Product Description

Customer Reviews (93)

HIstory lession of the Northwest
The Big Burn is more than just a detailed account of the Big Burn of 1910, it is a good account of the general History of the of the Northwest and how the United States Forest Service was established.

Great book
My husband enjoyed this book tremendously.We had recently visited Wallace, ID, which made the story so much more immediate. He only sticks with books which are unusually exciting, so this is a winner.

honest seller
Fresh brand new-looking, sold by honest seller who noted a tear in the cover.The tear is, in fact, a publisher's design flaw.

an interesting history
"The Big Burn" is both the story of the tragic fire in the west as well as the story of the beginnings of the conservation movement in America. Often ponderous and overly detailed, I found it hard to enjoy. The political backstory is important, but was dull as heck for me to get through.

great history of our national forest
really good book on thehistory and political bs that it took just to have forest for all americans to enjoy. this author kept his opion out of it and stayed to the facts.The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America ... Read more

Product Description
FEELING GOOD FEELS WONDERFUL
The good news is that anxiety, guilt, pessimism, procrastination, low self-esteem, and other "black holes" of depression can be cured without drugs.In FEELING GOOD, eminent psychiatrist, David D. Burns, M.D., outlines the remarkable, scientifically proven techniques that will immediately lift your spirits and help you develop a positive outlook on life.Now, in this updated edition, Dr. Burns adds an ALL-NEW CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS as well as a new introduction to help answer your questions about the many options available for treating depression.

- Recognize what causes your mood swings
- Nip negative feelings in the bud
- Deal with guilt
- Handle hostility and criticism
- Overcome addiction to love and approval
- Build self-esteem
- Feel good everyday

BEGIN NOW, TO EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF FEELING GOOD ... Read more

Customer Reviews (268)

If You Haven't Read This Book, You Do So Now
Although I've read many books that have guided me to be empowered, in the present moment and quite effective, I'm glad to have added this read to my commitment to endless grow.

Whether you are: into pyschology or not; think you've worked everything out; or you recognize that you have some habits that get in the way of your being who you are meant to be, read "Feeling Good."

In my case, I chose this because I was working with a subculture on an extended basis, and I couldn't figure out why I simultaneously was committed to being there, yet I struggled with finding a way to be compassionate to these people.

I needed to know how I was thinking; where my thinking was rooted; and, how my "subjects" if you will, dealt with the world.

In reading "Feeling Good," I was more able to be myself, adapt to my surroundings, and not lose myself in the midst of being around so many people whose outlook on life was "life happens to me, so leave me alone."And, this is putting it mildly.

Reading "Feeling Good," I re-affirmed my values, identified my limiting beliefs, and allowed myself to be more fully in the moment.

Another point that was of special interest to me was Chapter 6, "Verbal Judo:Learn to Talk Back When You're Under the Fire of Criticism."I had thought that the title was created by George Thompson, PhD, because his book, whiuch I read in the 90's is "Verbal Judo:The Gentle Art of Persuasion.

But "Feeling Good," and chapter 6 was written in the 80's.

Either way, it was wonderful to take anoter look at the cycle of how a person reacts to being verbally attacked.

Here is what happens, according to Dr. Burns, to someone being verbally attacked:

1.The person being attacked jumps to conclusions;
2.He arbitrarily concludes that the criticism is correct;
3.He exaggerates the importance of what the attacker said;
4.He predicts that he will be rejected and ruined amongst those who matter to him;
5.He is focused upon the subject of the attack, and not on the value of who he is; and,
6.He identifies with the intent of the attack.

If we are to imagine cyber bullying, which is very common now among children who haven't emotionally and psychologically evolved enough to separate who they are from the intent of the bully, being aware of this cycle, can help us to protect computer users from being cyber bullied.

Very Helpful Book
I bought this book used off of Amazon.com a couple of years ago.The book helped me recognize how distorted many of my thoughts were, and how those distorted thoughts were making me feel bad.By using the writing technique that the author teaches in the book, I am able to see the distortions in my thoughts, am able to rebut them, and then start to feel better.It really, truly works.You don't even have to read the book from start to finish.Just read chapters as you need them.Realizing that it was my thoughts that were causing me to feel so negative and down was a revelation in and of itself... and now, several years after first reading this book (I refer back to it occasionally), I continue to write out my thoughts, rebut them, and feel better.I would highly, highly recommend reading this book if you find yourself sad and depressed.

Feeling Good. The New Mood Therapy Revised
This is an excellent book!I can't believe how well the doctor's approach works.It's easy for any one to do, and it gives you hope.I recommend this book to any one who is depressed.

Perfect compliment to any AA, 12-step, recovery program!
Great read! Very straightforward. I'm only on page 70, and already I've found myself using the techniques outlined in the book.

**Especially great for a recovering addict in a 12-step program**

To be able to heal, we need to be receptive of new ideas, and even criticism of our existing idea. This book builds your mental toughness.

Loving it more with every read and action I take to build my self-esteem!

An incredible book among all the trash pop psychology out there
Dr. Burns' book was recommended to me by a professional. And, After reading this good along with some other writing of his, I can see why even those with years of experience in the fields of psychology, motivation, self help and coaching look at this guy as a total rock star. He's not some fly by night guru but a professional with decades on experience.

It is a must read for anyone who is dealing with depression or self-worth issues.

Burns gives a number of easy to follow techniques that are not difficult to incorporate into one's daily life. Through these techniques, the reader will learn to recognize the cause of his or her emotional distress and from there be able to activity challenge and defeat it.

Without knowing why you feel the way you do, you cannot really do anything about it. This book gives you the why and helps you to prevail.
... Read more

Product Description
This new, specially commissioned recording offers a wide-ranging choice of Burns's songs and lyrical poems; and longer poems such as Tam o'Shanter, and The Cotter's Saturday Night are also included in their entirety. All are read by John Cairney, world-famous for his many stage and television performances of the life and work of Scotland's national bard. Lovers of Burns's poetry will find much to enjoy in this selection, which also provides an extensive introduction for those as yet unfamiliar with his work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Seems exhaustive,
and you can easily use search to find the items you want, be them beasties, haggis, or other.

The Beloved Scot
The essential book on Scotlands most famous and favouritre son in large and easy to read print. ... Read more

Product Description
With his phenomenally successful Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, Dr. David Burns introduced a groundbreaking, drug-free treatment for depression.Now in this long-awaited sequel, he reveals powerful new techniques and provides step-by-step exercises that help you cope with the full range of everyday problems.

* Free from fears, phobias, and panic attacks
* Overcome self-defeating attitudes
* Discover the five secrets of intimate communication
* Put an end to marital conflict
* Conquer procrastination and unleash your potential for success

With an up-to-date section on everything you need to know about commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs and anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, this remarkable guide can show you how to feel good about yourself and the people you care about.You will discover that life can be an exhilarating experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (111)

the feeling goog handbook
I have not had enough time to even start to rad at this time, Sorry Ican't be of more help.

Great introduction to CBT for consumers and pros.
I read this book as a person with social anxiety disorder and as a professional psychotherapist. This is one of the few books that speaks to both. I used the written work to help overcome and live with my shyness. It also has a chapter on how to use CBT with challenging clients.

It Works If You Work It
This is a workbook that deals with depression and anxiety. It strives to change the way you think, and if you are in fact depressed or anxious, that's probably a good idea. However, you MUST do the exercises in order to experience any change. I'm on chapter 5 now, and have found it insightful and useful, but it is not a quick fix. However, I do think it is quite helpful with or without a therapist and a whole lot better than simply popping a pill.

book condition
I got the book in a timely manner and in good condition...it is a good addition to go through the exercises as well as reading the book.

Excellent resource if you are committed to make changes
This is a fantastic tool if you are 110% committed to making changes and doing the workbook exercises required in order to make it work.Otherwise, you will just waste your time. ... Read more

Product Description
From the creator of Black Hole: the first volume of an epic masterpiece of graphic fiction in brilliant color.
 
Doug is having a strange night. A weird buzzing noise on the other side of the wall has woken him up, and there, across the room, next to a huge hole torn out of the bricks, sits his beloved cat, Inky. Who died years ago. But who’s nonetheless slinking out through the hole, beckoning Doug to follow.
 
What’s going on?
 
To say any more would spoil the freaky, Burnsian fun, especially because X’ed Out, unlike Black Hole, has not been previously serialized, and every unnervingly meticulous panel will be more tantalizing than the last . . .
 
Drawing inspiration from such diverse influences as Hergé and William Burroughs, Charles Burns has given us a dazzling spectral fever-dream—and a comic-book masterpiece. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Rabbit Redux
I was really moved by Black Hole, the only other work of Burns I've read. So I was excited to read this - and although I found it to be both beautifully illustrated and emotionally moving - it's themes/storylines felt very similar to Black Hole. Once again we're in the world of tortured white adolescence. As in Black Hole, Burns has a storyline where a frustrated teenager seeks escape and finds it in the form of an attractive girl who lives in squalor and creates disturbing artwork. Meeting an artist who isn't afraid to bare their true (sometimes disturbed) self is exciting and can be very -- I mean right? I can't help but think that this girl did just that for a young Burns. Ok, I'll stop getting all White Album on this. I'm looking forward to see if Burns moves past the frustrated teenage thing in future volumes.

David Lynch Meets TinTin
Brilliant and well-worth the Amazon 32% discount price. I hope the next volumes come out frequently, as there is clearly an underlying method to this beautifully delineated madness and I am anxious to find out more.

