Customer Reviews (20)

Interesting
Victor Hanson Davis has been fulfilling the long neglected role of western classics professor to the United States over the past few years. His sharp and effective editorials concerning the post-9/11 world and the American militaries reaction to it have been real sources of ancient wisdom brought to a chaotic modern world. Davis' first bestseller, Culture and Carnage, was an unbelievably well timed study of western military success throughout history, a study which provided very valuable information at the time of the Afghanistan war. Davis is an excellent observer of historical trends, how the ethos and spirit of Western war machines has shaped world history over the millennia, and continues to affect it today. The purpose of this well crafted work is to show the reader that wars of the past have a profound impact on our lives in the present day, that lessons learned and mistakes observed have helped form the western mind set we live with currently.

I found the earliest part of this book to be by far the best. In it, Davis retells the story of the Battle of Okinawa, the last, and unfortunately, one of the least well known battles of World War II. Davis is a master of recreating the massive death and chaos that purveyed that little rock in the Pacific, as a massive American army faced off against an amazingly well planned and manned Japanese defensive system. The Japanese were more than willing to sacrifice thousands of their own soldiers, including waves of horrific kamikaze attacks. Many have commented on this tactic as to say it was surprisingly effective against the American fleet. While it did do a horrible amounts of damage, the kamikaze's real effect on the western way of war was a stiffening of resolve and the use of extremely violent tactics to exterminate every Japanese soldier on the island. Davis is in his glory in this description, showing how fanatical suicide attacks, anathema to the Western mind, are not as "successful" as is sometimes supposed. It also makes an air tight case for the dropping of the atomic bomb, as the Japanese defense of the home islands would have resulted in truly unheard of casualties, especially for the Japanese populace themselves.

While I did find the other two sections of the book very interesting, I felt they lacked the clear historical connection that was offered in the Okinawa section. The second section of the book studies the tactics of General Sherman during the American Civil War, with a concentration on how the bloody battle of Shiloh affected the celebrated but oft misunderstood general. Davis also makes an interesting if somewhat flawed in my eyes connection between the death of Confederate General Johnston at Shiloh and the long and arduous process of national reconciliation. In the southern mind, this created the idea that victory had been much closer than it had been in reality. Sherman was instrumental in the development of the western idea of "sharp victory", a total and devastating destruction of the enemies war fighting capabilities. Instead of skirting the adversary, giving battle to his army only, Sherman recognized the intrinsic value in decisive movement, one that could conceivably bring a quicker end to the horrors of war. While this historical parallel is fascinating and apt, I did not think Davis wrote of it particularly well.

The last section of the book discusses the battle of Delium, a little known fight that took place in 424 BC. I was very happy that Davis was giving this battle attention, as it is woefully understudied, passed over for the greater battles of the Peloponnesian and Persian Wars. Delium, a battle fought between the Boetians and the Athenians, has had a very powerful influence on western war. Unheard of ideas such as strategic reserves and specialized infantry tactics were utilized for the first time, giving future western warriors a deeper understanding of certain battle dynamics. The battle also provided a cultural addition to western society, as both Socrates and Euripides were profoundly affected by the battles bloody and somewhat senseless outcome. This was a very interesting look at what is considered by many to be a minor battle, but Hansen argues this characterization is unjustified.

All in all, Ripples of Battle is an intriguing examination of historical currents that have gone somewhat unstudied. While Hansen does not match the truly incisive commentary that marks his other writing, he does provide the reader with a broad picture of cause and effect, and what this means for the western world of today.

Three lesser known battles and their consequences since
This book recounts three battles Okinawa (WW2), Shiloh (US Civil) War, and Delium (Greece 424 b.c.), making an argument that these lesser known battles had profound consequences on Western Civilization. Hanson provides powerful depiction's of the battles themselves, but concentrated more on the stories of the characters involved as well as lessons learned from them.

~A discussion of suicide bombers in held in regard to the Okinawa case. The question of the A-bomb as the result of the great causality rate is held.

~In the Shiloh discussion Hanson spends a good deal of time tracing personal histories of a number of participants (who's lives were changed by the fighting) who had profound effect on American life ranging from novels to the KKK.

~The battle at Delium saw Socrates among other prominent Greek figures take part, and Davis asks how the battle changed them, as well as what would have happened had they died among the many others who did.

The book focuses on these three battles and spends more time on personal accounts as well as the effects that Davis sees resulting from the fighting than the descriptions of the battles themselves. The book is eloquently written, and is a great read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in history, military, or Western culture.

Chaos THeory In Effect
I thought Victor Hanson's theory is interesting and in a way profound. In essence, the author proposes that everyone knows about the major battles, and major battles have impact since they usually impact the outcome a war, but they minor battles can create ripples in history that have an effect on future events that may be more signficant than the battles everyone knows about.

The author selects the Battle of Okinawa, The Battle of Shiloh, and the Battle of Delium. The ripple effects are derived from the impact these battles had on the participants. To most people, these battles are minor and obscure. Okinawa shouldn't be, but was overshadowed by other events.

The key point of Okinawa (aside from the author's personal interest, a relative died there) was western culture's reaction to suicide bombings that Japanese used in the battle and the significance of the desire to fight to the last regardless of the outcome. The Japanese were fighting to extract casualties and for strategic advantage. The hope was to deter the imminent invasion of the home islands. The ripple here is the parallel of what we might do faced with Islamic extremists. In WWII, we used the A-Bomb on Japan, and Afganistan we are using Daisy Cutters.

In Shiloh, which probably the author's strongest argument, the battle impacted the pyschology of the south (The Lost Opportunity), the key focus of two generals ideas about prosecuting the war (Sherman and Grant), and how in a few moments careers are made and broken (Lew Wallace). All of these had impact far beyond the battle, the war, and the century.

