Science, according to a teacher at Midwood school, is an acive verb. "To science is to discover how the world works. Scientists hypothesize, analyze, synthesize, and explore. He constructs, collects, and records. She experiments, searches, and computes. They discuss, read, write, dismantle. clean, and repair." After reading this book, as a student, I want to be a scientist. Science teachers will know how to be good ones. Parents will learn what they can do best for their kids. And scientists will want to nurture the young scientists. This is a powerful, inspirational book for everyone interested in science and the spirit of human.

I have eight year old twins, one with special needs. We have required many repeated visits to doctors, specialists, and therapists. How I wish I had this book when they were born! As soon as I examined this book, I decided to make it my standard new baby gift (I used to give Lands End baby blankets, but this is much more valuable!). The first family I gave it to (parents of a two week old), said "Thank you so much for the book for recording Kaytlin's doctor visits. What a helpful gift! We have already filled in the information from her doctor visit today".

Through the use of this book, you will have your own portable copy of your child's medical record -- at each visit you can write in the book your child's measurements, developmental milestones, immunizations, medicines prescribed and advice given by the doctor. These days, insurance plans change frequently and are confusing! This book allows you, as a parent, to have your own record of your child's health and thus take more control over the health and welfare of your child. This is an excellent way you can help your doctor give your child the best care they need. You will have all the previous medical history that any doctor might need, whether it be your regular pediatrician, in the emergency room or a specialist's office. You can write down any questions you have or symptoms, medications, worries, and fears. How often do you have a question for your doctor that you forget during the brief time in the exam room. I know I do!

I greatly encourage you to buy this book for your own child, or for any experienced or new parent(s) you know. Although it is a wonderful baby shower or new baby gift, you really don't need an occasion to buy this book for yourself or to give this book as a gift. It really shows that you care, and it is an invaluable tool that every parent should use. After I examined it carefully, I said "why didn't someone think of this a long time ago?"

Dr. Erin Kenne

I have been studying the Pilates Method for about 3 years now. This book along with "Return to Life Through Contrology" has enabled me to more fully understand the Pilates method of exercise. It is not just exercise - it is a way of life. If you are a beginner it would be wise to choose one of the newer books to help you get started but, I would also purchase this book and Return to Life Through Contrology so that you can more fully understand the principals behind the method. I refer to my copies often for information and instruction. These are small, paperback, black and white books...but, they pack a great deal of information into their little package!

This is a "smart" astrology guide. It provides an unbiased, comprehensive analysis of each sign of the zodiac. There are no rigid comments like "stay away from people born under this sign." "Your Personal Horoscope 1997" is a therapist, career counselor and good friend rolled into one.

For me, "Heart of Daekness" is one of the most powerful books I have ever read. Even though it is rather short (about 100 pages), I have read it for quite a long time, since it is a very difficult book to understant. So far, I have read it twice, and I am only now beginning to understand it. It was (and still is) a joy to read it and it changes me forever.

Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoy, the subject of this 1973 study by Samuel Dresner, was the closest disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidism. In this book, Dresner presents an academic (but very readable) exploration of Reb Yaakov's model for the Zaddik, or Hasidic Rebbe -- the saintly leader who is capable of achieving the highest degree of connection (devekus) with God, while, at the same time, also being the center of a community. This book would be of interest to anyone -- Jewish or not -- who wants to understand what a saintly Jewish life is like.

Reb Yaakov, the subject of this study, didn't start out as a Hasid. In fact, he was quite opposed to the movement. His "conversion" took place when the Baal Shem Tov came to town one day and started telling stories in the marketplace, which, in turn, delayed the people from coming to prayers on time. Reb Yakkov, who was the town rabbi, became furious, and ordered the storyteller brought to him. When they came face-to-face, the Baal Shem Tov told a story that so deeply moved the rabbi's heart, that he immediately called him "master" and remained his closest disciple for life.

However, Reb Yaakov was not much of a "people person," being more of a scholarly ascetic, so, after the death of his master, leadership of the Hasidic movement passed to Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch (the Great Maggid) instead. Reb Yaakov's greatest contribution was to write the first book about Hasidism, called the "Toldot Yaakov," upon which much of this book is based.

