some success the media's premature coronation of the Democrat.

A good deal of the book is devoted to George W. Bush and how the two men worked together both on campaigns and in the White House. The close-up, day-to-day descriptions of how things work in the "people's house" are worth the price of the book.
Rove believes that history will be a lot kinder to Mr. Bush than his detractors would say, when enough time has passed for some objectivity.

He paints incisive word-pictures of various figures, including the pompous and obsessive Patrick Fitzgerald, an hysterical Mary Landrieu after Katrina, pretentious phony Joe Wilson, elitist and condescending John Kerry, among others. The public hysteria and persecution he and his family endured during Fitzgerald's pointless investigation is a good lesson to anyone contemplating high level public service.

The book deals with 9/11 in great detail, following Pres. Bush in the days and weeks after the attack. It shows a committed and compassionate president who understand what the attacks meant and didn't rely on focus groups and polls to tell him what to do. It traces the thinking about WMDs that led to the decision to invade Iraq, and the decision process behind the successful surge.

My only complaint is that 520 pages wasn't enough. I could have read twice as much.

5stars - "An important book--and a great read." (Judith E. Hanhisalo)

A great read, very compelling. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in politics or current events.

This obviously analytically driven man has the ability to translate with his own words the fascinating workings of his gift and his love for analyzing politics and political campaigns. His book provides a glimpse of a softer, kinder and very intelligent man doing what he loves and does well. Although very little detail is given about his family you get a sense of how costly it must have been for them living through those years and how much pain it caused him.

The myths circling this man makes you ask yourself again and again what has happened to journalism in this country.

The book was a page turner for me, enjoyed it thoroughly and was sorry when it ended.

Enjoy!

5stars - "I had a hard time putting the book down!" (Barbara E. Ulbrandt)

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4) / SalesRank : 15

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The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4)
Author : Rick Riordan

Amazon Price : $4.39 45%($3.60) OFF
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Paperback [ Hyperion Book CH ] [ Release : 2009 / 04 / 07 ]
ISBN : 9781423101499 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 1423101499
[ ListPrice : $7.99 ] [ Used Price:$2.50 ]

Average Customer Review :

5.0stars [ See more reviews ]
On the recommendation of my 12 year old god-daughter, I bought the whole series of 5 books. My 11 year old son loved them so much that I had to beg him to go to sleep instead of staying up reading. These were the longest books he has voluntarily read so far. Great choice for preteens.

On the recommendation of my 12 year old god-daughter, I bought the whole series of 5 books. My 11 year old son loved them so much that I had to beg him to go to sleep instead of staying up reading. These were the longest books he has voluntarily read so far. Great choice for preteens.

5stars - "My son was entranced!" (Simone D.)
My son reallly loved the entire series of books... much better to see him up late reading than on the computer or X box!!!

My son reallly loved the entire series of books... much better to see him up late reading than on the computer or X box!!!

5stars - "My son loves these books!!!" (Monica K. Swift)

If I thought the last book was packed with action, then this one has double that! It's non-stop wham wham wham one after another and I just ripped through this book in almost one sitting.

Ah, I loved this book. There were twists and turns I didn't expect, although I suppose they were very easy to spot early on but I suck at that sort of thing. The old Greek tales surrounding Daedalus were artfully crafted in the plot and were given a fresh perspective by the man in question himself. The tale of the labyrinth was also worked in as well.

In this book we get to see the conflict between Percy and Nico as he tries to get him to stand on their side, and his growing feelings for Annabeth. Don't get me wrong, it's very subtle, so you can rest assured that it won't overshadow the main plot. We also get to see him deal with jealousy, doubt, and of course, his own self-sacrificing flaw for others.

The book gets a tad darker as it deals with death, but if there was one neat quirk, it has very faint, faint trace of steampunk in it. Although I'm not sure if you'd even consider it steampunk.

Great story!

5stars - "Need Tea Reviews" (Krystle Yanagihara)

I had already loved the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, and this forth installment just makes make love it even more!

