Book Description
In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs--yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (407)

Started off good.... but
This book infuzzed a love of reading in me, for the first 200 pages. Then I grew bored with the details and just wanted to know how the story ended.

The beginning is excellent, the middle and end however are left to be desired.

So Boring I Can't Even Get Through It...
I immediately realized within the first 10 pages that this is not my type of book. I found it extremely boring and couldn't even get halfway through it. Perhaps I went into it with the wrong notions of what it was about. I don't think the description on the back cover really explains it well.

Hated it!
I chose this book to read for a book discussion group. After reading the book I nixed the idea of having our club read it. I found it boring and pedantic. The title should be called "Confessions of a Stalker". There is a difference between love and obsession and this guy was clearly nuts. I suppose I could have plodded through it but I found the characters annoying and silly.

I got about halfway through and just had to stop. Life is just too short to read crappy books.

so hard to get through
I have always wanted to read this book, and when I finally had the chance, I was really disappointed.The story itself--the idea of the story--was really romantic and wonderful.Getting from the start to the end was the problem--it just dragged.It was truly difficult to get through it and I just didn't love it at all.It ended up being a tough read for me--I finished it only because I wanted to know how it would end, not because I was enjoying it.In the end, I sighed with relief that I was finally finished.

Love in the time of Cholera
Very well written. You can choose not to finish some books. This one you will want to know how it ends. ... Read more

Book Description
A dazzling novel in the most untraditional fashion, this is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap, and it is Audrey Niffenegger's cinematic storytelling that makes the novel's unconventional chronology so vibrantly triumphant.

An enchanting debut and a spellbinding tale of fate and belief in the bonds of love, The Time Traveler's Wife is destined to captivate readers for years to come. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1584)

Had high hopes for this book . . .
I have heard/read several good things about this book, but I just didn't get into it. It's not that I didn't like the concept of time travel, I thought that was interesting and something I'd never encountered in a book before. I think for me, my number one complaint was that there was no real "climax" to the story, which is what usually keeps me from being able to put a book down. I never found myself dying to know what happened next, the story read at a pretty even keel the entire time.
It definitely was not the most captivating and beautiful love story I have ever read. I just never felt the emotion come through the author's writing and into my own heart and mind. I can also not go without mentioning the amount of extremely foul language in this novel, I was truly shocked. I can handle small amounts of foul language, but this was simply over the top and quite unneccessary in my opinion. It really would have turned me off to the novel even if the story itself had been great.

Good book, but not enough of either genre...
'The Time Traveller's Wife' is an interesting mix of romance and science fiction that, in the end, left me wanting more. I am an avid reader of both genres, enjoying the 'thrill of the chase' in the traditional romance novel as much as the speculation of the future and intricate threads of science fiction. But to be honest, I didn't feel that the book was exactly enough of one or the other to be coherent and cohesive.

There's enough reviews here that detail the plot itself, so I won't go into that. As a plot device, time travel is always very interesting, but troublesome. I liked how the author uses the concept of age and distance to tell both of their stories. In a sense, Clare is just as much of a traveler as Henry is, if memory and time are said to be equally influential.

But the main problem with the book--and I wish I could have liked it more, because it had real potential--was that I just didn't feel for them. I didn't feel the depth of their passion, except for a child, and it bothered me somehow that this desire to breed suddenly took the plot (and their relationship) hostage. There are so many other things that needed to be said, but in the end, it was just another poor sappy woman crying for kids and being hormonal. Really disappointing. I didn't feel that Henry was as fleshed out as needed to be, especially near the end, when it seemed her drive to breed overshadowed his major physical loss and death. I get the point that we all have the potential to live on in our children, but it was a bit heavy-handed.

Also, there were lots of points thrown into the mix that didn't add up to anything--something that bothered me, as a fan of science fiction, since I like having every detail make a difference. So what if Clare slept with Gomez? It didn't matter to anyone, really, in the end. It made no point. And Ingrid, one of the more interesting characters, is not followed up on at all.

The positive side of this book was that solid two-thirds of writing that kept me really engaged. I loved the idea of an older man coming to meet his future (current?) wife as a child, and one wonders... did Henry continue to return to Clare in her youth because he was drawn to a more simple version of her, or because, in a way, it was his outlet for being a 'father'? Curiouser and curiouser.

A remarkable love story
I typically don't read love stories, but this one surprised me.It is a wonderful book from beginning to end.The unusual format captivated me.In the very beginning, I was afraid that the back and forth in time would be difficult to follow, but it was not at all.Clare's steady and conventional timeline provided the anker in the story and Henry's jumps in time.As the story progresses, events that initially were puzzling become clear as Henry's past, present and future meet.If you read this book, you will not be disappointed by this remarkable love story.

Enjoy! it
I enjoy time travel books if they aren't to sci-fi. This one is superb. The humor is right on and the love story is wonderful. It's a long book but well worth the time.

Good Book
This is a good book. Interesting, well-told... it made me very sad and very happy at the same time. There are a few parts that bothered me about the characters and the writing itself, bit overall, I enjoyed this book greatly. ... Read more

Book Description
The dust storms that terrorized the High Plains in the darkest years of the Depression were like nothing ever seen before or since. Timothy Egan's critically acclaimed account rescues this iconic chapter of American history from the shadows in a tour de force of historical reportage. Following a dozen families and their communities through the rise and fall of the region, Egan tells of their desperate attempts to carry on through blinding black dust blizzards, crop failure, and the death of loved ones. Brilliantly capturing the terrifying drama of catastrophe, Egan does equal justice to the human characters who become his heroes, "the stoic, long-suffering men and women whose lives he opens up with urgency and respect" (New York Times).In an era that promises ever-greater natural disasters, "The Worst Hard Time" is "arguably the best nonfiction book yet" (Austin Statesman Journal) on the greatest environmental disaster ever to be visited upon our land and a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of trifling with nature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (156)

ACautionary Tale
This finely written history of the Great Plains and the catalysm that consumed them is well worth reading. Tim Egan interviews the last survivors of this dark era and follows their stories from beginning to end. It's a cautionary tale about American greed, short-sighted government policies, and nature's payback for human abuse of the land. Amazing facts are given, particularly about Black Sunday and the massive dust cloud that made its way from the midwest to Chicago and New York City. Only through FDR's intervention was the tide turned, but even today, there are still remnants of the uprooting of the Plains. One wonders what's in store for us as we blindly pursue our lifestyles that depend on oil consumption, global warming, and constant destruction of the environment.

An incredible story - very well told
It took me next to no time at all to read this book, and I was sorry when it ran out of pages.Before reading this book I frankly had no idea whatsoever what people in the Dust Bowl went through - what an unbelievably harsh and cruel time it was to be alive under those circumstances.The fact that global economics and simple human greed conspired to play such a large part in the creation of this immense social and ecological disaster should be an eye-opener to those observing similar trends in our own world.Sadly, history is too little studied and even less understood in our world to serve as the warning signal it should.This book is amazing.