Don't get me wrong...
It is a good comic, and if you aren't familiar with Charles Burns' work, you're missing out.His drawing and writing is beautiful, weird, smart, and powerful.I consider him one of the 5 best cartoonists working today. HOWEVER, this is part of a continuing series that will be reprinted in one volume, eventually, at a much more reasonable price.That's just not a good value, and the story doesn't resolve in any satisfying way; there are just a few nice moments (and the amazing art.)I expect in 5 years or so he'll have built it into a masterpiece.For now, though, there's 56 pages of comics in here for a cover price of twenty dollars.It took me 10-15 minutes to read it. They have to charge that much because they know it won't sell well, but die hard fans will shell out the money for anything he does.It's like the hardcover mark-up on steroids.As recently as five years ago, this would have been printed as 2 comic books for 4 each. It pains me to watch the comic business continue to fade into irrelevance and possibly extinction.So don't listen to my review.Buy this book.Help these brilliant, under-appreciated artists out and keep this wonderful medium alive.If enough readers buy them, prices will drop.But I don't see that happening, so I'll call it like I see it: overpriced.

Super cool
Sensitive stoner poets should enjoy this a lot. Complaints about length seem irrelevant given the amount of time Burns must have spent on this. I'd pay up to $30 for the amazing artwork here. Sure the story's a bit out there, but it has heart where it counts. Burns might throw a gruesome image of a human-faced worm at you, but he'll make sure the worm is crying so you feel weird about it. I don't doubt that we have a masterpiece in the making here. ... Read more

Product Description
Join the Slow Burn Fitness Revolution!

In The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution, authors of the three-million-copy bestseller Protein Power team up with leading fitness expert Fred Hahn to revolutionize the way America gets strong, lean, and healthy. The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution lays out the accumulating body of scientific evidence that shows the spend-hours-in-the-gym approach to exercise is over. The Slow Burn exercise routine gives great results in just 30 minutes a week. With Slow Burn, you will:

*Get strong fast
*Increase bone density and ward off osteoporosis
*Improve cardiovascular health
*Enhance flexibility
*Say goodbye to lower back pain
*Increase your metabolism, and
*Make your body a powerful fat-burning machine

Slow Burn promises a leaner, fitter, stronger you with a realistic workout that lets you have a great body and a life! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (108)

The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution
The Slow burn weight lifting approach really works.I would recommend it to seniors like myself who want to increase muscle tone and not injure themselves in the process.I started out exercising 3 times per week and then once per week and I still lost weight, increased my strength andmuscle tone.

Exceptional health and fitness guide
I am very pleased with this book that was suggested by Dr. Bruce West.He is a cardiologist who has many natural cures to bring us back to health and wholeness. It has helped me focus on getting my energy up and learning how to do simple, slow exercises that bring great results.

Another fad
Just another gimicky fad for people who want a quick and easy fix.No way is what this book recommends sufficient to be healthy.

Excellent Book, Great Workout Program
When it comes to exercise, there is a lot of "universal wisdom" out there. But is any of it truly wise?

A good fitness book needs to do three things really well

-Educate
-Convince
-Motivate

I think The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution delivers all three.

The book makes a strong case for slow-motion exercise being a safe and efficient way to build muscle strength. It also makes a great argument for why that is desirable in the first place.

It is extremely well written. Every concept is explained clearly and simply. By the time I had finished reading the book, the authors had answered all the questions I was thinking about while reading. This is unusual for me. I usually have lots of leftover questions after reading this type of book.

I guess it depends some on your personality type, but I found the book to be very encouraging and motivational. I felt like it put a higher level of fitness within my reach... which is something that has been out of my reach for a long time.

If you want to strengthen your muscles (including your heart), increase your stamina, increase your flexibility (no conventional "stretching" required) and burn off more body fat, then maybe slow burn is for you!!

Clear easy-to-follow exercise plan
This book has easy-to-follow directions and photos. The exercise plan seems adequate and well-thought-out. It does take more time than depicted - I found that the sessions take approximately one hour, not the 30 minutes touted on the cover. Requires additional equipment besides light dumbells - a timer and a metronome, both of which have free online apps if you search. ... Read more

Product Description
Are you plagued by fears, phobias, or panic attacks? Do you toss and turn at night with a knot in your stomach, worrying about your job, your family, work, your health, or relationships? Do you suffer from crippling shyness, obsessive doubts, or feelings of insecurity?
What you may not realize is that these fears are almost never based on reality. Anxiety is one of the world’s oldest cons. When you’re anxious, you’re actually fooling yourself. You are telling yourself things that simply aren’t true. See if you can recognize yourself in any of these distortions:
All-or-Nothing Thinking: “My mind will go blank when I give my presentation at work, and everyone will think I’m an idiot.”
Fortune Telling: “I just know I’ll freeze up and blow it when I take my test.”
Mind Reading: “Everyone at this party can see how nervous I am.”
Magnification: “Flying is so dangerous. I think this plane is going to crash!”
Should Statements: “I shouldn’t be so anxious and insecure. Other people don’t feel this way.”
Emotional Reasoning: “I feel like I’m on the verge of cracking up!”
Self-Blame: “What’s wrong with me? I’m such a loser!”
Mental Filter: “Why can’t I get anything done? My life seems like one long procrastination.”
Now imagine what it be like to live a life that’s free of worries and self-doubt; to go to sleep at night feeling peaceful and relaxed; to overcome your shyness and have fun with other people; to give dynamic presentations without worrying yourself sick ahead of time; to enjoy greater creativity, productivity and self-confidence.
Does that sound impossible? The truth is you can defeat your fears. In When Panic Attacks, Dr. Burns takes you by the hand and shows you how to overcome every conceivable kind of anxiety. In fact, you will learn how to use more than forty simple, effective techniques, and the moment you put the lie to the distorted thoughts that plague you, your fears will immediately disappear. Dr. Burns also shares the latest research on the drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression and explains why they may sometimes do more harm than good.
This is not pop psychology but proven, fast-acting techniques that have been shown to be more effective than medications. When Panic Attacks is an indispensable handbook for anyone who’s worried sick and sick of worrying. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

READ THIS BOOK!
This book is the greatest self-help book Ive read about my mood swings. The book tells you that all the negative thinking and mood swings are caused because of your irrational thinking and suggests that if we can change how we THINK, we can change how we FEEL. Of course this insight is backed up, explained in depth throughout the book with practical, interesting, fun, self-observing and self-healing exercises. These exercises do work especially if you like writing, keeping a journal or simply examining yourself. The exercises reveal very interesting facts about your thinking process, they reach to the most deepdown FEAR you have that cause all these negative feelings and anxiety. The author promises compassionately that he is ready to help you and he is SURE, IF YOU FOLLOW the book, do the exercises YOU CAN STOP THE WAY YOU FEEL BY CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK. The exercises in the book let you REFUTE a negative thought that you have and the negative thought becomes NO LONGER valid. I could write forever about this book. I wish I could give this book away to people who suffer the way I suffered!!!! ITS THE BEST BOOK ever in its field.

Happy Camper
This was a gift for a friend, but they seemed happy with it and it came pretty fast.

Excellent Beginning for Recovery
This is a good book to aid in recovery, however, I agree with the author:quicker recovery from severe anxiety disorder is possible when assisted by a professional psychologist. But he does present some very valid points and I can attest to this from personal experience. One is that medication is not the answer. He stated that recovery time with and without medication is about the same. I agree. The book presents actual case studies and maps out a course for self-assisted recovery. And while these are very good tools, it was hard for me to focus on reading after a major breakdown. I think it does make a good companion to professionally guided psychotherapy, but is not a substitute.

I feel better already
great advice and very good real-life examples. if you or anyone you know struggles a little or a lot with anxiety or depression issues, these CDs and/or the book can lessen the symptoms without analyzing your past and your childhood.good advice and readily useful!however, as the author states, if you have really serious issues, it is also wise to see a professional therapist.

Get on the road to recovery!
I'm so glad somebody recommended this author to me for my anxiety problems!Everybody deals with anxiety on some level, and all types of anxiety problems can be improved by this book, from fear of public speaking, to panic attacks or agoraphobia.Unlike other anxiety books I've read, this book is written in an upbeat and hopeful way that has lifted my spirit from just reading it.Reading does help, but if you want to get better, you'll have to be brave and do the exercises.Don't run away from your anxiety, face it, work through it, and get better!This book is worth much more than the cost, so why don't you give it a try?I've already improved a lot!It will guide you on the way to recovery. ... Read more

Product Description
As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels knows how waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shape shifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug of war between two gods hoping for rebirth, and if Kate can't stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (106)

Much Improved
Thank God, I automatically buy the first 2 books of a series at the same time. After reading Magic Bites, I was a bit disappointed, but Magic Burns was much improved. I actually fell in love with the characters. I honestly love Kate and I can't see why so many people hate her personality. She's honest, witty, caring, and she knows shes flawed. I must say it is so refreshing to come across a power female that's not a slut. It's book 2 and she's yet to sleep with anyone and she's surrounded by strong masculine men! But now I really can't wait to see the sparks flare between Kate and Curran! I love them two together the dialogue is perfect, witty, and hilarious. Definitely getting their next book!!!

Magic series
Great series of books for older teen or adult. Reminds me of some of the better science fiction / fantasy of the 60's and 70's.

Couldn't Put it Down
Much to her reluctance, Kate is now employed by the Order as a liaison between the Guild and the Order. The Pack comes to her for assistance with an item that was stolen from them. Kate is the only one who has gained the Pack's trust and "friend of the pack" status, so she must accept the job. Once again, she finds herself knee deep in trouble when she stumbles upon a plot to release a vindictive god into Atlanta. She must find away to work with the increasingly but oh so charming beast master, Curran, if she is to have any hope of succeeding.