Dresner does an excellent job of presenting Yaakov Yosef's teachings, along with a great deal of historical background about the Jewish world of his time. What emerges is a very clear picture of the deep spirituality of the Baal Shem Tov and hiis early disciples, with a model of what a Hasidic Rebbe should be like. This book is an excellent read --- my only complaint is the price which, like so many reprints by Jason Aronson lately, is simply astronomical for a paperback edition. But there are lots of used copies around (it's been through several Schocken editions already), so, if your budget is limited, set your Amazon Auction Alerts for this title, or borrow one from the library. But do read it!

The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe is an adventure and mysterious book of four kids, and an unknown world beyond. Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan get sent to live with a professor because of a war back in London. While the four explore the mysterious mansion and play games, Lucy finds a secret wardrobe with a country just beyond.
C.S. Lewis's story of, The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe is one of the greatest books and definitely one I loved to read!
Lucy was the first to go to the magical land beyond of snow, a place called Narnia. As soon as she finds her way out, tales are told to the others about all the different creatures and things inside of the wardrobe. But all they seem to think of her is that she is a crazy liar. But soon to find out Lucy wasn't lying at all, it was a magical place they saw for themselves. With an evil spell the White Witch made it always winter but never Christmas. Trouble begins when Edmund betrays the others (not knowing anything about her) and takes side with the Witch. Because of Edmund'Lucy, Peter, and Susan need to get Aslan (a lion) to change everything and defeat the White Witch himself to break the spell and get Edmund back with them.
This book's theme can let you learn that you should always think and know before you except upon others. Well at least that's what I learned.
I loved how C.S. Lewis made parts of the book where you thought one thing was going to happen, but then after you read on, you find out you were totally wrong. That was the best thing about this book!
I would let people of all ages read this adventures novel, no matter how old you are. It's a book that you wont be able to stop reading once you start! But what will happen to Edmund, and will Aslan make the Narnia change? Your going to have to read it to find out!

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is, of course, loved by millions as a classic, and it truly deserves its distinction. Rarely will any reader of any genre find a story so moving and entertaining and so enlightening. I can't recommend anything more highly than this little volume.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the story of Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter who wander through an old wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia. What follows is their adventure as they team with a nation of talking animals and other magical creatures versus the evil powers in the kingdom. The novel climaxes with one extraordinary act of love which tears through the kingdom and changes everything and everyone after.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is such a successful novel. It does serve as a wonderfully powerful read. The book also enlightens the reader with its commentary Christian symbolism on the nature of love. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a classic, and I really think that it is just now coming into what may be its most popular period. The world is pleading for some type of meaning, and here, Lewis is willing to offer it.

This novel is a great book to read, especially for children who love fairy tales. Every once in a while I love to glance back at this book and read it for fun. This is my opinion about this book.
The book is about four children from England who are going to a wise grown-up's house to spend the summer at. During the time, they discover a magical wardrobe in the house that leads to a huge country called Narnia, in which they become Kings and Queens. The names of the children are Peter (the oldest), Susan (the 2nd oldest), Edmund (the third oldest), and Lucy (the youngest). One day it is raining outside and they decide to go explore through the house since they can't go outside. When they're exploring they decide to play hide-and-go-seek since the house is huge. Lucy, hides in a wardrobe and discovers there are fur coats that lead to the country Narnia. As she goes in, she discovers there is a center lightpost, where she meets a faun and goes off with him to eat. She was there for hours, then finally, (I don't want to give the secret of the fuan) she decides to go back to the house. When she gets back, she told the others about it and they did not believe her. She was in the country for hours, but then she found out that it had only been a few seconds. Narnia time is different from real time.
Next game, Edmund goes into the center lightpost and a witch on a sledge comes by. She offers him food and to tell the others to come (This witch is evil for real but lies to Edmund to get him to bring the others. I don't think I should tell why though, ruins story). When Edmund comes back, he lies to the others about the country and Lucy gets upset.
Later in the story, they all go in and find it. They find out that they have to save Narnia from the witch's evil spell (It's always Winter), so they meet a great lion named Aslan. Aslan helps him to kill the witch and the spell breaks. Then they become Kings and Queens of Narnia.
That is a brief description about this novel. I would love to write more but the maximum words are 1,000. I highly recommend this book for anyone, even adults. If you ever get the chance, go ahead and read.

