After 40 some years of living Alaska, I am well aware of the difficulty and seeming impossibility of capturing the great land on film and with words. The true essense and spitituality of this vast offering often eludes our cameras and pens. John has nailed it. His enduring patience and impecable eye for the finest of nature glows from image to image, mushroom ice stands, an otter enjoying a meal, volcanic clouds balloning over stands of towering spruce, an eaglets first moment broken from the shell, in your face bears, all these images and much more inspire me to look harder, go further, and wait longer for more of Alaska than I have ever experienced. The photos are sparkled by John's unique style of writing. After recieving the book as a gift I spent long nights, reading and re-reading his tales of adventure with delight. My work takes me far from home and John's book gives me opportunity to share the true flavors of Alaska with those I meet on the trail. Thank you John for sharing your God given talents, I so look forward to the next book.

I received a copy of John Pezzenti's book,A Photographic Journey Through The Last Wilderness,as a gift through my work. John Pezzenti's photographes portray such beauty and his words flow with spirituality. John Pezzenti's gift for writing matches his talent for capturing nature at it's finest. From the incredible photo's of the birth of an eagle,to the heart felt story of the Birthday Cake Bear. As I look through this magnificent book I feel his photo's and words drawing me in. It gives me the sense that I too am able to share what John Pezzenti must have felt being there. When I was young I went on a cruise to Alaska. I knew that one day I would move to this great land. John Pezzenti's book reinforce's why I kept this dream so close to my heart for all these years. I will always cherish this gift I received and feel blessed that John Pezzenti chose to share his God given talent with the rest of us. One could keep writing but there are no words that can truely describe this work of art. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has ever dreamt about Alaska. John Pezzenti truely opens his heart to the reader with his photographes and lets us share in the beauty he has captured over the past 25 years. I look forward to being able to share his work with my family and friends,as I also look forward to his next publishing.

In my opinion, John Pezzenti's new book ALASKA is an award winner! It is like nothing ever before published. The layout is totally origional and keeps the reader excited about reading and enjoying the professional photographs taken by this world famous photographer. John Pezzenti has been my long time friend since birth and he has been so dedicated to creating a new coffee table book of Alaskan wildlife! John's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has brought him through many unconquerable feats. His trust in God's power and love has resulted in all of his needs met while working on this book. John's heart has been touched by those unfortunate people in Calcutta and out of the kindness of his heart has donated a great proportion of his earnings to the helping of these people. In my opinion of this book I would have to say that there could be no better conversation piece for your coffee table so don't wait! Order your personal copy of Alaska now!!

God is in the Kitchen celebrates a father's love for his daughter and the incredible lessons he has learned from her. Dr. John Seita's life certainly attests to the axiom that out of great pain comes great gifts. Despite a childhood filled with abuse, abandonment, and rejection, John overcame great obstacles to become a loving and sensitive husband and father. As parents, we are granted a brief window of time to touch our children's lives. This outstanding book encourages us to seize the teachable moments, for our own sakes as well as our children's. The author challenges me to recognize that God speaks to us through everyday occurences and waits for us to meet Him 'in the kitchen.'

Also recommended: In Whose Best Interest? Lost Boys Risk in our Midst Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters

Spirituality, the subtle beauty of everyday miracles, parenting with dignity, respect and the wonder of the gentle lessons from a child radiate from this refreshing and inspiring book. In the tradition of Chicken Soup for the Soul, God is in the Kitchen takes seemingly commonplace events and reveals the miraculous in the simple and gives a hopeful view of how God works his miracles continuously; even if we are unaware. The author's inspiring and optimistic views of life are even more remarkable when you discover that is own childhood seemed anything but miraculous. Abused and neglected as a child, his journey though children's institutions and countless foster homes was a litany of degradation and humiliation. Still he had an indomitable sprit and in refusing to be vanquished, he became strong at the broken places. His unique perspectives may cause you to examine your own view of God and even your own view of yourself. You may decide that no odds are too great, no obstacles are too large and no chasms are too wide to stop you from claiming your own greatness. God is in the Kitchen is a must read and a must live book.

