Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - General   3. General   4. Sagas   5. Fiction / General   

Customer Reviews (339)

Hitting the mark
I seem to have hit the mark recently for picking excellent books that deal with dysfunction, some sort of handicap, or bizarre coming of age stories. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT is one such book. The others were LITTLE CHILDREN (suburban dysfunction) and BARK OF THE DOGWOOD (family skeletons in the closet--and everywhere else). Of the three, INCIDENT was the most unusual.

Christopher Boone is a fifteen-year-old autistic boy who discovers his neighbor's poodle impaled on a pitchfork. As if this isn't enough to keep you reading, the story is told through the eyes of the fifteen-year-old who is determined to figure out how the event happened. Enter the genius aspect of this novel: how the autistic mind works (or doesn't). We're shown the amazing labyrinth of the psyche that Christopher tangles with in order to piece together what happened, and the thought process is truly amazing. Again, I was reminded of a similar incident in McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD where the main character takes an aptitude test and fails miserable, at least in other's eyes.

What an eye opener this Mark Haddon book is for this reason, for how many of us can even guess what goes on in the minds of those on the "other side?" And who is to say that "their" line of thinking is not the more correct one? Who is to say that their "logic" is illogical? Not me. If you've ever been on a jury you know how an attorney can twist things into an entirely different perspective and this is, in a sense, what happens, though Haddon is not intentionally manipulating us--he's just letting the story unfold via a very unseal mouthpiece that happens to see things in a different light.

This is not a lengthy read, and you'll find yourself flipping the pages (not because it's a thriller) but because it's so well written and different. I've enjoyed all of the Today Show Book Club picks and this is by far, one of the best. Highly recommended for something completely different and well done.

Different ways of thinking
This one of those treasures of a book you come across from time to time. Its rise to the fame reminds me of those exquisite low-budget movies that suddenly appear on the scene and capture audiences around the world. Mark Haddon, an award-winning children's book author, originally wrote the Curious Incident primarily for young audiences, not the general adult reader. Yet, the story and the character are anything but simplistic. Not surprisingly, given its captivating story, its moving main character, and unique style, it won literary awards for youth and children's books. Then, something curious happened as it caught the attention and imagination of the grown-ups... Having just won the Whitbread Prize for the best novel in 2003, it has achieved a rare recognition by winning awards across different literary categories.

The story is written from the perspective of Christopher, a 15-year-old youth with ambitions of becoming an astronaut. It is about experiences in his life, his "Special Needs" as an autistic youth and his surroundings. At some level he comes across like a younger child that can only react physically to uncomfortable situations, at another he acts like a very mature teenager who can explain his difficulties and reactions. He applies logic and analysis to help him understand real life problems as intellectual puzzles, such as who murdered the poodle. Given a certain rigidity of his systematic thought processes, he cannot give up on a path once chosen, whether intellectually or physically. The resulting problems have to be faced, whatever. If his parents could have read his book, they would have had a much easier time coping with him.

For me Haddon's book is a gem for a number of reasons. It is very real and touching story of a very special teenager that pulls the reader right into it and along with it. Christopher's ability to observe his surroundings and himself and describe his thought processes in "his" book allows the reader insights into a personality that we know little about. Haddon describes this environment where autism makes life complicated for Christopher and difficult for his parents with great care, yet he does not allow the special situation to become overbearing. He also demonstrates that people suffering from autism have a lot to offer and their special needs may not as far removed from those of the average normal person. It is a question of degree. [Friederike Knabe, Ottawa Canada]

Christopher's world
I do not know a thing about autism--so maybe this has something to do with why I was drawn into Christopher's tale. I found this character to be very interesting as he explained to me, the reader, how his mind works and why it works the way it does. I credit the author, Mark Haddon, for sticking to the challange of conveying such a story. There's much skill in the craftmanship and I find it to be a very intelligent read. I don't understand how another person here said they read--which caught my eye because I did as well--'Simon Lazarus' and found that to be more "worthy" and that 'A Curious incident..'is "drivel" or gimmicky. I see nothing of the sort here. Both of these works are distinct in their own right, and both are smart and quite readable. So for this reader: 'Simon Lazarus' and Christopher's story here are both entertaining and fascinating reads in their own distinct way. That's what literature is all about. Appreciate them both. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Autism   2. Fiction   3. Fiction - General   4. General   5. Literary   6. Savants (Savant syndrome)   7. Fiction / General   

Customer Reviews (4)

"God works all things for good--even our daily jobs!!"
If ever there were a 'feel good' book, that is, one that you're just glad you had the chance to pick up and read, this is it!

Sanborn teaches us to appreciate what we miss in the ordinary course of a working day--the little things-that mean much to others-and even more to God.

Just as we take for granted the beauty of a flower, and yet fail to see the intricacies of the tiny elements that make it special-so too, we fail to appreciate the many ramifications of what we are-and what we do-in the service of God.

