Product Description
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlaying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one girl and one boy between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has also resolved to outwit the creators of the games. To do that she will have to be the last person standing at the end of the deadly ordeal, and that will take every ounce of strength and cunning she has. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1359)

wonderful surprise!
I needn't add any more accolades to what is already here but to say give this book a chance and you will not be disappointed! I can't wait for the next one!

Empty Fun
This is an in-the-moment book that can be enjoyed as a page-turning thriller, but that can be easily discarded and forgotten after that. Seeing the overwhelming consumer reviews of this novel, I went in thinking that it would be something on the level of Ender's Game or The Giver or The City of Ember. While the book moves well, and the plot is constructed to keep you rolling along, The Hunger Games lacks the originality and genuine spirit of those other books. It's a book that seems to want to say something about the perils of reality TV or about a society that preys on children, but it never does so, and then it hooks the reader in the same way that cheap television does--by creating average characters with stereotypical traits and then making the reader more interested in what's next for the characters instead of keying in on the point or the themes of the story being told. And the reader's relationship to the characters does a lot to hide the fact that there isn't much point here. But that's why people like reality TV. It's fun to make fake friends and then watch them do things that we can't do. And this is a fun book that's even interesting at times, but mostly it's an empty diversion without heart--like a scripted season of Survivor.

TERRIFIC YA book for all ages...!
I way-prefer the young adult novels being churned out. They are not constrained by what may be "appropriate," or "correct," they just are what they are. This is a great work about teens in struggle for their survival and overcoming. A universal message encapsulated in a great story.

The Hunger Games
I wanted to read this book because it was recommended by my favorite performer, Adam Lambert.I didn't think it was my kind of story at first, but the writing was compelling and I didn't want to put it down for anything.
After I found out it was a trilogy, I ordered the other 2 books, Catching Fire and Mockinjay.I'm 1/2 way through the second one and am enjoying it just as much as the 1st one.

I'll read book 2
Pros
- Great cliff hangers at each chapter ending kept me from putting it down.
- IT's a decent quick read & I'll read book 2.
- I love post-apocalyptic fiction.

Cons
- Too girly for my taste.There's no place for fashion and shimmering dresses in a life and death struggle for survival.
- I felt a serious disconnect half the time.At times, the emotions of the characters and the actions of The Capitol were too illogical; I almost put it down.
- The explanation the author gives for the purpose of the games was not sufficient to support the brutal cruelty.



... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1905.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This is a simple to use and very useful book for adults and children
This book contains short, simple, and to the point instructions for games that can be played by children, adults and to mark special occasions. There are 58 games for children. Most are very easy to follow, such as guessing how many pedals are on a rose. The 58 include well-known games, such as Hide and Seek, Simon Says, and Musical Chairs, as well as new ones, such as The serpent's Tail and Shoe Hunt.

There are also 106 games that adults can play and enjoy an evening rather than sitting around and gossiping or drinking or watching TV. Again, there are games that are well-known, some of which can even be played by children, such as Geography, Telegram, and Who Am I? There are also newer games, such as Proverbs, What Time is It? Famous Numbers, Magic Answers, and What is My Next Door Neighbor?

Thirty-nine of the games can be saved and used for special days. These include Jack Frost, Valentine Puzzle, April First, and Easter Egg.

While readers may think that to play games is silly, they may be surprized that their guests will warm up to the idea and have fun and want to come again.

Just explainations on games you can create
If you can't think of any way to occupy your child or family this book could be for you. There are no actual games to play but it does have some interesting description of games you might want to do. This wasn't all that helpful when I was trying to entertain my grandchildren.

It works
This book works to give you many ideas. If you find a game in there and it seems too elementary, than just change it up to suite your needs.It is, after all, free!

I am a teacher and have found it useful many times to fit my students needs.And by the way, they are adult students, and not once have they complained.It just makes boring work, a bit less boring.

Simple Old Games
This book has no less than 203 games that ostensibly are for Children, Adults and Special Days.All of the games are appropriate for children though some of the "adult" games require knowledge like spelling or states shapes or the like.These are the sorts of games that would be played in a nursery school or a church basement.

When I first looked through this book I was a bit dissapointed because I expected to find rules to old games.That's not what I found.Even Blind Man's Buff was changed to be more politically correct with less touching.

I also thought at first that the author was trying to be PC or maybe it was aimed at a Christian audience.But as I read I could see that these games are wonderful day care games for any audience that is highly conscious of any sort of moral standards.Hindus, Muslims, Christians or whatever will find that these games work for them.

If you are a Day Care owner or worker or you deal with very young children this book could be a life saver!!!However, if you are looking for anything historical, or sophisticated in ANY way shape or form... this book is NOT meant for you. ... Read more

Product Description
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (650)

Great follow-up to the Hunger Games
Loved this book as much or more than the first! Seriously couldn't put it down.

Worth Your Trip To The Bookstore
Imagine yourself many years in the future.The United States has been reduced to rubble.And from the ashes rises Panem, a country with 13 districts and a controlling capitol.After the first rebellion, in which district 13 was destroyed, the capitol holds and annual contest called the Hunger Games.This contest includes 12 boys and 12 girls, picked at random who fight to the death on live television.This is where Suzanne Collins novel Catching Fire (sequel to The Hunger Games) takes place.

After fighting for her life, Katniss Everdeen,a 15 year old girl from district 12, has won the hunger games, along with her "lover" Peeta.But in doing so, she has made herself an enemy of the capitol.Now, the capitol will stop at nothing to extinguish the fire of rebellion, lit by her bold move.Katniss must now battle the capitol along with her feelings for friends, family, and those she loves.

Collins really outdid herself.This book is amazing read; it is a futurstic novel that is packed with nonstop action, along with deep emotional conflict.It is written in first person present tense which keeps the reader on the edge of there seat through the whole book.The reader is given insight into Katniss's mind, they feel her emotions and conflict, which helps the reader connect with Katniss and understand what she is going through.

This book can be enjoyed by all ages, but is most appealing for young adults.Young adults and feeling much of the same feelings Katniss it, conflicted about love, trying to hold on to family, and figuring out life as well.Young adults could connect their emotions to the book, which would make the book that much more meaningful to them.

This book will change how you think about war, death, and love.It will open your eyes to the real world.When Katniss is placed into the games the first time, she teams up with Rue, a girl from district 11, they work together and become friends.But soon after Rue is killed, Katniss is horrified and takes revenge.This demonstrates that in war, when death occurs, it is not just another one more person gone.There is a whole story behind that person, people love them ad care for them.Also, this book will change your perspective on love.You will realize that true is something that lasts until the end.Peeta, who is madly in love with Katniss, is willing to end his life to that she could survive.He will do anything to protect her from danger.

Over all, the book has an amazing plot line.It is filled with suspense up until the very end.The emotional conflicts add to the book even more.it is definitely worth your trip to the local book store.I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Deception and Treachery
Do you remember The Hunger Games and how it the book ended?Have you been waiting and waiting and waiting like I have for the sequel?Well wait no more, as it's out and just as good, if not better, than the first book!

Katniss and Peeta are preparing to go on their Victory Tour of all the districts at the beginning of the book.When Katniss comes home from hunting one day, the President of the Capitol is there waiting for her.When he threatens her family and friends because he says she is causing an uprising, Katniss vows to do what it will take to protect them during the tour.