ENGROSSING BOOK, A LITTLE REPETITIVE
This book (audio version) captured my attention.It had an important story to tell about the unbelievable austerity of the dustbowl era.It also had a clear warning for the future of this country both in terms of the dire consequences of rapid depletion of the environment and economic extravagance.

The book did, however, tell the same story a bunch of times.

Makes a wonderful gift for anyone especially the younger generations
After reading this book and remembering the times back then, I bought other copies of it as gifts for family members and friends. I lived through that time in the gemeral area discussed and want the younger generation/s to know more about that almost unbelievable era. We were more fortunate than many as I remember we had a larger variety foods. These were mostly limited to dried pinto beans, dried blackeyed peas, cornbread, oatmeal and milk which our mother brought to a boil before it was used.That cow had been marked for death and a kind farmer failed to kill it as instructed by the government. This was a favor to our family of five children.This allowed us to have hot chocolate when we could scrape together enough money to buy cocoa and sugar.He also allowed us to live in an old house that had been used as a barn for many years.We survived thanks to that very good, kind man. Compared to those discussed inWORST HARD TIME, we were rich indeed.

Nice read but harsher than a duster on the farmers
The strong suit about Egan's book is its nice, flowing style.It is VERY readable, and--like any good reporter--he always keeps his focus on his audience.I also like his approach (used by Ken Burns with his TV specials) of focusing on a few specific individuals to tell the story--such specificity not only keeps the reader's interest, but it brings his points home with force.

Where the book is weaker is on its overall scholarship and its wide use of what is called "presentism," using modern-day standards to judge folks in the past, no matter if they employed different standards or were ignorant of modern-day farming practices.A glaring example of the former is his over-reliance of quotes from early republic sources (trappers, explorers, ranchers) that warned that the Great Plains was unsuitable for farming.His implied point is that "we were warned," and that voices had been raised against farming this land (See especially chapters one and two).The HUGE problem with this sort of analysis is that the very same people had said the same things about the San Joachin and Central Valleys, all of Eastern Oregon and Washington, and virtually ALL of the land between the Cascade Mountains and the Rockies!In other words, explorers from the wet and humid east had no clue what might be done to the land to make it produce (irrigation, etc.), and there are hugely successful dryland wheat regions ALL over the west!So the bare fact that early folks "warned" that such lands could not be farmed says nothing.Egan also doesn't take self-interest enough into account when using these warning themes: in other words, cattlemen had a strong and vested interest in keeping unplowed land just the way it was, it is HIGHLY doubtful that cattle ranchers were altruistic environmental activists more than they were normal, self-interested folks, wanting to preserve their way of life and status quo.

Egan also lumps "precipitation" and "rain" together as synonyms, a gross error in dryland farming.Most if not all dryland wheat in the west depends on snow-melt sinking into the ground in late winter and early spring to nourish the wheat, NOT an even dispensement of "rain" throughout the growing season.On page 266, Egan makes the mistake of saying that "twenty inches of rain or less is simply not enough to raise crops."This is simply false, as there are many areas that raise good crops of wheat on less than twenty inches of precipitation.


Second, Egan is way too tough on the 1930s' farmers, imposing standards on them that they could not possibly have known.Again and again he blames the farmers, and puts words and thoughts into their mouths without sourcing, to the effect that they "should have known better."Really?And just how could or would they have known better?There was no Soil Conservation Service, no County Extension Agents, no Farming Bulletins; these were people who were trying their best to make a living in a very, very tough place.Then, almost as an afterthought, Egan finally quotes the fact-finding commission (268) of the time, which did not blame the farmers because "they lacked both the knowledge and the incentive" to farm the land right.This is too little, too late, but Egan needs to heed the commission's advice: yes, the farming practices of the time were illly suited to the conditions of the Great Plains, and were part of the puzzle that resulted in the Dust Bowl.But the farmers were using practices both that were taught them and what they had used in wetter areas.Egan is way too harsh on them, and holds them to an impossible standard.

That having been said, if one reads this book with caution, as providing some valuable and well-written PARTS of the puzzle, not the WHOLE, the Worst Hard Time is a worthy purchase.It DOES give you excellent and personal insight into the lives of those who lived in a very tough time in a very tough place. ... Read more

Book Description
One stormy night a strange visitor comes to the Murry house and beckons Meg, her brother, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin OKeefe on a most dangerous and fantastic journeya journey that will threaten their lives and our universe. Now, 40 years after A Wrinkle in Time was first published to become one of the landmark books in childrens literature, Square Fish is proud to present this Newbery Medal winner completely redesignedand with bonus material, including an appreciation by Anna Quindlen, a new interview with Madeleine LEngle, and the authors Newbery Medal acceptance speech. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

Great Classic!
This book has become one of my all time favorites. Though it is geared toward a younger audience, I find its whimsical nature and suspenseful writing enjoyable for all age groups. Definitely a classic!

LET'S ALL TESSERACT!
This was a book I'd always heard so much about--even my cousin recently read it. I knew it was a children's classic and had religious overtones. Wow! It sure does! I can't imagine any public school having it in their program today, as it was in days past I'm sure. Sad. The Black Thing, tesseracts, Uriel, Mrs. Whatsit, all very interesting. Toward the end, when Meg wonders, "What do I have that IT doesn't have?" I kept thinking Goodness. The opposite of evil, naturally. Well, the final answer was Love. Close enough. Same thing actually.

Religious, Sexist , Inaccurate Science, Boring & Out of Date.
Don't buy this book unless you want it as a historical reference reflecting the mores and beliefs of many years ago. It is no longer appropriate.

The story had potential but it's mandate to include religious messages as often as possible and it's use of incorrect scientific facts (based on what we believe is true today) makes it confusing and often boring for most children and adults.

This is an OLD, OLD book and some of the serious problems it has are because we read it in the here and now but it refers to information that was thought to be true in the long ago past.

My biggest problem is it infers that all bad or evil is female. I state this because anytime something Evil or Bad happens, it is identified and referred to as "she" or "her". Love & God are always "he". Looks sexist to me!

I guess the popularity of this book is a direct reflection of someone's need to constantly cram religion down their children's throats. If the need is so great,why don't they write a better book or at least demand this one be edited to correct the science errors and eliminate the sexist stuff.

Of time and tesseracts
One effect of the phenomenon that was Harry Potter was the proliferation of Potter knock-off books.It makes perfect sense:readers (especially young readers) want similar fare and publishers are out to make money.Of course, most of these imitations will be pale shadows of the original work, but there is an alternative:earlier, original works by other authors, some of which has been around for decades.C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Philip Pullman offer material that can appeal to the Potter-loving crowd without just being merely imitation Potter.Likewise, Madeleine L'Engle provides some fun fare with her books.Her most famous work is A Wrinkle in Time.