This book teaches us to look at life from God's perspective--not ours. It reminds me of another wonderful book "WITH JOSPEPH IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ADVERSITY" which in a similar way helps us to see that God is working all things for good in the lives of His children. The adversities, the mundane job we think we have--all things. RECOMMENDED

Very Helpful
This book was extremely helpful for me in identifying the importance of passion in my life. Also wonderful was a dvd I found here on amazn called "New Free Sex" which helped me to bring more passion into my most intimate areas of life, without being offensive or pornographic in ANY way.

Fred Factor hits the spot!
I just finished reading "The Fred Factor" after returning from a wonderful conference where Mark Sanborn delivered an amazing speech! He truly does deserve to be in the top 20 best speakers in the country!
I have found that this easy to read book (finished it on the one and a half hour flight home)explains in a simple yet challenging way how to really find purpose and meaning in what you do (no matter what your profession or job), and to live above and beyond that which is expected or required. If only there were more "Freds" in the world! I am thankful that I am married to a real Fred! (Yes, his real name is Fred and his character epitomises this great book!) Be inspired and motivated to enjoy life the "Fred" way! Get this book..you won't regret it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics   2. Business / Economics / Finance   3. Business Life - Inspirational   4. Business/Economics   5. Christianity   6. Motivational   7. Personal Growth - Success   8. Religious aspects   9. Success   10. Business & Economics / Motivational   

Mark Bittman, award-winning author of such fundamental books as Fish and Leafy Greens and food columnist for the New York Times ("The Minimalist"), has turned in what has to be the weightiest tome of the year. There are more than 900 pages in this sucker--over 1,500 recipes! This isn't just the big top of cookbooks: it's the entire three-ring circus. This isn't just how to cook everything: it's how to cook everything you have ever wanted to have in your mouth. And then some.

Bittman starts with Roasted Buttered Nuts and Real Buttered Popcorn, and moves right along, section by section, from the likes of Black Bean Soup (eight different ways), to Beet and Fennel Salad, to Mussels (Portuguese-style over Pasta), to Cream Scones--and he hasn't even reached seafood, poultry, meat, or vegetables yet, let alone desserts. There are 23 sections in this cookbook (!) that reflect directly on the how-to of cooking, be that equipment, technique, or recipe.

Every inch of the way the reader finds Bittman's calm, helpful, encouraging voice. "Anyone can cook," he says at the beginning, "and most everyone should." More than a few college kids are going to head off to their first apartments with Bittman's book under arm. More than a few marriages will benefit with this book on the shelf. And anyone who loves cooking and the sound of a great food voice is going to enjoy letting this book fall open where it may. No matter what the page, it's bound to be a tasty and rewarding experience. --Schuyler Ingle ... Read more

Customer Reviews (231)

Useful and fun
"How to Cook Everything" is the most useful cookbook I've ever owned. Each type of food has a "Basics" section which includes lots of preparation tips. The recipes themselves are detailed enough for beginners, and not so esoteric that you have to make a trip to a specialty grocery store every time you want to cook something. Especially helpful are the suggestions for expanding on each dish. For example, after the basic Chicken Kebab recipe, there are four modifications, including Chicken Kebabs in Yogurt-Cumin Sauce.

I'm re-learning the way I prepare even the most basic things, like sandwiches and scrambled eggs! Who would have thought scrambled eggs could be so good? And the Pan-Grilled steak has weaned me from the backyard grill forever. No other cookbook would warn you that "clouds of smoke will instantly appear; do not turn down the heat." That bit of fear that your fire alarm will go off at any second just adds spice to the whole cooking experience.

The breadth of this book is just amazing. Besides having nearly every type of Western cooking you can imagine, it also has recipes from Japan, India, Thailand, and... you get the idea.

There is one drawback-this book has no photos, just a few hand-drawn illustrations. However, the book is just so huge that if it did have photos, it would probably cost much more than it does.

A Kitchen Essential!
This is a wonderful all-around cookbook, much easier to follow than the "Joy of Cooking". Cooking has always been my passion, but my creations were always fairly complex, adventurous dishes ... I never really learned how to make simple, every day meals. This book really helped me out with that! This would be a perfect gift for someone who has recently moved out on their own or for the single guy who needs a break from frozen pizzas! Even if most of the book were useless (which it is not), it would be a worthwhile purchase simply for the section entitled "28 Meals You Can Prepare in the Time it Takes to Boil Pasta" ... the recipes in this section are all simple, require usually less than 5 ingredients and can be prepared in just a few minutes. There are wonderfully detailed explanations in the books about simple, time-saving cooking techniques, as well as the reasons why certain things are prepared the way they are, so that the cook will have a better understanding of what they are doing. I would recommend this cookbook to everyone!