It is once again filled with Riordan's fabulous writing. It amazes me in every book in this series how well he captures the voice of a young teen boy. Percy is such a lovable character. His sense of humor always gets me on his side everytime. In this installment we see our favorite heroes going on a quest inside the labyrinth, an underground maze that is never as it seems. The quest is lead by Annabeth this time. Annabeth had some hard decisions to make. She really had to grow up alot in this book, all the characters did really. Grover continues on his quest for the lost god Pan. I really enjoyed having Tyson back. Him and Percy are great together. I was pleasantly surprised to see Rachel back. I love how Riordan ties each story together and how each character he adds has a purpose. I have to say my favorite part of this one was watching Nico's character development. I am such a sucker for the angsty characters.

I thought the Titan's Curse was action packed, but this one far out did it. Every chapter held an exciting scene that made it impossible to not jump into the next one. We meet some new gods and some new seriously freaky monsters on this journey. I have to admit that I teared up at a few parts, especially in the ending. Alot of the suspense is over at the end, but you are still left with some cliffhangers. Some of the outcomes were easy for me to decipher, but some of them seriously shocked me. I almost don't want to read the next book in the series because it is the last. I just don't want to let these characters go yet! I want to say so much more, but I would just be giving away spoilers if I did. Percy Jackson and the Olympians continues to be one of my favorite series. If you haven't started this series yet, do so ASAP!

5stars - "Loving Percy Once Again" (Jami Slack)

At Camp Half-Blood, Quintus has substituted for Mr. D. Percy and Annabeth team up in a new game. They find an entrance to the Labyrinth, and they start a quest along with Grover and Tyson. They make it to Triple G ranch and see Nico. Percy defeats Geryon and continues the quest, but Nico wants his sister back to life. Soon, they split up, but Percy almost gets himself killed. He meets Calypso, but can't stay with her. Percy gets Rachel to lead them since she can see through the mist. They meet up with Nico again, and find Luke's body for Kronos to reform. They return to camp for battle with Grover and Tyson after they find Pan. Grover causes a Panic to stop the whole thing and continues the quest in the next book.

I liked this book because it had some funny parts. Percy's adventures continue in The Last Olympian.

5stars - "A-maze-ing book"

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3) / SalesRank : 29

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3)
Author : Rick Riordan

Amazon Price : $11.00 45%($8.99) OFF
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Paperback [ Hyperion Book CH ] [ Release : 2008 / 09 / 16 ]
ISBN : 9781423113492 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 1423113497
[ ListPrice : $19.99 ] [ Used Price:$13.09 ]

Average Customer Review :

5.0stars [ See more reviews ]

Though I am not in the targeted age group for this series I have read all five books. I really enjoyed these books; they were light entertainment and a fairly original story line with no vampires. It gets hard to find a story that has not already been done and though this is not as good as Harry Potter it was still fun to read and I got to care about the characters and am looking forward to the next series from Camp Halfblood. I haven't seen the movie verison but from the trailer I can already tell they added things from the second book into the first so I don't know how much more the movie verison is going to change aside from making the characters look completely different from what I expected them to look like. (Annabeth had golden hair whereas the actress playing her has brown hair.) It only took two weeks to read all five books but I still enjoyed them all the same.

5stars - "fast fun read" (Susan A. Koscielski)
I bought the entire series of 5 books for my 11 year old son, after he had seen the "Lightning Thief " movie which is based on Book 1. He was so into the books that I could hardly stop him from reading. He would stay up late to get in another chapter. I was happy that he was reading longer books without my prompting. Great buy!

I bought the entire series of 5 books for my 11 year old son, after he had seen the "Lightning Thief " movie which is based on Book 1. He was so into the books that I could hardly stop him from reading. He would stay up late to get in another chapter. I was happy that he was reading longer books without my prompting. Great buy!

5stars - "My son was entranced!" (Simone D.)
This book set was still wrapped in the cellophane paper! I couldn't believe the great price!