This is a very heartwarming book. The author shares his life's experiences with his daughter. Dr. Seita reminds us all that daily we are exposed to wonderful lessons. The value of these lessons is immeasurable, especially when we learn these lessons through experiences with our children. We are reminded that as parents we can not predict the teachings that will come about as a result of being blessed with being a parent. As one reads this book they can not help but explore their own spirituality. You will also have the desire to reflect on, and evaluate your own life and its many blessed experiences...and the lessons learned

John Vacca explains how to apply cisco high speed network products to LAN/WAN requirements. High Speed network standards and technology are explained in this guide for planning, design and implementation. An excellent coverage of fault detection as well as future network directions are also covered. This book is a must for network professionals.

High-Speed CISCO Networks is densely packed with the latest networking technologies, tools, plans, designs and testing methodology. John Vacca explicitly and visually explains the CISCO protocols for an IT professional and IT student to quickly comprehend and apply. While reading and working through John's book, I believe this text could be used to develop an undergraduate Computer Engineering course with applied labs for CISCO networks. Graduate students could also uses the concepts and technologies in the text for a special topics course in networking. An IT practitioner should purchase this text to enhance their ability to maintain a problem-free network environment and to quickly isolate and fix network faults.

This book provides a complete overview of high-speed CISCO networks: reviewing network basics; planning for the network (including cost considerations); selecting and implementing the network; installing and maintaining the network; configuring interfaces; and evaluating performance. Particularly useful are the sections on hardware technologies and internetworking technology. The book also contains helpful information about national and international standards. The future directions chapters discuss various security issues, as well as the configuration of existing networks (e.g. AppleTalk and Novell). The appendices provide step-by-step instructions for configuring a network as well as a glossary of significant terms and examples. All in all, a comprehensive and essential reference guide for network managers.

As a fan of John Connolly since his first novel, I was excited to read The Killing Kind, his latest effort involving a murdered girl, smarmy, swindling preachers, and a missing religious cult in Maine -- the Aroostook Baptists. Charlie Parker, as always, was wonderfully written as were Angel and Louis, despite a few disappointing stereotypical lines of dialogue from these two. I don't recall from the first couple of books Louis speaking the way he did in the Killing Kind and it was a bit distracting...other than that, they were great. The character of Pudd was just plain creepy and a wonderful creation.

The book starts off at a quick pace, but then slows a bit in the middle -- so much so that I was beginning to feel a bit disappointed which is why I rank it at 4 stars and not the full 5 -- but the ending was out of this world!!! When Charlie finds what everyone was looking for, I was literally open mouthed with surprise (and disgust!). It was GREAT!! It really makes me wonder where John Connolly comes up with such gruesome stuff -- I hope he's getting the psychiatric help he needs. He puts Barker and King to shame.

Also, the ending shows a touching side of Charlie as he's called upon to try to rescue Angel...it was a nice touch and not overdone. All in all, this book was terrific and I can't wait to get the next in the series!

Excellent read!!