Wrinkle is the adventures of Meg Murry, a tweener girl whose life is about to get very complicated.The story opens with the familiar dark and stormy night, but things get weird pretty quickly.Meg's father has been missing for a year, and no one seems to know where he has gone, although his work in exotic physics may offer a clue.As the winds howl, Meg and her brilliant younger brother Charles Wallace enjoy a late night snack when an unexpected guest appears:their new, eccentric neighbor Mrs. Whatsit.

Mrs. Whatsit shares a supposedly abandoned house with Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, and all three women are more than they seem; in fact, they may not even be human.They do, however, have a clue as to where Meg's father is.Using a space-spanning device called a tesseract, they will bring Meg, Charles Wallace and a neighborhood kid Calvin (who is a couple years older than Meg) to the world Camazotz.

Camazotz is not a pleasant place, a somewhat Orwellian dictatorship where free thought is completely squashed.Non-conformists are either disposed of or effectively brainwashed into complacency.Meg's father is on Camazotz, but it will require all the special talents of the three kids to possibly overcome IT which rules this grim planet.

Although there are fantasy elements to A Wrinkle in Time, this novel is probably better categorized as science fiction.Like the Harry Potter books, this book is aimed at younger readers but can be enjoyed by adults as well, though I feel that Rowling offers more than L'Engle in terms of plot and characterization.Even so, A Wrinkle in Time is a good read, a bit of a mind bender with a nice sense of suspense.If you (or your kids) have finished Harry Potter, Wrinkle is both similar enough and different enough to be appealing.

A Wrinkle in Time - no wrinkle at all
This author is strangely amazing.I have loved everything that I have read by her so far.This is a book that was read to me as a child and I have now finally come back to it.You will be amazed and confused and baffled, but wonderfully surprised at how she uses seemingly childish ideas to explain the quite complex. ... Read more

Book Description

The folks at The Hardball Times are well-known for their cutting-edge analysis of the season that was, but in 2008 The Hardball Times will become the information clearing house for the season that will be. The Hardball Times Season Preview 2008 provides projections for major league players and teams as well as individual players' careers. The The stable of writers at The Hardball Times offers up unique 3-year projections, commentary on every MLB player, and of course, the key rookies to watch in 2008.

Unique to The Hardball Times Season Preview 2008 is the "Team in a Box" where all 30 teams are individually analyzed and projected for the upcoming season. Get to know your favorite team and impress your buddies with the depth of your new-found insight, including:

• Strengths and weaknesses
• 2007 in a nutshell
• Tendencies of managers and general managers
• Depth of the minor league systems
• Reasons for optimism
• Most likely outcomes for 2008

Customer Reviews (51)

Captivating and Humorous, surprisingly funny for a serious topic.
This book captivated me right away.My wife got it for christmas and read it, putting it in the giveaway pile when she was done.I picked it up and was engrossed from the moment I finished the flap copy, so I snatched it for myself before she had a chance to pass it along.Books have to be really good to get me to spend time reading, so I only read a few books a year.But this one was no chore, it's thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

A difficult subject matter is made fun and humorous here, something I can appreciate in an author.So often serious subjects are communicated in such a depressing manner, it's refreshing to be able to enjoy a book on a challenging topic.Much about teen-age life is explored here and there's a lot to identify with.Everyone's felt like an outcast in some way or another, albeit not as egregiously as this book's character.Regardless, we were all teens once and I'm happy for this book to help me laugh about it, and gain some perspective for those who had a much harder time than I.

Many reviews of this book allude to "The Catcher in the Rye", and in a sense there's some similarity, but this book's character is much more genuine and real.Holden Caufield obsessed over calling everyone a phony when all he ever did was lie to people.Conversely, the protagonist in the part time indian is honest and profound--fully exposed, without being full of himself.This makes for a more compelling story, told in a much more accessible style.Plus it has fun illustrations, something I haven't enjoyed this thoroughly since "Breakfast of Champions."

I highly recommend this book for teens, and for the teens in all of us.It helps bring perspective on our collective schooling experience, and affords a vivid glimpse at a very different life in another culture.

Absolutely, Truly Great


For a book that covers such depressing subject matter, this book was really funny. There's an interesting opening line for you, but it's true!This premier Young Adult offering by celebrated novelist and essayist Sherman Alexie is, I've heard, partly autobiographical.

Arnold Spirit, more commonly called Junior, has lived on the Spokane Rez (reservation) all his life -- just like all those around him. He was born with water on the brain, and would be subject to a lot of teasing, if his best friend wasn't one of the Rez's top bullies, Rowdy. However, Arnold is quite good at basketball, and even better at school. Which is why it is so tempting when one of the teachers at his school suggests he transfer to the primarily white school, Reardan, 22 miles away.

Thus Junior becomes a "part-time Indian," spending part of his days in the white world of Reardan, where he gets on surprisingly well after a rough start, and his evenings and weekends on the Rez, where things are becoming increasingly depressing. But the real test will come when Junior's Reardan basketball team must play his old team -- and Junior is the star player.

This novel covers so many weighty issues -- like those of racial heritage, treatment of Indians, and conditions on their reservations. There's some emotionally heavy stuff here, such as Junior coming to terms with his identity, his "betrayal" of his best friend by transferring to Reardan, being at odds with both his fellow Indians and the white community, the highly symbolic basketball face-off, drinking problems, and even death.

However, as mentioned, this novel is also laugh-out-loud funny, as Junior brings his supreme sense of irony, and slightly dark sense of humor to the table. He jokes that since Reardan's mascot is an Indian, he, Junior, is now the only other Indian in town, for instance. Without quoting, it is impossible to give the full idea of his humor, and, sadly, I don't have a copy of the book handy. You see, it is so darn popular, that all copies of it are checked out of the library.

As race-centric as this novel is (and I think that is important -- why not have a little understanding of another kind of life?), I don't think it lacks that ever-important universal appeal. Feeling like the odd man out in one's freshman year is hardly limited to Native Americans in white schools. Balancing the life you have with the life you want to make for yourself isn't either. And certainly the crushes and friendships of Junior will ring true for many a teenage reject.

Before I let this one go, I must mention the illustrations/cartoons. Junior is a budding artist, and "his" cartoons are brilliant. Rarely do they serve to simply illustrate the action. They are part of the action, and really emphasize the diary feel of the novel. Also, they are often hilarious. The cartoons alone are worth the investment.

I think this book could be sold to a reluctant reader (Hey, it has pictures! And lots of short sentences!), but it still has a lot of intellectual heft. After all, it did get aNational Book Award. It is a mature book, with mentions of death, drinking, and, yes, masturbation. However the details never come off as simply purient. Poignant and funny, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is great for male readers 13-16, although adult and female readers should really like it as well.