To C.S. Lewis:
You are the greatest author I have ever known of. Thank you for making this book. I wish I could meet you someday.

Kellen Kornegay

To be honest with all you gentle readers, I don't much admire War novels, nor do I stand by the title of my review. Generally, I believe War is truly Hell.

But last Winter, in the grips of a bout of quasi-depression-for-teens following a move to the most FLAT province in Canada, I truly thought I was in Hell. An e-mail friend suggested Catch-22 to use up edgy cabin-fever time. Now, let it be known that my attention span for most novels dwindles quickly, especially if the book is slow to pick up. While significantly slower to get 'into' than most of the writing I chase, Catch-22 sucked me in, like Alice down the rabbit hole. It is sharply funny, engaging, and chock full of delightful characters. The main character is a thinker; a young man disheartened by war and his own mortality. His name is Yossarian, and since reading this novel, he has stood out in my mind as being one of the most...sculpted... characters in the history of literature.

Put simply, this book is a satire about World War 2. Coming from a kid sickened by the very idea of war, I can say that this book is worth whatever bills you have to fork over for it. It's not about war, per se, but more about the human condition. In addition, it made me laugh a few times, something that only a few other works of fiction have ever been successful in accomplishing. I finished this book feeling oddly... renewed. If you're looking for something 'new' (or, so old it's new) and engaging, I heartily recommend 'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller.

I can clearly recall after over 30 years the stir that Catch-22 caused in the group of friends I was close to in college. The book at first reading was so outrageously funny and captivating that it was a major error to put down the only copy we had for any reason. The sole copy left unattended would immediately be picked up by one of the "vultures" that were constantly circling the fortunate one who had the book, looking for an opening.

On subsequent readings of this remarkable novel the incredible depth of characters and irony comes through more forcefully and new meaning is discovered. Heller's command of the language and his fine understanding not only of the madness of war and the insane reasons those in charge offer for its necessity but also of the day to day absurdities of life in the military and by extension in everyday life, make this a novel a Bible of Truth that for those of us who have experienced those absurdities and that madness. Conversely, those who do not have the experiences of armed conflict and interaction with any military machine still get full meaning of "the catch". This novel touches so completely the soul of an ultimately sane man, Yossarian, living in a totally insane world. That the phrase "its a Catch-22 situation" has so completely entered the language and that it is understood by those who use it exactly as Heller intended is the ultimate compliment and review of this timeless work.

Catch-22 was an extremely well-written novel taking place during World War II. The author, Joseph Heller, made full use of his extraordinary wit. The whole novel takes on a light view, looking into an American military camp in Italy. The story is superbly set up as a camp of foolish bombardiers headed by egotistical power- and glory-hungry generals.

The story shifts from character to character, spending only a few pages on each. As the story progresses, previously introduced characters come in contact with each other, setting up the plot.

Heller wrote the book ten years after the war was over, but he still was able to grasp the general ideas of a military camp. Heller realized though that his novel was going to be much too serious if he kept it completely factual, so he changed a few details, which altered the novel from being serious to funny.

Although Heller changed the idea of a camp somewhat, he was still able to write an extremely funny novel. His wit provided an amusing storyline that no other book from World War II has, making Catch-22 truly one-of-a-kind.

This was an enjoyable and classically difficult Russian authored book to read (the other I have read is Tolstoy.) The most striking similarities between Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky are their intricate use of rich characters, immense dialogue, subplots, and foreshadowing.

The book starts out with a meager and demented man, Raskolnikov, shutting himself off from society, but still interestingly enough, shows much compassion and pleasure in the company of the downtrodden. Raskolnikov wants to prove a theory to himself, and perhaps to the world, that powerful men are able and predictably will seize power by force and are justified in doing so. In other words, Raskolnikov sought after a proof of his belief that he could murder a villainous old pawnbroker and be able to maintain a guilt free conscience. In order for powerful people to complete this task, they must separate their feelings and morals from society and demand the isolation that waits for them.