Then comes news of the Quarter Quell.It is celebrated every 25 years - and this year will be the third.This is the Hunger Games, but with an added twist that blows everyone away, especially Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch.

I really can't say anything more without giving too much away.I will say that Katniss's Mockingjay pin figures prominently in this book.Also, you will not be able to put it down.Really.I had to continue reading and skipped out on other things that I should have been doing (like homework...oops).I even had to stay up past my bedtime to find out what happens (double oops).Collins has a natural talent for putting you right there with Katniss and the way she creates suspense is just phenomenal.And naturally, Collins leaves us with another humdinger of an ending.At least she's working on the third book in the series!

Notes on the Cover:
The red is very catching, and the Mockingjay pin again figures prominently on the cover.I liked the choice of red before I read the book, but now it means so much more and I am in love with it.

Catching Fire is Fantastic! by Gertrude Tyler a32
In catching fire, the second book in Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games trilogy many exciting things happen.Many new rebellions occur, and many new relationships evolve.I think that this book was better than The Hunger Games and was the best in the trilogy.There was a lot more action in this book and many high-stake relationships.In this book, Peeta Mellark, Katniss Everdeen and all the other victors from previous hunger games are put back in the arena for the quarter quell. The tension between the Capitol and the districts is greater than ever.This book has a fair amount of violence and romance.I would strongly recommend this book to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and The Olympians fans.

If I could rate this book one to five I would rate it a five. I thought it exceeded standards and it was defiantly was a page turner and I read it in two days. Whole chapters followed Katniss's thought process.Suzanne Collins was able to capture the setting and describe it in such great detail that you could picture yourself there. Emotions and characters are also described in great detail.
If you liked The Hunger Games, you will defiantly love this book .

Another review of this book by Jake Leeno (5 stars)

Catching Fire is on Fire!

Catching Fire is the second book in the exciting Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It is a great book and may even be better than the first book.
In Catching Fire, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark return to District 12 after winning the 74th Hunger Games against all odds. They start living in the Victor's Village with Haymitch, their former mentor and it seems like things will be alright. But after a threat from President Snow, a disheartening Victory Tour, and some signs of uprising, it looks as if Katniss and other victors will be heading back to the arena. But will Katniss stay alive again? Will the Districts still accept the Capitol's ways? And what will the 75th Hunger Games contain?
What Suzanne Collins puts into this jewel is amazing. This book and the other books are great and awesome. This book is stunning and it makes you want to keep on reading until you get to the end. The characters, Katniss, Peeta, Haymitch, Gale, and more will make you love and hate them. I would give Catching Fire a 10 on a scale of 1-10. You could get a really clear picture in your head while reading this. This is a very suspenseful book and if you thought "The Hunger Games" was good, than you'll think that Catching Fire is GREAT.
Step aside Bella Swan, Katniss Everdeen is your heroine now!

Catch Fire, an exciting squel
I thought this book was amazing! At first I didn't think I would like it, because the first book didn't leave a cliffhanger or opening for a sequel. I was wrong; it is just as good as the first book.There was moment I actually liked it more than the first book. For example, I liked how the districts are rebellious, this makes me think that they are tuff and brutal,, but at the same time the districts have hope and have a dream, this makes me think that they want to get somewhere and that this is there way, so they have hope. I like how Suzanne Collins puts these emotions together and make it one and to me it just is hard to explain how she does it so well. I also liked the irony in it, like when the main character thinks she will never have to go back in the games, but for the 75th Hunger games she has to go back in the arena. I like her use of foreshadowing when she had the Hunger games director show a main character a watch, which represents the upcoming arena. I like her way of foreshadowing because you didn't realize she used it unless you looked closely or once the main character gets to the arena. I thought it was cool how she came up with the setting of the arena being a clock. I also liked how she kept the setting simple, so it was easy to remember which part was which when she was talking about a character in a part of the setting. There was one thing I did not like about the book, and that was how she brought out the character. I thought the author should have put more detail about all the rest of the character. She seems to just talk about few characters in depth, like Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch, even though Gale is a big part of the novel, she does not talk about him in depth like she should.

Like I said I loved it and excited to read the last book in the series. I would recommend this to anybody who read the Hunger Games, and if you were like me trust me it is a good sequel. If haven't read the series at all if advise you to read the first book. i hope everyone likes as much as I did.
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Product Description

Customer Reviews (841)

Wonderful book!!!
I never was much of a reader, but when I walked into a book store and they recommended me the hunger games I was very skeptical, I judged the book by it's cover, but was I never more wrong, the story is wonderful i can't put the books down, I'm already on my 3rd book in less than a week (mind you I was never much of a reader) so if your thinking of purchasing this book, don't hesitate any longer and buy it, you will not regret it!!

A disappointing end to an otherwise exciting ride
I really didn't enjoy this book.After the exciting and fascinating ride the first two books took me on, I was expecting more.This book seemed like it was written in a hurry.It didn't really add anything to the story.It's basically just a bunch of gory battle scenes interspersed with Katniss finding new places to hide, strung together to form a very weak plot that will probably only appeal to fans of war novels.After finishing the book, I didn't feel happy for the characters or thoughtful about their predicaments or inspired to make sure nothing like this ever happens in our world.I just felt depressed.

I wish now that I had just read The Hunger Games and stopped there.This final book tainted my impression of the whole series.

One of these things just doesn't belong.
Mockingjay is not a fitting end to the story of the first two books.It is an entirely different beast.A boring, heartless, dead ending.Too bad.

mockingjay
Very nice book.Least favorite of the three - I didn't like the ending.But the book itself is well made.

"Mockingjay is amazing!!!"
I LOVED THE BOOK !!!!!! I had great expectations as it was the final book in the series. I loved them all but, I think that this last book was the best of the whole seies! I was soo sad when Prim died toward the end. But to me, there were too many things that happened in the book toward the end that didn't really fit u know? (but you'll have to read the book to find out!) Hope you love it as much as I did and I hope that suzanne Collins comes out with more books in the future!

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Customer Reviews (38)

Excellent
We got the books within a week of ordering them and we love having the trilogy for a cheap price!

Love these books
I love these books! I recommend them to everyone I know. Some people don't like the third one very much, but I thought it wrapped things up well!

Hunger Games Trilogy Boxset Review
I was very happy with these books.Not only did I enjoy reading them, but the product was shipped in excellent condition and the deal I got from Amazon for the hardcover books was amazing.

totally awesome
This boxset was way worth getting it didnt show much pictures or have much of a discription of the product. But i do know that i was not sure if it was for sure a accual three books. I think that, that should be clarified when in the desription or details of the product. But other than that i got waht i paid for and for a really good deal. thanks hope you buy this boxset like i did.

Can not put it Down
I have finished the first book couldn't put it down till I was done. My brother can't wait for me to finish my report to have it. Started on the second and it is just as good if not better.I can't wait to get to the third one. ... Read more

Product Description
Winer of the Hugo and Nebula Awards

In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut—young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training.

Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister.