A Great Cooking Core Book
I come from a restaurant family and am an avid collector of all types of cookbooks from vintage to Martha and I consistently grab Bittman's How to Cook Everything for how to "cut to the chase." His writing style is terrific for: explanations, definitions, useful tips and information, technique and recipes that I can't find in my vast collection of cook books. I must have in anyone's cookbook library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery   2. Cooking   3. Cooking / Wine   4. General   5. Reference   6. Cooking / General   7. General cookery   

Customer Reviews (15)

Better than Roark's Formulas for stress & strain.
This book has a lot of information most of which is useless calculus integration with vary brief summery which seems to me being derived from other books just thrown into the mix with general categories. The book is basically an oversized machinery's handbook but with a poorly written index and with a lot of inapt formulas that don't have a explanation for formula variables used in the equation. If you do a lot of strength of material design I would suggest a machinery's hand book, or the McGraw Hill Mechanical Engineering Design book which is an excellent P.E. exam reference book. Stay away from the Roarks Formulas for stress & strain book its more poorly written then the Marks.

Marks' Handbook is a winner!
This book is an excellent general reference on a number of areas of science, engineering, and technology. I often refer to it first when searching for information on an unfamiliar subject. Most mechanical engineers working in design, manufacturing, and construction would benefit by having a copy of this book in their personal library.

Mark's Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers
I have a slightly older copy and I have found that for the PE exam this is a good reference however, if you are doing something in the real world, the Machinery's Handbook is FAR better. This book gives good overviews of a huge variety of topics that any Mech Engr might need but not much depth. It is about as much information as a manager might want to know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Engineering - Mechanical   2. General   3. Handbooks & Manuals   4. Handbooks, manuals, etc   5. Mechanical Engineering (General)   6. Mechanical engineering   7. Reference   8. Technology & Industrial Arts   9. Technology / Engineering / Mechanical   

Customer Reviews (13)

An AMAZING, must-have read for horse enthusiasts of all ages
This must truly the most beautiful book I have ever read. These amazing true stories of learning lessons from God's most stunning creation, coping with the loss of an equine friend, et cetera, are tear-jerking, heart-warming and may even make you crack a smile. Whether you are searching for the perfect gift for an equine-obsessed loved one or you are simply looking for a great horsey read to curl up with on a rainy day, "Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul" is most definately for you.

Chicken Soup
I've always loved the Chicken Soup books, and this one is no exception. I'll even go as far as to say it's probably my favorite! I love horses, and they've been a part of my life since I was a child. It's so heart-warming and endearing to read the stories in this book .. and it's addicting! This book is hard to put down once you start reading all the great stories. I highly recommend - to horse-lovers and non-horse people alike!

I laughed and cried myself horse!
I like a heartwarming story as much as the next dude, but previous "Chicken Soup" books have left me cold. I tried the original Chicken Soup for the Soul, as well as the Chicken Soup for the Bride's soul, the Single and Couple's souls, the Teacher, Volunteer, Kid's, Unsinkable, Hawaii, and Pet Lover's souls, and got nothing. I've even tried Chicken Soup for the Teenage soul (Volumes 1 through 3), the Parent's, Writer's, and Working Woman's souls, the Nature Lover's soul, the Christian's soul and even the Ocean Lover's soul. Boring, boring, boring, boring, boring, and boring. How was I supposed to relate to inspirational stories about people who have interests and hobbies different than I do?

Finally there's a Chicken Soup for non-empathetic equine enthusiasts like me! I would encourage all horse lovers to pick this up as soon as possible. Even my horse - who usually prefers detective stories - enjoyed this wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes   2. General   3. Horse owners   4. Horses   5. Horses - General   6. Human-animal relationships   7. Inspirational   8. Inspirational - General   9. Motivational & Inspirational   10. Self-Help   11. Pets / Horses / Care   

Customer Reviews (29)

Mandatory for all survivalists
This book MUST be in a survivalist library! It is the authoritive guide to identifying, diagnosing and treating human illness. You'll find nearly all the collected current knowledge of modern medicine within these pages.

Along with the Bible, this book is the single most important literary resource you can own. The Merck Manual is broken up into sections categorized along types of afflictions and causes, followed by appropriate treatments. Sometimes the language is clinical and can be difficult to follow without an understanding of the terms but most laymen can grasp enough to administer correct emergency medical care when necessary.

The Merck manual also proves useful when confronting your doctor about your condition or that of a loved one, it enables you to understand the diagnosis and treatment sufficiently to determine if there may be a mistake or a possible side-effect your doctor might not be willing to admit to.

I also recommend "Where there is no Doctor" and "Where there is no Dentist" to accompany this great book.

The Bible of Medicine
Dubbed the Bible of Medicine, the Merck manual is a book condensed enough to cover all the major aspects of of medicine in a text written that even though is targeted towards health care practitioners, can also be used by that layman. Written first at the end of the 19th century, the manual covers nearly most of everything in the medical field. From why epilepsy occurs to that dreadful itchy rash, the topics are concise, up to the point and easy to understand. Even though a home edition exists, the black book can be used by educated people to know anything they would like to know, with the exception of surgery.