However, Raskolnikov has a weakness for the downtrodden victims, and seems to seek their approval. As a result, he confides in a prostitute, Sonia, who happens to represent all of the maltreated people of the world. With a confession, Raskolnikov's world is not as it seems and his preposterous theory is in ruin.

Crime and Punishment is a very difficult, but valuable and memorable read. I highly recommend reading this book, and even I would suggest reading the cliff notes version to follow up on the important symbolism saturating the novel. This book is not just about a theory, but about human society, class structure, and consciousness.

I initially approached this book with a great deal of trepidation. I had never read Dostoyevsky, and was concerned that I would get bogged down in some lengthy, mind-numbingly boring, nineteenth-century treatise on the bestial nature of man or something. I am happy to report this is not the case. Instead, and to my delight, it is a smoothly flowing and fascinating story of a young man who succumbs to the most base desire, and the impact this has both psychologically and otherwise on himself and those around him.

To be sure, the book seems wordy in places, but I suspect this has to do with the translation. And what translator in his right mind would be bold enough to edit the great Dostoyevsky? But this is a very minor problem.

What we get with Dostoyevsky is dramatic tension, detailed and believable human characters, and brilliant insight into human nature. Early in the novel our hero meets and has a lengthy conversation with Marmeladov, a drunkard. This conversation is never uninteresting and ultimately becomes pathetic and heartbreaking, but I kept wondering why so much time was spent on it. As I got deeper into the book, I understood why this conversation was so important, and realized that I was in the hands of a master storyteller. This is also indicative of the way in which the story reveals itself. Nothing is hurried. These people speak the way we actually speak to one another in real life, and more importantly, Dostoyevsky is able to flesh out his characters into whole, three-dimensional human beings.

And what a diverse group of characters! Each is fleshed out, each is marvelously complex. Razujmikhin, the talkative, gregarious, good-hearted, insecure and destitute student; Sonia, the tragic child-prostitute, with a sense of rightness in the world; Petrovich, the self-important, self-made man, completely out of touch with his own humanity; Dunia, the honorable, wronged sister: we feel like we know these people because we've met people like them. They fit within our understanding of the way human beings are.

Dostoyevsky also displays great insight into human nature. Svidrigailov, for example, talks of his wife as liking to be offended. "We all like to be offended," he says, "but she in particular loved to be offended." It suddenly struck me how true this is. It gives us a chance to act indignantly, to lash out at our enemies, to gain favor with our allies. I don't believe I've ever seen this thought expressed in literature before. In fact, it never occurred to me in real life! Petrovich, Dunia's suitor, not only expects to be loved, but because of his money, and her destitution, he expects to be adored! To be worshipped! He intentionally sought out a woman from whome he expected to get this, and is comletely flummoxed when she rejects him. His is an unusual character, but completely realized.

There is so much more to talk about: the character of Raskolnikov, which is meticulously and carefully revealed; the sense of isolation which descends on him after committing his crime; the cat and mouse game played on him by the police detective. I could go on and on. I haven't even mentioned the historical and social context in which this takes place. Suffice to say this is a very rich book.

Do not expect it to be a rip-roaring page turner. Sit down, relax, take your time, and savor it. It will be a very rewarding experience. And thank you SL, for recommending it.

It would be easy to dissect the plot of this timeless classic, to go into teh writers prison time and gambling habits and addcition to excess and misery. That would be simple. Instead I will talk about the craft of writing itself. This book excels not so much based upon form in the plot structure. The story is simple and even when examined rather sad and simplistic. Instead it is the craft of writing. Nearly 500 pages of true poetic writing. Writing that sustains even as to some points it bores. By bores I mean in length and depth of personal introspection. Through American fiction we are used to action, action, action, dialogue explaining what the action was. In Russian literature there is a focus on history in relationship to the main characters and their circumstances. Russian literature is concerned with the political forces that shape lives, in America we are concerned with how fame shapes the body politic. Take Dreiser's Sister Carrie as an example of the desire for fame at the cost of morals in comparison to the theft of money for survival, from a despicable person.
What I often do with "heavy" books like this is I get the Cliffnotes to accompany the book as I read it, to in a sense have both a discussion internally and a map so that I don't miss any of the rich fields along the way. That is how the classics should be taught, with an eye to the brains that have yet to be initiated into such heavy patience reading.