There has been an increasing tension between Kate and Curran. I wouldn't necessarily say its a sexual tension as of yet but I feel it is headed down that path. The two of them could not be more strong willed or determined to be the dominant. The dynamic of the dominance games between the two of them really make this series interesting. I would say Curran wins the dominance games except for the fact that Kate never truly backs down, never submits. There were some more hints to Kate's background in this book, and she shows some extraordinary powers she should not possess. Kate truly is growing and learning to use her powers to help friends rather then keep everyone at arms length.

Kate Daniels is a fun and tough lead character!
Kate Daniels is a back in Magic Burns, the second installment of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. This time around, the former Guild merc is now working for the Order and is confronted with magical beings from Welsh and Irish mythology. In this book, Kate Daniels sets out to retrieve some stolen maps for the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapeshifters when a young girl named Julie is sought by sea demons and Kate must intervene to keep her from being harmed. The story that unfolds is action packed and threatens the city of Atlanta with destruction.

I admit it. I am not a fan of the covers of these books. I would never have moved these books to the top of my TBR List if it weren't for Chachic from Chachic's Book Nook. Even after Magic Bites, I was disappointed with the cover of this second installment. I was even a little embarrassed to pull it out on the plane a few days ago when I was flying home from vacation. However, the book was so engrossing that I ended up not caring at the few looks people gave and just thought that they were likely missing out on this fantastic series if they decided to judge the book by its cover.

Kate Daniels continues to be awesome. She is a little more vulnerable in this book, but still in a very kick ass way. There are little snippets of her back story in Magic Burns that will hopefully be expounded upon in the next few books in the series. I want to see how this part of the story will play out in further books. Her character grew and developed quite a bit in this book so I have high hopes for seeing how she continues to deal with her past and her present in the upcoming books.

I really enjoyed the Celtic mythology in this book. It's just a small snippet of information since the book is only 260 pages, but a little trip to Wikipedia helped familiarize me with the characters in this book. I would actually like to read some more on Celtic mythology now that I've finished it. Morrigan and Morfran are interesting mythological characters and since they aren't the super popular Greek and Roman gods/goddesses, it helped give the book a freshness that I wasn't expecting.

Curran, the leader of the Pack also returns in this second installment and the witty banter between him and Kate is everything that the first book had and more. I'm usually not much one for romance, but the snarky dialogue between them creates a lot of sexual tension that I actually enjoy. I would compare their relationship to Castle and Beckett from the TV show Castle. The tension is there and you end up rooting for them to go the romantic route.

There are so many likeable characters that bring humor to the different situations that happen that I found myself laughing out loud a few times. The book really had everything that you could look for in a fun Urban Fantasy read. There is action, good character development, a strong female lead that isn't whiny, and interesting antagonists. My only complaint is the same from the first book. I really wanted more world building, but that might be because I typically read longer books that have tons of detail in them. Magic Burns just left me wanting to immediately crack open the third book in the series, Magic Strikes which I will mostly likely do right after I finish writing this review. Yes folks, the series is that fun! I love it!


*Notice of disclosure: I received this book for review from Penguin Books.

Great
Great book. Worth the read. I like the characters and how the develop over time. The mainstream view on vampires isn't taken; which i like becuase she developes her own wolrd. Still the perfect amount of humor and not too much romance. ... Read more

Product Description
He's been waiting for this moment. With every kill, he can feel her getting closer. Very soon - just a few more victims to go. All he needed was the girl, Dani, and now that he has her, his plan is in motion, and no one can stop it. The police don't believe Shannon Flannery when she says someone is out there, watching her, trying to kill her. The only person on her side is Travis Settler. The former Special Forces agent is convinced Shannon's dark past has something to do with the disappearance of his daughter, Dani - a child whose connection to Shannon is just the beginning of a nightmare...Secrets have been kept from Shannon. Dark, dangerous, and very fatal secrets. Now, with no one to trust but a man who has every reason to doubt her, Shannon's determined to discover the shocking truth, even if it brings her face to face with a serial killer whose slow burn for vengeance will not be denied... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Xellent read
Excellent read!I got started on the plane and couldn't put it down....even 'tho
we landed and came home! I read into the night....just HAD to finish this.

I "kind of" had it maybe figured out about 2/3 through but still a shocking (and great!)
climax to the ending.She is such a great writer.....way to go Ms. Jackson!!

Not a keeper in the romantic suspense genre
Initially, I wasn't going to write a review on this book. I have to be honest and say I did not finish it. It has taken me two days to read 155 pages, and though I thought to tough it out to see the kidnapping resolved, I went back and read some of the reviews by other readers and decided to let this one go.

I have only read one other book by this author (Impostress) and really liked it, so I did not hesitate to pick this up. Quick synopsis: A woman believes someone is out to kill her and a man thinks it's tied to the kidnapping of his daughter. Sounds interesting right? It could have been, but the book was so slow and not having read the prequel I felt that in getting to know the characters I was missing something vital. I will give the benefit of the doubt and say perhaps the missing pieces fit together in the end, but after two days and only getting 155 pages into it (when normally I would have finished the entire 500 paged book in two days) I just decided it wasn't worth finding out. There are way too many good books out there to be bogged down by this one.

In the end (or should I say by page 155) I decided the kidnapped girl was a smart cookie and probably helped herself get out of the situation and if not then I'm really glad I didn't finish it. I'll try something else by this author, but with caution.

Fatal Burn
Fatal Burn is a sequel to Deep Freeze, and I was extremely anxious to get right to the book. Amazon, once again, did not disappoint.I was hoping that the book, which I purchased used, would be in pretty good shape (not falling apart). The book arrived in a timely manner, and was in very good condition.

This has only been my second purchase through Amazon, but I (until I'm shown other wise)so far have no complaints, and have recommended the site to others.

Fatal Burn
Book arrived quickly, a real steal for the money!Great reading!I love Lisa Jackson books!Thumbs up!

Excellent
The author has a way with words that keep you interested in the story.Plus she has knowledge and done research to make the story real. ... Read more

Product Description
When Jenner Redwine wins a lottery jackpot, she can’t imagine ever finding a place in the world of the wealthy. Seven years later, though, she finds an ally—and a guide to the rarefied realm of privilege—in the kind-hearted heiress Sydney Hazlett, who invites Jenner on a charity cruise aboard a luxury liner. But what Jenner gets is more like a Hitchcock movie than a Love Boat episode. Taken hostage by a menacing stranger, with nowhere to run, Jenner is drawn into a game of dizzying intrigue and harrowing danger. But as fear of her captor turns to fascination, Jenner rediscovers feelings she hasn’t had in years—and realizes she’s found a life worth living. If she survives.
  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (99)

Your Wildest Dreams!
I would very much like to see a sequel to this story. Loved the characters. Good guys and bad guys, rich and poor. Gee what should I do with all that money? Linda Howard, please send these characters on another adventure! Great reading.

Way, way, way too long
***spoiler - graphic description***I have been a huge Linda Howard fan for years.I love her older stuff (Son of the Morning, the McKenzie's), and am usually pretty entertained by the newer books (Mr. Perfect, Open Season).This book (and a few of her other new releases) have left me shaking my head.I feel like she's trying to morph her writing to become more mainstream-mystery and shying away from why I read her in the first place - for the romance.I have to say I checked the audiobook out of my library and the individual who read the book was "yeck" at best, which I know has tainted my opinion of the book as a whole.First, this book is way too long.She spends so much time repeating herself in her writing, repeating the same thoughts in different words, that it felt like she had to reach a word quota and was eking out every bit she could.I didn't feel there was any real spark between the main characters.Yes, Jenner had spunk; Cael, in any other book would have caught my interest, but here they just didn't mesh.The sexual tension was lamely done, and, once again, the actual act itself was dry.Literally.I've noticed LH has done this several times in her books.It's become a little too predictable.Heroine either reaches her "happy ending" RIDICULOUSLY quickly or hero makes a token attempt at foreplay, and then begins the actual act of intercourse with an ill prepared partner.What's appealing about that?Honestly, even with the length, there were a lot of questions I had at the end of the book, and I got so irritated listening that the plotline as a whole became totally unbelievable to me.I have to admit, the other LH book I've recently picked up was the vampire (first in the series I believe) that she's collaborating on.I wasn't real impressed with that one either.I'll give her one more try, and then no more.I hope she either makes the switch completely and keeps the romance out of her books or goes back to what she was good at.

Nothing that Hot
BGJ: 2/5


Book: kidnapping, intrigue, romance, predictable, chemistry, too long


Hero: intelligent, in control, passionate, warrior


Heroine: low esteem, stubborn, intelligent, passionate


Similar Authors: Iris Johansen, Jayne Castle, Julie Garwood, Kay Hooper, Lora Leigh, Cherry Adair


Jenner Redwine finds herself alienated from everything she once knew when she wins the lottery. She agrees to go on a charity cruise with her best friend thinking that it would make the perfect escape. But everything goes wrong when Syd, her best friend is kidnapped and made hostage by a mysterious group led by a man named Cael Traylor so that he can control Jenner for his own ends.



Linda Howard tends to be good at making her romance books thrilling and mysterious, however she fails with Burn. As you read Burn there is no mystery, you are able to read everyone's perspective and so know that Cael never intends to hurt Jenner, while on the next page Jenner is wondering if he'd hurt her.