Rocked to the Soul
Can the words "powerful" and "brilliant" be over used?Sherman Alexie's voice is loud and clear as he weaves a story of personal survival in two worlds.Can Junior be Indian and successful while remaining on the rez?Or, in choosing a white school must he abandon the very culture that is so much a part of his self-identity?
This book is for everyone who has felt disempowered and for anyone who believes in hope.Either way, your being will be rocked to the soul.
Jim Potter, author, Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I've Learned, Tales I've Told

Wonderful book but not necessarily for a school setting
I love Sherman Alexie's work and "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" was another entertaining book. While I would recommend it for home reading, I would caution teachers about classroom use. There are a number of paragraphs that parents may find objectionable due to language and crude imagery.

A nice, quick and light read
As a fan of Sherman Alexie (Smoke Signals, Flight) when I read about this book I really wanted to read it.I was not disappointed.Told in the first person and illustrated The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a fast enojoyable read.I would also let my 13 year old read this novel.

This novel is about 14 year old Arnold Spirit, his family, his best friend, life on his reservation, and his decision to attend a non-reservation, non-Indian school.

The novel is humorous, but also has its serious moments.While reading this book I was able to take my mind off of everyday things for a few moments at a time. ... Read more

Book Description
In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (51)

Captivating and Humorous, surprisingly funny for a serious topic.
This book captivated me right away.My wife got it for christmas and read it, putting it in the giveaway pile when she was done.I picked it up and was engrossed from the moment I finished the flap copy, so I snatched it for myself before she had a chance to pass it along.Books have to be really good to get me to spend time reading, so I only read a few books a year.But this one was no chore, it's thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

A difficult subject matter is made fun and humorous here, something I can appreciate in an author.So often serious subjects are communicated in such a depressing manner, it's refreshing to be able to enjoy a book on a challenging topic.Much about teen-age life is explored here and there's a lot to identify with.Everyone's felt like an outcast in some way or another, albeit not as egregiously as this book's character.Regardless, we were all teens once and I'm happy for this book to help me laugh about it, and gain some perspective for those who had a much harder time than I.

Many reviews of this book allude to "The Catcher in the Rye", and in a sense there's some similarity, but this book's character is much more genuine and real.Holden Caufield obsessed over calling everyone a phony when all he ever did was lie to people.Conversely, the protagonist in the part time indian is honest and profound--fully exposed, without being full of himself.This makes for a more compelling story, told in a much more accessible style.Plus it has fun illustrations, something I haven't enjoyed this thoroughly since "Breakfast of Champions."

I highly recommend this book for teens, and for the teens in all of us.It helps bring perspective on our collective schooling experience, and affords a vivid glimpse at a very different life in another culture.

Absolutely, Truly Great


For a book that covers such depressing subject matter, this book was really funny. There's an interesting opening line for you, but it's true!This premier Young Adult offering by celebrated novelist and essayist Sherman Alexie is, I've heard, partly autobiographical.

Arnold Spirit, more commonly called Junior, has lived on the Spokane Rez (reservation) all his life -- just like all those around him. He was born with water on the brain, and would be subject to a lot of teasing, if his best friend wasn't one of the Rez's top bullies, Rowdy. However, Arnold is quite good at basketball, and even better at school. Which is why it is so tempting when one of the teachers at his school suggests he transfer to the primarily white school, Reardan, 22 miles away.

Thus Junior becomes a "part-time Indian," spending part of his days in the white world of Reardan, where he gets on surprisingly well after a rough start, and his evenings and weekends on the Rez, where things are becoming increasingly depressing. But the real test will come when Junior's Reardan basketball team must play his old team -- and Junior is the star player.

This novel covers so many weighty issues -- like those of racial heritage, treatment of Indians, and conditions on their reservations. There's some emotionally heavy stuff here, such as Junior coming to terms with his identity, his "betrayal" of his best friend by transferring to Reardan, being at odds with both his fellow Indians and the white community, the highly symbolic basketball face-off, drinking problems, and even death.

However, as mentioned, this novel is also laugh-out-loud funny, as Junior brings his supreme sense of irony, and slightly dark sense of humor to the table. He jokes that since Reardan's mascot is an Indian, he, Junior, is now the only other Indian in town, for instance. Without quoting, it is impossible to give the full idea of his humor, and, sadly, I don't have a copy of the book handy. You see, it is so darn popular, that all copies of it are checked out of the library.

As race-centric as this novel is (and I think that is important -- why not have a little understanding of another kind of life?), I don't think it lacks that ever-important universal appeal. Feeling like the odd man out in one's freshman year is hardly limited to Native Americans in white schools. Balancing the life you have with the life you want to make for yourself isn't either. And certainly the crushes and friendships of Junior will ring true for many a teenage reject.

Before I let this one go, I must mention the illustrations/cartoons. Junior is a budding artist, and "his" cartoons are brilliant. Rarely do they serve to simply illustrate the action. They are part of the action, and really emphasize the diary feel of the novel. Also, they are often hilarious. The cartoons alone are worth the investment.

I think this book could be sold to a reluctant reader (Hey, it has pictures! And lots of short sentences!), but it still has a lot of intellectual heft. After all, it did get aNational Book Award. It is a mature book, with mentions of death, drinking, and, yes, masturbation. However the details never come off as simply purient. Poignant and funny, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is great for male readers 13-16, although adult and female readers should really like it as well.

Rocked to the Soul
Can the words "powerful" and "brilliant" be over used?Sherman Alexie's voice is loud and clear as he weaves a story of personal survival in two worlds.Can Junior be Indian and successful while remaining on the rez?Or, in choosing a white school must he abandon the very culture that is so much a part of his self-identity?
This book is for everyone who has felt disempowered and for anyone who believes in hope.Either way, your being will be rocked to the soul.
Jim Potter, author, Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I've Learned, Tales I've Told

Wonderful book but not necessarily for a school setting
I love Sherman Alexie's work and "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" was another entertaining book. While I would recommend it for home reading, I would caution teachers about classroom use. There are a number of paragraphs that parents may find objectionable due to language and crude imagery.

A nice, quick and light read
As a fan of Sherman Alexie (Smoke Signals, Flight) when I read about this book I really wanted to read it.I was not disappointed.Told in the first person and illustrated The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a fast enojoyable read.I would also let my 13 year old read this novel.

This novel is about 14 year old Arnold Spirit, his family, his best friend, life on his reservation, and his decision to attend a non-reservation, non-Indian school.

The novel is humorous, but also has its serious moments.While reading this book I was able to take my mind off of everyday things for a few moments at a time. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (127)

Beautiful board book
This is a great book for babies or toddlers who are getting a bed time routine.The rhyming throughout the book and beautiful pictures keep my 16 month old entertained throughout the book.And,when she sees the little girl on the last page she knows it's time for her to go to bed as well.Highly recommended!