Is Ender the general Earth needs? But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender's two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If, that is, the world survives.
Amazon.com Review
Intense is the word for Ender's Game.Aliens have attackedEarth twice and almost destroyed the human species.To make surehumans win the next encounter, the world government has taken tobreeding military geniuses -- and then training them in the arts ofwar... The early training, not surprisingly, takes the form of'games'... Ender Wiggin is a genius among geniuses; he wins all thegames... He is smart enough to know that time is running out.But ishe smart enough to save the planet? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2740)

Barely Started
Not sure if its intended demographic are youngsters who are comfortable with crude language, but barely after the first three chapters, the profuse profanity is getting to be a bit too much for me.I am debating whether it would be worthwhile to persist for a few more chapters in hopes that the story may really shine or abandon it at this point...

This book really spoke to me
I found this book to be spectacular, and will continue to read Mr. Card's work since he does what the best Sci-Fi authors do. He stretches the imagination and the value structure that most of us take for granted. It's one thing to craft a good story, but it's quite another to make the reader think and question themselves for feeling a certain way. I have seen that some people feel that this book is written too plain, but I didn't for a minute feel that way as I torpedoed myself toward the exciting climax (which I would never dare spoil for anyone). Any great work polarizes, and I think this qualifies.

Which Way is Up?
Science Fiction is a genre that many people either love, or hate, but Orson Scott Card provides a novel that anyone and everyone should find enjoyment in.In the future Ender Wiggin is not an ordinary boy.His life is being monitored by the government who is at war with a distant planet's race "the Buggers".Through a series of events Ender is recruited to go to battle school, a school up in space where gifted children learn how to lead the inter-galactic army.The story travels through life in the school, and eventually Ender's involvement of the war.The story line is crafted so that a middle school child, or middle aged space lover will appreciate the book.

Orson Scott Card constructs a book that is intriguing, but not difficult to read so readers of many different levels can find enjoyment in it.Every chapter begins with a different story line, that of the general in charge of watching over Ender and his friends at the school, and provides for a fresh break from the continual story of kids trying to assimilate into a new environment.

As always in Science Fiction, new ideas get brought to the table, and imaginations are stretched in every way possible, "Ender's Game" is no different.In the school to practice strategy, the kids are assigned teams and sent to a room where they mock battle the other teams.The trick to this room is that gravity is reversed and no one knows where the ground really is.Card's words help the reader to paint a picture in their mind, which is always different than the next readers.

"Ender's Game," will provide a fun, exhilarating, read for anyone who is looking for a quick enjoyable book.The story will make readers think that the impossible is just the opposite, and after reading this book, they will never know which way the ground really is.

amazing book
a true classic. this in not a ooh i am gonna blow the aliens up nasty liens kind of deal, this is a really fantastic story.

The best SF I ever read.
I've read hundreds of SF novels over the last half century and I consider this the best of the best.I am a fan of hard SF and have read almost all of the award winners.Even though I read it years ago, it still moves me whenever I think about it. ... Read more

Product Description
Here is the first volume in George R. R. Martin’s magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R. R. Martin’s stunning series is destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.

A GAME OF THRONES

Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens.

Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; and a determined woman undertakes the most treacherous of journeys. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.Amazon.com Review
Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient--they are leftin suspense between each volume, (2) persistent--they reread or atleast review the previous book(s) when a new installment comes out,(3) strong--these 700-page doorstoppers are heavy, and (4)mentally agile--they follow a host of characters through a myriad ofsubplots. In A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projectedsix, George R.R. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real world,well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautifullyconstructed prose, which Locus called "well above the norms ofthe genre."

Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars of the Roses,with the Stark and Lannister families standing in for the Yorks andLancasters.The story of these two families and their struggle tocontrol the Iron Throne dominates the foreground; in the background isa huge, ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond whichbarbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south asyears-long winter advances.Abroad, a dragon princess lives amonghorse nomads and dreams of fiery reconquest.

There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, but A Game ofThrones is nevertheless compelling; it garnered a Nebulanomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. So, onto A Clash ofKings!--Nona Vero ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1688)

Pointless waste of time
It's a real page turner and I was enjoying the series quite a bit until part way into #3 when I bothered to look it up on the net and discovered to my disgust that it was never finished!

This is very dark fantasy with many POV characters and it develops slowly, so what we ended up with is 2k+ pages of set-up featuring seemingly endless character torment and no conclusion at all. Only read this if you are post-modern sadist who enjoys reading unfinished stories about human suffering.

Allegedly the fourth book was finished in 2005 but was split in two because it was too big to publish as a single volume, but five years on the supposedly completed"second half" has yet to appear. Given the popularity of these books and the upcoming HBO series, you gotta assume at this point that Mr Martin is unable to finish it for some undisclosed personal reason - health issues, terminal writers block, unavailability of a secret co-writer - who knows? In any case I'm sorry I wasted my time and money on this wretched thing.

Loved it but flawed
A Game of Thrones

I just finished the Kindle version of Game of Thrones.The story is epic and I loved it.There isa problem though, it was full of all types of typos, grammatical errors, and spelling errors.

Normally I don't notice stuff like this much.For me to comment on it means it's pretty bad.Someone like my friend Raven would implode trying to read it.

Here are a couple of examples; There is a character called Dany for short.In on sentence she is Daily. In one section,'if' was 'jf'. There were many many moreI'm about to start Clash of Kings.I hope it has better editing. I wonder if this was just a Kindle thing?

V^^^^V

Dark Matter
I finished reading this book several weeks ago but thought I would let some time go by before writing about it.Perhaps that was a mistake in that already I can no longer recall a lot of details with which to defend my rating.But perhaps also the fact that I was not sufficiently motivated to write about it right away or can remember overmuch speaks to the book's limitations.

Mr. Martin writes well in that, particularly at the outset, I was strongly motivated to read on.The world he creates is palpable, even "atmospheric," and the characters have enough complexity that they seem real, at least at first.But as I read on, a kind of gloom settled over me.There is so little to like here!There is so much gratuitous cruelty!The characters are entirely absorbed by the diminished content of their own thoughts, world-views, or appetites!Divinity could be moving in their very midst and they would never perceive it!

If I live another 20 years or so, I will beat the actuaries.With so little time and so much possible enjoyment to be had from a good book, I find no movitation to read anything further in this series despite Mr. Martin's talent for writing.

this will stick with you
I'm going to review the series instead of the book, because it's likely that if you read the first book, you'll continue.This story is like no other.It could be read for its richness of characterization, where you will come to know and love dozens of men, women, and children - high born and low, royal and peasant.It could be read for its clarity of vision - several thousand pages of full-tilt action, with relatively few slow bits.It could be read for its insight and universal themes - there are enough quotable moments and slices of wisdom to make the story memorable and personal to any reader.In the end, it should be read because it's a damn fine ripping yarn, the likes of which you're not likely to best during your personal reading lifetime.

There are faults to this series.It is bloody violent.Prepare yourself for chopping and slicing and burning and stabbing, mostly of human flesh.Primary characters die, and they die slowly and with great narrative detail.You will cry.Also, as of book 4 where most of us are stuck (because book 5 hasn't been published in a decade of waiting), absolutely nothing is resolved and very few of the secrets have been revealed.Also treatment of women seems to be worse than it should be, even given the time and place of the setting.It would seem the author takes perverse joy in human, especially female human, suffering.