5stars - "Great buy!" (Georgette C. Montgomery)
disclaimer- i am an adult who likes young adult fiction, so the fact that i found these books derivative, dull and predictable doesn't mean your average 6th grader won't love them. but i was hoping for something a bit closer to the level of The Golden Compass. oh well! hopefully more authors will write books for kids that their grown up parents can really enjoy.

disclaimer- i am an adult who likes young adult fiction, so the fact that i found these books derivative, dull and predictable doesn't mean your average 6th grader won't love them. but i was hoping for something a bit closer to the level of The Golden Compass. oh well! hopefully more authors will write books for kids that their grown up parents can really enjoy.

2stars - "disappointed" (L. Nelson)

This was an exciting read, the characters were great (I ADORED Grover, the klutzy but earnest satyr) and my seven-year-old loved it to pieces. BUT I found myself rolling my eyes a lot as I was caught up short by the holes in the fabric of the story and Riordan's manipulation of his characters.

Specifically, Mr. Riordan makes it clear that these kids are smart. They're smart enough to figure out that there's a spy in the demigod summer camp, for example, and Our Hero, Percy Jackson, spends the length of the book wondering who that spy is. But though he's fed increasingly clear clues as to the identity of that spy, he never stops to figure it out--he just continues to wonder. Moreover, when he and his companions have completed their mission and returned to camp, the question of the spy's identity and role in Grover almost meeting an untimely end are completely forgotten. Time drags by and no one so much as mentions the spy or is the least concerned that they might still be a threat--which, of course, they are. Since I'd figured it out long, long before (because of the numerous unsubtle hints), this was more than a little frustrating. Most frustrating of all was the way Riordan literarily forces the reader to look away by simply not addressing the subject.

The nature and powers of gods and other supernaturals are also vague and inconsistent. Sometimes characters knew things in detail that they had no reason to know and other times things took place right out in front of mortals and gods alike that the gods seemed to take no notice of despite the fact that Percy's movements were supposedly of dire import. I was continually wondering, "Well, if they know THIS how can they possibly NOT know THAT?" The characters seemed to know what the writer needed them to know, and not know what he needed them NOT to know regardless of the situation. It made me doubt that Riordan had a clear picture of the powers and nature of his supernatural characters.

I also found the end of the book disappointing emotionally. Percy's mom, who is married to this nasty piece of work for reasons that become clear, finally has every reason to leave the buffoon. Riordan makes a big point of the idea that though Percy could take care of this for his mom through supernatural means, she shows courage by electing to do it herself. But in the end, she offs the guy (off-stage at that), employing the same supernatural device that Percy was going to use, thus sidestepping the issue of personal courage entirely. And I have to ask if the punishment fit the crime.

Without divulging too much, there's also a logistical problem in Riordan's solution with regard to Percy's step-father. The mom does him in using a device that would have had the same deadly effect on everyone in the room. We know he was playing poker when he, er, folded, and poker is not a solitary pursuit. But there's no mention of the other guys at the poker table.

I will buy the rest of the books for my daughter, 'cause like I said, they're fun to read with lots of cliff-hangers, and I love the kid characters. I've also heard from several readers that the series improves with regard to Puppet Master Syndrome. I hope those readers are right and Mr. Riordan has come up with plots that don't require so much manipulation of the characters AND the reader.

3stars - "Good, but less manipulation, please." (Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks / SalesRank : 27

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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Author : Rebecca Skloot

Amazon Price : $15.00 42%($11.00) OFF
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Hardcover [ Crown ] [ Release : 2010 / 02 / 02 ]
ISBN : 9781400052172 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 1400052173
[ ListPrice : $26.00 ] [ Used Price:$17.13 ]

Average Customer Review :

4.5stars [ See more reviews ]
This book is excellently written. I was unable to hear the autor speak in Philadelphia last month but I am hearing her speaking loud and clear through the written word.

This book is excellently written. I was unable to hear the autor speak in Philadelphia last month but I am hearing her speaking loud and clear through the written word.