Best Bedtime Book!
I adore this book and more importantly, my children do too.I give this book to everyone that has a baby!It is always a favorite.Mem fox is a splendid author.I have many of her books and will continue to grow my collection until my children have outgrown them.These will be books I will pass down to my grandchildren.

Awesome Book, this version is BIG
This book was my daughter's favorite bedtime story ten years ago. Now I bought it for my newborn niece. The illustrations are phenomenal and the phrasing of the book is beautiful, lyrical and perfect for little ones. Just know this printing is an oversized softcover. I thought I was purchasing the standard sized hardcover.

One of the best books
This is the sweetest bed time book.The rhymes are so sweet.I love reading it to my daughter and she enjoys it as well.

Destined to be a classic
I belong to a local reading council made up of several teachers and librarians and one of the service projects that we participate in involves giving a book to all newborn babies in our community, along with some literature about how important it is to read to your child.When it came time to choose a book for this project Mem Fox's "Time for Bed" was our choice.The words are a perfect bedtime lullaby and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful!I think this story is destined to be a classic bedtime story and I hope it is read for generations to come! ... Read more

Amazon.com
Stephen Hawking, one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history, wrote the modern classic A Brief History of Time to help nonscientists understand the questions being asked by scientists today: Where did the universe come from? How and why did it begin? Will it come to an end, and if so, how? Hawking attempts to reveal these questions (and where we're looking for answers) using a minimum of technical jargon. Among the topics gracefully covered are gravity, black holes, the Big Bang, the nature of time, and physicists' search for a grand unifying theory. This is deep science; these concepts are so vast (or so tiny) as to cause vertigo while reading, and one can't help but marvel at Hawking's ability to synthesize this difficult subject for people not used to thinking about things like alternate dimensions. The journey is certainly worth taking, for, as Hawking says, the reward of understanding the universe may be a glimpse of "the mind of God." --Therese LittletonBook Description
A Brief History of Time, published in 1988, was a landmark volume in science writing and in world-wide acclaim and popularity, with more than 9 million copies in print globally. The original edition was on the cutting edge of what was then known about the origins and nature of the universe. But the ensuing years have seen extraordinary advances in the technology of observing both the micro—and the macrocosmic world—observations that have confirmed many of Hawking's theoretical predictions in the first edition of his book.

Now a decade later, this edition updates the chapters throughout to document those advances, and also includes an entirely new chapter on Wormholes and Time Travel and a new introduction. It make vividly clear why A Brief History of Time has transformed our view of the universe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (335)

Do I need to talk about this book
This is a fine book for people who love physics of those who are curious about the universe they are in. A great book by a great scientist.

a pleasure to read
Many years after its initial release, this book is still a great pleasure to read.Written in a conversational tone, much of it is probably readily understandable to most readers.However, some parts of it, especially toward the end, aren't exactly simple by any means.Any curious reader, even if not particularly interested in physics or astronomy, will find this little book to be a gem.An extra treat is a few pages at the end describing prominent events from the lives of Einstein, Galileo, and Newton.Highly recommended read.Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.

Bumpy RIDE!!!!!!!
Hawkins may provide amazing insight into Astrophysics and have a Brillant Mind. However, he does a medicore job in explaining things and his writting style is often "choppy" and hard to read. He just does not expand on things well. The concepts in the book can be hard to grasp and the writting can make it very hard to stay focus.
I find other authors to be a much better selection like Neil Tyson with equal insight for the layman.

The book does provide alot of amazing insight into things like Black Holes, Time Travel, Entropy, Relativity and other cosmic delights.

An excellent overview of modern physics.
If you can find it, I recommend this version over the original "Brief History of Time".This version was written about 8 years later and as such incorporates much that has been learned over the intervening years.In addition, the illustrations greatly enhance the text.They are not only a joy to look at, but actually make the book more understandable.The original work has been characterized as one of the most popular, but unread books of all time.Much of the unread characterization stems from the fact that this is a difficult book unless one has had some minimal understanding of physics.Minimal is, however, the appropriate word as one need not be a physicist to get a lot from this book, but one should not be put off by a discussion of quarks, gluons, gravitons, wormholes or string theory.

The first chapters deal with the classical view of physics and the universe.This is followed by discussions of the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.It is important to note that these are not rigorous discussions, indeed no mathematics is used and the discussion is entirely devoted to the basic ideas and implications of these theories.At least one reviewer has criticized the fact that these subjects have not been developed in any detail, but rather are just expounded.I think that this misses the point.This is not a physics text; rather it tries (I think very successfully) to show the reader the beauty and implications of modern physics.I found the discussion of modern particle physics to be one of the best very elementary treatments that I have ever read.Next he discusses black holes and the origin of the universe.Again, I found his discussion of black holes to be one of the best very elementary treatments that I have ever read.The last chapters on wormholes, time travel and grand unified theories are more speculative than the preceding chapters, but the reader is clearly forewarned that this is the case.(The most speculative, and in my opinion least clear chapter, was the one on wormholes and time travel, which was not in the original version of "A brief History of Time".)

I liked this book a lot and do not agree with those who found it to be unclear and very difficult to follow, but I can see how those with no physics background at all would find it too difficult to finish.This version has the virtue of pictures which make following Hawking's text a bit easier to follow and as he states in the forward "Even if you only look at the pictures and their captions you should get some idea of what is going on."

This book is a fake!
As a physicist I am flabbergasted and slightly depressed by the success of this book. First of all this book presents as if they were equally certain some pieces of orthodox science together with some of the author's dubious speculations. The lay reader is not told which are which. Secondly, the author obviously has no knowledge of the actual history of physics and yet he shamelessly "describes" it to the reader.

Hawking seems to have gathered together all the bad cliches about various physical issues and has taken out all the valuable ideas. He explains nothing, he just asserts that "we physicists know that..., we physicists have demonstrated that...". I cannot see how anyone can actually learn anything about physics from this book, about why we know what we know. And yet, judging from the amount of praise this book receives, it seems that quite a lot of people have fallen under the spell that they have been allowed access to some secret. They haven't and I find this trickery immoral.

Quantum physics and astrophysics are really interesting. They don't deserve to be thrashed in this unashamed manner. If you want to learn something about physics, there are other books which do a much better job, for example Asimov's Atom: Journey Across the Subatomic Cosmos. ... Read more

Book Description
Sock knitters everywhere know the frustration of Second Sock Syndrome. It goes something like this: A cute new sock pattern and soft, foot-warming yarn lead to many happy knitting hours, resulting in . . . ONE sock. The first sock is done (and it's adorable!) but pattern distraction sets in. Who wants to knit the same project all over again? There are so many new projects waiting to be discovered.