The book is divided into an alphabetical scheme, where all the topics are featured in that order. However that can be confusing as such since the subtopics are not arranged that way. Case in point, if you wanted to search for Candidiasis of the skin, you should not search under C, but S for skin disorders and then follow things through. This can be confusing at first, but then again, this is not an encyclopedia or dictionary of medical terms. The great thing about the book is the way everything is covered in the basic schema of background, signs and symptoms and then therapy. This helps people understand the topic in the right sense and actually makes it stick to your mind for a long time. The book is also good enough to mention the doses of the drugs used to treat an ailment.

No medical clinician should be out there practicing without the Merck Manual on his desk. This is a quick reference that is essential in the day of evidence based medicine and where the patient is educated enough to be a part of his or her treatment plan and not just the silent recepient. The book can be found in the hard copy format and is available for the PALM, which makes it the best reference carried in a doctor's pocket.

Very Highly Recommended!!!

Here's what I think...
A great medical reference book that has been around forever. Probably more for medical professionals than the lay person though. Also recommend "The Multifidus Back Pain Solution" if you have back pain from lifting patients around all day like I do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diagnosis   2. Handbooks, manuals, etc   3. Internal Medicine   4. Medical   5. Medical / Nursing   6. Medicine   7. Reference   8. Therapeutics   9. Therapeutics (General)   10. Medical / General   

Customer Reviews (60)

THEE Windows Server 2003 Manual
This book more than met my need for learning Windows Server 2003. Our non-profit was looking to migrate from NT 4.0 to Windows Server 2003, this book helped us plan it and execute it flawlessly. What is really helpful is all the examples of common mistakes so that I could avoid them. In this field there is little time to learn a new technology but this book made it possible for me to do so. The text is easy to read and in fact fun. Mark keeps it quite humorous yet focused. It is as though he is sitting there guiding you through all the steps. I also have his Windows XP Professional book and highly recommend it as well. It is a necessary part of any network administrators library, even replacing the ones you get from Microsoft.

Thank You, Mark Minasi!!!
This book is just amazing! As someone who is fairly new to administering Windows 2003 (um, and Windows 2000 and Active Directory), it has proved to be a GODSEND! This is THE book that I grab everytime I need to learn how to set something up. Mark has this incredible ability to feel like he is right in the room with me, looking over my shoulder. His explanations are great. And, I for one, am glad that I get LOTS of pages for my money. I didn't know the first thing about DNS, Active Directory or Windows 2000/2003 Server when I picked up this book and now my test domains are simply humming along. I picked this book up in a bookstore after reading bits and pieces at the bookshelf. I came out to the Amazon site to get the ISBN number for a colleague when I read some of the reviews. You guys are crazy. I've read a ton of technical books and none of them come close to this one, in terms of what you get for the money. And why on earth would you think that you should be able to print from the CD? What's the copyright good for, if I could print a copy out for all of my friends. I'm sure it took a lot of effort to write this book and I, for one, am willing to pay for it. I'm sold. Thanks Mark. You made my life much easier.

Good
I have Minasi's Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 Mastering books. I would recommend Mastering Windows 2003 to most but I would also recommend Windows Server 2003 Inside Out. Having both books is a Godsend. Windows Server 2003 Inside Out has become my goto book for the indepth stuff especially monitoring, maintenance, Active Directory, networking, printing. Inside Out has the best coverage of DNS, DHCP, and TCP/IP. Mastering is still my goto book when I have to deal with Mac to Windows support or Unix to Windows issues or NetWare to Windows. Mastering is good for issues with older OSs like connectivity to Windows for Workgroup clients. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Client-Server Computing - General   2. Computer Bks - Communications / Networking   3. Computer Books: General   4. Computers   5. Internet - General   6. Microcomputer Application Software   7. Microcomputer Operating Environments   8. Operating Systems - General   9. Operating Systems - Windows   10. Operating systems (Computers)   11. Programming - General   

Subjects:  1. 1904-   2. Artists   3. Artists, Architects, Photographers   4. Biography   5. Biography & Autobiography   6. Biography / Autobiography   7. Biography/Autobiography   8. De Kooning, Willem,   9. United States   10. Biography & Autobiography / Artists, Architects, Photographers   

Subjects:  1. 1902-1971   2. Biography   3. Biography / Autobiography   4. Golf   5. Golf - General   6. Golfers   7. History   8. Jones, Bobby,   9. Sports   10. Sports & Recreation   11. Sports - General   12. United States   

Available in different covers that may differ from the image shown on this page. Amazon.com is unable to accept requests for a specific cover. The various covers will be assigned to orders at random. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!
This little book and CD are inspirational, deeply touching and heart-warming. They will reach out to your soul, your spirit and bring out the best in you. The song is no stranger to music lovers; it captivates and is so true to life, it leaves the reader with the feeling the song must have been written just for them. The book contains some beautiful photos and a poignant message. This would make a perfect, all-occasion gift for that very special person in your life - lover, family, friend, or yourself. Be good to you and pamper yourself, you deserve it! It is a memorable treasure that can be kept and cherished for many years to come, and I do, indeed... "hope you dance."