Takes the mystery out of it really. It's far too laid out. The plot is too obvious. The characters are a bit to paper cut.


The romantic tension between Cael and Jenner is steamy as is their final romance but, it comes across as a little cliched and a bit Stockholm Syndrome-like.


Also Jenner's behavior is a bit surprising, contrasting greatly with your initial impression of her and she seems to do some rather stupid things and only regrets them after she considers the consequences (harm to her best friend).


Overall there is nothing special about this book. I'd recommend the Mackenzie Collection and

All the Queen's Men by Linda Howard.

For more reviews you should look at: [...]

"Cael" is (more than phonetically) an inedible lettuce
I just discovered Linda Howard's books this year, and had (so far) been enjoying them.

I picked this one up, because of the interesting premise; a blue-collar lottery-winner. The author approached it realistically (Jenner is a tough, smart protagonist), and that would have been enough to carry me through almost any mystery-suspense storyline Howard could have presented.

I've now quit reading, at page 163, with the introduction of "Cael" (whose name is phonetically twinned, in MY mind, with an inedible lettuce; can we STOP with the ridiculously unique hero-names, please?)...Jenner must pretend an instantaneous attraction to this man, who is part of a team which has kidnapped her timorous friend Sydney. To further that illusion, he publicly presses himself upon her, physically:

"Kiss me like you mean it," he ordered, and bent his head to hers. She didn't. She stood stiff as a mannequin, her arms at her sides, her lips stubbornly closed. "Sell it," he growled against her mouth, and deepened the kiss, slanting his mouth over hers, pushing his tongue inside to taste her. She shuddered, then slid her arms up and wrapped them around his neck...

I'm sorry -- that is REVOLTING. This "Cael" character is no better than a rapist; and the fact that the author plainly finds this scenario (the forcible submission of a strong, independent woman) exciting, tells me more about her than I wished to know.And the course of the rest of the story/relationship is so PREDICTABLE that the anticipation made me a little ill.Don't tell me: Jenner finds herself almost irresistibly drawn to his "strength," and senses some kind of goodness in him, some righteousness of character, they'll both be ambivalent, but will at some point fall into bed, blah, blah, blah...

Are you kidding me?!?What would have been wrong with a strong, independent female character attracted to him of her OWN FREE WILL, drawn into the spy-caper by surprise, then perhaps surprising THEM all at the end? How about something UNIQUE here?

I'm not even much of a feminist; yet I found this development (Cael's actions) in the story, degrading in the extreme. "'Sell it,' he growled."This one scene defined "Cael" for me; it would be impossible for me to EVER conceive of him as sexy, in any context Howard might later present; so I stopped reading. This book goes into my "discard" box, and will be traded at the secondhand bookstore by midafternoon. They will give me more than it is worth.

No more Howard books, either; I'm not paying almost nine dollars to risk being taken on THIS kind of ride in future.

Great Read
I very rarely review books but I had to write this because I was hesitant to buy this book because of the reviews on it. But I did and I enjoyed the book. I cant say I couldn't put it down but overall it was a great read. It was a good storyline and those who read Linda Howard know she creates short endings that thankfully don't drag out. I have enjoyed all her books and I have them all. A very believable story and I hope that there will be a follow-up to it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (82)

enter with caution
I am a big Nevada Barr fan. But this book is more then shocking, though well written it is actually repugnant. Even though Anna Pigeon is in it, it is not a Anna Pigeon book.

Horrible!
I love all of Nevada Barr's early novels.The past couple haven't been very good but I was looking forward to a new one.I read the reviews and decided I could deal with the disturbing material.I never got that far.I had to stop reading about 2/3 of the way through.I couldn't bring myself to care about even one of the characters.It was slow and uninteresting.I finally decided to stop wasting my time and started a new book.It's too bad, maybe the next one will be better.

Not how I remember earlier Nevada Barr stories
Disappointing.Dark.Bleak.Over-worded to the point of being confusing at times. I read up to about page 130 and then couldn't take it anymore. Finished the last two chapters to know the conclusion.

I've always looked forward to Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series but lately, not so much.

Hideous
This will be the first Nevada Barr novel I won't finish.I'm on page 75 and disgusted beyond endurance.As Anna's sister would tell Ms. Barr, there are meds for the problems you have.No more for me.

One of the most disturbing books I've ever read
I borrowed this book from the local library for my 89 year old mother, who has read and enjoyed most of Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series.On a whim, I decided to read it first and I will certainly not be passing it on to my mother.First of all, aside from the horrendous child sexual abuse and violence, it was not well written.There were many loose ends left hanging at the end that made me feel as if the author had written "Burn" as a form of therapy to get this hideous subject matter out of her own mind.The character of Clare was fairly well-developed and interesting but the rest of the cast were either stereotypical or left unformed.Too many topics were dangled in front of us: voodoo, blind musicians, punk travelers, etc. and just left hanging.

The picture it paints of New Orleans as an evil, degenerate place where unspeakable things happen is one that will forever be burned into my brain.That is unfortunate, as I have never been there and have no desire to go now.I would feel too haunted by the vivid portraits of evil Barr has painted.She has made us aware of something that many of us know very little about (child prostitution) and don't care to dwell on.That being said, if something good could come from writing in detail about this abuse that would help real-world victims, I would be all for it.

This is one of the most disturbing books I have ever read. Most likely it will be the last of her books I will ever read. ... Read more

Product Description

Do you wake up dreading the day?
Do you feel ciscouraged with what you've accomplished in life?
Do you want greater self-esteem, productivity, and joy in daily living?

If so, you will benefit from this revolutionary way of brightening your moods without drugs or lengthy therapy. All you need is your own common sense and the easy-to-follow methods revealed in this book by one of the country's foremost authorities on mood and personal relationship problems.

In Ten Days to Self-esteem, Dr. David Burns presents innovative, clear, and compassionate methods that will help you identify the causes of your mood slumps and develop a more positive outlook on life. You will learn that

You FEEL the way you THINK: Negative feelings like guilt, anger, and depression do not result from the bad things that happen to you, but from the way you think about these events. This simple but revolutionary idea can change your life!

You can CHANGE the way you FEEL: You will discover why you get depressed and learn how to brighten your outlook when you're in a slump.

You can ENJOY greater happiness, productivity, and intimacy--without drugs or lengthy therapy.

Can a self-help book do all this? Studies show that two thirds of depressed readers of Dr. Burns's classic bestseller, Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, experienced dramatic felief in just four weeks without psychotherapy or antidepressant medications. Three-year follow-up studies revealed that readers did not relapse but continued to enjoy their positive outlook. Ten Days to Self-esteem offers a powerful new tool that provides hope and healing in ten easy steps. The methods are based on common sense and are not difficult to apply. Research shows that they really work!

Feeling good feels wonderful. You owe it to yourself to feel good!

... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Dr. Burns changed my life
I was introduced to Dr, Burns and his "10 Days" program when my therapist gave me chapter 2 to work on while she was away on a week vacation. Just that one chapter had such an effect on me that I went out and bought all 3 of his books. This workbook was developed originally as course material and for use in group therapy conducted by a qualified therapist, but you can still do this on your own.

WARNING! This is not a casual read.

If you're really looking for something that will make a difference in your life this is very powerful stuff. You really have to work at it. Try the workbook first. If you become committed to this program and willing to dedicate yourself to improving your life you'll probably want to get the Feeling Good Handbook. Thia is a companion to he workbook and is referenced in various places in the workbook. It will provide a greater understanding of Dr. Burns' teachings and techniques.

Dr. Burns and his mentor/partner Dr. Baker are the acknowledged gurus ofCognitive Based Therapy (CBT) and Self-Esteem programs because their processes really work, quickly and permanently.

This is one area where the "it works if you work it, so work it - you're worth it" philosophy applies 110%.

My only other comment is the book should be re-titled "10 Months to Self-Esteem". Can you read the workbook and do the exercises in ten days? Yes. Does your outlook on life and your self-esteem improve almost immediately? YES! Rushing through it or giving up half way through means you won't get the most out of it From chapter 2 (the most powerful chapter in the book) on this book is so rich you'll need time to process the information. If you read it quickly you'll find you will want to go back through it a second time more slowly and ponder the information and see how your answers to exercises have changed since your first read it. Then this will become a reference you refer to often when you find yourself in the situations covered in the text.

If you're in therapy - and if your therapist believes in the CBT approach - you'll appreciate this book even more. Applying the principles put forth here, you'll quickly recognize how Dr. Burns has changed your outlook on life time after time and for the better.

'nuff said

It works if you work it!
What ended my depression and anxiety (going on 5 years now) was working through David Burns' workbook, "Ten Days to Self-Esteem," (admittedly a pitiful title!).

I'd previously read Burns' popular book, "Feeling Good," and well understood his main points, as well as liked his straightforward, practical, humourous, example-filled writing, but, for all that, my depression didn't lift.

So I went to amazon.com for customer reviews of his other books.One of the most successful, according to reviewers, was his "Ten Days to Self-Esteem" workbook.

One stand-out statement by a reviewer proved entirely true:You have to WRITE OUT the answers to the workbook's exercises.Naturally, I began the workbook, which seemed so simple---and didn't write out my answers.Burns caught me immediately and made me laugh at myself by saying that I (the reader) probably was not writing down the answers, and he quickly convinced me to commit to it, which I did.

By the second day, I felt my depression lessening noticeably, and my rating on his brief Depression Checklist showed the same.I persisted in writing my answers, and rapidly my depression lifted.