Victor Hanson is an excellent writer and brings and interesting perspective to the subject. This is a very good book and well worth reading, it will make you think. (Chaos theory which an example is the fluttering of a butterfly in China impacts the weather in North America.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns   2. Civilization, Western   3. History   4. History - Military / War   5. Japan   6. Military   7. Military - General   8. Military Operations   9. Military Science   10. Military art and science   11. Okinawa Island   12. World War, 1939-1945   13. History / Military / General   

Subjects:  1. Colon (Anatomy)   2. Colonic Diseases   3. Colorectal Surgery   4. Medical   5. Medical / Nursing   6. Rectum   7. Surgery   8. Surgery - Colon & Rectal   

Subjects:  1. Curriculum-based assessment   2. Education   3. Education / Teaching   4. Educational Tests And Measurements   5. Educational tests and measurem   6. Special Education - General   7. Testing & Measurement   8. United States   9. Education / Special Education / General   

Customer Reviews (351)

A Definite Must Read
Les Miserables is one of the greatest novels of all time. It doesn't just have an intriguing story-it has a dozen intriguing stories! That's one of the great things about Les Miz--it has something for everyone. It starts out with the reformation of the saintly convict Valjean and his moral battle with the fanatical policeman, Inspector Javert, but the books picks up many more characters along the way. First comes Fantine, a down-on-her-luck single mother, and her sweet young daughter Cosette, later adopted by Valjean. There's the godlike young revolutionary leader Enjolras, and his quirky band of followers, Les Amis de l'ABC. The villain (contrary to popular belief) is not Inspector Javert, but a greedy con artist named Thenardier. Two other main characters are Thenardier's children, (thankfully nothing like himself) the snarky, golden-hearted street urchin Gavroche, and the lovelorn waif Eponine. And my personal favorite, "Baron" Marius Pontmercy, Cosette's brave-but-confused young suitor/stalker.

The novel is packed with everything a reader could ask for--suspense, drama, romance, action, and plenty of crazy twists and turns to keep you on your toes. In addition to being a moving work of fiction, it teaches a good lesson (well, several good lessons, actually). For example, Les Miz does a great job of showing how some "bad guys" are victims of society (Javert) and some are just natural scum-buckets (Thenardier). It also shows how people can get past the circumstances they were born into and become wonderful people (Gavroche). I could go on for hours, but you probably don't want that...

It teaches a lot of history as well. A lot of readers have complained about the long tangents, and I tend to agree on some points. I recommmend skipping "The Intestine of the Levithan" and just skimming the Waterloo section for first-time readers. However, there is a lot of info on nineteenth century France mixed right in with the plot. You get to learn about the severity of the justice system (Valjean), and how politics could divide families (Marius), and how tough life was for Gypsies (Javert). Not only that, but the Paris Uprising of 1832 was a real event, and most of the characters were based on real people. Valjean and Javert were both based on Inspector Vidocq, Marius was based on Victor Hugo himself, and Enjolras was based on the real leader of the uprising. Hugo really manages to bring the time alive for you.

In short, this is a great book all around. And I'm not just saying that because it's my Bible (hehe). The book isn't nearly as difficult to read as it looks. If you're like me, you'll get so into it that you won't even notice the length. I strongly recommend Les Miserables to every literate person out there.

Terrific Novel, Length of Book is Worth it!
Les Miserables introduces Jean Valjean a famous character in literature. This story takes you into Paris after the French Revolution and Lafayette's death, to the barricades of the uprising of 1832. It is the story of Jean Valjean who stole a loaf of bread which made him a convict. He escapes from prison to start a new life. Javert, the police inspector, who will never let Valjean go free. Fantine the prostitute who touched Valjean's heart and defined the word desperation. The Thenadiers, the amoral villians who with the other characters bring this book to its excellency. This story brings out the desire to escape the prisons of our own minds. This novel is best summed up in its title, Les Miserables, translated is "The Miserables".

Victor Hugo takes us into the Parisian underworld. He shows us the battle between good and evil. Hugo uses Les Miserables as a platform to criticize the French political and judicial systems. He probably did not expect this story to become an epic that has touched the heart for more than a hundred years.

Reading this novel gives a clearer picture of how the French government reacted to the common people. It inspires the hope of an age of rebirth and revolution. There are also many themes played out in this novel that capture your thoughts and emotions. The story battles between good and evil. Morality is also a theme that is used many times in this novel. This book is definitely an extravagant spectacle that dazzles the senses and touches the heart. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in the French Revolutionary times or someone who just wants a story that displays human emotions like you have never read before.

The human race
This is a fabulous book. It's a tale about the human race that applies to all people, places, and time-periods that really touches your heart and makes you think. It's an incredible peice of literature. Read it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics   2. Literature - Classics / Criticism   3. Literature: Classics   

Customer Reviews (8)

Love and Friendship
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Love and Friendship a great book for teenagers, because it is real life stories written by teens all over the U.S. The stories in this book are about relationships and dating, and friendships. Most of the stories in this book are very happy and give the reader tips about relationships with people, but there are also a few stories written by heart broken teens.
Every story in this book can help someone in some way because they either have a lesson to be learned or they are just great stories to read so maybe someday you can be like one of the teenagers in this book.
This is a book that can be read again and again by adults as well as teens of course, because many adults face some of the same problems as teens face when it comes to relationships. When ever you get a chance to read this book take it. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Love and Friendshipis a book that you will not regret reading because this is such an awesome book!

Best yet
After reading Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Love and Friendship I realized how terrible things can be. It also shows you how to make the best of things that you think are the worst. I never thought that Chicken Soup books were for me until I read this one.
You can make life into whatever you want it to be. You shouldnt let guys or friends step in your way. This Cihcken Soup teaches you about all the problems and situations you come across with guys and friends. If either your firend or your boyfriend tried to step in your way of accomplishing something they dont really care because friends and boyfriends dont do that. So if your interested in love, relationships, and friendships then this is the book for you.

What the Teen Love Series should be
If you like Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul then you'll absolutely love this book! This is what the Teen Love Series on Relationships shoudl've been.

The book has stories written by teens as usual but it's a lot better than listening to the author ask questions all the time. Sorry to say but me being a teen, I don't learn from being lectured to all day, I learn from experience and this book details on others experiences that teaches me more than if my mom or dad were to sit down and lecture me on all of it.

It's very good and it takes after the Chicken Soup for the Soul books rather than the Teen Love series which I feel is much better. That means we get more mature stories written by older teens as well as younger so it's a great read for teenagers of all ages. Not just teens, but adults as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)   2. Conduct of life   3. Juvenile Nonfiction   4. Social Problems (General) (Young Adult)   5. Social Situations - Dating and Sex   6. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings   7. Social Situations - Friendship   8. Teenagers   9. Family & Relationships / Adolescence   

Customer Reviews (10)

Best chicken soup I've ever had !
As one of three sisters, this book brought tears of joy and laughter. Wonderful heartfelt stories that all sisters will enjoy. Take your time reading it to fully take part in each story and take note of how each story makes you feel. I learned alot about myself and my sisters while reading this book. A must have in any women's library.

To All Sisters
Chicken Soup for the Sister's Soul is a book every sister should read. For every relationship sisters share this book connects to each reader. My first thought after reading this was to call my sisters just to say Thankyou for being special! Its a must read!