Since I read John Connolly's first novel, EVERY DEAD THING, I've quickly become an avid fan of his. His second book, DARK HOLLOW, confirmed my belief that here was a gifted writer who deserves a much larger "fan" base than he currently has in the United States. Now, having read his third novel in the "Charlie 'Bird' Parker" series, I know that this is an author who's on his way to the "bestseller" lists. He's simply that good! Mr. Connolly knows how to create in-depth characters that stand out, weave intricate plots and subplots that keep the reader guessing, and has a style of prose that is almost poetic in its sheer elegance. In THE KILLING KIND, Charlie Parker returns to investigate the death of a young college student, Grace Peltier, and her connection to a religious organization in Maine known as the Fellowship. It seems that she was writing a thesis on small group of religious zealots, the Aroostook Baptists, and their mysterious disappearance in the year of 1963. Her search for information eventually led her to the Fellowship and its founder, Carter Paragon. Shortly there after, she was found in her car alongside a dirt road with a revolver in her hand, a bullet in her head, and a Bible at her side. Grace's father, Curtis Peltier, doesn't believe that his daughter committed suicide, and he wants our New England P.I. to find the killer. As Charlie begins his investigation, however, a mass grave containing the skeletal remains of the Aroostook Baptists is accidentally discovered along a riverbank in northern Maine, and this also seems to be somehow tied in with the Fellowship and Carter Paragon. When Charlie starts to probe a little too deeply into the workings of this supposedly religious organization, Mr. Pudd (a man who is the very essence of evil and loves to kill his victims with deadly spiders) and his mute, female assistant are sent to warn him off the case. Since Charlie has never been one to heed the warnings of other people, he continues to plow ahead and soon people start dropping dead around him. Even when Louis and Angel arrive to offer their help, they prove to be barely a match for our illusive Mr. Pudd, and come to know the true meaning of terror on a first-hand basis. No one will ever be the same again once the evil Mr. Pudd gets his hands on them. THE KILLING KIND carries the writings of John Connolly to a much higher level of expertise than his earlier two novels. Like the first two, it has several plot lines coming from different directions that join together into a smoothly written, utterly satisfying ending. Both the familiar and new characters in the book ring true to the ear, especially the terrifying Mr. Pudd and the Jewish assassin known only as the Golem. Mr. Connolly has a remarkable skill in being able to create killers that stand out in ways other authors can only dream about. That's one of the things that make this series so much fun to read. Another aspect is the main character of Charlie Parker. This is a unique individual trying to make amends for the life he's lived by righting the wrongs done to other people. It also helps that he has friends like Louis and Angel who aren't afraid of doing a little killing, if the situation calls for it. As the series continues to develop, Charlie and the love of his life, Rachel, are drawn closer and closer to each other, and there's a wonderful surprise on the last page of this novel that makes me extremely eager to read the next one when it comes out. What makes this book stand out from EVERY DEAD THING and DARK HOLLOW is the sheer craftsmanship that Mr. Connolly displays as a writer. It's evident that he's now much more comfortable with his characters, plus I love reading his prose out loud. His sentences are written with skill of a poet, and the magic and power of his words continously transport me to a different world that's often difficult to leave. All in all, the three novels in the "Charlie Parker" series are great reads in every sense of the word that leave you starving for more from this extremely gifted author. John Connolly is definitely a writer on his way to stardom!

I have a confession to make. I am a murderer. I killed my love for the detctive story by reading too many novels that were just too bad. I never thought I'd appreciate a crime novelist the way I did Ed McBain when I was younger. And then along came John Connolly, creeping up on me, hiding in the shadows, lurking, and then attacking without warning.

This is the best crime novel I have read in years, for two reasons. First of all, the language is exquisite. Connolly writes like a poet, and the first few pages where he described the "honeycomb world" is worth the price of the book alone.

Second of all, Charlie Parker, the main character. With a dry cynicism as sharp as his wit, he delivers one-liners one after one. I found myself going back to re-read passages many times during the course of this book, for the humour alone. But this is not a funny book, not at all.

I won't tell you any more about the story, as it deserves to develop on its own when you read it. Let me just warn you that the ending is not at all as good as the rest of the book, and that did make me sad. The last ten or so pages are standard Hollywood-drama, and lack the originality the reader has been spoiled with during the course of the novel.

Still, Connolly pulls it off.

"The Killing Kind", approved!