I Hope You Dance - so do I!
This song sung by Lee Ann Womack is set to a book & CD with lyrics & additional inspirational texts & photographs. This is my first review of a book inspired by a song & I recommend it to anybody wanting the perfect gift.

I Hope You Dance is filled with words of wonder & thoughtful photos. The song touched my heart when I first heard it, reminding me how much I liked to dance - when I'm glad as much as when I sorry. For both youngsters & oldsters & everybody in between, I Hope You Dance, is a soulful song, kindly given & beautifully presented.

Promise me you'll give I Hope You Dance a chance - it's a perfect gift for graduation, for somebody about to set out for fields afar, for anybody who loves to love for in the giving, you will have song, love & laughter in your heart. Do check out my full review.

Powerful, Precious, Priceless!
This is a powerful yet small 68 page book that can truly inspire and reach the heart of a person. It can actually speak volumes to a person you care about while you yourself are inspired as well! I venture to say it may even help heal a wounded soul. Who of us has not been let down, betrayed, even deeply hurt at some point in our lifetime?

Mark Sanders and Tia Sillers along with the song lyrics (and CD!) of Lee Ann Womack's *I Hope You Dance* have put together a great package of an inspirational optimistic look at life. Such as asking "What is hope?" Then expounding on what hope means such as: to want, to desire, to expect what is envisioned may indeed happen, to hang on, hold out just a little while longer?..still they cover more thoughts then ask: "Can you have hope without faith and humility and wonder?" adding "What would you be without hope growing deep in your bones, thriving in every inch of you?" They share a truth: "Nothing." Then on the next page asking "What does it take to hope?" At the bottom the answer in capitals "EVERYTHING"

It is this simple yet to the core style that makes this book powerful! The song lyrics are incorporated with the additional writing and it hits home on life, our childhood wonder, love, hurt, caring, taking that 'one more chance' when you want to give up. This song/lyrics/book was brought to my attention by a friend I had not seen in several years. Finding me wounded, feeling betrayed and withdrawn he saw not only a heart broken but spirit crushed. He actually asked me if I still dance as much as I used to...when I replied I no longer dance nor care to, he played this song for me...*time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along*

This book goes the distance. (pg. 45. "Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter" 46. "There are too many people too angry at a world that isn't in the least bit angry at them") If you know someone that needs a lift or you simply want to let them know you are always there for them, you care...no matter WHAT, this is the book! If YOU need some encouragement yourself, this book can inspire you! If nothing else you can search your own soul. For me not only the love I feel from it being given to me but for all the pieces of myself I was able to pick up and put back together, it is priceless! Like the author I agree "I liked being five" and if given the chance..I hope others wounded will dance once again too! Don't miss this book, its precious, powerful, priceless! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape   2. Conduct of life   3. Inspirational - General   4. Motivational & Inspirational   5. Music   6. Self-Help   7. Gift   

Customer Reviews (47)

Great Book for overview of guitar but...
I recently purchased both Guitar for Dummies and 1st Steps for a Beginning Guitarist by Bruce Arnold. I thought I made a very wise choice for both texts. First let me say that Guitar for Dummies is a great reference text. It has information on so many aspects of playing the guitar like; changing strings, guitar accessories, basic maintenance, etc. All this information was very useful because I'm a total beginner. I felt that as a method to learn to play guitar Guitar for Dummies wasn't that great. Don't get me wrong there is a lot of information in this book about how to play the guitar. The problem for me is that much of this information is nothing I would ever consider playing for anyone. For example "Oh Susanna" and "On Top of Old Smoky" might be great songs for a camp counselor to learn but I'm more into rock and folk music from the 60's to the present and Guitar for Dummies does not contain any music like this. This is were the 1st Steps for a Beginning Guitarist by Mr. Arnold really helped. The chord progressions were challenging, gradually became more difficult and sounded like something I felt good about playing in front of somebody. Mr. Arnold's book also went into much more detail about many aspect of learning to play guitar and music in general. In my opinion these two books make a great combination for a beginner guitarist.

By far, the best guitar overview.
This is a great guitar overview but I'm puzzled that so many beginners rate this so highly. I started with Ernie Ball method books and can't imagine using this particular book as a single substitute. For example, unless you're a natural, you're not going to go from playing in open position to playing in other positions in one paragraph. I think the best package for beginners would be this book AND a progressive method AND some lessons.