I most remember Burns saying that the way we feel is caused by what we think.In other words, our thoughts cause our feelings, not vice versa.And when we're feeling depressed, we don't think logically.We reason falsely.Our thoughts are logical fallacies.The main fallacy, for me, was "All Or Nothing" thinking, such as:"I'll never be able to get the kind of job I want", or "I'm just no good," or "I can't do anything right," or "No one could possibly love me."

Rebuts to the first of those "All Or Nothing" statements might go something like this:"Have you ever had a job that you enjoyed or which had *bits* that you enjoyed?" or "Is it possible that you might read about a job that has some of the things you enjoy?" or "Is it possible that you might meet or read about someone who knows of a job you might enjoy?"

Writing out your answers to reasonable, logical questions such as these will get one's brain back to reality, to the actual world, and away from the false world of constant self-negatives.

I do hope you'll get and work the workbook!

VERY PLEASED!
I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A VERY GOOD FRIEND, AND I CAN TELL A BIG DIFFERENCE IN HER. I THINK ANYONE THAT IS DEALING WITH SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES SHOULD DEFINITELY, PURCHASE THIS BOOK.

Don't let the title fool you. Put Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into Practice
This books makes you actually practice the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques you might just usually hear about, read about, or talk about. Doing is the difference in this book. It made me think, write, problem solve, and practice the methods I needed to help survive my depression.
The only thing that is wrong with this book is the title. 10 days? No way. Self-esteem? Well ok, but I thought needed to survive my depression before working on my self esteem. The only reason I ever bought a book with such a silly title is because a very respected, thoughtful, kind, well educated psychologist recommended it to me. Please don't let the title scare you away. This book might make as big a difference in your thinking as it has in mine.

A very nice book if you work hard on it
This is very good book which challeges your thought pattern. Very well explained about what needs to be done in order to have healthy and positive thinking. But for reference you have to use other books by Dr. David Burns which are feeling good handbook and other is feeling good book. Your final result depends upon how long excersises you do. I wish everyone all the best. ... Read more

Product Description
Eleventh grade at Bathory High is draining Vladimir Tod. Joss, a professional vampire slayer and Vlad’s former friend, has moved back to town. The powerful vampire Dorian has an overwhelming desire to drink Vlad’s blood. And his arch enemy, D’Ablo, has brought Vlad’s Uncle Otis to trial for crimes against vampires. So much for dating. When the tables turn on Vlad, he has just enough time to return to Bathory for his final good-byes . . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

beat twilight by a longshot
ommagod. i love how its romantic but not too gushy like the twilight series. and how brewer describes vlad's vampric ways makes me almost believe in them. unlike edwards sparkly skin.

You just can't help but to love Vlad
The Vlad Tod series really surprised me.The books get better with time. They are a very fast read that keeps you engaged and wanting more. I'm an avid reader of "vampire teen" books and this series is as the top of a short list. If you've enjoyed other teen vamp series you should really give this one a shot.

If I had to give it a grade I would say it's an A-/91%. (I had to grade it. It's the teacher side of me coming through.)

amazing!
I am LOVING this series. So many twists and turns that literally had me ylling at the book, gasping, and even crying a little. and the end? A cliffhanger that totally came out of the blue and is making me even more excited for the next book!

IT!
vlad is every girls dream boy! hes all emo but loveable... this was my favorite book of the whole series.. i love twilight but i also love this book because its not anything like twilight* im cant wait for the 5th book... it comes out a day after my b day september 21st!

Writen by a 11 year old
Even after i kept pressing the next button on my kindle hoping i would keep going... Sadly it didnt work. Its an absolutely phenomanel book. I belive everyone from when they first start reading to the breath taking ending will be captured in the story and feeling of this book. I started to feel like i was there and i was Vladimir again it was the greatest book Ive ever read. 5 stars for sure. ... Read more

Product Description
The companion volume to the twelve-hour PBS series from the acclaimed filmmaker behind The Civil War, Baseball, and The War

America’s national parks spring from an idea as radical as the Declaration of Independence: that the nation’s most magnificent and sacred places should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. In this evocative and lavishly illustrated narrative, Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan delve into the history of the park idea, from the first sighting by white men in 1851 of the valley that would become Yosemite and the creation of the world’s first national park at Yellowstone in 1872, through the most recent additions to a system that now encompasses nearly four hundred sites and 84 million acres.

The authors recount the adventures, mythmaking, and intense political battles behind the evolution of the park system, and the enduring ideals that fostered its growth. They capture the importance and splendors of the individual parks: from Haleakala in Hawaii to Acadia in Maine, from Denali in Alaska to the Everglades in Florida, from Glacier in Montana to Big Bend in Texas. And they introduce us to a diverse cast of compelling characters—both unsung heroes and famous figures such as John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ansel Adams—who have been transformed by these special places and committed themselves to saving them from destruction so that the rest of us could be transformed as well.

The National Parks is a glorious celebration of an essential expression of American democracy.Amazon.com Review
Amazon Exclusive: Joseph J. Ellis Reviews The National Parks

Educated at the College of William and Mary and Yale University, Joseph J. Ellis is a Ford Foundation Professor of History at Mount Holyoke College. His Founding Brothers won the Pulitzer Prize in 2001, and American Sphinx earned the 1997 National Book Award. His latest work, American Creation, was published in 2007. Read Ellis's exclusive Amazon guest review of The National Parks: America's Best Idea:

If Ken Burns’s upcoming documentary film on America’s National Parks is as good as the book laying open before me, he has another huge winner. Of course the book, entitled The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, is intended as a companion to the film, but as I see it--literally--the book permits the eye and mind to linger over the truly breathtaking pictures in a more meditative way that film does not allow. The result is almost elegiac, producing the same kind of goose bumps that Burns created in his early work on the Brooklyn Bridge and the Civil War.

Burns has been chronicling the American experience for over thirty years, and I think it’s fair to say that no one has influenced more living Americans to think about our history as a people and a nation. His dominant themes have been space and race, his persistent question deceptively simple:who are we? I think The National Parks is his masterpiece on the space theme. And the message that kept whispering to me in these pages was that whoever we are has been decisively shaped by the sheer physicality of the continent we inhabit.

It never occurred to me before, but Americans invented the idea institutionalized in our National Parks. Namely, as Burns puts it in the introduction, “for the first time in human history, land--great sections of our natural landscape--was set aside, not for kings or noblemen or the very rich, but for everyone, for all time.”As Wallace Stegner once observed, and the book’s subtitle echoes, this may have been “America’s best idea.”Burns links the idea to Jefferson’s magic words in the Declaration of Independence (i.e. “We hold these truths...”), our quasi-sacred text on human freedom, which takes on an almost spiritual resonance amidst the vistas of Yosemite or Yellowstone.

Dayton Duncan, Burns's longtime colleague, has provided most of the text, which is designed to cast a spell that matches the wonder of the stunning illustrations. The book looks luxurious and feels expensive, but this visit to the National Parks is a great deal.--Joseph J. Ellis

(Photo © Jim Gipe)

Customer Reviews (59)

National Park
This book is exceptional both in its unique photographs and in its historical value.I have never seen such a complete collection of information gathered all in one place to expose the reader to the background and history of the national park system in the United States.I will be referring to this book quite often in the future as I continue to build vacation plans that include visits to the spectacular natural beauty of this country.

Lots like it
This was an expensive book and I found it much like many other books on Nat'l Parks. A little too wordy for me...more history than 'places to go and things to see'. I was expecting a book with more info on places to go within and around the park areas as well.

The National Parks " America's Best Idea"
I ordered this book when I was on vacation this June visiting all the parks out west. This book is the best keepsake of the trip by far. I was overjoyed to find an exact picture I took when visiting Yellowstone in the book. What a treasure. The book is a true gift for all of America. Thank you to Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns.

Not quite as described
Got the book in a timely fashion.The book was new but the corners were bent so it was not as good as I would have liked.Would have liked to have known this before I selected the vendor.

Good review of America's National Parks including beautiful pictures.
This hardbound book is filled with information on America's National Parks with many breath-taking pictures included. This book sells for $50.00 in retail stores. I purchased it used in excellent condition for less than $20.00; plus additional $4.00 USPS shipping. Recieved book in less than a week; was told it could take up to 2 weeks. Well pleased with the purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
I don’t want to get out of bed.
I’m so stupid.
I did so many things wrong.
I don’t know what to do.
I’m going to be in so much trouble.
What am I going to do?
I’m completely screwed.

In 1991, fourteen-year-old Brent Runyon came home from school, doused his bathrobe in gasoline, put it on, and lit a match.

He suffered third-degree burns over 85% of his body and spent the next year recovering in hospitals and rehab facilities. During that year of physical recovery, Runyon began to question what he’d done, undertaking the complicated journey from near-death back to high school, and from suicide back to the emotional mainstream of life.

In the tradition of Running with Scissors and Girl, Interrupted, The Burn Journals is a truly remarkable book about teenage despair and recovery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

The Burn Journals Fired Up
I like the book The Burn Journals because its very realistic. Its about teenagers and it is exactly the type of book I like to read. The Burn Journals is about a sad young man. I agree with Andrew Soloman that this book is very excruciating and brilliant. The book is about the author Brent Runyon and the incident he had when he was fourteen years old. He doused his bathrobe in gasoline, put it on, and lit a match.The author put out details about his physical pain andabout the effect of his suicide attempt on his parents and his brother. Chelsea

when I read this...
When I read this book I had tryed to kill myself a couple of times but as I read this book I really understood how I impacted my family and I could relate and it really made me think. I LOVED this book!!!!!