Yet I recommend this wholeheartedly and without reservation to all fans of the fantasy genre.This is the series that will satisfy you, where no pale Tolkien-imitators could.There's just the right combination of court life, magic, war, quest, wit, romance, comedy, and dragons.You will read it, then share it with your spouse.Then you'll have a bevy of household phrases, all borrowed from this book, to last you a lifetime of geeky reference.Give it 100 pages and it'll swipe 6 months of your life.

excellent book, HORRIBLY digitized for Kindle
Ill tell you &his is how this Kimdle book reads.

Apparently, scanned in a hurry and then no editing.Shockingly bad, the worst I have ever seen.

Great book, but you may want a paper copy. ... Read more

Product Description
From the advent of the vertical passing game to the development of ever-more-sophisticated blitzing schemes on defense, professional football in the last half century has been a sport marked by relentless innovation. For fans determined to keep up with the changes that have transformed the game, close examination of the coaching footage is a must. In the words of Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, “The film does not lie.”

In The Games That Changed the Game, Ron Jaworski, a one-time NFL MVP turned Monday Night Football analyst and pro football’s #1 game-tape guru, breaks down the film from seven of the most momentous contests of the last fifty years. With an eye toward the brilliant game plans and seminal strategic breakthroughs that revolutionized play on both sides of the ball, Jaworski offers readers a drive-by-drive, play-by-play guide to the evolutionary leaps that now define the modern NFL, as well as portraits of the seven men who exhibited both creativity and courage in bucking established strategies. From Sid Gillman’s development of the Vertical Stretch, which culminated in the San Diego Chargers’ victory in the 1963 AFL Championship Game and launched the era of wide-open passing offenses, to Bill Belichick’s daring defensive game plan in Super Bowl XXXVI, which enabled his outgunned squad to upset the heavily favored St. Louis Rams and usher in the New England Patriots dynasty, the most cutting-edge concepts come alive again through the recollections of nearly seventy coaches and players interviewed for this book.

Writing with the same vivid, passionate, and accessible style that has made him television’s go-to X’s and O’s maven, Jaworski fills in the blanks for fans who aren’t satisfied with merely dropping the terms “West Coast offense” or “46 defense” into conversation, but want to understand them fully, in context, as they were experienced by the men who played the game. You’ll never watch the NFL the same way again.



Foreword by Steve Sabol, president, NFL Films
... Read more

Product Description
"This is one hugely entertaining book. I loved every page. And I will never let Neil Strauss within fifty feet of my wife."--A. J. Jacobs, Esquire

Hidden somewhere, in nearly every major city in the world, is an underground seduction lair. And in these lairs, men trade the most devastatingly effective techniques ever invented to charm women. This is not fiction. These men really exist. They live together in houses known as Projects. And Neil Strauss, the bestselling author, spent two years living among them, using the pseudonym Style to protect his real-life identity. The result is one of the most explosive, witty, and controversial books of the year--guaranteed to change the lives of men and transform the way women understand the opposite sex forever.

On his journey from AFC (average frustrated chump) to PUA (pick-up artist) to PUG (pick-up guru), Strauss not only shares scores of original seduction techniques but also has memorable encounters with the likes of Tom Cruise, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Heidi Fleiss, and Courtney Love. And then things really start to get strange – and passions lead to betrayals lead to violence. The Game is the story of one man’s transformation from frog to prince to prisoner in the most unforgettable book of the year.Amazon.com Review
Are you just another AFC ("average frustrated chump") trying to meet an HB ("hot babe")? How would you like to "full-close" with a Penthouse Pet of the Year? The answers, my friend, are in Neil Strauss's entertaining book The Game. Strauss was a self-described chick repellant--complete with large, bumpy nose, small, beady eyes, glasses, balding head, and, worst of all, painful shyness around women. He felt like "half a man." That is, until a book editor asked him to investigate the community of pickup artists. Strauss's life was transformed. He spent two years bedding some fine chiquitas and studying with some of the North America's most suave gents--including the best of them all, the God of the pickup "community," a man named Mystery.

Mystery is an aspiring Toronto magician who charges $2,250 for a weekend pickup workshop. He is not much to look at: a cross between a vampire and a computer geek. But by using high-powered marketing techniques he's turned seduction into an effortless craft--even inventing his own vocabulary. His technique sounds like a car salesman's tip sheet: his main rule is FMAC--find, meet, attract, close. He employs the "three-second rule"--always approach a woman within three seconds of first seeing her in order to avoid getting shy. Other tricks: Intrigue a beautiful woman by pretending to be unaffected by her charm; also, never hit on a woman right away. Start with a disarming, innocent remark, like "Do you think magic spells work?" or "Oh my god, did you see those two girls fighting outside?" And finally, the most important characteristic of the pickup artist--smile.

After two years, Strauss ends up becoming almost as successful as Mystery, but he comes to an important realization. His techniques were actually off-putting to the woman he ended up falling in love with. And they never prepared him for actually having a relationship. After a while, he ran out of one-liners and had to have a real conversation. Still, The Game is a great read that may help some AFCs come out of their shells. --Alex Roslin ... Read more

Customer Reviews (633)

Extremely Interesting Read.
This book isn't meant for education on pickup as much as it is for entertainment.
Style does a great job transporting the readers into his shoes and letting them follow his footsteps from a relatable AFC to a master PUA. In his journey, he meets many gurus in the world of pickup, and describes the challenges he had in becoming one himself.
While the seduction community is usually looked down upon by men who don't get laid and women alike, this book is watered down a bit to be acceptable to the masses. Interestingly, this doesn't bring down the overall quality.
Style has an amazingly eloquent way of writing that's sure to draw anybody in.
I definitely enjoyed this book, and am planning to read it for the third time very soon.

STOP READING, GO OUT AND OPEN SETS
This book will not help you get laid if you do not go out 3-4 a week and start approaching people.Stop reading.Go out.

Its just like riding bike.Reading a book will not fix your fears.Its going out and feeling them.Reading a book will not make you a more interesting person, you need to go out and find interesting things to do.Reading a book will not get calibrated, you need to go out to get calibrated.

Crappy book, not worth time.
Your friends will hype this book, you will buy it, wish you were doing every chick he talks about, and then halfway through the book, it just turns dumb. Also, real life women will think you're an ahole for having the book...which you might be. So don't waste your money.

confidence builder
One of my buddies told me to read this book because it would help my "game."

After reading this book, I went out and got 4 beautiful women's numbers on the same night (something I would never dream of doing before).The reason I gave it four stars is because you aren't really being truthful to the woman.You use rehearsed lines to pick get their number.But, they do work.

It is pretty gross that women respond to the advice in The Game.Why can't we just be nice guys?Maybe this is where the saying "nice guys finish last" comes in.

This book did give me confidence to walk up to a woman and be able to have a conversation from scratch.It is not scary I have just always psyched myself out.

Good luck but don't take it too far.Some of the stuff in this book is a litte out there.

Pretty Crass
I was given this book to read on a vacation and after a few chapters just put it down bored by the crassness of it and the bad writing. If a woman can be impressed by a few magic tricks what does that say about her. What I did pick up was that men need confidence to succeed and not be afraid of failure. That is true in other walks of life too, such as negotiating a salary. Unless you are able to say no, you will never get what you want, even if it means that sometimes you lose. ... Read more

Product Description

In 2008 , the presidential election became blockbuster entertainment. Everyone was watching as the race for the White House unfolded like something from the realm of fiction. The meteoric rise and historic triumph of Barack Obama. The shocking fall of the House of Clinton—and the improbable resurrection of Hillary as Obama’s partner and America’s face to the world. The mercurial performance of John McCain and the mesmerizing emergence of Sarah Palin. But despite the wall-to-wall media coverage of this spellbinding drama, remarkably little of the real story behind the headlines had been told—until now.