5stars - "1 reader's opinion" (Patricia A. Smith)

I wasn't sure what to expect when reading this novel, but was quite surprised at the humanity found within. The Lacks family has been through so much, and it really makes you stop to think what right the Medical association had to profit off her cells and give nothing to the family. Henrietta Lacks daughter Deborah especially is a victim of this, and without giving much away is just as interesting and funny as any character in fiction.

Part history of the cells, part history of the family, this novel is filled with humanity and a must-buy if you like biographies.

4stars - "A great story that really makes one think." (Aaron Dusenberry)
I learned so much about the history of cell research, while finding out how a family reconciled their religious beliefs with the prodigious advances of science over the last sixty years.

I learned so much about the history of cell research, while finding out how a family reconciled their religious beliefs with the prodigious advances of science over the last sixty years.

5stars - "Interesting and informative" (Beryl S. Craig)
A an extremely interesting story and well-researched. My problem is with the author who made me feel at times like I was reading a high school essay. The book became tedious for me at times and while I was very fascinated with Henrietta Lacks I found the in depth conversations between the author and her family members quite pointless and rambling.

A an extremely interesting story and well-researched. My problem is with the author who made me feel at times like I was reading a high school essay. The book became tedious for me at times and while I was very fascinated with Henrietta Lacks I found the in depth conversations between the author and her family members quite pointless and rambling.

4stars - "5 star story but poor writing" (S&S Mom)

This is the most thoroughly captivating book I've read in a long time. Whether you are slightly interested in science or love science (and great science writing), this book is for you. The story is real and urgent, and demands thoughtful engagement from its readers, so I would strongly suggest waiting to pick it up until you have a few hours to devote to it -- once you start it, you may find it very difficult to divert your attention to anything else for a while!

5stars - "Dwight Garner (NYT) was right -- I couldn't put it down" (halebopp4380)

Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College / SalesRank : 39

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Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College
Author : Doug Lemov

Amazon Price : $15.09 46%($12.86) OFF
amazon.com availability ： Not yet published

Paperback [ Jossey-Bass ] [ Release : 2010 / 04 / 05 ]
ISBN : 9780470550472 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 0470550473
[ ListPrice : $27.95 ]

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition / SalesRank : 32

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Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition
Corporate Author:American Psychological Association

Amazon Price : $14.00 52%($14.95) OFF
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Paperback [ American Psychological Association (APA) ] [ Release : 2009 / 07 ]
ISBN : 9781433805615 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 1433805618
[ ListPrice : $28.95 ] [ Used Price:$14.00 ]

Average Customer Review :

3.0stars [ See more reviews ]
Beware! APA has come out with a second printing of this manual. The first printing had numerous mistakes and now I will have to bite the bullet and purchase the updated one!

Beware! APA has come out with a second printing of this manual. The first printing had numerous mistakes and now I will have to bite the bullet and purchase the updated one!

1stars - "Wrong Edition!" (S. Poe)
Product was new and priced same as some that were used. Arrived in about a week--better than projected time frame.

5stars - "satisfied customer" (Margot Aspen)
I just purchased this through Amazon (March, 2010), and then read the reviews afterward. I was unaware that there were problems with the early editions. I was relieved when mine arrived and it is a third printing. I haven't used it yet, so I only gave it 4/5 stars, but I'm sure it will be sufficient.

I just purchased this through Amazon (March, 2010), and then read the reviews afterward. I was unaware that there were problems with the early editions. I was relieved when mine arrived and it is a third printing. I haven't used it yet, so I only gave it 4/5 stars, but I'm sure it will be sufficient.

4stars - "3rd Edition is Available" (Skyhogg)
Product came in excellent condition. Took quite awhile to arrive in the mail, longer than what I expected. So if you need something quickly this would have not been a good option.

Product came in excellent condition. Took quite awhile to arrive in the mail, longer than what I expected. So if you need something quickly this would have not been a good option.

4stars - "publication manual of the American Psychological Assn" (L. Carder)
The book came promptly and was exactly what I had ordered at a cheaper price than I had seen in book stores.

The book came promptly and was exactly what I had ordered at a cheaper price than I had seen in book stores.