The Chicken Soup that "Touched Me".
This book really touched me. It taught me to love my sisters whenever they are mean or do bad things. One of these stories was the most awesome story ever! I said that this one girl's sister had cancer and lost all of her hair. When she went to visit her sister she had a hat on that said "having a bad hair day," but when she took the hat off she was bald,she shaved all of the hair on her head off so her sister woulnd't feel bad about having no hair. That was the story that touched me the most. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian women   2. Personal Growth - General   3. Religious life   4. Self-Help   5. Sisters   6. Sociology   7. Women   8. Family & Relationships / Siblings   

Customer Reviews (18)

Totally Awesome, Great High school Graduation Gift
I just finished reading Chicken Soup for the College Soul and found the book, like all the Chicken Soup books, to be totally awesome. This book would make a great gift for graduating high school seniors and/or any college student. The stories are inspiring and help students realize there is hope of surviving through college.

A great collection of comforting and funny stories.
I received Chicken Soup for the College Soul, for Christmas during my senior year of highschool. During this time, like many seniors, I was completely stressed out over choosing and appling to colleges. The stories in this book helped me to realize that college can be a lot of fun and is not something to stress out about. The section titled Transition was the most helpful to me. Saying good-bye to the only family and friends that you have known during your life is hard. This section shows how other seniors handled saying good bye to life long friends and saying hello to students on their new campuses. High school seniors have a hard time showing emotions and admitting to others that they are afraid of what lays ahead. This book explains different aspects of college life and how to handle them. The best way to learn about college life is from people who have experienced it. Chicken Soup for the College Soul is made up entirely of stories people have written about their college experiences. If you know a high school student I highly recommend purchasing this book for them. Going to college is going to be scary, but having a book full of people who have been in my situation and survived will give me the courage to conquer college life.

THIS BOOK SHOULD BE A REQUIREMENT IN A 1ST YEAR G.E. CLASS!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it the summer before I started my junior year. It prepared me for transferring to a university from a community college. I think all college students should have to read it in one of their required G.E. classes to get them adjusted to college life. It is so wonderful!!! I would highly, highly recommend it to current college students of ANY age, high schoolers, and teenagers. I think they would all like it. I would recommend it as a high school graduation gift for the high school senior going in to college, whether it be the community college level or university. It will be so helpful to them! It really helps to know that you are not the only one who is going through many things in life, especially in college. This book helps you know that you are not alone in the feelings of confusion and frustration during life in college. It shows you that others have experienced the same thing, and it even gives you ideas on how to handle certain things that come up. I really enjoyed it!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. College students   2. Conduct of life   3. Inspirational   4. Inspirational - General   5. Meditation   6. Motivational & Inspirational   7. Self-Help   8. Self-Help / General   

Customer Reviews (7)

Inspiring Grandparents and their Loved Ones
Thanks for another great book in the "Soup" series. We grandparents appreciate you celebrating us with this special book. We all need inspiration, and this book helps us all, whether we are a grandparent or not.

I'm a grandfather (of five) and I simply loved this book!
I just don't know how the Chicken Soup people keep putting out such great books. There are so many of them and each has about 100 stories. Where do they get all of them? Frankly, after having read three others in the series, i didn't expect this one to be special in any way, but it surprised me alot. I found that the stories had such a wide variety of experiences that grandparents have today --- some that my own grandparents could never have had. I found just a few stories to be 'blah', but on the whole, most of the stories were either really touching or made me laugh out loud. I read several aloud to my children on the phoen becaause they reminded me of 5things that had happened in our house as my kids were growing up.
This book is an affirmation of grandparenting.

Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul
This book is about the love and caring of grandparents for their grandchildren. It contains so many heartfelt emotions that were put into words so beautifully that I was touched by them very much. My friend Debby Stoner was a contributor and I was so impressed by her writing skills and how she expressed the depths of her feelings for her grandson. The book was an easy read, supplied me with hours of pleasure and was difficult to put down. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes   2. Conduct of life   3. Family & Relationships   4. Family/Marriage   5. General   6. Grandparent and child   7. Grandparenting   8. Grandparents   9. Inspirational   10. Inspirational - General   11. Self-Help / General   

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Customer Reviews (9)

Excellent for all(even 25 year olds)!!!
I originally bought this book for some older friends of mine. I ended up reading it all the way through before giving it to them. The stories touched all of my emotions and reminded me of my wonderful grandparents as well(my grandparents raised my sisters and I thru much of our childhood). This is a great book for anyone and everyone-don't pass it up.

They've done it again
Readers who haven't received a recent dose of "Chicken Soup for the Soul," shame on you. In "Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul," Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield, Barbara Chesser, Amy Seeger and Paul Meyer present us with one of the best of the series.

I say it is a must-read for anyone on either side of 60. It is a timeless, energized, enthusiastic, motivational book written with golden years in mind, but filled with stories all can enjoy. Will be a great holiday gift for lots of folks on your list.

Golden Laughters and Tears
When I am a old lady I shall wear purple........ Remember that poem. Author unknown to me. When reading this book, I cried, laughed, remembered and decided to live for the moment. Life is such a joy, and this book made me remember that.It is a must for all of us old goldies. A great gift for one to take for every occasion....birthday, shut-ins, loved ones and etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging   2. Aging - General   3. Anecdotes   4. Conduct of life   5. Inspirational   6. Inspirational - General   7. Middle aged persons   8. Motivational & Inspirational   9. Older people   10. Self-Help   11. Self-Help / Aging   

Customer Reviews (14)

Restoring my faith in Chicken Soup . . .
After reading the hokey "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul," I was a bit leery about reading another Chicken Soup book. I wasn't sure if the stories in Chicken Soup were ones that I could relate to my life and my experiences. But when I heard that the Chicken Soup people had published a book for the "unsinkable soul," I decided to give the books another try. As a mildly disabled person who has conquered many obstacles in my own childhood, I thought that if there was any characteristic that I related to, it would be triumph -- success -- unsinkability. Needless to say, I was very pleased with this book. There were stories that made me laugh, others that made me cry, and even more that made me think. My favorite story was called "The Flight of the Red-Tail," written by Penny Porter, an awesome author. The story narrates one family's attempt to save a bird struck by a vehicle. Although the bird had one bad wing and was on the brink of death, it was able to recover and eventually learned to fly. Also, Erma Bombeck's contributions to the book were especially poignant and inspiring. The book closes with her piece called "At Wit's End," which stresses the importance of living for today, not for tomorrow.