Customer Reviews (670)

Significant liberal bias but an entertaining read
Lots of gossip here. But fun and scary to read at times - especially the parts about John Edwards. Came away with some respect for the tortuous experiences of Hillary Clinton. Precious little criticism of Obama but, after all, he won and newly elected presidents have fewer disaffected staffers ready to dish.

Great Book
It is a fantastic book on the historic 2008 presidential race. The author did a wonderful job in writing about the behind the scenes look at the presidential candidates. You will find out why McCain selected Palin as his vice presidential candidate and how ill prepared she was for that position. The author also pulls down the curtain on Mrs. Edwards and her carefully crafted image of a saint when in reality she was a very demanding and egocentric person. You will also learn the problems the Obama campaign faced when dealing with the controversial Rev. Wright. It is a great book and I am sure many will enjoy reading it.

Fascinating!
I thought the 2008 election left me jaded.Wow, there was more to learn!This was a fascinating behind the scenes look at the election.I was listening to it on a cd in the car and found myself inventing errands to run so I could catch the next chapter. After I returned the cd to the library, just had to own the book myself so I bought it on Amazon.

Not what I expected
I borrowed this book from the library after seeing all the positive reviews on Amazon. I'm halfway through the book and I must say, I am bored to tears. It has a lot of interesting bits to it but overall its dry and pedantic. I plan on finishing the book because I keep expecting it to get better, but so far no luck. I really wouldn't suggest this book, it's not an easy read.

A Gangster Book!
The most fun I had reading a book since Monster.Could not put it down. If you dig politics you'll dig this book.HillDog, Barry-O, Johnny MacCain and The Rouge, "John Ed-Lover", they all go gangster to win the White House. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

amazon / kindle rip off stop raising price.
what a shamekindle use to be worth it. not at 14.99 a pop. over 10.00 N0 go. almost done. it is really close.

Nice, easy, fun read
This is my first Bradford book and I enjoyed it.It's an easy read, although at times drags on too long with minor story lines.But overall it's fun, entertaining, and keeps you interested.I liked the characters and wanted to learn about them, which is the sign of a well written book.I felt the story of Annette's childhood didn't need as much detail as was provided (you can gather the type of person she is from a few lines about what happened and her current personality), but it doesn't really take away from the book.And even though the ending was not really a surprise in my opinion, I wasn't bothered by that.So have fun with it, don't take it too seriously, and enjoy!

Playing The Game
Barbara Taylor Bradford is such a good story teller.Her books are always intriguing and in depth.They wrap me up like a cozy blanket and I don't want to put them down until I am finished. I am still waiting for the next Woman of Substance chapter.

STORY OF ANNETTE AND MARIUS REMMINGTON
Pretty good book.It starts out great guns and then drags for about 200 pages and hurries through the ending.The setting for this novel is London and environs.Annette is married to a very wealthy art critic who is basically holding her hostage due to early life happenings.She is an art consultant who has just sold a long lost Rembrandt at auction for a client - thus she is now a star herself.Her client has quite a few famous artist paintings in the home he inherits.Annette has a sister Laurie with whom she is very close.Along comes Jack Chalmers a worldwide journalist chosen to do a profile on Annette - sparks fly.Fun book, could have been much shorter.

Badly edited book
I have the Kindle version and it's the first BTB book I've read. I guess the story is OK, but I find the writing banal and amateur. There are repetitions of phrases and words which an editor should have picked up on and I feel the whole thing could be a lot crisper. She makes the kind of mistakes you are warned about in writing class like blatant information dumping and over use of adverbs - so I probably won't bother to finish it. ... Read more

Product Description

If you want to play the Game, you've got to know the Rules.

Customer Reviews (63)

Good Read, Not Overly Practical
Excellent read, if your reason for reading is a "pat on the back" or
something to make you feel better about your chances, it's great.

Assuming mastering everything in the book does in fact work, it's not someting that is going to happen easily. I know the author doesn't promise any shortcuts, but this is a long, long road.

The gist of the book: looks aren't that important(what everybody wants to hear, if it said you must be handsome, nobody would buy it!), but rather how you present yourself.

The author suggests making "working out" an obsession, and having high maintenance grooming, and buying a new wardrobe to show that you value yourself, in order to have women value you. So looks dont matter, but making yourself look better by working out and wearing nice clothes, does? Getting your dental health in order.

But I thought looks had nothing to do with it, you can be fat and bald and still get women?

You must learn how to demonstrate higher value by suddenly becoming a great story teller, suddenly a great magician, suddenly a great palm reader, joke teller...etc

You must learn how stand with correct posture, and you must learn how to change your voice so that you sound better to women.

Then you must learn all the appropiate steps leading to seduction before you can get any women.

Now, that's a heck of a lot of work to put in. One could argue that putting in hours and hours and years of dilligent practice could make you a great musician...which women like, or a great athlete, which women like, or a success in any field where you can make a lot of money.

Go back to college for your masters, spend two years learning more, and get a great paying job, then women will value you. And you dont have to learn a thing about seduction. Women will go after you if you have money or status, so I ask which route is easiest?

Going from super nerd to stud in a few years, or becoming a success in another area, and get women coming to you.

It's an amazing transformation if it in fact works, and you have to change your whole personality, and possibly lose respect of the people who already love you the way you are.

But perhaps the book is worth it just for thinking of "the possiblities" I'd bet that is a major reason why people do in fact buy it. And it is entertaining and not boring.

Never Received it.
I wish I could review this item. However, I never received it. I'm not sure I will purchase anything other then the digital download/mp3 items that Amazon offers. It's been a whole month. Haven't received the item or refund yet.

great book!
This book is great for beginners, a step by step guid on how you can change your life for ever!

Great essential book
I found Neil's book to be thoroughly entertaining, while at the same time instructive.The great thing about it is that it reveals so much about human nature, especially how people behave in "herds."So much about being successful with women is having a good handle on the basics.Just as one has to master high school before they are ready for college, it's difficult to move into "dating enlightenment" without interaction basics.This book doesn't tell the whole story, but no one book can.But if you want to understand women, this book should be in your library and as well as in your consciousness.See also Enlightened Dating for Men

Awesome
The shipment was fast. And the product was in perfect condition. What more can i say. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Mathematical recreations; Logic, Symbolic and mathematical; Logic, Symbolic and mathematical; Mathematical recreations; Games / Puzzles; Philosophy / Logic; Science / General; Fiction / General; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

bad copy
It might be the copy I got or something, but all it was was ones and twos. Every time I click on the book, I get something different. One time it is numbers and another time it is just a whole bunch of words that don't make sense the way they were put together.

Nothin' ain't worth nothin', but it's free (Roger MIller)
The Kindle version is a great disappointment, due to the flagrant abuse of the formating that is essential to Carrol's presentation. My "for fee" Kindle books do respect formatting and they are a joy. Indeed, when color is not an issue, I prefer Kindle to print (variable font, auto dictionary, search, etc.). Perhaps I am old fashioned, but for me, "for free" does not excuse sloppy performance. This sloppiness carries over to many of the "for free" poetry books as well, rendering them worthless as well.