5stars - "Book Order Review" (Patricia Robinson)

Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 (The Twilight Saga) / SalesRank : 30

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Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 (The Twilight Saga)
Illustrator:Young Kim

Amazon Price : $11.00 45%($8.99) OFF
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Hardcover [ Yen Press ] [ Release : 2010 / 03 / 16 ]
ISBN : 9780759529434 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 0759529434
[ ListPrice : $19.99 ] [ Used Price:$9.82 ]

Average Customer Review :

4.5stars [ See more reviews ]

It wasn't as good as it could have been.
1) She left out all my favorite parts.
2) I've seen better fan art.
3) I didn't like her style of adding real pictures in with the illustrations.
4) And they were all too pretty and perfect.
It covered up until right after the meadow scene. And in comic book form, it made me see how other people see all the ridiculous things that are in there. Without Bella explaining emotions and her processes, it was just stupid.
Overall, I was just disappointed. Not that I'm not going to read all the ones that will follow, but I just hope it improves.

2stars - "Coulda been better" (S. Molina)
I have to say when i got it , i was floored on the art work. Have too say this is a must have. It takes you along the path of Edward and Bella, its like seeing it for the first time. Only neg remark i have. If they had combined the 2 volumes together would have been better. It was to short. 5 stars for the art work, and Kim's way of bring the story alive in her pictures.

I have to say when i got it , i was floored on the art work. Have too say this is a must have. It takes you along the path of Edward and Bella, its like seeing it for the first time. Only neg remark i have. If they had combined the 2 volumes together would have been better. It was to short. 5 stars for the art work, and Kim's way of bring the story alive in her pictures.

5stars - ""WOW"" (Robert J. Sheldahl)

This offered another, very different, visual aspect of the Twilight universe. The movies are great but I believe these images are much closer to what the author had in mind while writing her series.
I really enjoy a good graphic novel and I have to say that "Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1" did not disappoint.
For those of you who don't know, it is not strange for graphic novels to come in volumes. So don't be discouraged when the novel ends half way through the story.
It will only take 20 minutes to read so take time to enjoy the artwork.
Its worth every penny!

5stars - "Great Visual Addition for any Twi-Hard" (Jane Doe)

I was waiting to see and read this book. I liked it, but someone has to know the original novel to understand it. I wish Edward's eyes would show more emotions, that should've been Robert Pattinson's eyes as drawing. All the characters are awesome, (although, Jacob is a bit "girlie") I am only missing the eyes :) and some more color pages.
The drops (sweat?, tear?) on Bella's face are a bit confusing. There are on some pages where Bella is either frustrated nor afraid, but the drop(s) is(are) still there.
I thought Volume 1 will be the same as Twilight, but no, it ends with the 'running home from the meadow' scene.
I hope that Young Kim will consider all of these "complaints" from fans and will make Volume 2 even better. I will order that one too.

4stars - "you have to know the original novel to understand this" (Orsolya Simmons)
I thought this adaptation of Twilight into a graphic novel was fantastic. The art is absolutely gorgeous and Young Kim did an excellent job of creating Stephanie Meyer's characters. They were all drawn exactly as I had imagined them when first reading twilight. Reading the graphic novel felt as if I was reading twilight firs the first time again. Loved it and I can't wait for the next installment!

I thought this adaptation of Twilight into a graphic novel was fantastic. The art is absolutely gorgeous and Young Kim did an excellent job of creating Stephanie Meyer's characters. They were all drawn exactly as I had imagined them when first reading twilight. Reading the graphic novel felt as if I was reading twilight firs the first time again. Loved it and I can't wait for the next installment!

5stars - "Great Addition to Any Twilight Collection" (R. Taube)

Outliers: The Story of Success / SalesRank : 34

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Outliers: The Story of Success
Author : Malcolm Gladwell

Amazon Price : $11.74 58%($16.25) OFF
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Hardcover [ Little, Brown and Company ] [ Release : 2008 / 11 / 18 ]
ISBN : 9780316017923 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 0316017922
[ ListPrice : $27.99 ] [ Used Price:$5.75 ]

Average Customer Review :

4.0stars [ See more reviews ]

What can I add to this host of reviews that has not already been said?