Austin Murphy is a gold-medal decathlon winner among authors. He has finished in the money in each of these writerly categories with his book "The Sweet Season":

1) He displayed a craftsman's use of language: Murphy's subtle alliterations and "bordering-on-erudite" vocabulary (sending me to the dictionary at least a dozen times over the course of the book) were highly effective.
2) He wielded a crafty (and crackly dry) sense of humor: Even (or especially) if you're not a retired Irish Catholic from the Rust Belt, this book is, at times, "pee-in-your-pants" funny.
3) He dug deep for his facts, particularly about the background of St. John's monastery and university.
4) He was sensitive without being maudlin when discussing the things that really matter in life -- family, faith, and (not) football.
5) He nailed the human interest angle: The stand-up, wise-acre QB, the quirky but lovable Gags, the beer-drinking, cigar-puffing, down-to-earth monks, Saint Frosty Westering.
6) His use of dialogue rocked.
7) He captured the physical and emotional setting of St. John's with ease.
8) He gracefully inserted just enough bathroom humor and (at least dreaming about) sex to keep my primitive forebrain interested in the storyline.
9) He skillfully wove together disparate elements into an eminently satisfying whole.
10) Did I mention yet that the whole damn thing was "fall-down" funny? Oh, I did? But I wrote "pee-in-your-pants" funny? Uff da! Sorry for the profane use of "pee".

Signed,

A 1983 graduate of St. John's, fellow author, and the 1978 long-snapper for dear old Hastings (Minnesota) High, the 2001 Class AAAAA Minnesota state champions.

I had a football coach my senior year in high school who set our priorities for us at the beginning of the season. They are listed here in decending order:
1. God
2. Family
3. School
4. Football
This book explores all these priorities and does it with a hilarious but insightful twist. Reading the stories, learning about the people and being privy to what make St. Johns so "Sweet", makes me believe my high school football coach had it right all along. Murphy must be exceptionally well paid to go back to what he describes takes place in the big leagues on a consistent basis. This book restores my faith in the game. The negative sports news we hear so much about, the throat slashing antics, the war dances are all performed by a very small percentage of bafoons who drag sports down to their level. I would like to believe the majority of people who play this game are like the folks at St. Johns. It is fantastic that Murphy spoke out for those who have been seeing the game deteriorate over the years. This book props up the sport of college football, puts God and family at the top of the heap and is a great advertisement for what sounds like a neat place to go to school.

This book is a joy to read. It reminds those of us sports junkies that there are still places where the "student" in "student-athlete" truly comes first. Murphy has written a jewel of a book, the kind that any fan will devour and at the same time savor. Stories about the legendary Coach Gagliardi are recounted with the same reverance that one might give, say, Vince Lombardi. And Gagliardi deserves it.
This is an amazing book, written in the style of John Feinstein and told with the emotion one might hear when listening to Bob Costas. Read it now . . . once you stop, you'll want to get yourself to Minnesota and experience the magic that is St. John's for yourself.

I first read the Tripod series in seventh grade. Some of you in the Boy Scouts may remember the comic book adaptation of The Pool of Fire from the Boy's Life Magazine. I'm now a 24 year old adult (Ahem!) and I still love these books. Ever since my book collection was destroyed by a flood three years ago I have been hunting for both this, and the Prince in Waiting series by Mr. Christopher. As usual, Amazon.Com comes through for me. I heartily recommend this series, and the Prince in Waiting to all readers of Sci-Fi and Fantasy.

I'm a 7th grader that could'nt find a book in the library so I asked the librarian for a science fiction book and she handed me the first book in the trilogy White Mountains I started to read it and I was so enthralled with this book (also my mother)I read this book in a faster time than I have ever read a book now I'm asking my Mom to get the the rest of the books in the tripod trilogy it is a great book and a must read

The Tripods Trilogy was John Christopher's first attempt at writing for young people and it is a triumph. I was introduced to these books back in 1985, when I was 9. I was really taken with the cover artwork of "The White Mountains", which showed this giant three-legged machine and a boy hiding in the foreground.

But I didn't actually read the books until four years later. I was obsessed with it! I loved the idea of a small rebel group fighting something that seemed so invincible. For ages I couldn't draw a landscape without putting a Tripod in it!

These books got me interested in cities and how they'd look when they're destroyed. One of my favourite parts of the story is when the three boys are walking through the ruins of an ancient city. We all know what city it was and we recognise so much that is unfamiliar to them. It's both amusing and moving to see them ponder over the relics of a better time.