In my mind, this tarnishes the whole Kindle experience. What is worse, the Amazon reviews (usually a powerful guide to quality or lack thereof) are dragged in as co-conspirators. To wit: The Game of Logic is a delightful book and the print edition certainly deserves several stars. The Kindle edition is a mess, as I and others have explained. Averaging the star ratings for the book with the star ratings for this Kindle edition provides deceptive guidance. I refrain from judging if this deception is intentional or just further sloppiness. I had come to have higher expectations of Amazon and of Kindle Books. This experience is a bit of a thud.

Diagrams not included
Very interesting and informative, but the diagrams are not included, making it a little hard to interpret, as it leans heavily on the diagrams for explanation.Some can be reconstructed from the description, but it makes it difficult to know if you have understood correctly.But hey - it's free so who can complain!

Great little logic textbook -- for a victorian child
This is a short little text Carroll wrote to introduce children to logical reasoning, specifically set logic of the "Some Cretans are Liars" variety. At the time, it was probably an excellent work for this purpose. There are two reasons why it's not that great a text for that today, though, at least not in this kindle edition.

The first is that Carroll's tone here has aged pretty badly. To begin with, his overall tone is at times painfully precious, in a way that would probably put off any modern child reading this text; beyond that, the examples he chooses are. . curious by modern standards -- for example, the second set of extended examples centers around the two propositions ""All Dragons are uncanny" and "all Scotchmen are canny."

The bigger problem is that the whole mechanism of the book revolves around a square grid diagram that simply doesn't translate in this kindle edition -- it just appears as a set of ||||'s next to each other. Which makes the book's arguments comparatively difficult to follow, for all Carroll's wit and charm.

Those two issues aside, Carroll's text does a good job of explaining basic logical theory in a way that children can understand. But, unfortunately, this edition is more a historical curiosity than it is anything else.

Carroll the mathematician
The Game of Logic by Lewis Carroll

The Game of Logic by Lewis Carroll is a great brain teaser for readers of all ages. The ebook allows you to learn the basics of logic in a funny and natural way. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (11)

Don't forget the mental side of 'winning'...
This is a fascinating insight into the often challenging path it takes to get to the very top - not only in Corporate America - but in big business generally!

I couldn't agree more that it's the lessons you learn, and how you feel about who you are and what you're capabale of (my favourite book on this side of self-leadership is Transformational Leadership: 92 Tips For Using The Different Types Of Leadership To Identify Leadership Traits That Uncover Your Leadership Strengths, which is an excellent companion to this book.

It's a credit to Fenorris Pearson that he had the 'balls' to share what it really takes to climb the corporate ladder.

A must read for anyone wanting to climb the corporate ladder
This book is an absolute must read for MBA grads who can not figure out why there career is not progressing.This book provides incite on skills that are not taught in business schools such as Rule#3 "Get sponsored to change your career overnight".

A choice read for anyone rising in the corporate world and unsure of how to manage it
The higher you go, the higher the stakes. "How to Play the Game at the Top: The 9 Rules for Consummate Corporate Effectiveness" is a guide to being a corporate leader at the high level with a lot on the line. Fenorris Pearson uses his own experience as a high level executive and advises readers what they need to know and be prepared for to keep their cool and be a success. "How to Play the Game at the Top" is a choice read for anyone rising in the corporate world and unsure of how to manage it.

Rave Reviews for How to Play the Game at the Top!
This book is a must read for anyone who is serious about getting to the next level in their careers. The advice that Mr. Pearson lays out in his book are straight forward and concise. Right from the onset of the book Fennorris' writing style captures you in a way that is authentic and sincere. How to Play the Game at the Top doesn't pretend by telling you that it will be easy to get to the top....No! Hard work, core competency, and persistence are still invaluable assets in the professional arena and Fenorris drives this point home early on in the book.

It was very refreshing to get a glimpse into the often esoteric world that is Corporate America. Having worked in corporate America myself for several years before making the transition into full time entrepreneurship, I can truly say that I only wish that I had my
hands on this book when I first started my career.I worked as an accountant for a couple of large multi-national firms during my corporate America tenure; but to my pleasant surprise, the rules in this book even apply to entrepreneurs! That's what's so great about
this book; the rules and principles are applicable whether you're an entrepreneur or a corporate employee.

It is obvious that Mr. Pearson isn't intimidated by someone else becoming successful otherwise he wouldn't have written so candidly about what it takes to make it to the top and to also maintain your stay at the top as a consummate executive.

I appreciate how the author, Mr. Pearson, opens up about he overcame a "challenging" meeting at a critical stage in his career and how that experience essentially served as a catalyst for greater things in his career.

If I had to pick the most favorite piece of this book I would say that it would have to be making sure that you have to identify your" X" factor which will help me to become an indispensable at any
level of your career...great advice! More details in the book!

Once again, let me say that I wish I had this book while I during my corporate America experience, but I'm glad that I have had the opportunity to read this book at the stage in my entrepreneurial career.

I definitely will recommend this book to any person who
is serious about advancing in their careers now! Many things simply were not taught inside the classroom during my collegiate experience and still aren't' for that matter both at the undergraduate and graduate level. This book fills in the gaps of those areas that the collegiate level and graduate level institutions don't talk about in detail.

Pick this book up if you're serious about get to the top of your career and staying there...You won't regret it!

Great book for anyone who wants insight into corporate america
The book does a great job of summarizing some great principles/truths about corporate America.There is enough material in this book for several books.Understanding "the popular vote vs the electoral vote" should be a t-shirt.This is a great read for middle managers, mba grads, and anyone seeking insights into the unwritten rules. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Title: Little Wars; a Game for Boys From Twelve Years of Age to One Hundred and Fifty and for That More Intelligent Sort of Girl Who Likes Boys' Games and Books.; Subjects: Fiction / Classics; Technology ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Little Wars: a charming classic
This is a charming introduction to the "Little Wars" miniature wargame invented by H.G. Wells.A must for anyone who plays wargames.

On a psychological level, it is interesting that Wells champions "Little Wars" as a replacement for the real thing. It appears never to have occurred to him that playing miniature wargames may have something to do with perpetuating and validating the use of force to resolve conflicts.

A few minuses:

the text contains references to the illustrations in the original book. They are not in the Kindle edition, which is an unfortunate gap, as they are no doubt enjoyable.

there is no active TOC.

only the first two chapters and the last chapter are of general interest; the remainder is made up of the rules for Little Wars, which have been superseded by far more elaborate rules for modern wargamers. ... Read more

Product Description
The PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible is the most comprehensive book available for the Logic Games section of the LSAT. The intent of this book is to provide you with an advanced system for attacking any game you encounter on the LSAT. This same system is covered in the live classes taught by PowerScore, and all of the methods and techniques discussed in the book have been tested in classroom situations over many years.

The book features and explains a detailed methodology for attacking the games section. All aspects of Logic Games are covered, from recognizing game types to diagramming rules to making inferences and answering questions. Entire chapters are devoted to the most advanced game techniques and to time management strategies.