If you are an intermediate player, you can enjoy reviewing things in this text that you've already learned as well as getting quick concise information about particulars, be it string bends, double double stops, power chords, or whatever.

This book is a great buy as it saves you from acquiring a whole shelf of guitar books to find out all there is to explore. Once you find a particular topic of interest, seek out a more specialized book.

The CD is unbeatable as you can immediately associate what you hear in different types of music with the musical notation.

If you're a Rock bigot, note that there is a Rock Guitar version. However, this one is my favorite. If you're going to be a rolling stone, you gotta be well rounded, right?

very good overview for beginners
This is a very good overview for beginners. The word "overview" should be emphasized: I wouldn't recommend that anyone make it his ONLY book for very long. On the other hand, you don't have to be an ABSOLUTE to beginner to get something, quite a lot, actually, out of this book. (Intermediate and advanced players might care to look into something like Ron Rendek's "We Gather Together", for example, instead.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Guitar   2. Instruction & Study - Techniques   3. Instruction and study   4. Music   5. Musical Instruments - Construction And Repair   6. Musical Instruments - General   7. Musical Instruments - Guitar   8. Study and teaching   9. Music / General   10. String instruments   11. Techniques of music   

"How does a dinosaur say good night when Papa comes in to turn off the light? Does a dinosaur slam his tail and pout? Does he throw his teddy bear all about? Does a dinosaur stomp his feet on the floor and shout: 'I want to hear one book more!'? DOES A DINOSAUR ROAR?" Most certainly not. Dinosaurs give their mommies and daddies big hugs and kisses, tuck their tales in, and whisper "Good night!"

Every sleepy little dinosaur will recognize the tricks of the trade in these bedtime shenanigans. The chuckle factor is sky-high here, with giant, full-page pictures of cleverly identified Tyrannosaurus rexes, triceratopses, and Pteranodons. A variety of human mothers and fathers trying to put their dinosaur children to bed will bring the point home that the story may have something to do with human kid behavior as well. This good-natured nighttime book is sure to be a winner (even though it might inspire a few noisy dinosaur antics), especially as it's written by Jane Yolen, prolific Caldecott Medalist author of Owl Moon. Yolen and Mark Teague have teamed up to create a fun, silly, playful read-aloud. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (60)

A book to make bedtime a little easier.
This book is now a favorite of my two and half year old daughter. She asks me to read it to her at least once a day. The premise of the story is to show the proper way to say goodnight. The first half of the book shows dinosaurs acting up at bedtime (hmm kind of reminds me of my daughter) and the second part shows dinosaurs saying goodnight nicely. The pictures of the dinosaurs really crack her up. She loves the opening picture of the dinosaur in the tub and the one of the dinosaur holding a toy train. The pictures are so charming that I am sure they will have adults smiling too. The text is simple enough for a small child to memorize and the names of the dinosaurs are included on the page with their picture to provide even more learning oppurtunities. This book has made my daughter so crazy for dinosaurs that I intend to take her to a dinosaur exhibit at our local science museum. The best part of this book is that it has actually made my daughter go to bed with less resistance. When she starts to act up I just quote a line or two from the book and she settles right down. Last night she told me "goodnight mama dinosaur." We love this book.

Beautifully Illustrated
The first thing that comes to mind when I look at this book is how beautifully illustrated it is. The images are rich, engaging and a delight to absorb.

The book covers ten dinosaurs -- Allosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Apatosaurus, Corythosaurus, Dimetrodon, Pteranodon, Stegosaurus, Trachodon, Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex. All of them appear so friendly that your child just might invite them for a sleepover. Moreover, they are anatomically correct, insofar as they can be for cartoon like illustrations.

One of the most interactive pieces of the book is that each illustration has hidden within it the name of the dinosaur. Everytime my son and I read this book he seeks out the dinosaur's name. It's a dino I Spy game for him.

He's also fascinated with the fact that he can match the dinosaurs from the inside covers (front and back) with those within the story.

Of course, beautiful illustrations are important, but so is the story line. This one is done well. The illustrations show the dinosaurs engaging in all sorts of antics to avoid going to sleep. However, the point of this is to question whether or not dinosaurs show "naughty" bedtime behavior. They do not. In the end, dinosaurs "tuck in their tails" and "whisper, 'Good night!'

Overally, I would highly recommend this book for dinosaur loving preschoolers! It is beautiful, interactive and well written.