Burn journals.Brent Runyon
You know what they say - Teachers have the best books.When i was subbing I found it on a teachers deck, couldn't finish it and got it at the library.I suggested it to my daughter, 7th grader, and she loves it.I thought it was important because it carries a heavy message about some choices not being able to be undone.The boy tries to commit suicide because he thinks he will get in trouble at school.Beware that in the beginning of the book there is some sexual groping on the school bus, also bad language.

The Burn Journals
I really enjoyed this book. I feel like it gave good insight into the things that Brent was feeling and experienced with his depression as well as with his recovery from his burn injuries. I feel like it is important for stories like this to be told because it helps to understand the emotional aspect of what people who have had to deal with these types of conditions are goignt through.

Chillingly Cynical
I currently work with children who struggle with behavioral and emotional issues and was interested in this book for its supposed insight into depression and teens.I enjoyed the brute honesty and humor in the book. However, I was surprised at the amount of critical comments aimed at other characters in the book when I expected more insight and self-reflection from Brent himself.Interesting read, but not helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Simple, Powerful Techniques that Make Relationships Work

"Why won’t my husband ever express his feelings?"
“Why won’t my wife listen?"
“Why is my sister such a control freak?"
"Why does my ex act like such a total jerk?"
“What’s wrong with people?”

We all have someone we can’t get along with—whether it’s a friend or colleague who complains constantly, a relentlessly critical boss, an obnoxious neighbor, a teenager who pouts and slams doors (all the while insisting she’s not upset), or maybe a loving, but irritating spouse.

In his bestselling book, Feeling Good, Dr. David Burns introduced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a clinically proven, drug-free therapy that has revolutionized the treatment of clinical depression throughout the world. Now, in Feeling Good Together, he presents Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy, a radical new approach that will help you transform troubled, conflicted relationships into successful, happy ones.

Dr. Burns’ method for improving these relationships is easy and surprisingly effective. In Feeling Good Together, you’ll learn:
How to stop pointing fingers at everyone else and start looking at yourself.
How to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem with any person you’re not getting along with.
How to solve virtually any kind of relationship conflict almost instantly.

Based on twenty-five years of clinical experience and groundbreaking research on more than 1,000 individuals, Feeling Good Together presents an entirely new theory of why we have so much trouble getting along with each other. The book is filled with helpful examples and brilliant, user-friendly tools such as the Relationship Satisfaction Test, the Relationship Journal, the Five Secrets of Effective Communication, the Intimacy Exercise, and more, so you can enjoy far more loving and satisfying relationships with the people you care about.

You deserve rewarding, intimate relationships. Feeling Good Together will show you how.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

great relationship advice
great relationship advice.more than just improved communication. touches many important aspects of relationships, whether couples, siblings, parent to child, or interpersonal relationships at work.highly recommend it!

Feeling Good Making Troubled Relationships Work
The mp3 recording was very good - which I had gotten it in a regular cd format to play on my computer.

Unique book
If there was only one book you could read about conflict resolution, this would be the one. Unlike the reviewer who thought this was dumbed down, I found the style helpful for one to easily absorb the material. One normally wants an observer of conflicts in a relationship to acknowledge that one is right and one's spouse is wrong. So it takes some courage to try these techniques as it requires seeing the truth in the criticism of the spouse. However the rewards of the techniques are highly motivating. I liked the fact that one could diagnose the problems in a conflict with just one interaction. One doesn't require many sessions of marital therapy to start solving problems in the relationship!

This book is an outstanding choice for anyone dealing with relationship problems.
Feeling Good Together: The Secret to Making Troubled Relationships Work
Review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

Burns' previous book, Feeling Good, sold over four million copies; this book has the potential of doing the same. It is outstanding. In this 255-page book, there are six parts and 30 chapters -- approximately 8½ pages per chapter. Some of the intriguing chapter titles include, "Why We Secretly Love to Hate," "Three Ideas That Can Change Your Life," "How Good Is Your Relationship? The Relationship Satisfaction Test," "The Price of Intimacy," "Good Communication vs. Bad Communication," "How We Control Other People," "The Five Secrets of Effective Communication," "The Disarming Technique," "Intimacy Traing for Couples: The One-Minute Drill," Part Five, "Common Traps--How to Avoid Them," and "Positive Reframing: Opening the Door to Intimacy--and Success." You can see, just from the titles, how the information he presents is directly tied to questions, problems, and issues that all couples face. The beauty of the book, however, and the practical, realistic tools Burns offers readers apply to all relationships, whether they are spouse, family, friends, or co-workers. I have always found Burns' approach to readers direct, interesting, warm, and engaging, and his "radically different approach" in this book is labeled "Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy," and if my interpersonal textbook had continued (the seventh edition of it was the last), I would have incorporated his basic principles of CIT in my textbook: 1) "We all provoke and maintain the exact relationship problems that we complain about." 2) "We deny our own role in the conflict because self-examination is so shocking and painful, and because we're secretly rewarded by the problem we're complaining about." 3) "We all have far more power than we think to transform troubled relations--if we're willing to stop blaming the other person and focus instead on changing ourselves" (p. 36). The tables, bulleted points, suggested steps, and examples are helpful, realistic, and worthwhile. For anyone having relationship problems, wanting to avoid relationship problems, or wanting to know what kind of advice to give to others, this is an outstanding choice.

Couples will profit!
This book is exquisitely useful in my practice--I work with couples and families as a therapist. Dr. Burns' methods will profit anyone who wants to improve a relationship of any kind. I highly recommend this book and other titles by this author as well. ... Read more

Product Description

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James MacGregor Burns has devoted his legendary career to the study of leadership in all its aspects—from politics to business. Leadership, Burns's pioneering study, introduces the highly influential theory of "transformational leadership," stating that the best leaders are those who inspire others to come together toward the achievement of higher aims. Featuring fascinating case studies drawn from history, Leadership is the classic text for anyone seeking to understand executive decision-making, the dynamics of influence, and moral leadership.

Customer Reviews (9)

Good for all leaders to be
Easy to read and understand. Great points to learn in this book if you are in a position of leadership or inspiring to be a great leader.

A Classic for the 21st Century
When I was a doctoral student, I wrote my dissertation about transforming leadership. As a full-time doctoral faculty member at one of America's leading online universities, I now mentor students in leadership and organizational change, among other specializations.

Leadership, by James MacGregor Burns the Pulitzer Prize winning author, is the most important book I have read in the field of leadership. In it, Burns coined the term, Transforming Leadership, and distinguished it from its more mundane counterpart, Transactional Leadership.

In so doing, Burns catalyzed much of the theorizing and research into transforming leadership (also called transformational leadership, visionary leadership, and charismatic leadership, among others) from the latter part of the 20th century through today.

In this foundational book, Burns argued that there was a "crisis of leadership" because people did not understand the essence of leadership. Whereas traditional, transactional leaders concern themselves with exchanging money for services, the modern, transforming leader "seeks to satisfy higher needs, and engages the full person of the follower" in a "collective purpose," that is, a common vision or shared goal. The end result is leadership "that can produce social change that will satisfy followers authentic needs" (p. 4).

A classic, the message of this book is as meaningful and urgent today as it was when Burns wrote it. We need a new form of leadership to help us deal with the problems of an ever shrinking, interconnected world. Those who would be part of a collective effort to make the world a better place, would do well to read this book.

Robert E. Levasseur, Ph.D., author of "Leadership and Change in the 21st Century"

Leadership: an analysis study
The world of leadership is examined through a sweeping assessment on its power and purpose to its origins in James MacGregor Burns's book, Leadership.This book is a very comprehensive overview of the study of leadership as it distinguishes not only what are the two basic styles of leadership: transforming and transactional, but evaluates the theory and practice of leadership skills as well. Burns stated in Leadership, "I define leadership as leaders inducing followers to act for certain goals that represent the values and the motivations¬-the wants and needs, the aspirations and expectations-of both leaders and followers" (19).
Throughout the book, Burns discussed the leadership styles of political leaders to religious and social leaders. From Martin Luther King, Jr to Moses to Mahatma Gandhi to Napoleon, plus Machiavelli and even Adolf Hitler, Burns cited how these leaders made vital distinctions between wants and needs. According to Burns, "the process of leadership must be seen as part of the dynamics of conflict and of power; that leadership is nothing if not linked to collective purpose; that the effectiveness of leaders must be judged not by their press clippings but by actual social change measured by intent and by the satisfaction of human needs and expectations" (3).

This book is a classic
The reviewer below is right. This is not a how to book. But then, it was never written with this intent so marking it down is not right.

If you want to truly understand leadership, historically, socioligically, psychologically, then buy this book.EVERY scholar of leadership has read it and often references it.It is a really monumental book and Burns is a really honest and authentic scholar (unlike the popular authors who know zero about leadership and are in it for the money).VIVA BURNS!!!

Lacks practical application
The prose is well written.... BUT that's it. Few insights that can be used in practice for people who aspire to become future leaders. ... Read more

Product Description
Ex-covert op Michael Weston owes favors to Barry, the local money launderer. Now Barry wants to call those favors in. Barry has a friend, Bruce, who is an ex-legendary gentleman thief. But with an ailing mother to support, Bruce has returned to his illegal vocation. Unfortunately, his most recent job involved stealing from the notorious Ghouls motorcycle gang, and they're looking for some serious payback. Unless Michael can convince them otherwise... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Pitch Perfect Tie In
It's never a good thing when Michael's "friend" Barry calls him asking for a favor.Barry is an expert money launderer, and Michael owes him a favor or twenty.So it is with some reluctance that Michael takes on the case of Bruce Grossman.