Logic Games are divided into individual types, and a discussion follows that teaches you how to approach each type of Game, and drills are presented to help you apply and understand the techniques. Thereafter, real LSAT logic games are used to illustrate how the techniques apply to real tests. Using real LSAT questions is a must for high-level LSAT preparation, and twenty-one real LSAT logic games are contained in the book. Each logic game is accompanied by a detailed analysis of the game setup and related questions.

The author has over 12 years experience teaching the LSAT and has scored in the 99th percentile on a Law Services-administered test. An expert in LSAT preparation, he has overseen the preparation of thousands of students and founded two national LSAT preparation companies.

The Logic Games Bible can be supplemented by The Ultimate Set-Ups Guide, which features setups for every game in each released LSAT from 1995 to 2002.Also, both books provide access to a unique website for additional LSAT and Logic Games information, and has answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information about the renowned PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible, contact PowerScore at (800) 545-1750. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (151)

Thanks!
The product was very helpful and it was delivered when it was supposed to be.

LSAT Logic Games Bible
Not a bad buy considering the price.The quality of this book was good with minor pencil markings.

Great Prep
This is the only book you'll need to understand the logics game portion of the LSAT. The information is equivalent to what is presented in the PowerScore course.

Great, great book. You can start this book blind and come out with a third eye.
I first ordered The Logical Reasoning Bible and got about 100 pages into that when I realized it was best to start with this book instead. I'm now halfway into the Logic Games Bible and feeling very confident. I've never researched the LSAT before so I had no idea what kind of test it would be. Now, with this book, I feel like I am well prepared. I would suggest getting these LSAT Bible books before spending the big bucks on the classes. The writing is very conversational and flows nicely. Before you know it, you're doing logic games like a pro. Great book and I can see why it is so highly recommended and praised.

Also, it is much cheaper to get it on Amazon then the bookstore. The suggested price comes out to about $70 at a brick and mortar store! It's almost half off here on Amazon. Amazon rules!

Irreplacable for logic games beginners!
This book is so helpful. I've never taken a logic class and so when I was looking at the logic games section to practice taking the LSAT, I just didn't know how to even begin. This book shows you how to set up each problem based on the info given and then how to go at each different type. Definitely recommended for beginners. ... Read more

Product Description
The Inner Game of Tennis is a revolutionary program for overcoming the self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses of concentration that can keep a player from winning. Now available in a revised paperback edition, this classic bestseller can change the way the game of tennis is played.Amazon.com Review
A phenomenon when first published in 1972, the InnerGame was a real revelation. Instead of serving up technique, itconcentrated on the fact that, as Gallwey wrote, "Every game iscomposed of two parts, an outer game and an inner game." Theformer is played against opponents, and is filled with lots ofcontradictory advice; the latter is played not against, but within themind of the player, and its principal obstacles are self-doubt andanxiety. Gallwey's revolutionary thinking, built on a foundation ofZen thinking and humanistic psychology, was really a primer on how toget out of your own way to let your best game emerge. It was sportspsychology before the two words were pressed against each other andcodified into an accepted discipline.

The new edition of thisremarkable work--Billie Jean King called the original her tennisbible--refines Gallwey's theories on concentration, gamesmanship,breaking bad habits, learning to trust yourself on the court, andawareness. "No matter what a person's complaint when he has alesson with me, I have found the most beneficial first step," hestressed, "is to encourage him to see and feel whathe is doing--that is, to increase his awareness of what actuallyis."

There are aspects of psychobabble and mysticism to befound here, sure, but Gallwey instructs as much by anecdote asanything else, and time has ultimately proved him a guru. What seemedradical in the early '70s is now accepted ammunition for the canon;the right mental approach is every bit as important as a goodbackhand. The Inner Game of Tennis still does much to keep thatidea in play. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (90)

Excellent tennis guide
This book is an excellent tennis guide.As a bonus, it also communicates the (feel-good) mood of the 1970s, minus the horrible, horrible plaid and checked shirts and pants.

Buy this book, you'll be glad you did.

not a good book
this book was well written, however, it is just a bunch of psych mumbo jumbo that really will have no effect on my game.
i cannot even apply anything that i read to really improve psychologically or physically to the game.it is truly a waste of money.i wished that i could say otherwise, however, it was not very good.

More than a book on tennis
I purchased this book hoping to find information on correct strokes and technique, and though I was somewhat disappointed in this regard (Gallwey offers quite little in this department), what I got out of this book was far greater than I could have hoped. In short, Gallwey advocates a new approach to tennis (and indeed to life) which involves the untangling of the instinctual mind (which he terms Self 2) from the invasive thoughts of the overly self-conscious self (Self 1). In tennis, the incessant demands of Self 1 must be set aside so that the mind can be quieted and the sense of uncomplicated action that defines Self 2 can be released without inhibition. Which is to say that judgments, both positive and negative, are let go entirely, and the mind is focused entirely on the elemental nature of the game, watching the ball and striking without reflection on technique.

The greater applications of Gallwey's Zen-like approach to tennis are clear: life is not about exalting one's ego in a zero-sum game of competition, but rather should be structured on achieving personal excellence and trust in one's natural ability. Gallwey is of course not maintaining that any old fellow can pick up a racket and become like Federer by achieving total pacification of Self 1, but he does offer the optimistic belief in actualization of potential not through conscious committment to rules and technique in practice but rather the gradual assimilation of correct technique through a process of trial and error.

Best. Tennis. Book. Ever.
I swear this book will totally change your game. It's all about mastering your inner negative voices and helping yourself be the best possible you on the court. So, so, so, so helpful!!

Love it
This book is about way more than tennis. The relaxation techniques and benefits it provides is applicable to so many other sports and life situations. It's helped me improve in golf, Jiu-jitsu, presentations, and dealing with people. Perhaps it may not have the same effect for others, but it's been great for me. ... Read more

Product Description
From the author of the international phenomenon The Shadow of the Wind, comes a riveting new masterpiece about love, literature, and betrayal.
 
In this powerful, labyrinthian thriller, David Martín is a pulp fiction writer struggling to stay afloat. Holed up in a haunting abandoned mansion in the heart of Barcelona, he furiously taps out story after story, becoming increasingly desperate and frustrated. Thus, when he is approached by a mysterious publisher offering a book deal that seems almost too good to be real, David leaps at the chance. But as he begins the work, and after a visit to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, he realizes that there is a connection between his book and the shadows that surround his dilapidated home and that the publisher may be hiding a few troubling secrets of his own. Once again, Ruiz Zafón takes us into a dark, gothic Barcelona and creates a breathtaking tale of intrigue, romance, and tragedyAmazon.com Review
Book Description
From master storyteller Carlos Ruiz Zafón, author of the international phenomenon The Shadow of the Wind, comes The Angel’s Game--a dazzling new page-turner about the perilous nature of obsession, in literature and in love.

“The whole of Barcelona stretched out at my feet and I wanted to believe that, when I opened those windows, its streets would whisper stories to me, secrets I could capture on paper and narrate to whomever cared to listen...”

In an abandoned mansion at the heart of Barcelona, a young man, David Martín, makes his living by writing sensationalist novels under a pseudonym. The survivor of a troubled childhood, he has taken refuge in the world of books and spends his nights spinning baroque tales about the city’s underworld. But perhaps his dark imaginings are not as strange as they seem, for in a locked room deep within the house lie photographs and letters hinting at the mysterious death of the previous owner.