Overall, the book proved to be a valuable source of encouragement, enlightenment, and inspiration. Even though I never wanted to put the book down, I finished each reading with an invigorating feeling. I was blown away at the combined power of the short stories and poems that compose this book. Even if you've felt let down by the Chicken Soup series in the past, I invite you to give "unsinkable soul" a try. I dare each and every reader to devour this book from cover to cover and then say that he or she wasn't moved or touched in some way by this book. "Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul" is incredibly powerful -- and highly recommended.

Chicken Soup for the Prisoners Soul?
I bought this book for my son Ted who is in jail. I was looking for a book that would inspire him and tell him stories of other people who have overcome great hardships in life. My son said the book moved him deeply and brought tears to his eyes several times.

Ted is a drug addict, suffers from serious depression and broke several laws. He was eventually jailed for his crimes. I believe that he has much potential but he made many unwise decisions and jail is the appropriate place for him to take his punishment.When he leaves jail he will then go to in-patient treatment for his drug problem. He will need all the strength and courage he can find. I want Ted to understand that he has the opportunity to change his life, that other people have overcome greater problems than he faces and I hoped this book would help. I think it did just that.

If you know someone who is not making wise decisions, who feels life is unfair and needs the courage to take control of the their life--then this is the book for them. Buy it and give it to them. Who know, maybe you will help someone change their life.

tough times
i found that when reading a few of the stories i felt greatly moved, more books like Chicken soup should be written as i feel deeply emotional especially as something unforgettable happened to me recently that has made me look at life completely differently. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conduct of life   2. Inspirational   3. Inspirational - General   4. Motivational & Inspirational   5. Self-Help   6. Spiritual life   7. Self-Help / Motivational   

Customer Reviews (4)

A Wonderful Introduction to The Bible
This is the perfect Bible for a new-believer or a non-believer who wants to learn about Judaism and Christianity. The book begins with "How To Read The Bible" and a topical overview. Each book begins with a unique introduction. Bible stories that are culturally or historically complex are provided contemporary retellings nearby the text. Recipes for Living help the reader understand and apply Biblical truths. Reading plans are printed in a different color so the reader can read 365 highlights in the order they appear in the Bible. There are also several 30-day reading plans in the back of the Bible for many interesting subjects. Inset throughout the text are quotes from a wide range of ancient and modern sources. There's so much more - unlike any Bible I've ever seen. I hope Pinon will release a softcover edition at a reduced price. I'd like to begin giving these Bibles away in large quantities!

This is GREAT!
This is a fantastic Bible! I love the New Living Translation because it's easy to understand. The Chicken Soup stories in this Bible really do help me understand the Bible stories. This is something I'm getting for my mom for Mother's Day. It's a Bible I'd give to people who don't normally read the Bible.

joyful experience
The translations in this version is a wonderful way to assist in understanding many of the stories and passages in the Bible. The addition of stories and quotes which relate to various passages give some wonderful insight and a touch of present day. The Chicken Soup folks have done a wonderful job of putting this together. The credits for the translation team include a long list of Theology scholars. The stories and quotes are not overdone either - as there are not too many to take away from the importance of the Bible. I have only read through segments of the 1500 pages (which by the way are thin and silky feeling - another nice touch!), but I love it so far. It's a beautiful book - but maybe not for everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibles - Other   2. Inspirational   3. Inspirational - General   4. Religion   5. Spirituality - General   

Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War is one of the greatbooks in the Western tradition, as well as its first true historical narrative. Editor RobertStrassler has annotated this classic text to make it more accessible to modern readers and added dozensof maps for easy reference. A helpful introduction places Thucydides in proper historicalcontext and a series of short appendices focus on particular aspects of life and war during theperiod. But the bulk of the book itself, where Thucydides chronicles the long struggle betweenAthens and Sparta, enjoys an unexpected freshness on these pages--partly due to Strassler's magnificent editorial labors, but mostly because it's a great story resonant with heroes, villains, bravery, desperation, and tragedy. Every library should have a copy ofThucydides in it, especially libraries on military history, and The Landmark Thucydides iswithout question the best version available. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

The Definitive Edition
This book presents a wonderful way to read Thucydides. While the introduction and appendices can be quite helpful to the non-specialist, the edition's greatest strengths are its translation and its maps. Crawley's is truly the definitive English translation, doing justice to Thucydides' majestic, albeit sometimes dense, prose. At the same time the maps make reading it a real pleasure. The Peloponnesian War ranged all across the Greek world, and most editions force you to constantly flip back to a few small and confusing maps in a feeble attempt to follow it. This volume entirely relieves you of that burden, removing all obstacles to the enjoyment and appreciation of this classic.

For those further interested in Thucydides and the war he recounts, I highly recommend Donald Kagan's four-volume analysis of the Peloponnesian War. An up-to-date, thoroughly scholarly work, it is also very accessible to the non-expert and well-written to boot. For expanded views and interpretations of the war, as well as an evaluation of Thucydides himself, pick up any one of his volumes.

outstanding job
This is an easy to read translation of the Greek historian. Mr. Strassler has done an A+ job of making the history easy to read. There are many first rate maps of Greece, Sicily and the other areas of the Pelopanessian war. The summaries of each paragraph of the book are brilliant and very clear when Thucydides is not always the easiest to comprehend. If there are any faults to the book they are the faults of Thucydides who is occasionally confusing and disorganized. The essays at the back of the book about Athens and Sparts and their social customs are first rate and very helpful. I enjoyed this book very much and give it the highest recommendation possible.

Best book and version ever
I found this book on sale in a bookstore in Nijmegen, Holland. It looked very appealing, I bought it, took it home with me and waited for several months before I read it. I am not a scholar, nor a historian, I am interested in history and in fact rather than fiction. The splendid appendices gave insight in much of the text and maps are a definite plus.

As for the book itself. The further along you get, the more you are drawn into it. It really has the aura of an eye witness account. But somehow Thucydides manages to go beyond mere history and trancend the story into a classic Greek drama, the rise and fall of Athens. By the time the Athean fleet sails for Sicily I realised his very factual style of writing had turned an historic event of over two thousand years ago into harsh everyday reality. Here's a man struggling with depicting a war he was part of, with losses that he himself felt, with the downfall of a country that was his.

After reading it, I read Livius. The difference to me is stunning. Whereas Livius writes from a very chauvinistic Roman viewpoint, Thucydides actually tried to write a factual account. Even more stunning that Livius didn't manage objectivity with events hundreds of years ago and Thucydides did with events in his own lifetime.

Read it as you would read a newspaper.

Recently, I've often seen the book misquoted and its authority misused, suggesting that few people actually read it.