Bruce is a bank robber who did his time.He's reverted to his old ways in an effort to raise the cash to take care of a mother who is dying of cancer.But he's robbed the wrong people, specifically the Ghouls, a motorcycle gang.And the Ghouls are hunting Bruce down to kill him.Can Michael and his friends find a way to save Bruce?

I completely enjoyed this book.The series characters are spot on.I had no trouble hearing the actors saying the lines.And that's extra impressive when you realize that the book is written mostly first person from Michael's point of view.Much of the narration sounds like a voiceover from the show.The plot is the best one in the novels yet, and completely enjoyable.

If you like the TV show, don't pass up this book.You'll enjoy every minute of it.

Gelati's Scoop
If you were a blogger your biggest concern would be content, then content, and then after that content. To have that content you would have to have really good novels appear in your blog. I definitely have that today in The Giveaway a Burn Notice novel based on the USA Network series. Tod Goldberg has added yet another great chapter to this series. Personally I was getting tired of hearing my son and a few of daughters ask me if I was done with it yet. The only pleasure in that, was watching them plead their case as to who would get it next. Competition amongst those in the herd is good once in a while. But I digress.
The Giveaway has all the right elements in it if you are a big fan of the show, as many in our family are, an occasional viewer or have never seen the show or heard about it. The key here is the well-crafted plotline, the incredible wit and humor of Tod Goldberg, and the way in which he crawls into the heads of the show's characters and gives us their perspectives. I think that given the show's popularity, Goldberg could at times mail it in and assume many things throughout the novel. He stands tall in not doing that and making this not just a supplement to the series but I think a necessary read. The way he fleshes out Sam and Fi make this worth the read plus. Michael Weston is always front and center in the show, here we get to see sides of the characters that we wouldn't otherwise. No spoilers here, but Fiona gets a lot of ink in this novel and it really works.
In summation, this novel is a fun summer read. It is quick, light, full of action, and downright funny. Michael, Sam, Fiona, Ma, & Nate are all accounted for in the novel. If you haven't met them yet, don't hesitate to friend them. Pick this novel up and introduce yourself to them. Who doesn't want to meet an ex-spy, former Navy Seal, an IRA bomber, a bank robber, bikers, skanks and a bunch of smelly geriatrics. Fun, right? Don't miss it, put this on your Goodreads to read list at the very least. What is your favorite Burn Notice episode?
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and also look for our posts on Amazon,Barnes and Nobles, and the Bucks County Library System. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati's Store Tab on our blog?Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
[...]

Entertaining story - but please drop the politics
I love Burn Notice, and have enjoyed the previous two books written by Goldberg as tie-ins.However, I'm still not finished with the book (about 25 pages to go) and there are at least three references to the Obamas already.Since the references really have no place in the story, it seems like the author purposely included these.Must we make everything political?I was sick of the Bush references in other media, and now here we start with Obama (although these are positive - which is a twist).The TV show has no political affiliation, so why introduce it in the books?I don't care what party the book is talking about - I follow politics but would prefer my entertainment to be just that...entertainment.Obviously Mr. Goldberg is an Obama supporter, but it had no place in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Nothing Left to Burn is a remarkable memoir that looks into the life of a family that has spent years harboring secrets, both dark and volatile. It eloquently tells the story of a son’s relationship with his father, the fire chief and a local hero, and his grandfather, a serial arsonist.

When Jay Varner, fresh out of college, returns home to work for the local newspaper, he knows that he will have to deal with the memories of a childhood haunted by a grandfather who was both menacing and comical and by a father who died too young and who never managed to be the father Jay so desperately needed him to be. In digging into the past, he uncovers layers of secrets, lies, and half-truths. It is only when he finally has the truth in hand that he comes to an understanding of the forces that drove his father, and of the fires that for all his efforts his father could never extinguish. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Terrific 1st effort
I was fascinated by this memoir and by Varner's ability to bare his soul in his writing. It was powerful to see the unfolding of this memoir and to see Varner get to the core of what it was that really motivated his father and grandfather, and the dysfunctional family dynamics which go along with it. I resonated with this story very well as I have also made a similar search of my own personal history to try and get at those how and why questions regarding certain family members whose actions have had a distinct impact and influence on my own life. As we learn in Varner's memoir, sometimes those impacts and influences are dark and unpleasant. It is how Varner comes to grips with this which makes this story even more compelling.

This is a relatable story on many levels besides the theme of family dynamics. In the memoir, Varner's father died of cancer at an early age. Varner gives a stirring portrayal of how a young boy attempts to make sense of tragedy and illness, broken promises and devastating loss.

I'm not always a fan of the memoir genre, but quite simply, this is a brilliant and fascinating story. It's extremely well-written and it's honesty is sure to strike a chord with readers.

[...].

Brilliant!
This was a great read, I couldn't put it down. I recommend it to anyone!

Embracing the Past
Jay Varner's memoir, Nothing Left to Burn, is an intelligent and thoughtful lookat the events and people in his life who led him to become the person he is today. The book traces the Varner family through three generations, and revolves around each generation's interesting relationship with fire.

Varner's book articulates how fire affected the lives of young Jay, his father, Denton, and his grandfather, Lucky, all of whom lived in and around the small town of McVeytown, Pennsyvlania. Jay, after finishing college, moved back home and took a job as reporter covering the police and fire beat. This surely would have made his father, Denton, (who was McVeytown's fire chief for years), incredibly proud. Unfortunately, he succumbed to cancer in 1990, leaving Jay and his caring mother.

One person who might not have had such respect for Jay's newspaper gig was his grandfather (and Denton's father), Lucky. It's no surprise to anyone who has read other synopses of this book that Lucky was known around McVeytown as a serial arsonist, a man who burned down his own family home not once but twice. Lucky, the sneering, tooth-pick gnawing madman who threateningly drops in and out of Varner's book, is a fascinating character who propels much of the suspense in Nothing Left to Burn.

The reason I would give the book 5 stars is because it paints a fascinating and often tender portrait of a young man growing up in rural Pennsylvania, trying desperately to piece together the puzzle of his family's history and discover what to make of himself. He has support along the way in the form of his mother and her parents, all of whom clearly played a pivotal and loving role in his life. It's hard not to respect Varner's candor. Some of his memories and observations are unpleasant, yet there are more often than not centered around what seems to be a genuine love of the area and the family that raised him.

As a piece of literature, the book is well-written, concise and fast-paced. The chapters, short bursts usually compromised of a certain story from Varner's past, fly by and the reader could easily find him or herself getting through the entire 284 pages in just a few sessions.

Nothing Left to Burn is a thoughtful, moving and tender story about a boy who took the lessons learned by his family, by his father, and even by his grandfather, and used them to become the man he is today.

Burned bridges
Was very interested in reading the book so I got a copy.I was extremely disappointed in this book.It started out very well, but about 50 pages into the book it began to go downhill fast.To summarize this book, it is a story about a boy who blames the fire company for stealing his father away.He dislikes his grandfather, Lucky, for being an arsonist.He seems to have taken the opportunity to bash everyone in his hometown and almost everyone he came into contact with.I feel badly for his surviving family members in which he talks about throughout the book.I am sure that drudging up past memories that were so traumatic cannot be easy for them, especially when and if they still live there.

An amazing story of family, obsession, and dangerous secrets
When Jay Varner was growing up in central Pennsylvania, it seemed like his father was never around.When he wasn't working at his day job, he was occupied by his job as the Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department. Occupied is really not a strong enough word - his father was obsessed with the Fire Department; so much so that young Jay strongly felt his absence.

Jay's paternal grandfather was obsessed with fire, too - but in a different way.He loved to set them.After burning down several buildings, he seemed to be satisfied with coming to Jay's house (Jay's family lived on land he owned) to set blazes - he would burn anything and everything he could get hold of.

After graduating from college, Jay returned home, got a job at the local paper covering the police and fire beat and finds that he too feels a rush when the scanner goes off.He can't help but reflect on the connection between the men in his family.When he seeks an answer, he learns a disturbing secret that few people know.

Jay Varner's memoir, Nothing Left to Burn is an amazing story of family, obsession, and dangerous secrets.Gut wrenching andhonest, Varner freely bares his soul in this compelling story.My heart broke for the young boy longing for his father's attention and presence, but a small part of me could understand why his father felt the need to do what he did - it was his way of righting his father's wrongs.

Varner's grandparents were complete opposites - one set was kind and loving and the other was frightening and, well, a little twisted.I can't imagine growing up like that - it had to be scary and confusing.His mother is a sweet, considerate woman, and it was obvious that she truly loved his father, but I have to tell you that she is much more tolerant than I am!

Nothing Left to Burn is a fascinating exploration of family and what connects us and holds us together.I thoroughly enjoyed it and expect we'll see a lot more of Varner's work in the future - this is not just for those who enjoy memoirs; it's for anyone who enjoys reading about family dynamics. ... Read more

Product Description
Winner of the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards

The setting: suburban Seattle, the mid-1970s.We learn from the outset that a strange plague has descended upon the area’s teenagers, transmitted by sexual contact.The disease is manifested in any number of ways — from the hideously grotesque to the subtle (and concealable) — but once you’ve got it, that’s it.There’s no turning back.

As we inhabit the heads of several key characters — some kids who have it, some who don’t, some who are about to get it — what unfolds isn’t the expected battle to fight the plague, or bring heightened awareness to it , or even to treat it.What we become witness to instead is a fascinating and eerie portrait of the nature of high school alienation itself — the savagery, the cruelty, the relentless anxiety and ennui, the longing for escape.