Perhaps nothing, but this book hit me in a profound way based on things that are happening at my work.

Please pardon a little bit of blogging tossed in with a little bit of book reviewing - it's not my normal style.

I am a high school teacher and we are, as a school, busily studying the racial achievement gap that exists on all (if not all, it is almost, almost, almost all) standardized tests across the country. Currently, I am bucking my school system by insisting it is not a racial gap but rather a failure of the culture of the school to attune itself to the culture of our African-American and Hispanic students. A cultural gap, as it were.

To me this is no simple issue of semantics - if the gaps are cultural they can be overcome by re-tooling and learning new strategies. If the gaps in achievement truly are racial - based on inherited characteristics from our genetic code, well, what's the point of trying, really? (To be honest, I think they are using race as a simplistic code word for culture, but this is dangerous game to play, in my opinion).

Anyway, Malcolm Gladwell backs up my arguments in chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 with interesting analyses that shed light on the importance of learned culture on success and behaviors. I recommended this book to a member of the leadership team that is leading these discussions and he was intrigued enough to pick up the book and start reading.

The other way that this book was meaningful was its emphasis on the role of practice in achieving success. 10,000 hours - the magic number when it takes to become a Mozart or The Beatles or Bill Gates or Michael Jordan. Note the emphasis on the individual here - you two can be a master of your chosen field with just enough practice! Sort of democratizing isn't it? This is blended together with cultural legacies in Chapter 9 to show how culture can encourage that sense of purpose in an individual.

Anyway, I have a student teacher who will be a very good teacher one day and I spoke with her about the value of practice and experience. She won't be a master teacher in her first year, but those hours in the classroom will add up and she will be one day. Well, it sounds less profound here, written down. Believe me, it was inspiring when I spoke about it.

So, in short, this is a heckuva interesting book. I devoured it. It gave me a lot to ruminate about.

Highly recommended.

5stars - "One of the most interesting and profound books I've read this year (A.K.A. the 898th review)" (DWD)

We all know that being in the right place at the right time has a lot to do with success. Malcolm Gladwell gives us lots of examples, the first of which is about being born in the right month if you aspire to professional hockey in Canada. He also stresses the importance of ambition, hard work, and the influences that shape our lives. The most disturbing section has to do with cultural influences and the devastating airline tragedies that occurred partly because of a co-pilot who was overly deferential to the captain and to air traffic controllers. The author often reminds us that it's not necessary to be exceedingly smart to be successful; it's just necessary to be smart enough. He gives the example of a man whose IQ is in the 190s but didn't finish college because of his inability to negotiate a class schedule that would allow him to continue. In contrast, another man attempted to murder a professor and still went on to become immensely successful. Near the end, he takes a linguistic approach to explaining one of the reasons Asians excel at math. I had never really considered how the English language makes arithmetic more difficult than it needs to be. He also presents a strong case for year-round school.

4stars - "keys to success" (Patti)
Very interesting and well-written. Gladwell is smart, and makes this sound like real science but I wonder about his interpretation of statistics. Also, understanding what makes pilots successful will not necessarily encourage you to fly... well, not with certain airlines.

Very interesting and well-written. Gladwell is smart, and makes this sound like real science but I wonder about his interpretation of statistics. Also, understanding what makes pilots successful will not necessarily encourage you to fly... well, not with certain airlines.

3stars - "Entertaining but not Science" (Mary Bast)

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It is well written and very thought provoking. Meritocracy is an ingrained element of our society. Gladwell attacks that notion, however, and does so in a very rational, methodical and well-supported fashion. My summary of the book: luck + hard work + reasonable brain power + reasonable to high "social" intelligence = success. The "luck" factor is what those living under the meritocracy myth like to overlook. Who your parents are; when you were born; where you were born; where you live; etc. -- these things matter immensely. This is a must read for those in employment hiring and college admissions positions (or similar positions). Heck, the best evidence of the premise of this book is George W. Bush -- does anyone think that he would have been president if not for Daddy Bush and the family and life circumstances he was born into?!