Do yourselves a favour, buy it, put it on your bookshelves and for God's sake, read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 0-323   2. Ancient - Greece   3. Ancient Greece - History   4. Greece   5. History   6. History - Military / War   7. History: World   8. Military - Other   9. Peloponnesian War, 431-404 B.C   10. History / Military / General   

Sometimes the best way to get through hard times is finding out you're not alone. The books in the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series have provided just that reassurance to millions of teens in the few years since the first was published. Much like the earlier volumes, the third in theseries features stories, poems, and cartoons, most of which were written by teens themselves. Twenty teen reviewers read every submission,narrowing the selection down to 5,000 favorites. Editors Jack Canfield, MarkVictor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger made the final cuts. The result? Packed with compassion, heartache, love, experience, and wisdom, Teen III (as the editors refer to it) is every bit as inspirational as the earlier editions.

Most of the stories are contributed by young, unpublished writers, and the quality of the writing is good, if a touch melodramatic at times. But then, adolescence is nothing if not melodramatic, and the audience undoubtedly will relate perfectly to the tales of betrayal, friendship, identity crisis, parental clashes, and painful crushes. The editors have organized this collection into nine categories: Relationships, Friendship, The Power of Love, Family, Lessons, Tough Stuff, Overcoming Obstacles, Self-Discovery, and Growing Up. A great source for laughs, advice, compassion, and the comfort of knowing that we're never as alone as we think. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (78)

A quick, easy, and inspiring read
It's amazing how much emotion can be communicated through the written word. Since the inception of the Chicken Soup for the
Soul series, millions of Americans have gained a deeper understanding of themselves through the hundreds of stories included in these books. Authors Canfield, Hansen, and Kirberger have illuminated a fire within their readers. The faithful readers of this popular series have turned to the stories of their fellow man to find inspiration, hope, and emotion within themselves.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul III, like its predecessors, was jam-packed with stories by teenagers and for teenagers. We, as
teens, learn through these stories of love, despair, and triumph that the splendor of life equally comes from our encounters of love, despair, and triumph. It is through experiencing these three things that life becomes richer and we become happier.

The sections of this book each touch an area of life sacred to teens: relationships, friendships, love, tough times, and growing up. Seeing other teens deal with these dilemmas encourages us to hold onto life's experiences and LEARN from them. It is through this learning process that we truly mature and find ourselves.

Great For Teenagers!
This book definitely gave me very good advice about being a teenager. I previously read Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II. I think that this one was a wee-bit better than the others Chicken Soup books because the stories were more entertaining. I have always like the Chicken Soup books ever since I was a little. I always found the books fun to read and also educational. This book also taught me a lot about myself and that there are people out there that think the same way I do. This book was happy, sad, fun, and enlightening all in one. I would definitely recommend this book to all teens that need a little heart-warming. This book was a kind of book that you get cozy with.

Great Book!
This book definitely gave me very good advice about being a teenager. I previously read Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II. I think that this one was a wee-bit better because the stories were more entertaining. I have always like the Chicken Soup books ever since I was a little. I always found the books fun to read and also educational. This book also taught me a lot about myself and that there are people out there that think the same way I do. This book was happy, sad, fun, and enlightening all in one. I would definitely recommend this book to all teens that need a little heart-warming. This book was a kind of book that you get cozy with. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adolescence   2. Children's 12-Up - Inspirational   3. Children's writings   4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)   5. Conduct of life   6. Juvenile Nonfiction   7. Religion - Inspirational   8. Social Situations - Peer Pressure   9. Teenagers   10. Youths' writings   11. Family & Relationships / Adolescence   

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Inspirational   2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)   3. Juvenile Nonfiction   4. Psychology (Young Adult)   5. Religion - Inspirational   6. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings   7. Social Situations - New Experience   8. Juvenile Nonfiction / General   

Customer Reviews (4)

Even if you're not a Chicken Soup lover...
This is a great feel-good book. If you are reaching for the way to make the season more family-oriented and less about "things" this book is for you!

Family Togetherness
If you are looking for a way for your family to spend some time together each night during the Christmas season, then this is the book for you. It is filled with stories that make you laugh and cry. My 4 children ages 6 to 11 couldn't wait each night to see which story was next. It was like an advent calendar that we all could share in.

As a story contributor....
I am writing this review as a story contributor of this Chicken Soup book and a reader as well. I feel honored to be included in this book with such wonderful talent. These stories are just what a Mother needs to read to her children at night before they turn out the light. What a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season and what a meaningful tradition to start! This is a book to pass down for generations to come! I am proud to be the lead story of such a masterpiece.

Denise Peebles ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Inspirational   2. Christmas   3. General   4. Holidays & Festivals - Christmas   5. Juvenile literature   6. Religion - Inspirational   7. Self-Help   8. Sociology   9. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Christmas   

Customer Reviews (82)

Shock Troops, Schmock Troops! Reductionist and Repetative
I enjoyed this book to no end, but from the start the really annoying thing (and its gets more and more annoying the further you read) is his endless repitition of his thesis:

THESIS: The Western Tradition in war is the product of the Greek Polis and its continuance is manifested in the same ways as it essentially was during the good ol' days of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and whoever else they could fit around the table at the "Symposium": free citizen soldiers with certain rights to property, life, the ability to elect civic officials, and a scientific method of inquiry, all these qualities make better soldiers. Moreover they yeild a method of battle seeking to conclusively close with the enemy and defeat him in "shock battle" (I do not know how many times he uses that term).

Hansen offers good cases studies in battles, but he draws them out WAY TOO MUCH.....! Therefore his best writing is at the beginning, when he introduces his ideas, and at the end, when he is forced to reach conclusions --- in both areas we are presented a lot of new, and therefore non-repetative, information.

Some concerns with this book are:

1) Extremely reductionist. Every battle cited is further proof of his thesis. Even Cannae, where an army not of the western tradition the Carthaginians (an extremely contentious statement since Carthage was founded by Greeks, but hey, who am I to argue with a classics scholar), defeated the Romans who were the very apotheosis of the western tradition.

Hansen has an answer however: the very fact they lost the battle was indicative that Romans were able to absorb enormous losses and then raise armies of free citizen soldiers again whilst those of Carthage were doomed to ultimately loose the war because they were ultimately an authoritarian state. Citizen soldier states win even when hey lose! The exception proves the rule as it were.... This is a supremely reductionist argument and one surprising coming from a teacher of the Classics.

2) War And the Liberal Tradition: Hansen rightly asks the question of what would happen if two nations of the western, classical tradition fight. Some notion is seen in the modern battles of the Somme, Passchendale, and Stalingrad. Hansen also reafirms the liberal assertion that democracies do not fight, but he also admits that there is little room for error in the future if they even do... But he does not go into the implications of this theory. There are only about 4-5 pages in the entire tome that deal with this subject.