Dinosaurs act up at bedtime too!
This imaginative book features a large cast of "real" dinosaurs acting as naughty as real kids do when it's bedtime. I loved the pictures of exasperated parents as a huge brontosaurus throws covers on the floor or a tyrannasaurus rex runs around the room. My second grade niece, a good reader, handles the text with ease but isn't too old to be tickled by the concept. Younger siblings like this one too. Inside the front cover is a chart with small drawings of the characters and their scientific names--an educational bonus! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures   2. Bedtime   3. Bedtime & Dreams   4. Behavior   5. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   6. Children: Preschool   7. Dinosaurs   8. Fiction   9. Humorous Stories   10. Juvenile Fiction   11. Stories in rhyme   

Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - General   3. Helprin, Mark - Prose & Criticism   4. Historical - General   5. NJBwBT   6. Short Stories (single author)   7. Short stories   

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Languages / Programming   2. Computer Books: Languages   3. Computers   4. Microcomputer Application Software   5. Microcomputer Operating Environments   6. Operating Systems - Windows   7. Programming - General   8. Computers / General   

Features

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Customer Reviews (7)

great features and instruction!
I've tried other CD sets to learn French and this is the best! The CD's are multiple track and although each track is rather long, I simply use the fast forward button on my car's CD player to skip through parts I really know. At first it seemed strange to learn without written materials, but the results speak for themselves (no pun intended). I highly recommend this course.

These Are Wonderful Multiple Track CDs!!
Me and my car player loved these MULTIPLE TRACK French CDs. They're easy to understand and will teach you to speak French FAST. I learned so much French with this 8 CD set that I can speak more than my friend who was a French major in college. How 'bout them nanners?
The tracks are laid out thematically so that you can fast forward on the run, go back, etc ... Ideal for the car. No reading or dictionary required. Great native French speaker and fantastic instructor who speaks clear American English.
Don't be frightened away by those planted reviews that urge caution. I highly recommend this course and the quality of the recordings.
P.S. I suggest to those who get an error message on these quality CDs (see above) to buy a new player and keep the CDs. The CDs are Taiyo Yuden, the folks who invented CD technology and the world's leading producer of high quality CDs. I checked all this out before I bought my course.

Très Bien et Merci!
Many thanks or 'Merci Beaucoup' to Language Dynamics for coming up with Behind the Wheel French. A truly great course.
Friendly voices come at you in a non threatening way to teach you how to speak French while in your car, jogging, etc. ..
I really appreciated the natural, non grammatical approach and the native French speaker. I also liked the fact that the American instructor has an advanced degree in French and was rated as an excellent instructor by his university students. This level of expertise is evident in the CD presentation which is low key but extremely effective at getting one (me in this case) to speak and understand basic French. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Language   2. Audio Adult: Language   3. French   4. Foreign Language Study   5. Audiobooks   6. French Language   

Customer Reviews (15)

Simple and Fast Way to Converse in Spanish
From Berlitz to Pimsleur, I would say that all Spanish courses have good and bad points.
What makes Conversational Spanish in Nothing Flat so good is that it gets you speaking the language right away and then builds on those basic concepts throughout the course.
The structure of this course, beginning with how easily a novice learner can begin saying his or her own sentences in Spanish almost immediately, gives even the shyest person confidence to speak Spanish.
Most courses, despite their good points, shoot you right down in the beginning. You just don't feel like you will ever make it! Language Dynamics overcomes this feeling of 'overwhelm' by giving you simple yet useful basic bits of language to improve upon daily.
First you crawl, fall down and then walk.
Most foreign language courses expect the baby learner to run a marathon without the opportunity of learning to walk first.
Conversational Spanish takes the time and effort to take you from the crawling stage, to the tottering stage, picks you up when you fall down, teaches to speak real Spanish little by little and then you just take off.
No course does what this one does and for these reasons I highly recommend you try it.

Excellent Product and Quality
I have been delighted with both the results I have received and the quality of my Conversational Spanish course. The clarity and diction of the speakers on the CDs is wonderful. With this approach to language learning, you don't even have to rewind or switch tracks. The review is already 'built in'. It's perfect for the car because you just pop in the CD and the rest is automatic. If you miss something, rest assured, it will be reviewed at a later time.
This method is far more advanced and streamlined than any I have experienced. It cuts through all the baloney and really gets you speaking conversational Spanish fast!

GREAT COURSE FOR THE CAR!
I live near a big metropolitan area and I do lot of driving (and sometimes trains) every day. I bought Conversational Spanish 8 CDs with the expectation of learning some Spanish during my two hour daily commute. I couldn't have underestimated this course more. I learned A LOT of Spanish during my commutes and what I have learned I owe to this great course. The thing that makes it so effective for me is that all the Spanish comes with English definitions so I don't have to stop the CD to go look up meanings.
Add to this the fact that Luis (the native speaker) always repeats enough so that if you space out for a second, get honked at, or whatever, you still catch the lesson.
My impressions of this course are that it is simple, easy to understand, and effective at getting you 'conversational' in Spanish fast.
I find it nearly unbelievable that I am able to speak as much basic Spanish as I now do in such a short period of time.
By the way .... The book is great too. (When you're not driving of course). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Language   2. General   3. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction   4. Foreign Language Study   5. Spanish   6. Audio Adult: Language   7. Self-instruction   8. Spanish language   