5stars - "Enjoyable and enlightening" (V. Vital)

The author detests the idea of individual abilities and efforts being the "key" to success, and goes to great effort to prove that other factors and environment and luck are the key. Some of the factual analysis is correct and fascinating, such as why Canadian hockey stars are heavily-weighted toward certain months of birth, or why Asians excel at language and hard work.

But the book is severely marred by errors, bias, self-indulgence, and even ... let's be honest, falsehood. And the author exudes a stench of racism.

Self-indulgence is worst in the last chapter, an interminable recounting of his family background and how the mean 'ol slaveowners were ever so mean to the poor ol' slaves. Overlong, boring, pointless, but useful if you have insomnia.

There are also factual errors, slovenliness, and obvious lack of fact-checking which color some chapters and make the reader wonder about the entire book. Some of the most striking occur in the fascinating chapter about cultural attitudes and pilot safety. Screaming errors like stating that the signals from a VOR beacon tell a pilot his altitude make a pilot's jaw drop at such idiocy. And then make him wonder whether the same errors or even dishonesty are elsewhere in the book. The same chapter, incidentally, is vague and occasionally wrong about terminology, and strikingly vague about explaining "proper" procedure. Astonishingly, the author doesn't even mention the worst airline disaster in history, caused to a great degree by "cockpit culture."

Disclosure: I've met the author in person and seen him on TV. I lost much respect after hearing several falsehoods. And when, on TV, he said that Barack Obama is a fine choice because the important thing was to have a President who is "part black" (like the author).

A nice read. And if you're having trouble sleeping, the final chapter is a godsend.

2stars - "Biased, Dishonest, Factual Errors -- but Fascinating" (Mark_the_Maven)

The Last Song / SalesRank : 24

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The Last Song
Author : Nicholas Sparks

Amazon Price : $7.99
amazon.com availability ： Usually ships in 24 hours

Mass Market Paperback [ Grand Central Publishing ] [ Release : 2010 / 03 / 01 ]
ISBN : 9780446570961 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 0446570966
[ Used Price:$4.38 ]

Average Customer Review :

4.5stars [ See more reviews ]

This is the first book I have read by Nicolas Sparks, and I am hooked. In reading in bed, before I fall asleep, I had a hard time convincing myself to put this book down. I didn't want it to end, yet I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Sparks has a superb way of getting into his characters, which allows people to fall in love with them. He broke the chapters down by each characters perspective, so you could see and feel each character individually. Every chapter was engrossed with a new peice of information, and a constant direction that moved the story along at a consistent pace. His writing style is easy to read, and very descriptive with attention to detail. I felt like I was there with the characters along the journey.

I ordered another book by him, and may end up reading all of his books. I also can't wait to see the "soon to be released" movie for this book.

5stars - "Loved this book!" (R. Rindy)

When Sparks writes a novel, I feel as if he can no wrong. The book is written beautifully and it really brings out a lot of emotions inside yourself when you read it, as he does with most of his novels. However, the inevitable relationship within the novel can get somewhat repetitive and rather boring, because I felt as if I saw every bit of it coming before I even turned the page and the back up characters like Marcus and Blaze seemed to be so one dimensional to me. However, the relationships that form outside of Ronnie and Will, such as the one with her father, were completely beautiful. I definitely recommend reading this novel, especially before you see the movie :)

4stars - "Pretty good for a book written for Miley Cyrus" (Katherine E. Selman)
this book is amazing,even if i'm 36 i had to cry at the end of the story,this is one of the story i really read not only once ,thumbs up

this book is amazing,even if i'm 36 i had to cry at the end of the story,this is one of the story i really read not only once ,thumbs up

5stars - "awsome" (HermaneckMarco)
All I can say is this. One of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading in quite a while. If you enjoy Nicholas Sparks, don't hesitate! :o)