Melissa Morgan-Oakes ends the drudgery of the second sock by showing knitters how to cast on and knit two socks at one time on one long circular needle! Her method is captured in step-by-step photographs, clearly showing knitters how to turn out two socks at the same time. Goodbye to lonely, abandoned single socks. Hello to unlimited pretty pairs, knit on one needle (often finished on the same day), and worn with pride and that gratifying sense of accomplishment.

Oakes is a dedicated knitter, knitwear designer, and knitting instructor who has known the frustration of Second Sock Syndrome. Her easy-to-learn technique enables sock stitchers to adapt any pattern to her two-at-a-time method. But before experimenting with other patterns, readers will want to try Morgan-Oakes's 15 original designs. Fun and creative, they include simple to complex choices, a variety of yarn weights, and designs for women, men, and children.

Socks are small, relatively inexpensive, and interesting to knit — a favorite portable choice of busy knitters. Keep the fun in sock-stitching with the innovative new technique that produces two socks — yes, that's one sock for each foot — at the very same time! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Magic Loop for Socks
This book is exactly what I was looking for.I'm learning to be a sock knitter and wanted a way to knit both socks at once to make sure they're the same length.I've tried other methods and found them confusing so I was looking for a book with instructions for using the very long circular needle, i.e., the Magic Loop.This is it!

The section of the book with instructions (about 21 pages) has clear directions with good photos to go along the verbiage.It's easy to follow Melissa's directions.

The remainder of the book has wonderful sock patterns along with the instructions for each.

The book has a heavy-duty spiral binding to lay flat while you're working as well as heavy pages.This is a set of directions you can use over and over without wearing out the pages.

An excellent book for the sock knitter.

So simple
I am teaching myself to do this.I expected to rip out start a couple of times but only needed to once.Actually, the only problem I encountered in the book was the directions for sizes at the end of the book which uses a measure for "circumference" but I could not find where exactly on the foot one would measure that.Biggest problem I have currently is finding time to sit and knit, but look forward to becoming much more proficient by making a couple of pair of baby socks then she has a darling sock pattern I expect to make more than one pair of!

What a great way to make socks!!
For years I struggled with trying to make socks on DP needles. I'd finish one sock and then say 'forget it' to making the 2nd one. The DP needles were just too annoying to me. I hated working with them. Butthis way of knitting socks (or anything else for that matter) using a 40" circular needle is WONDERFUL.
My first sock was knitted as a single since I knew I would mess up somewhere and have to redo it.. and I did. But once I figured out what I was doing the 2nd sock was a breeze. Now I can knit both socks at the same time, they will both be the same size and no more losing a DP needle, or having it fall out on a round and dropping stitches, etc. This book is well written and has nice spiral binding so that you can keep on the page you need. There are clear directions and other sock patterns for beginners to advanced.
I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

Clever Idea
One of the problems with knitting socks is the second sock syndrome, where you just don't feel like starting all over again once you finish the first one. This technique solves that problem and both socks are going to be the same number of rows this way, therefore ensuring a better fit. Nice!

Too much for me.
I have to admit that I have only completed two pairs of socks on circular needles and would rate myself as an intermediate knitter.After looking through this book, I decided to return it as I didn't think I would be able to use this technique without wanting to tear my hair out.The diagrams seemed clear and there are several nice sock patterns but for now I'm just going to concentrate on knitting one sock at a time. ... Read more

Amazon.com
One night, the sounds of New York City--the rumbling of subway trains, thrumming of automobile tires, hooting of horns, howling of brakes, and the babbling of voices--is interrupted by a sound that even Tucker Mouse, a jaded inhabitant of Times Square, has never heard before. Mario, the son of Mama and Papa Bellini, proprietors of the subway-station newsstand, had only heard the sound once. What was this new, strangely musical chirping? None other than the mellifluous leg-rubbing of the somewhat disoriented Chester Cricket from Connecticut. Attracted by the irresistible smell of liverwurst, Chester had foolishly jumped into the picnic basket of some unsuspecting New Yorkers on a junket to the country. Despite the insect's wurst intentions, he ends up in a pile of dirt in Times Square.

Mario is elated to find Chester. He begs his parents to let him keep the shiny insect in the newsstand, assuring his bug-fearing mother that crickets are harmless, maybe even good luck. What ensues is an altogether captivating spin on the city mouse/country mouse story, as Chester adjusts to the bustle of the big city. Despite the cricket's comfortable matchbox bed (with Kleenex sheets); the fancy, seven-tiered pagoda cricket cage from Sai Fong's novelty shop; tasty mulberry leaves; the jolly company of Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat; and even his new-found fame as "the most famous musician in New York City," Chester begins to miss his peaceful life in the Connecticut countryside. The Cricket in Times Square--a Newbery Award runner-up in 1961--is charmingly illustrated by the well-loved Garth Williams, and the tiniest details of this elegantly spun, vividly told, surprisingly suspenseful tale will stick with children for years and years. Make sure this classic sits on the shelf of your favorite child, right next to The Wind in the Willows. (Ages 9 to 12)Book Description
After Chester lands, in the Times Square subway station, he makes himself comfortable in a nearby newsstand. There, he has the good fortune to make three new friends: Mario, a little boy whose parents run the falling newsstand, Tucker, a fast-talking Broadway mouse, and Tucker's sidekick, Harry the Cat. The escapades of these four friends in bustling New York City makes for lively listening and humorous entertainment. And somehow, they manage to bring a taste of success to the nearly bankrupt newsstand.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (114)

Charming book
I preview all of the books I assign to my kids to read. I enjoyed this one. Vivid descriptions allowed me to vividly imagine the scene and hear the music the cricket plays. This is a book I will have my 11 and 13 year-old read.

Charming personified animal characters, good story.
My daughter loved the book, and we have given copies of it several times as birthday presents, to 7-9 year old friends.I bought this CD as a gift for my 7 y.o. nephew, who wanted Books on CD so could listen in the car.This is a quality children's story, which adults can enjoy too.A good adventure, without buying into a whole series and marketing machine!Boy and Mom love The Cricket in Times Square book on CD.

Beautiful reading of a classic
An engaging dramatic reading of this fabulous animal adventure and story about friendship. This is great for a car trip.

Racist Book
This book portrays very old racist stereotypes of Chinese people.It portrays Chinese people as speaking in stereotypical accents with all r's replaced by l's.It portrays Chinese people as not knowing when to stop bowing to each other.It portrays Chinese people wearing Japanese Kimono's.If you MUST buy this awful ignorant book, do not let your child read it without teaching them about the racism and teaching them how not to be as ignorant.

A bug and his buds

This is a fun book.It's a nice book to read a chapter at a time as a bedtime book, because nothing particularly stressful or traumatic happens.The chapters are reasonable short and benign.There is tension, there is some drama, there are rich characters struggling with their individual challenges.But there aren't many chapters ending on cliffhangers that will leave young readers or listeners feeling unsettled.