And then the murders start.

As hypnotically beautiful as it is horrifying, Black Hole transcends its genre by deftly exploring a specific American cultural moment in flux and the kids who are caught in it- back when it wasn’t exactly cool to be a hippie anymore, but Bowie was still just a little too weird.

To say nothing of sprouting horns and molting your skin…Amazon.com Review
The first issues of Charles Burns's comics series Black Hole began appearing in 1995, and long before it was completed a decade later, readers and fellow artists were speaking of it in tones of awe and comparing it to recent classics of the form like Chris Ware's Jimmy Corrigan and Daniel Clowes's Ghost World. Burns is the sort of meticulous, uncompromising artist whom other artists speak of with envy and reverence, and we asked Ware and Clowes to comment on their admiration for Black Hole:

"I think I probably learned the most about clarity, composition, and efficiency from looking at Charles's pages spread out on my drawing table than from anyone's; his was always at the level of lucidity of Nancy, but with this odd, metallic tinge to it that left you feeling very unsettled, especially if you were an aspiring cartoonist, because it was clear you'd never be half as good as he was. There's an almost metaphysical intensity to his pinprick-like inkline that catches you somewhere in the back of the throat, a paper-thin blade of a fine jeweler's saw tracing the outline of these thick, clay-like human figures that somehow seem to "move," but are also inevitably oddly frozen in eternal, awkward poses ... it's an unlikely combination of feelings, and it all adds up to something unmistakably his own. "I must have been one of the first customers to arrive at the comic shop when I heard the first issue of Black Hole was out 10 years ago, and my excitement didn't change over the years as he completed it. I don't think I've ever read anything that better captures the details, feelings, anxieties, smells, and cringing horror of my own teenage years better than Black Hole, and I'm 15 years younger than Charles is. Black Hole is so redolently affecting one almost has to put the book down for air every once in a while. By the book's end, one ends up feeling so deeply for the main character it's all one can do not to turn the book over and start reading again." --Chris Ware

"Charles Burns is one of the greats of modern comics. His comics are beautiful on so many levels. Somehow he has managed to capture the essential electricity of comic-book pop-art iconography, dragging it from the clutches of Fine Art back to the service of his perfect, precise-but-elusive narratives in a way that is both universal in its instant appeal and deeply personal." --Dan Clowes

Questions for Charles Burns

Amazon.com: Cartoonists are about the only people today who are working like Dickens did: writing serials that appear piece-by-piece in public before the whole work is done. What's it like to work in public like that, and for as long as a project like this takes?
Charles Burns: There were a number of reasons for serializing Black Hole. First of all, I wanted to put out a traditional comic book-- I'd never really worked in that comic pamphlet format before and liked the idea of developing a long story in installments. There's something very satisfying to me about a comic book as an object and I enjoyed using that format to slowly build my story. Serializing the story also allowed me to focus on shorter, more manageable portions; if I had to face creating a 368-page book all in one big lump, I don't know if I’d have the perseverance and energy to pull it off.
Amazon.com: One thing that stuns me about this book is how consistent it is from start to finish. From the first frames to the last ones that you drew 10 years later, you held the same tone and style. It feels as though you had a complete vision for the book from the very beginning. Is that so? Or did things develop unexpectedly as you worked on it?
Burns: I guess there's a consistency in Black Hole because of the way I work. I write and draw very slowly, always carefully examining every little detail to make sure it all fits together the way I want it to. When I started the story, I had it all charted out as far as the basic structure goes, but what made working on it interesting was finding new ways of telling the story that hadn't occurred to me.
Amazon.com: Some of the very best of the recent graphic novels (I'm thinking of Ghost World and Blankets, along with Black Hole) have been about the lives of teenagers. Do you think there's something about the form that helps to tell those stories so well?
Burns: That's an interesting question, but I don't know the answer. Perhaps it has more to do with the authors--the kind of people who stay indoors for hours on end in total solitude working away on their heartfelt stories... maybe that kind of reflection lends itself to being able to capture the intensity of adolescence.
Amazon.com: In the time you've been working on Black Hole, graphic novels have leapt into the mainstream. (I think--I hope--we're finally seeing the last of those "They're not just for kids anymore!" reviews.) What did you imagine for this project when you started it? What's it been like to see your corner of the world enter the glare of the spotlight?
Burns: When I started Black Hole I really just wanted to tell a long, well-written story. The themes and ideas that run throughout the book had been turning around in my head for years and I wanted to finally get them all out--put them down on paper once and for all. I've published a few other books and while they sold reasonably well, they didn't set the publishing world on fire. I was pretty sure I'd have some kind of an audience for Black Hole, but that was never a motivating factor in writing the book. And my corner of the world is still pretty dark. I guess I'll be stepping into the spotlight for a little while when the book comes out, but I imagine I'll slip back into my dark little studio when it all settles down again so I can settle back into work.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (66)

Cool art, but overall a disappointing story...
Like many of the other reviewers here, I too grew up in the Pacific Northwest so I can relate to the general vibe and situations of this moody, angst-filled comic. Burns has captured the mannerisms and dialogue of teenagers from my generation pefectly.

And of course the art is pretty hypnotic, as Burns employs a stark relief-printing illustration technique that makes each panel look like a little linocut. At times he does some amazing things with textures, patterns and stylized portrayals of nature and drug paraphernalia. He's a real master of his craft. However, as others have noted, the overall monotony of the characters and their expressions really started boring me after a while and I found myself asking how interesting it could have been to draw these same characters over and over again.

Aside from these things, Black Hole is a story that features many bizarre little bits about a mysterious STD that has infected a random group of high schoolers, the main plotline following an average suburban teenage girl as she has to deal with the loneliness of becoming an outcast from her infection. Because of the attention to detail it's all pretty fun to read but also very episodic. Beyond the bizarre incidents, the plot meanders quite a bit and one gets the feeling Burns doesn't really know what he wants to say with the material. One example would be the inclusion of an underdeveloped serial killer angle. The anticlimactic ending was a big letdown for me as well. Without the art, this story is really weak.

Adolescence as purgatory
Having lived in Seattle for six years while I was in college, the haunts that the characters inhabit seem especially vivid to me.The author absolutely nails the feeling of the region which gives me goosebumps upon reading.The reader can feel the setting getting in to their bones, inhabiting their moods.It is not a stretch to imagine the outsiders (myself included at the time) who hung out at Ravenna park to be infected with some sort of disease.One of the beauties of this story is how the author expands on the troubles of adolescence.The alienation is cast more clearly when it is found out that many of the teenagers have diseases that turn their bodies in to disgusting writhing masses.Youthful sexual encounters are tainted when naked bodies expose the ugliness within.While not much more than a collection of scenes, this book captures the feeling of youth as well as any other author.Adolescence is a time when people feel awkward about who they are.Not yet intelligent enough or self-aware to be confident in who they are, they float in some sort of netherworld between a childish innocence and a purpose-driven adulthood.Some teenagers, often the popular ones, through ignorance innocently pretend to have their act together, to know what is going on.But they too can catch the disease of social awkwardness and self-doubt as the characters in the book catch a much more horrid disease.The outcasts who are infected with this awkward disease yearn to be normal.They construct collages of normal bodies in hopes of understanding their sexuality.The normal kids come upon these collages and are horrified for the window in to self-doubt that is opening to them.This is the feeling of adolescence.No other book I've read does as good a job of capturing this fascinating period.

Good
Graphic novel, set in the '70s, with a group of teenagers and the very strange mutating-STD that develops. Primarily a character-driven piece, using the weird disease as both metaphor and the driving plot to character transformation. Also has a somewhat unnecessary horror mystery arc put within the larger narrative. The artwork is beautiful, very distinctively and evocatively drawn. I first saw this book in the gift shop for an art museum, and I can see why. The story is also reasonably effective, if not quite as breathtaking. The use of genre elements is poor (the bug pretty much has to be magical, no explanation for the origin is given and people seem remarkably unconcerned about a disease that causes a second mouth to grow on someone's neck). Still, it's effective for some very creepy moments and some solid character progression.

Sucks You In, Kind Of Like A...
BLACK HOLE by Charles Burnes
Pantheon Books, 2005

I checked out BLACK HOLE along with a bunch of other books from the library yesterday as it has been recommended to me on more than one occasion. As I was flipping through these books at about nine o'clock last night, I picked it up with the intention of doing nothing other than reading the jacket blurbs and perhaps flipping through a few pages. Basically, the next thing I knew I was turning the final page of the book, closing it, and looking up at the clock somewhat bleary-eyed to see it was four o'clock in the morning. In short, this is one engrossing read; you know you've been really hypnotized by a tale when artwork that's as beautifully rendered as Burns' basically goes unnoticed because you've forgotten that you're reading a book.

BLACK HOLE is not a book for everyone, but I suspect that most people who like it at all will like it a great deal. Recommended, particularly to those who enjoy films like Blue Velvet (Special Edition) and River's Edge,to those who were young in the 70s, or both.

black and white

If there is only one reason comic books exist, it is so that Black Hole could come into existence. This is one of the deepest and unique trips ever written, and the only possible venue for this story is the comic book format. Black Hole is frightening, nostalgic, nightmarish, beautiful, surreal, and chock-full of teenage insecurity. If any comic books become textbooks for future college literary classes, Black Hole will be at the top of the reading list.

writing: [10/10]
art: [10/10] ... Read more