All I can say is this. One of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading in quite a while. If you enjoy Nicholas Sparks, don't hesitate! :o)

5stars - "A-One!" (flowerchild)
This book is so amazingly good! I loved it so much that i barely put it down unless i was forced to! Definitely one of the best books I've read and I cannot wait for the movie!(: If you haven't read this buy it today!(:

This book is so amazingly good! I loved it so much that i barely put it down unless i was forced to! Definitely one of the best books I've read and I cannot wait for the movie!(: If you haven't read this buy it today!(:

5stars - "The Last Song"

Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel / SalesRank : 33

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Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel
Author : James Patterson

Amazon Price : $8.49 53%($9.50) OFF
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Hardcover [ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ] [ Release : 2010 / 03 / 15 ]
ISBN : 9780316036191 / ASIN(ISBN-10) : 0316036196
[ ListPrice : $17.99 ] [ Used Price:$7.49 ]

Average Customer Review :

4.5stars [ See more reviews ]

OK,I have to tell y'all that I really enjoyed this book. **SPOILER** I thought that the Erasers were"retired" bringin' 'em back was a really cool addition so we know that there will be more Eraser combat. I wasn't happy with the ending in the book about how JP wanted to end the book with Fang leaving the flock. And Max is pissed about that and sad. So is that what Dylan is there for? Will there be another book?

5stars - "OMG! This book was awesome."
I've read the whole series, and believe me, this is the best one yet! James Patterson has outdone himself. To all of the Maximum Ride lovers out there, get ready for the thrill and suspence of Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel.

I've read the whole series, and believe me, this is the best one yet! James Patterson has outdone himself. To all of the Maximum Ride lovers out there, get ready for the thrill and suspence of Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel.

5stars - "Best One Yet!"

Okay, I literally just finished reading this book, and I can't sleep now. James Patterson has finally put the Maximum Ride book series in overdrive by my books. I wish, WISH I could tell you the story. All I can say was that I screamed, I yelled, I cried, and I felt strangely heavy afterward, got to tell you that much.

So here we go. Max and the Flock are back at it again, but this time in Africa (though *spoiler* they don't stay there long.) and are helping the refuges and hungry there. But big things are happening and the *spoiler* hottie Dylan arrives with the (evil) Dr. Cleaver. You'll understand once you read the book. Max + Fang + Dylan = "WHAT?!" That's all I can say there.

There are things coming out of the wood work. People and things you didn't think would come back. And what's with Angel suddenly. (Psycho Power Hungry Angel anyone?) The story is starting to progress and as the story ends you are left with a lot and I mean a HUMDINGER of a lot of questions unanswered. But that's what makes this so great. Any story that leaves you hanging is worth reading.

Only one question remains... what does 'HE' know...

If you read you will understand. ^_^

5stars - "A Breath Taking, Cry Your Eyes Out Story!" (K. Shore)
I ordered this book as soon as it came out, and to tell you the truth I was disappointed. James Patterson has done so, so much better with his past Maximum Ride books. The plot of this book goes all over the place and the characters were way out of character. All we can do is hope that Patterson has big plans for the next book.

I ordered this book as soon as it came out, and to tell you the truth I was disappointed. James Patterson has done so, so much better with his past Maximum Ride books. The plot of this book goes all over the place and the characters were way out of character. All we can do is hope that Patterson has big plans for the next book.

3stars - "A few steps backwards..."
This book was absolutely amazing.
I don't really want to spoil the book....
Maybe just a little.
Theres a new guy, Dylan. Thats it. Thats all I'm saying.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It is my fav in the series yet.
(The comment thing at the end of the book was really funny)
You gotta read the book to find out!

This book was absolutely amazing.
I don't really want to spoil the book....
Maybe just a little.
Theres a new guy, Dylan. Thats it. Thats all I'm saying.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It is my fav in the series yet.
(The comment thing at the end of the book was really funny)
You gotta read the book to find out!

5stars - "FREAKING AWESOME!" (BabiiexElmo)

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