The strength of the book is the warm friendship between a displaced country cricket, a scheming but kind-hearted urban rodent, and an unflappable feline.There is also the human protagonist, Mario, a young boy who labors in Grand Central Station at his parent's newsstand.Mario's family dynamic, with the passive dad and the hard-boiled, derisive mother, sets up a nice juxtaposition.We see the sweet sap of childhood innocence standing its ground against a well-meaning but distrustful adult world.

I bought this book to read to my kids because I remember loving it so much as a little kid myself, both the book and the filmstrip adaptation, which I believe I can picture myself watching in an overcrowded mobile home that was functioning as a second grade classroom.

There's one distressing flaw to the book, which I don't remember from my own childhood because I wouldn't have noticed or cared at the time, but there is a part of the book that takes place in China Town, where it feels as if the story gets a dose of 1950's borcht belt race humor. The wise old Chinese man's dialect is achieved by switching every `R' into an `L.'As is "Vely solly."Since I was reading it to my kids, I just improvised a little and avoided doing the accent, but if an older kid is reading the book for themselves it merits a discussion.A little social-historical context.

That aside, we had a great time reading this book.The part I am asked to reread is when Chester Cricket, while dreaming that he is home eating leaves, waked up and realizes he's half-chewed through a two dollar bill borrowed from the newsstand register.There's brief panic and then excited brain-storming with his mammalian accomplices.As always, some credit goes to my unsubtle vocal performance, and I'm sorry, you can't buy that at Amazon.But it is funny stuff.

... Read more

Amazon.com
Recognizing each child's intellectual, emotional, and physical strengths--and teaching directly to these strengths--is key to sculpting "a mind at a time," according to Dr. Mel Levine. While this flashing yellow light will not surprise many skilled educators, limited resources often prevent them from shifting their instructional gears. But to teachers and parents whose children face daily humiliation at school, the author bellows, "Try harder!" A professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina Medical School, Levine eloquently substantiates his claim that developmental growth deserves the same monitoring as a child's physical growth.

Tales of creative, clumsy, impulsive, nerdy, intuitive, loud-mouthed, and painfully shy kids help Levine define eight specific mind systems (attention, memory, language, spatial ordering, sequential ordering, motor, higher thinking, and social thinking). Levine also incorporates scientific research to show readers how the eight neurodevelopmental systems evolve, interact, and contribute to a child's success in school. Detailed steps describe how mental processes (like problem solving) work for capable kids, and how they can be finessed to serve those who struggle. Clear, practical suggestions for fostering self-monitoring skills and building self-esteem add the most important elements to this essential--yet challenging--program for "raisin' brain." --Liane Thomas Book Description

Different minds learn differently. That's an issue for many children, because most schools still cling to a one-size-fits-all education philosophy. As a result, children struggle because their learning patterns don't fit the schools they are in. Learning begins in schools, but it doesn't end there. Frustrating a child's desire to learn will have lifelong repercussions.

In A Mind at a Time, Dr. Mel Levine shows parents how to identify these individual learning patterns. He explains how parents and teachers can nurture a child's strengths and deal effectively with weaknesses. This type of teaching produces satisfaction and achievement for all students.

There are eight fundamental systems of learning that draw on a variety of neurodevelopmental capacities. Some students are strong in certain areas and some are strong in others, but no one is equally capable in all eight. Drawing from actual case studies, Dr. Levine shows how parents and children can identify their strengths and weaknesses to determine their individual ways of learning.

We must pay attention to individual learning patterns, to individual minds so that we can maximize children's performance in school and in life. In A Mind at a Time, Dr. Levine shows us how.Download Description
Different minds learn differently, writes Dr. Mel Levine, one of the best-known education experts and pediatricians in America today. And that's a problem for many children, because most schools still cling to a one-size-fits-all education philosophy. As a result, these children struggle because their learning patterns don't fit the schools they are in. In A Mind at a Time, Dr. Levine shows parents and others who care for children how to identify these individual learning patterns. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (68)

The Best Book on the Market for Your Struggling Learner
Dr. Levine's book, A Mind at a Time, is so comprehensive that it is challenging to pare it down to a few essential ideas.He begins by telling the reader why he is "a pediatrician with a mission".He endeavors to accurately describe the struggles of unsuccessful children, to explain the brain's working and dysfunctions which we all experience and see in others, and to provide a "road map" for parents and teachers to knowledgeably observe their children's cognitive development.This observation by a trained eye allows for early detection of breakdowns in learning as well as necessary identification of a child's cognitive strengths, overall assets, and consuming passions.Interestingly, research into problematic learning is also a study of all learning, and how the brain is supposed to function.Only when we are equipped with accurate information regarding a child's diverse kind of mind can we begin to explain why they are struggling and how they can best conquer or compensate for these challenges.It is vital that this knowledge be openly shared with young developing minds so that they know from the start that they are not what they feared, but rather free to grow stronger given the knowledge and help they need to succeed.

Dr. Levine's text covers an overview of the ways of learning, and how lifestyle choices can help or hurt an individual's learning styles.He then goes on to detail the eight neurodevelopmental systems, chapter by chapter:the Attention Control System, the Memory System, the Language System, the Spatial Ordering System, the Sequential Ordering System, the Motor System, the Higher Thinking System, and the Social Thinking System.These systems develop at diverse paces, but must be utilized to grow strong and to stay strong.Although complex and detailed, this book is written in terms a layperson can understand with some thoughtful reading and perhaps a little rereading.

Chapter 10 is devoted to helping the educator or parent pinpoint the areas of breakdown based on evidence from past productivity, behaviors, and learning difficulties.Dr. Levine has divided these areas of breakdown into particular profiles based upon recurring patterns that occur with particular types of brain wiring.He explains each profile, giving case studies to better illustrate what may be typical of each profile.He also details different emotional mindsets that can interfere with a child's achieving his or her potential, and provides strategies to overcome those negative behaviors.Finally, he addresses the benefits and possible detriment of testing, and the outcomes in adulthood.

Dr. Levine adds several additional chapters to provide even more tools for working with different kinds of minds.He discusses the management of a profile, which is broken down into stages:demystification, accommodations, interventions at the breakdown points, strengthening strengths and affinities, protection from humiliation, and using professional therapies.He devotes a whole chapter to provide parents with best methods for nurturing these children at home.He also devotes a chapter to the teacher's role and what types of policies are practiced in "a humane school".