Subjects:  1. Europe - France   2. Foreign relations   3. France   4. History   5. History - General History   6. History: World   7. International Relations - General   8. United States   9. History / France   

Customer Reviews (21)

Great Overall Workout
Core Performance contains great workouts for overall conditioning. Being in my mid-forties I've tried a little of everything to keep fit and active. I lifted weights for a number of years but had to slow down as I got older due to tendonitis in my knees and a torn calf muscle, mainly due to not being flexible enough. I then tried power yoga which got rid of the tendonitis and tightness but I didn't feel quite as strong. I then tried this program which combines the resistance training and flexibility that I was looking for with a little cardio thrown in to boot. Following this program my body just seems more active and alive plus I've toned up quite a bit too. Part of it is the commitment to working out 5+ days a week but it is also due to the combination of workouts presented in the book.

The Core Performance workouts consist of 4 separate phases which start off relatively easy but get progressively harder. The early phases aren't that difficult although they seem awkward because you are forced to work muscles you don't normally work. These phases also lay the groundwork to prepare you for the later phases which are more difficult. The later phases will get your attention but if you stick with it you will not be disappointed. If you commit yourself to following the workouts presented in Core Performance, the benefits you gain in overall conditioning will more than make up for the price of this book.

A great book!! I saw results after only ONE week!
After only ONE week of following Mark's training program I noticed a major difference in how I felt. I'm 3 weeks into his program now and continue to see improvements. He has shown me how to improve flexibility and increase core strength which has reaped benefits on the basketball court. After only one week I noticed I had much better footwork (from stability exercises) and increased endurance (body-weight leg exercises). Also, I used to have occasional lower back pain...that has all but disappeared thanks to the physioball and foam roll exercises.

I have preached this book like it's a new religion and several of my friends have begun to use his program. One individual has had nagging back problems for years, and just after a few days of using the Movement Prep exercises he's seen vast improvement.

For $20 you can't go wrong....there is so much useful information in this book! It's very well written, the illustrations are excellent, and I found the nutrition section to be very educational.

As an aside, I just purchased Mike Boyle's "Functional Training for Sports". It's not as polished but follows the same principles and offers even more exercises, although it utilizes an extensive array of equipment most people won't own. Not coincidentally, Mike Boyle now works for Mark at Athlete's Performance.

For Athletes Only!
This book is for athletes only, not for overweight middle-aged guys like me who just joined a gym because our doctors are yelling at us and we want to find out more about this "core" thing that our trainer and everyone else is talking about. This is evident from the initial stretching routines, which look more like Houdini contortion acts and advanced techniques than anything a normal person can do. The only thing this book is good for for me is good laughs! :-) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning   2. Bodybuilding   3. Diet / Health / Fitness   4. Exercise   5. Health & Fitness   6. Health/Fitness   7. Physical fitness   8. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Customer Reviews (20)

Good... but Behind the Wheel?
This is a pretty good course. I've learned some Spanish and I am just on CD 2. But, the book does not match the cd's very well. Some of the words taught on the tape are not the same words (are they synonyms?) in the book. I think it was originally just a book and tapes, not meant really for learning behind the wheel and they just copied the tapes to CD (see Conversational Spanish in Nothing Flat).
There are 2 tracks on each cd, each about 30 min long (the front and back of each tape) and if you want to repeat a section of audio ('repetition is the key to learning' the instructor tells us), you have to >> or << the cd player - not the easiest or safest thing to do while driving. And if you are not careful, you are back at the beginning of a track. Not much fun when you are 15 minutes into a 30 minute track and the only way to get back is to hold down the >> key...

If they had taken just a little time and divided each tape into about twenty 3 minute tracks so that the driver could review more easily, it would be so much better.

Great For Behind the Wheel
This is an amazingly helpful car Spanish course. I've learned a ton of Spanish already and I am only on CD 2. Fortunately, the book matches the cd's perfectly for home review and there is even a word for word tapescript and and answer keys (and English translations - what a Godsend) on the same page as the exercises..
I received the multi-track version of this set but I feel that with the built in review that the single track version would work just fine in the car as well. I rarely if ever use the multi-tracks because the course is designed to be 'real time' which means you don't have to artificially speed it up or slow it down. Just keep playing the CDs and you'll learn to speak Spanish.
My set has 6 tracks per CD and they are beautifully produced.

Multiple Tracks at Last!!
I am and continue to be a big fan of Language Dynamics, their method and above all, the Behind the Wheel Series.
I am delighted to have purchased the newer version of Behind the Wheel Spanish 8 CD with text which has
Multiple Tracks and is completely edited with no reference to tapes whatsoever.
The former course was good but this one is great since I can now sail from lesson to lesson with my track changer and still enjoy the award winning voices and accents that have made this course an all time favorite. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Language   2. General   3. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction   4. Audio Adult: Language   5. Foreign Language Study   6. Spanish   7. Self-instruction   8. Spanish language