3) Case Studies: His chapters on Salamis, Rourke's Drift & Midway are the best and although cliche at times, are supremely interesting and offer interesting perspectives on the nature of all combatants (I really liked his section on Midway and although I have read a lot on this battle, I found he had a lot new to say that was interpretive).

His worst chapter is the one on Tet, which seems almost tacked on the end of the book (he should lose it) and offers nothing new accept the currently "conservative" fashionable reinterpretation that America really did win this war. There is no mention about the fact that, agree or not, this was a popular war of liberation (waged immorally by both the North and the US); the utter mendacity of US Generals and soldiers in the field and; no notion that just and moral regimes supported by the people could and should really support and fight for themselves.

4) Morality: One point that Hansen states is that the western way of warfare, although more efficient, is no more moral than any other and much more bloody because it seeks decisive "shock battle" with the enemy. His examples seem to bear out his assertion about the amorality of the western military tradition. However with a system of battle that is so destructive it is incumbent on western morality (itself a product of the Greek tradition) to explain how morality in war is linked, how it can be linked, and how it SHOULD be linked. Moreover if the Greek Classical tradition produced both western morality and the western way of warfare, how are the two necessarily mutually exclusive as Hansen would have us believe.

I think that any discussion of western morality may muddy the water and would have lead to a much more complicated book, though perhaps one less repetative and much more interesting.

His ideas are merely interesting. There are enough holes (cited above) in his thesis to fire an 18 inch round from the Yamato through. And in this sense the value of his ideas are really to be found in the heuristics of such a study, to say that there is "truth" here is to impute far too much: the case studies range from Very Good (Salamis) to Extremely Bad (Tet) and just plain bad (Cannea and Lepanto).

Even though I disagree with a lot of what Hansen says, I still would say that he has established a worthy subject with a lot of hard questions that need answers. As a heuristic approach, his book is a tour-de-force.... Now if he could only get a better editor for the next book, he will find a willing punter in me, one willing to plunk the US $ 35 ...down on his next work.....
As long as Hansen can promise me that I do not have to read the word "shock battle" 10 times on the same page.

The Democratic War Machine
Love him (and I do) or hate him, Victor Davis Hanson's work is dependably bold and provocative. One of his latest books, "Carnage and Culture: Landmark Battles in the Rise of Western Power," is certainly no exception.

The book was written, at least in part, as a response to the critically acclaimed and wildly popular "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond. Hanson derides the geographic deterministic conclusions presented by Diamond - the idea that Western power is more or less a fluke of geography - and lays out an alternative explanation for the dominance of the Western world over other cultures. But rather than offering an alternative anthropological perspective, Hanson uses military history to explain the West's dominance since the Hellenistic age. From a strictly objective and amoral perspective, Hanson says, Western liberal democracies have proven incredibly efficient at killing enemies in war and thus conquering much of the globe.

Hanson central thesis is that there are nine "paradigms" that, when combined, account for the superiority of Western warfare and the extreme bloodshed when Western nations fight one another: 1) political freedom as the cornerstone of Western culture from which all else flows; 2) the quest for decisive battles of annihilation rather than ritualistic battle often found in non-Western cultures; 3) the concept of military service as a civic duty, which provides the West with large numbers of highly motivated troops; 4) a focus on heavy infantry shock engagements; 5) a spirit of rationalism and the scientific method, which has paid huge dividends in the form of advanced military technology; 6) the economic model of capitalism, which has exploited technological advances to their fullest and rapidly put weapons in the hands of large Western armies; 7) the discipline to fight as a unit and thus get the most out of Western technology and mass production capability; 8) individualism and initiative in battle; and 9) dissent, self-critique and civic audit of military operations. He uses individual East-West battles - including Western "defeats" such as Cannae, Isandhlwana (along with his discussion of Rorke's Drift) and Tet (from a strategic perspective) - throughout history to illustrate each of the paradigms. The author is quick to note that his selection of battles has little to do with his overall conclusions and that a completely different collections of battles could be used to demonstrate the same points.

Each chapter is well written and vivid in its description of the various battles (early on Hanson notes that war is all about killing men, not the more antiseptic issue of strategy). For those whose reading has tended to focus on contemporary military history, the early chapters on Salamis, Guagamela, Cannae (Hanson is a professor of classics, so these first three are his speciality), Poitiers and Tenochtitlan will be particularly enlightening and rewarding.

In the end, Hanson's arguments are compelling, but far from convincing. The notion that Western scientific inquiry and commercial enterprise have greatly facilitated military power is undeniable. So too is his argument that military professionalism and its focus on discipline have proven decisive in lopsided engagements. However, the idea that only citizens of a Western democracy can field large armies of motivated men capable of initiative or that seeking decisive shock battle is key to victory are much more debatable. Nevertheless, "Carnage and Culture" is worth your time and highly recommended - even if you challenge most of Hanson's conclusions.

From what I've read so far...
I'm about half way through the book and so far it seems very well thought out. My biggest complaint is how Salamis is glorified and Thermopylae's contribution to the Greek defense is downplayed to a ridiculous extent. Overall Carnage and Culture is a very well thought out book that explains Western military dominance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Battles   2. History   3. History - Military / War   4. Military   5. Military - General   6. Military history   7. History / Military / General   

The second volume of Victor Klemperer's searing diary, kept in secret during the 12 years he suffered under the Nazi regime, covers the period from 1942 to 1945. The humiliations visited on even such "privileged" Jews as Klemperer (whose wife was Aryan) grew increasingly severe, with house searches, arbitrary arrests, and brutal beatings becoming virtually routine. The 60-year-old historian is forced to shovel snow despite his heart condition; hunger gnaws at him as rations are mercilessly cut. Yet he clings to an intellectual life, continuing his reading and making notes on the lies and obfuscations of official Nazi discourse that would become his postwar masterpiece, Lingua Tertii Imperii. "The Russians, who have only just been annihilated, are tremendous and quite inexhaustible opponents," he notes sardonically after reading a mendacious fascist article in 1942. His lengthy account of his escape with his wife from Dresden after the Allied bombings of 1945 unforgettably captures the chaos of World War II's final days and the mixed feelings of a Jew who could never wholeheartedly gloat over the defeat of the nation that had persecuted him. Above all, his unflinching depiction of human nature and society in extremis amply justifies his cherished belief that even the Nazis "cannot prevent language from testifying to the truth."--Wendy Smith ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Essential Reading
The extraordinary value of Klemperer's heroic diaries reside in their rich detail. Day after day, under the most unnerving circumstances imaginable, this decent, perceptive man took the time to observe and record the quotidien outrages of the Nazi horror. The result is a kind of huge pointillist canvas in which every dot of infamy, every speck of malevolence, has been precisely set down. The marvel--one might even say the miracle--is that, even in the face of Gestapo searches, any one of which might easily have resulted in his and his wife's deportation and certain murder, Klemperer had not only the self-possession but the courage to persevere.