These are a series of books I've read over and over. The praise for this trilogy is well deserved.

Chugging through this book over the last few months has been a wonderful experience for me. What better way to get right inside the mind of Tolkien himself than through these fascinating letters? They make me feel as though I'm right there alongside him in his world; in the academia, the family life, and the inner workings of the brilliant mind that created (or simply "discovered," as he would put it, Middle-Earth). As an intimate composite sketch giving insights into all these areas, this book is absolutely indispensable for the hard-core Tolkien fan, even more so than the Humphrey Carpenter-penned Tolkien Biography. But those two volumes hand-in-hand are a delightful companion to anyone who, like me, is enraptured by _The Lord of the Rings_ and has an interest in the man who brought it into being.

Can you _not wait_ until Christmas when the FOTR movie comes out??! Man alive, that's gonna be terrific...

. . .into the life and writing of JRR Tolkien. These letters, edited by his official biographer, Humphrey Carpenter, provide glimpses into every area of Professor Tolkien's life. We see:

* his early years in the war (where his mythology all began

* his relationship with his wife (a true love story)

* his early interaction with those who later became "The Inklings"

* the development of his spirituality and theology

* words of wisdom to his children on love, marriage, God, the Church, etc.

* and, of course, the "behind the scenes" development of "The Hobbit", and "The Lord of the Rings" as well as numerous responses to reader's inquiries.

A delightful book, and one which belongs on the shelf of every true devotee of JRR Tolkien.

Well worth 5 stars.

If you have read "The Lord of the Rings" or other works by Tolkien, and are interested in learning more about him (what inspired him, what his views on things were, and what kind of person he was, and the process by which he wrote his literary works, especially "LotR"), this is a book you should definitely read. I found this book to be highly interesting and entertaining, and even educational. There is a huge index to help you find any subject or topic you're looking for. You will find letters to his family members, to his publishers, to friends like C.S. Lewis, and many more-all covering a variety of topics and thoughts from this brilliant writer and philologist. Thoughts on Christianity, and Tolkien's beliefs; his views of World War I (in which he fought) and World War II; a great deal of letters to his readers answering a multitude of questions about his books, especially "The Lord of the Rings"; his personal views and goals of his works; and so much more. It's really a look into the minds and thoughts of a genius, although he would never agree with that-his letters are filled with the upmost humility, even self-deprecation, of himself and his abilities. At the same time, he takes very strong, even stubborn, stances on issues he felt strongly about. His letter-writing style is so unique and is quite fascinating to me, and he can be quite funny. I definitely recommend this informative and very interesting book.

John Bengtson has created a whole new genre of books. This book does not just explore the silent comedies of Buster Keaton. It also will allow the silent film fan to explore early Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other early movie locations in California, Arizona, and Oregon. It is amazing how Bengtson has located the buildings that were in the background scenery of Keaton's films. This book is a look at Los Angeles history, as buildings like the College of Dentistry and hotels that were houses of prostitution no longer exist. Now anyone can walk in the steps of the great comedian, Buster Keaton.

Holy Mackeral, what a treat! Silent Echoes author John Bengtson has not only tapped into the passions of Buster Keaton fans but the myriad of film studio/location history buffs as well! His research and sleuthing of this subject, with exacting detail, is so unprecedented that even a non-fan would find his efforts interesting.

Throughout its 130-plus pages Bengtson's book meticulously compares past Keaton filming sites through their modern-day existence by way of extensive use of period maps, location stills, current photos and written text. With photogrammetrist skill he shows us snippets of what had been and what is now. Because of his efforts I've been able to get a better glance of the way Keaton and the industry worked as well as a treasured peek into Hollywood's own photographic past (many of which I've never seen published until now). As one of the ilk that relishes being in the same spot where famous scenes were shot, this book hits the mark in spades for me. I can't wait to get back to LA, book in hand, and run around town looking at each site listed!