Like a slow poison, the history of the place seeps into his bones as he struggles with an impossible love. Close to despair, David receives a letter from a reclusive French editor, Andreas Corelli, who makes him the offer of a lifetime. He is to write a book unlike anything that has ever existed--a book with the power to change hearts and minds. In return, he will receive a fortune, and perhaps more. But as David begins the work, he realizes that there is a connection between his haunting book and the shadows that surround his home.

Once again, Zafón takes us into a dark, gothic universe first seen in The Shadow of the Wind and creates a breathtaking adventure of intrigue, romance, and tragedy. Through a dizzingly constructed labyrinth of secrets, the magic of books, passion, and friendship blend into a masterful story.

Carlos Ruiz Zafón on The Angel's Game

Years ago, when I began working on my fifth novel, The Shadow of the Wind, I started toying around with the idea of creating a fictional universe that would be articulated through four interconnected stories in which we would meet some of the same characters at different times in their lives, and see them from different perspectives where many plots and subplots would tie around in knots for the reader to untie.It sounds somewhat pretentious, but my idea was to add a twist to the story and provide the reader with what I hoped would be a stimulating and playful reading experience. Since these books were, in part, about the world of literature, books, reading and language, I thought it would be interesting to use the different novels to explore those themes through different angles and to add new layers to the meaning of the stories.

At first I thought this could be done in one book, but soon I realized it would make Shadow of the Wind a monster novel, and in many ways, destroy the structure I was trying to design for it. I realized I would have to write four different novels. They would be stand-alone stories that could be read in any order. I saw them as a Chinese box of stories with four doors of entry, a labyrinth of fictions that could be explored in many directions, entirely or in parts, and that could provide the reader with an additional layer of enjoyment and play. These novels would have a central axis, the idea of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, set against the backdrop of a highly stylized, gothic and mysterious Barcelona. Since each novel was going to be complex and difficult to write, I decided to take one at a time and see how the experiment evolved on its own in an organic way.

It all sounds very complicated, but it is not. At the end of the day, these are just stories that share a universe, a tone and some central themes and characters. You don’t need to care or know about any of this stuff to enjoy them.One of the fun things about this process was it allowed me to give each book a different personality. Thus, if Shadow of the Wind is the nice, good girl in the family, The Angel’s Game would be the wicked gothic stepsister.Some readers often ask me if The Angel’s Game is a prequel or a sequel. The answer is: none of these things, and all of the above. Essentially The Angel’s Game is a new book, a stand-alone story that you can fully enjoy and understand on its own. But if you have already read The Shadow of the Wind, or you decide to read it afterwards, you’ll find new meanings and connections that I hope will enhance your experience with these characters and their adventures.

The Angel’s Game has many games inside, one of them with the reader. It is a book designed to make you step into the storytelling process and become a part of it. In other words, the wicked, gothic chick wants your blood. Beware. Maybe, without realizing, I ended up writing a monster book after all... Don’t say I didn’t warn you, courageous reader. I’ll see you on the other side.--Carlos Ruiz Zafón

(Photo © Isolde Ohlbaum)

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Customer Reviews (219)

I joint the ranks of the disappointed
I really wanted to like this book after "Shadow" and delved into it despite some negative reviews. What happened with this book? Characters were so one dimensional compared to Shadow with it's rich stories and histories. I couldn't care less about most everyone. The inclusion of Sempere and Bea without the hint of all the drama that went with that story left me empty. The supernatural theme annoyed me. If I want to read science fiction I'll choose those books, not one that should be drama. I couldn't wait to finish this book so I could move on. I only finished it to see if there was a redeeming ending. Instead I got Benjamin Button or the like. There were some redeeming chapters with excitement but mostly I was puzzled and couldn't understand any point to the story. I did discover there is a website for The Angel Game and for Shadow with some beautiful free music composed by the author and would recommend you check that out if you like listening to music while reading. What a talented author/composer!

The Angel's Game
This is the best book I have ever read.The writing is lyrical and the story is absolutely spellbinding!I have recommended this book to everyone I know, young and old.

looooooong
When I first started reading it, it felt like his first book all over again.He writes very well so I kept going, and he creates a mysterious and spooky atmosphere, but it should have been two hundred pages shorter.It just kept going and going.I never thought it would be over.It had its strong points but was just too long.

horrible...I want my $16.00 back!!!!
I also want the 4-5 days of my life back as well.....As many others, I loved The Shadow of the Wind and cannot believe this is the same writer.I spent over 500 pages waiting for something to happen....I got to the point where I was skimming the pages just to find out what happens, which is a very bad sign since I always finish books.The story was ridiculous and even now I don't even care to go on any blogs to find out what people actually think happened.I don't even care!!!! How did this crap get any decent reviews?Do not waste your time.

A deliciously malevolent labyrinth where pulp and Goth lead into each other
This intriguing blend of Gothic romance/mystery, pulp thriller, and general love letter to literature is truly a gift to readers.I read Zafon's The Shadow of the Wind years ago, and I loved it for how the rich and self-consciously ornamental prose reminded me of the 19th century Spanish lit that I read in college.That same florid style infuses this book, but Zafon tells a distinctly different story.On the literary side, there are deeply emotional romances (with the miscommunications required by the genre, really), and explorations of the value of literature, and college-freshman level theological discussions.On the pulp side, there are gruesome murder mysteries, and subtle clues, and mistaken identities, and head-spinning twists (I warn you, you will want to read the last hundred pages in one sitting because everything happens so quickly, so make sure to set aside enough time when you reach that point).I wish I could give more detail without giving away the delicious surprises, but I think I can safely say that you should read this book if you enjoy complicated characters, quiet creeping dread, and an ending that leaves you scratching your head but accepting the near-perfection before you. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: History / General; Cooking / General; Cooking / Regional ... Read more

Product Description
The packets feature multiple-level reproducibles for direct student use, including activity sheets, quizzes, and a final exam. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (737)

Amazing Book!
I LOVED reading this book. The storyline was suspenseful and it kept me on my toes. I was constantly trying to figure out which character did the crime. There is also a major twist at the end! It was interesting and I never wanted to put it down. GREAT, GREAT book! I would recommend this book to anyone my age and older.

good book
it was a very cool book i enjoyed it. but it was very confusing until someone expland it to me but other wise great book. wish that it was not as confusing and that it did not have as much details. i just wanted to here what was going on. i did not need to know all of those little details. but some of them were useful but not all of them.

A brilliant book with it's ups and downs
A lover of mystery bookslike The Name Of This Book is Secret by P. Bosch,I was in heaven from the first page. However I found the ending quite dissapointing. If you were to read this book- which I highly suggest- you would be wise to carefully read each page. This is the sort of book where if you miss a paragraph you might not understand any of the story. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book very much. The plot was great and the characters where good so long as you had an idea of their ages which are not given until the very end. This is one of the best books I hav ever read!

The Best Book in the World
This book is mind blowing. For me, it is up there with Fahrenheit 451 and The Giver, which I both enjoyed. The plot, fully revealed, is impossible to guess. I had a million guesses in my head and they were all wrong when I read the whole book. For any adult and child, this book is a must read!

LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I loved this book. Yes it had many characters but that was the point. I had to read this book when i was in 4th grade and I still read it today. The Westing Game is funny, clever, and great to read no matter what your age is. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more