One observation he makes in this second installment of the Diaries will doubtless fuel the ongoing debate as to the culpability of ordinary non-Jewish Germans in the Holocaust, and that is that many Germans, even those in official posts, were apparently unaware not only of the death camps but even of the severe depradations under which Jews were forced to live. One German, for example, is cited as believing that one could see many more Jews in the streets in 1942 because they were heartened by America's entry into the war, whereas, as Klemperer points out, 'the Jews were more frequently to be seen on the streets because they were forbidden to take the tram', and 'the man was completely unaware of this.' Now, whether this was inadvertant or willful ignorance is a lively question, but this and other examples cited by Klemperer seem to indicate that many Germans did at least appear to be unaware of the full extent of the mad repressive decrees daily exacted against their Jewish neighbors.

Some, however, clearly did know, and, as Klemperer shows, were not altogether comfortable with the passivity of their knowledge. One day he has an encounter in the street in Dresden and his description of it in his diary nicely exemplifies the dignified magnanimity with which this extraordinary man treated the guilt of his much more fortunate German compatriots. 'On Warplatz,' he says, 'two gray-haired ladies, teachers of about sixty years of age, such as often came to my lectures and talks. They stop, one comes toward me, holding out her hand. I think: a former auditor, and raise my hat. But I do not know her after all, nor does she introduce herself. She only smiles and shakes my hand, says: "You know why!" and goes before I can say a word. Such demonstrations (dangerous for both parties!) are said to happen frequently. The opposite of the recent: "Why are you still alive, you rogue! " And both of these in Germany and in the middle of the twentieth century.--'

Essential as this and the first installment are for any understanding of the Holocaust, both would be much improved by much more thorough annotation. Still, that will take time, and English editor and translator Martin Chalmers has produced an admirable edition for the time being.

EXTRAORDINARY.
Is 'extraordinary' a powerful enough word for this book?

On reading it, I almost couldn't believe that it was genuine...but no writer of fiction could have created something as extraordinary,(I've used the word again,) as this.

Klemperer was a Jew, who managed to survive the war living within Nazi Germany because he was married to a Christian woman & 'luckily' for us, he wrote EVERYTHING down. Every. Tiny. Detail.

A superbly intelligent & witty man. Sometimes these kinds of books are just fascinating as eye-witness accounts, but what's unusual about this, is the fact that this man could actually write AND SO well.

SO sad & frustrating that it wasn't published within his lifetime.

I can't say any more. I'll never be able to say enough.

Probably the most extraordinary eye-witness account about life in Nazi Germany available...NO!...that will EVER be available.

Definetely the most extraordinary, (yes, it IS the right word,) book I've personally EVER read.

I'm honoured in being able to recommend this to you.

These are powerful books
Victor Klemperer's diaries are essential reading for any serious student of the Third Reich. His achievement is extraordinay on every level. Even though he was victimized, he maintained a studious detachment and even after twelve years of persecution, could see the Nazi leaders in a clear and objective light. At no time did he underestimate their intelligence, or their effectiveness at controlling the German people. His voice holds the reader in thrall as he repeatedly describes the capability of Hitler and Goebbels, in particular, to manipulate and distort events to their own advantage. Nowhere is the Nazi regime's effective use of power more clearly described than it is in these pages.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Klemperer's observations is that he held what we now call the Goldhagen debate within his own mind. Was antisemitism a deeply embedded and inseparable part of the German people, or not? He described acts of kindness and acts of discrimination and brutality in counterpoint over and over again. In the end, he did not form a final conclusion himself on this issue.

There has been much ink spilled on the Gestapo. How effective and how pervasive was this force in institutionalized and systemic terror activities? Klemperer's detailed and careful observations over a period of years provides an insight that transcends any other. He describes not only his own mounting sense of terror at Gestapo tactics, but dispassionately describes the impact on his friends and neighbors, most of whom did not survive the experience. To the question: How much did ordinary Germans know or guess about the extermination activities in the concentration camps? Klemperer's diaries leave no doubt at all that everyone knew.

Klemperer was a learned professor. He had both a strong work ethic and great courage. He attributes his survival to his wife Eva, an observation that is undoubtedly true. He wrote, she was the courier, a friend hid the pages at great risk. There is no way to overstate the importance of Klemperer's diaries. And there is no way to ever thank these people enough for their effort, courage, and sacrifice. These are powerful books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1933-1945   2. Biography / Autobiography   3. Christian converts from Judaism   4. Diaries   5. Dresden   6. Germany   7. Germany - History - Third Reich (1933-1945)   8. Historical - Holocaust   9. History   10. History: World   11. Holocaust   12. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)   13. Jews   14. Klemperer, Victor,   15. Personal narratives   16. History / Holocaust   

Offer your guests a big bowl of warmth and comfort--stir up some homemade soup! Brother Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourrette, author of From a Monastery Kitchen, follows the months of the year with simple recipes using seasonal ingredients. The soup recipes are international as well--try some Polish Pearl Barley Soup in February and Traditional Austrian Cheese Soup in November. Brother Victor-Antoine recommends chilled soups in the summer for refreshment; June's creamy Chilled Carrot Soup features the zest of ginger and lemon, and the Cold Zucchini Soup in August is delightful with the recommended lemon basil. The simplicity of the recipes makes them suitable for beginning cooks, who will learn that a great variety of flavors can be produced just by changing the order in which the vegetables are sautéed or by using vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon. Twelve Months of Monastery Soups is a delicious introduction to the art of soup making. As Brother Victor-Antoine notes, "soup remains a faithful friend during all of life's occasions." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Excellent collection of simple soups
This cook book has a very good collection of simple soups (mostly vegetarian) that can be made quite easily. They are grouped by month and take advantage of the fresh produce that are in season. One of the great benefits of these recipes is that most of the ingredients are relatively inexpensive and healthy (e.g., carrots, onions, celery, beans). The recipes vary a great deal in taste, although many have similar ingredient lists. A great testiment to the diversity of soup. I have, however, noticed that many of the recipes call for a rather large portion of oil and turn out somewhat greasy. I recommend cutting the oil if it seems excessive.