John Bengtson's book is the kind of thing film lovers dream about. Every Keaton fan or silent movie buff will want this book, but it also makes a wonderful introduction to the silent era's timeless pleasures, especially the always fresh and exciting comedy of Buster Keaton. And on top of everything else, it's a fascinating detective story! Wow! Can you tell I liked this book?

One of my earliest memories as a child is of Mom and Dad taking the whole darn family to the only McDonald's in our area at that time (mid-60's) in Belmont, California - it was still the old fashioned McD's with giant golden arches and outdoor seating (why they decided to tear all of those down, I have no idea - they were wonderful!). A week after my 16th birthday, I started my first real (non-babysitting) job at the local McD's in Foster City. Although I seldom dine there now (waiting for veggie burgers!), the impact and history of McDonald's has always fascinated me. Before picking up "Behind the Arches" the only book I had read about the subject was "Big Mac - the Unauthorized Story of McDonalds" which in fact is not really the story of McDonalds at all, but rather one of franchising in general with a bit more of a focus on McDonalds.

Mr. Love's book, however, focuses more on the genius of Ray Kroc and Fred Turner; how the corporation relies on its owner/operators and suppliers for new ideas (Filet-O-Fish, Big Mac, apple pies, McMuffin, etc.). The chapters on the development of the perfect frozen french fry and Chicken McNuggets were especially interesting...as well as how McDonald's moved into Japan and Europe. Even if you detest McDonald's food, read this book - HIGHLY recommended.

The story behind the ubiquitous golden arches, and the man who expanded them coast to coast, (and today they reach edges of the Earth). This book provides a reader friendly, detailed synopsis of MacDonald's through the decades of the original brother to Ray Kroc entry and exit of on of the most recognized emblems of the world. (Whether this fact is has positive or negative implications is another matter entirely). This is a good book about Mickey-D's and sheds light on many other aspects of American history, culture, business and advertising.

Two brothers named McDonald went west to California from the north-east. They came with about $8 dollars and got jobs moving props on movie sets in Hollywood (sound familiar?) After some initial business ventures the brothers opened their own small restaurant in San Bernadino.

In the Midwest Ray Kroc left school at 16, and like almost all other achievers that reached his level of success, he had a strong work ethic and a hard-driving tenacity to succeed at a concept that in+tial+ly proved successful. How ya build on something good. A gifted successful salesman from an early age, he got a job selling paper cups and sold them for 17 years as one of the top salesman of the company. Some of his clients were Wrigley field among other Chicago establishments. In his late thirties, he started selling shake mixers. McDonald's comes into the picture when Kroc noticed that two brothers who owned a drive-in hamburger restaurant in SoCal, kept ordering lots of shake mixing machines, when Kroc's mixer business was dying out everywhere else in the country. He met the McDonald brothers and was greatly impressed by their practices. Kroc become the seller of their franchises in Illinois, and was very successful at establishing and McD's in the Midwest.

For his work he didn't earn a lot because of the deal he made with the two brothers (an inkling of what was to come). So he added a creative and logical way to profit from his diligent work in spreading the franchises. He formed a separate corporation, and when setting up franchises he'd purchase the property where a new McDonald's was to be built. He'd collect the rent or a percentage of the restaurant's profits, whichever was greater. This allowed him to be compensated more fully in addition to his original deal with the McDonald brothers, which wasn't the most favorable.

Kroc was selling the franchises and focusing on keeping the model and SOPs identical for every franchise. Perhaps an analogy to the assembly line of the Ford. Kroc had a methodology. If a winning method was not altered or diluted by a franchise restaurant here and there across the country, the sales, expansion, and growth would continue. McDonald's had tapped into what a large part of the American public wanted in post WWII America. Ray later bought McDonald's from the McDonald brothers for $2.7 million cash. When he discovered after the deal was finished that the original McD restaurant in San Bernadino was not included, and was to be kept by the brothers, Kroc had them change their restaurants name, and he built a franchise across the street to put them out of business.