I read the novel Of Mice and Men, which was recommended to me by my cousin. He told me the book wasn't that long and the story was really nice. So I went to the library and checked it out. When I first started to read the book it seemed kind of boring because the two main characters where just talking back and forth, but after the first two chapters I couldn't put the book down. It was a wonderful book and I had a great time reading it. While I was reading this book it made me think about me and my friends and what friendship really is.

Of Mice and Men is a story about a relationship between two friends who travel around California, working on farms. Lennie is a big, giant, strong man with the mind of a small child traveling with George, a short, smart guy who not only looks after himself but also has to look after his job and take care of his mentally retarded friend, Lennie. George is like Lennie's older brother who watches out for him all the time. Lennie does unintelligent things like carry around dead mouse in this pocket and George always yells at Lennie and gets mad at him yet, George can't go on with his life without Lennie. They travel together working hard on farms and saving up money so their dream can come true. All they want is a place of their own with chicken, rabbits, horses, and other farm animals. On their way to their dream they stop at a farm to make some money where things go wrong because Lennie likes to touch, pet, and hold on to soft things. Their dream is ruined because of Lennie's habit. Lennie likes to touch all things that are soft, and I mean all things that are soft, even a woman's soft pretty dress, or her soft silky hair, which gets Lennie killed by his best friend. George decides that he can no longer protect Lennie from the horrible things that he hadn't intended to do. This was a really hard decision for George but he knew the outcome was going to be the best for both him and Lennie.

Of Mice and Men takes you through life changing events, problems, and dreams of two poor laborers who just want a place of their own, which is just like many people in the world. Many families and friends work together so their dreams can come true. This book also made think of friendship and how we treat our friends and others in the world who are different, and less intelligent then us. People treat others bad, and put them down just because they are different. Even though the ending of this novel seems sad, and heart breaking, I think George did the right thing; he didn't want his friend to live the hard harsh life, in this unkind world. After reading this book, it made me realize that John Steinbeck is a wonderful author and I loved his writing style. It simple, easy to understand, relates to life, teaches you something and leaves you with something to think about. I am a person who doesn't like to read much but when I am assigned to read for a class I tend to find books that interest me. In the future I plan to read this book again and I also want read more of John Steinbeck's novels.

My name is Kelly, and I am a junior in high school and I was recently assigned to read John Stienbeck's novel OF MICE AND MEN. I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book, for many different reasons. For instance, Steinbeck uses a storyline that grabs the attention of all ages, young or old. In the begining, we are introduced to George and Lennie the novel's two main characters. They are fleeing from their former hometown in search of a new job opportunity on a ranch located in the Salinas Valley. The two fathem a dream of owning their own ranch one day with lots of acres and rabbits. They work out a plan to earn money so this dream can be fulfilled. While on the ranch the young childish Lennie is objected to numerous situations, in which they put George in akward posiitions. George's loyalty is constantly tested throughout the novel. With a surprise ending their dream seems to fade away. This book is one everyone should read, because it teaches the meaning of friendship and the "American Dream".

Although not one of the lengthiest books to ever hit the shelves, Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is definitely a warhorse in the arena of American Literature. Illustrating the fierce love between two friends, Steinbeck takes the reader on a journey through the poverty stricken lands of the West. These two friends, George and Lennie, are the two main characters of the novel, and their journeys from job to job hold only one thing in common: they keep their dreams to one day own their own little patch of land. Because of Lennie's combination of mental retardation and incredible strength, he often gets into troublesome situations and ends up leaving town. George always goes with Lennie, but in the tragic end, George realizes that he cannot keep protecting Lennie from the world.

There is much to this book, but it can easily be read as simply a sad story. I found it very readable, and I have always kept it close to my heart. There are some instances of foul language and inappropriate situations, but they in no way are distracting to the overall thematic content. Steinbeck's evocative language and beautiful descriptions are breathtaking. The story is not so complex or farfetched that it becomes unbelievable, and I highly recommend it to anyone that is considering reading it. I truly do love this book.