Great for my Confidence!!!!!
Absolutely wonderful recipes for the learning-to-cook cook ...Every soup I have prepared from this book has been deliciously satsifying in aroma, texture & flavor. Our family now enjoys a soup made from these recipes each night as a regular part of our dinner. We are up to 3 new soups per week! And I am becoming renowned for my soups - who would've thought? But I do share my secret...this cookbook is too good to keep to myself!

Best soup I've ever made.
I received Twelve Months of Monastery Soups as a gift for Christmas and I love it. Most of the soups have been a big hit for everyone in my family. I highly recommend this book. The recipes are easy with usually only two or three steps for each soup. I have found a couple of soups that I didn't like in here, but the overwhelming majority of them have been excellent. I especially love the Cream of Broccoli and Cream of Asparagus as well as the Potage du Jardin and Spinach Soup. I think I'm going to buy this book as a gift for several of my friends and family, since I think it was a great gift choice for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, International   2. Cooking   3. Cooking / Wine   4. Courses & Dishes - Soups & Stews   5. International cooking   6. Soups   7. Vegetarian cookery   8. Vegetarian cooking   9. Cooking / Soups & Stews   

Customer Reviews (21)

Magnificent
Normally, I wouldn't recommend a 300 page book that is devoted to only one concept or one idea. But his book is different. In fact, I consider it one of the most important books of all time.

The authors' principle of asking for what you want is probably one of the most neglected and underated ideas there is, but its benefit it huge. Verily, there are tons of people who just never ask; either they discredit their needs, or they cannot bear rejection, or they expect other people to be mind readers and automatically know what they want, or they just don't think its that important to ask. But like the authors show us, it is that important.

The authors really put together an entertaining book illustrating just how beneficial it can be to ask, and numerous examples of people asking for what they want and getting it. This book really goes in at all angles showing us real life situtations that illustrate the theme, and most of these examples are interesting and worth reading.

I cannot say enough about how much I liked this book--and I am not even a fan of the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul series that the authors are known for. I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

"There's ALWAYS room at the Top," Daniel Webster said, and
after reading the Alladin Factor you wonder how many times will I have to hear, "Ask and you shall receive," before it sinks in? Jack and Mark are like the postal service; They Deliver. Within the synergy only these two create, is the key to acquiring what you desire - ASK! Rub the lamp and ask the genie who lives inside us all for the Courage to open your mouth. We used to say nothing bad can happen when you ask at the end of the day - If it's been a good day and you receive by asking, it just got Better; if you ask and don't receive, who cares it's been a good day anyway. If it's been a Bad day and you don't receive, don't beat yourself up, it's been a bad day. BUT, if it has been a bad day and you Do Receive - Shazamm! - you just changed the WHOLE DAY. And not only that day but the next day and the next - You have the POWER to Ask. Desire without Action is a Wish - Read this book to begin making your wishes come True. Way to Go, guys, Another W! inner -- Keep Smilin' Mike Redding

Asking is a good thing
I hate to ask for help, I have an aversion to it. And being a strong individual has helped me, but it has also hindered me. The Aladdin Factor changed my life in the first three chapters. I realized why I don't ask for help, how that is hindering me, and how to change it. In the first week I began putting the principles into action and wow, I asked and I received. It has been amazing.

If you want to begin to receive, you have to ask. This book will teach you how! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Communication   2. Human relations   3. Interpersonal communication   4. Personal Growth - General   5. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem   6. Personal Growth - Success   7. Psychology   8. Self-Help   9. Self-realization   10. Success   

What a good idea all these Chicken Soup for the Soul books are! Instead of reading one book and hunting around for the most touching or uplifting passage, the Soup brigade of editors and writers scours the published world for brief excerpts, arranges them by category, and sells them by the kabillion.

The spoon-size stories in Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul hit the spot and warm the heart. Take the case of Dame Margot Fonteyn, the legendary dancer. She fell madly for Latin lover Roberto Arias at 18 in 1937, but history flung them apart. He recourted her 14 years later, after he'd become Panama's ambassador to the UN. Five assassin's bullets crippled him, but not their romance: he watched from the wings in a stretcher as she took 43 curtain calls in Romeo and Juliet. "I feel it's rather a fair division," she said of their love. "He thinks. I move. You see, I love him." Another love-triumphing-over-paralysis chapter reprints the most stunning passage of Christopher Reeve's Still Me.

The cartoons aren't great, but many of the celebrity quotes in the book are, like this one from Ursula K. Le Guin: "Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new." But one correction: the line "There is only one serious question ... how to make love stay" is from Tom Robbins, not "Tim Robbins." --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Great for Couples to read together
I have 7 Chicken Soup for the Soul books and love them all. This has to be my favorite though, because my fiance and I read it together. It was a wonderful experience to read each story and think about how it relates to our relationship. We were inspired by the stories of the elderly couples who are still in love. We are 20 and have a very strong bond, but these stories give us hope and reassurance that these kind of loving relationships still exist. I recommend this book to every couple.

Beautifully put together and indeed inspirational!
I've always been in love with the Chicken Soup books, and Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul is my absolute favorite. Each story in the book is written by a different author, each sharing his or her own unique inspirational experience. And because each story is written by a different author, they each have their own distinct characteristics. The stories are separated into several categories, just like in the previous Chicken Soup books. Each section offers many stories, and each story is inspiring. In particular, I really enjoyed the story written about the elderly lady who lost her husband and received yellow, long-stemmed roses from him for Valentine's Day after his death. This story, along with the many others in this collection, will surely erase any doubt in those whose belief in true love has weakened. It is not just the content of this book that will keep readers from putting this book down, it is the feeling that one will attain from the stories. It's not all about love and romance, and that is why this book is also well-rounded (although the stories are limited to relationship-related issues). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend that everyone gives it a try.

Brought out the romantic in my macho man
Anyone who has a romantic bone in their body will find this book entertaining and sentimental. Allow me to illustrate: my macho, grunting, military boyfriend begrudgingly borrowed my dog-eared copy to read on a cozy afternoon at my house. After approximately ten minutes, he is all teary-eyed and encases me in a huge bear-hug. He has romantic tendencies, but it takes an act of God (or Chicken Soup, apparently) to inspire actions such as this on his part. I find the book interesting, eloquent at times, and generally worthy of a warm, fuzzy glow. It is easy to steal a glance at one or two stories during a few minutes of spare time, and equally easy to read the entire book in one sitting on a rainy afternoon. That is, if you can pry it away from your significant other's grasp. I recommend getting two copies to alleviate this problem. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships   2. Family/Marriage   3. Inspirational   4. Inspirational - General   5. Love   6. Love & Romance   7. Man-woman relationships   8. Marriage   9. Family & Relationships / General