Advertising:
To help solidify more growth and consumer loyalty, Kroc knew the value of kids. He hired top advertising people: enter Ronald McDonald. After some marketing tests in some particular regions, came the major nationwide promotion to get the kiddies pleading with their parents that they wanted to go to Mickey-Ds. Have you heard kids clamour their parents to do this? I have. And today, McDonald's has continued the kid-concept by investing large amounts into the Playgrounds added onto many of its' stores.

McDonald's represents many things about American culture. To Americans, and today throughout the world. No matter what you think of Mickey D's it's quite an interesting story of how it started, evolved and came to it's ubiquity today. It's a fact that those golden arches are more recognized than the Christian cross. Again, whether we think that's good or not leads to several other issues involving, chemicals and food science, general health, obesity, globalization, homogenization, marketing to children, and corporatization.

For additional insights into the McDonald's phenomenon read, Jennifer Talwar's "Fast Food, Fast Track" and Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal," and Fumento's "Fatland."

This book opens with Fred Turner, the former chairman of McDonald's and former fast food french fry maker, answering his own phone. I have thought about that image ever since reading it, when this book first came out (right after Turner retired, with one of the lakes at McDonald's corporate H.Q. named after him), and Mike Quinlan took over. Quinlan also, like Turner, had "ketchup in his veins," having started out in a restaurant like turner.

The book hits the ketchup and vein image so hard, in fact, that by contrast, I worry for the company now that Jack Greenburg, trained as an attorney, is the Chairman, and now that he has made Mr. Kindler, another lawyer who was with the law departmen of General Electric, head of an operating division. What would Ray Kroc make of this?

Mr. Love captures the drama of Kroc almost losing control of the company to another insider who mis-interpreted McDonald's as a real estate company that incidentally marketed hamburgers. No, said Kroc, it's a hamburger company that just needs real estate.

Getting a grip on what the company is today is more possible by reading what it used to be. Business guys are often impatient with history, and they show it by so frequently repeating it.

Journey with a guy with much testosterone, but a HUGE heart. I was not looking forward to reading this book for my 18th Century British novel class, but upon starting to read I found it to be a pleasurable story. This piqaresque novel has a humor that I have seldom encountered in other narratives. What is ironic is that Fielding wrote this piece during one of the most traumatic periods of his life. His wife just passed away, his daughter was dying, and he was inflicted with the gout. One would never think it from the clever way the book is written. The point of view gives us an in so that we feel as if we ourselves have roles in the storyline. Rooting all the way for Tom despite his flaws, we find out more about human nature along the way. A good read, light a candle and sit down with some wine like they would've and enjoy this classic comical delight.

I first picked up Tom Jones because to put it bluntly I am a bibliophile and it was a cheap book. However, I was suprised at how engaging and hilarious the story was despite the claims on the back cover, which are often far off. To tell the truth I did not expect to make it through this extremely lengthy tome, I only wanted to satisfy my curiousity.

Although I am a fan of Jane Austen I was shocked by the freshness and wit that Fielding's writing still retains. Every book in the novel begins with an essay by the author. Do not skip these, they are one of the best features of the book. My favorite is the essay before the ninth book which explains the purpose of these introductory chapters. What a riot!

The story of big hearted and big appetited Tom Jones and his adventures and misadventures is one long satirical gem. Fielding's interpretation of morals, piousness, love, and high society is still as hilarious and relevant as it was in the 18th century. For anyone who appreciates wit and history, this is a must read.

It was so hard finally putting this book down.

The friends you make!

Tom, Sophia, Allworthy, even Western himself.

But most of all, Henry Fielding.

The humor, the humanity!

What an author and what a man. And to think he
penned his comic masterpiece in his darkest days.

With all that, Tom Jones can be tough going. The
language requires you read fairly slowly. And the
novel is huge. And the plot is intricate.

You may benefit from book notes; I did, especially
during the second half.

If you love Tom Jones, check out Thackeray's
Vanity Fair. And Guerney's translation of Gogol's
Dead Souls.

While you're at it, grab The Brothers Karamazov
and go crazy.