I especially appreciate Dr. Levine's kind heart, which is evident throughout this book.He encourages parents and educators who know a child with a brain that is not meeting necessary demands not to give up on that child, and don't allow them to give up on themselves either.He reminds us that our minds are not stagnant, but come into their own with time.School is the hardest thing that many of these kids are ever going to have to face, because it focuses so intensely on particular skills, such as math and language, while devaluing other important skills, such as interpersonal abilities and creativity.He also reminds us that report cards are notoriously poor predictors of a child's potential.Throughout the numerous case studies, Dr. Levine is an encourager, an empowering force, the voice of hope and predictor of success.His position, experience, and knowledge of current research lend weight to his optimistic determination.Later, at the end of each chapter detailing the neurodevelopmental systems, Dr. Levine lists strategies, a tool box of helpful, practical information to help students, their teachers, and their parents in ways that are immediate and useful.He considers these children to be heroes and heroines, distinctively different in their learning styles, but valiantly courageous in their ability to cope, their resilience, and their will to overcome.

Dr. Levine has covered his topic completely, with every avenue of possibility addressed appropriately and in the most humble, helpful manner.I have worked with a developmental pediatrician who trained under Dr. Levine, and I can say without any hesitation, if I was younger, I would jump at the chance to train under Dr. Levine myself.

Instruction manual
Thank you Dr. Levine for this instruction manual about the mind!!! I have read this book several times already and learn something new each time I read it. I continue to use it as a reference for when I am stumped about either my own behavior or a child's behavior.

Informative - should be read by all parents and teachers!
This book clearly defines how different minds learn and process the vast amounts of information encountered on a daily basis in school and in everyday life. The author is clearly at the top of his field and can very easily communicate his findings in a way that is easy to comprehend, extremely informative and interesting to read.

A Mind at a Time
This book provides an excellent explanation of the frustrations that some kids face on a day to day basis.This book should be required reading for all teachers, parents, and any other profession which works with children.

Thank you Dr. Levine
I loved this book because I believe that every child is unique and I appreciate being reminded about the complexity of the brain and why it should be expected that we all have little quirks. Educators can sadly have blinders to differences in learning style. Mel Levine's work reminds me of Howard Gardner's in many ways. I sense that he truly cares about kids and I like that he supports what is best practice in education. Levine says he can learn more about a child by getting to know that child than by reading a list of test scores........let's hear it for that! Levine says, "sometimes you fix a weakness by pursuing strengths." I support that positive approach. To enhance my teaching I found many great quotes perfect for Back to School night and parents who have borrowed his book have enjoyed it immensely. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (5)

if this is knowledge, I prefer ignorance
A masterpiece of Orwellian titling, this book contains over 1000 pages of trivia wrapped in a pretty dust jacket that promises a thorough review of "essential" knowledge. Now I like trivial knowledge as much as the next guy (more, probably), but let's be honest: if you didn't know a single one of the facts in this book, you'd get through life just fine. Maybe if the book told you how to change a tire on a car or something, it'd be worth the price, but it doesn't (I looked in the index, so I know.) All this book will do is help you avoid looking uninformed at cocktail parties... perhaps this is what qualifies as an "essential" skill in the modern era.

To quote Lisa Simpson, this book "gets the facts right, but misses the point entirely."

Fun and even useful book
The problem with a book like this is the difficult tradeoff between completeness and brevity, and accessibility. Obviously in a one volume format, no matter how weighty (and this one is 1300 pages), something has to be left out. But it's a problem that this book handles quite well.

Rather than carp on what's missing in a book like this, like some of the reviews here, look at what's included instead, and there's plenty to keep you occupied there, no matter what your interests are. If you're interested in more complete coverage, my advice there is to buy one of the one or two volume encyclopedias, such as the Oxford Concise Encyclopedia from Oxford University Press or the Britannica Ready Reference. These are even more ponderous and complete but are less approachable and readable since the technical level is higher.

So don't be too critical of a volume like this, which attempts to steer a middle ground. It's still an enjoyable read, and worth your time and money. Also, I say this as someone who regularly reads both the short and long versions of several 'pedias and knows their pros and cons. For me this is something I would use as enjoyable bedtime reading when I don't have the stamina or attention span to brave another formidable Britannica article, or even The World Book, which traditionally was somewhat more readable, although the Britannica has resolved that issue now with the three levels of writing difficulty in the new electronic DVD version.

But getting back to the present volume, overall, a nice job and informative and enjoyable to read.

Essential Knowledge!
Maybe not all essential, but interesting things throughout! A nice gift and coffee table occupant.

Good collection of information, yet nothing unique
In response to the previous post: Please don't feel alarmed about the missing information. I am certain hundreds of people were contributing to this vast publishing. If there was "an omission" in the history department, science material was not affected. One book will never be able to capture everything considered "essential".Essential for a European is not essential for, say, an American. No one book will make you "essentially informed".

I found the depth of this knowledge to be just right, though. I don't care to shine on Jeopardy. My goal is to become aware without gettingtoo deeply into it unless I am really passionate about a particular subject.

Instead of noticing what's not there, I've noticed what IS there, and what's there is PLENTY. For example: we all heard about Sunni and Shiites Islaam, but I doubt many, including, and especially, George Bush know the difference. How many of Seven Wonders of the World can you name? Do you know who Pygmalion was? Did you know television was invented in 1927?Did you know that America has the highest rate of STD's of all industrial nations? Do you know why? Do you care? If the examples did not evoke some sort of curiosity, this book, in all likelihood, will seem useless to you. But if you found that your brain lit up with tingly wonder, this book would probably be a good place to start.

On the negative side, truthfully, there is nothing unique or incredible about this book that sets it apart from others. It's just like any other almanacs published every year by New York Times. It's just another information-filled book, not better or worse....

This book has over 1300 pages without a single illustration, and of course, is basic, but don't let it fool you, you can still find something new that can send you to the library or the web to satisfy your curiosity. If you an average American, (not a geek, whoprobably already knows all this stuff anyway), if you are curious about the world you live in, and would like not to appear dumb when others discuss world's events at a party, you will surely find something fascinating about this "everyday" stuff. Something you probably had heard mentioned as recently as today without really realizing how little you knew about the subject in point. Each category is covered in about 10-15 pages. Topics: philosophy, psychology, Broadway, geology, geography, eath science, history, world wars, music, political science, pop culture, world events and so on...

My New Year's resolution: one section a week.

Great information, but glaring omissions
I am a high school history teacher and I found this book to be a great source of all kinds of information, but was stunned to find no chart of all the U.S. Presidents with term dates, political party, etc!This must have been just a mistaken omission-- there is a complete list of all Speakers of the House and Supreme Court Chief Justices.The fact that such an obvious chart was left out makes the entire book suspect---what other 'essential information' was carelessly forgotten??I would have been interested in this book, but instead will get my information elsewhere. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Mark Haddon's bitterly funny debut novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, is a murder mystery of sorts--one told by an autistic version of Adrian Mole. Fifteen-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone is mathematically gifted and socially hopeless, raised in a working-class home by parents who can barely cope with their child's quirks. He takes everything that he sees (or is told) at face value, and is unable to sort out the strange behavior of his elders and peers.

Late one night, Christopher comes across his neighbor's poodle, Wellington, impaled on a garden fork. Wellington's owner fi