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Book reviews for "Beifuss,_John,_Jr." sorted by average review score:

Book of Nightmares
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (October, 1999)
Author: John Peel
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My screenname is based on these books!
My screename is ADSHP1. Those initials stand for, A. Diadem Score Helaine Pixel 1. They've been my favorite books for three years. My sister is a junior in highschool and every time I get a new Diadem book, she makes me read it aloud to her.(Either that or she reads it aloud to me) Anyway, we both agree that Mr. Peel should write more of these books. Believe me, I will be waiting at the front counter of every book store trying to get more of these when they come. Got to go. Bye!

No words. . . .
Of all the series that I have ever read, this has to be one of my all time favorites. I started to read the Diadem series as a book report for one of my reading classes. I believe I was around 12, maybe 13 years of age. I loved the first book and I became hooked on the many sequals. I am now 16 years old and I still read the Diadem series. The characters are so well thought of, as are the villains. I was very disappointed when there were no more books after the sixth one, and I believe that John Peel left the ending like that so as to say, "There may be more coming!" Nothing could possibly ever end my love for the Diadem series. I would recommend these books to anyone of any age. I also recommend "The Secret of Dragonhome." I also own that and that is another of my favorite books.

I Have Read A Lot Of Books But This Is The Best!!!!!!!
This is the best book I have ever read! I is great I recomend this book to any one!! this book is good for all ages 8-80 the diadem series ever!!!! My favoret book is the book of thunder. it is a good book. mr. peel please write another diadem book.

13/male andrew starfox932


To Sleep With the Angels: The Story of a Fire
Published in Paperback by Ivan R Dee, Inc. (October, 1998)
Authors: David Cowan and John Kuenster
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Thoroughly engrossing.
An 8-year-old growing up in New Jersey, I clearly remember this fire because my father was from Chicago and knew of some of the families involved. I particularly remember the heart-wrenching photograph of the fireman carrying the dead young boy out of the school in his arms. The book provided all the details I never knew. The horror that these young children went through ... it is sometimes difficult to get through some of the chapters that offered an account of the fire as it swept through the school. How sad it is that it takes a tragedy like this to mandate safety changes in our children's schools. Every parent, safety official and educator should make this book a must-read!

Minute-by-minute review of fire through students' eyes, etc.
A very moving and emotional book for me to read since I was searching for answers on what was really happening in the fire-swept rooms at my school and with the hope to know what happened to some of my friends who perished in the fire. As a student at Our Lady of the Angels we were never to discuss what had happened on December 1, 1958, and I wanted to know and hopefully find the support I had been searching for, and never received as a child (38 years after the fire). I cried throughout the book and the knowledge I came away with after reading the book had finally answered some of the questions I had always had as a child and an adult.

Burning With Emotion
As an Ohio Catholic elementary school student in 1958, the tragic fire at Holy Angels School in Chicago left an indeligble image. Heaven, opening its arms to the little angels, solemnly and obediently praying with their nun had more spin than Elvin in those days. "To Sleep With The Angels" not only unspun the myths about a tragedy, which led to safety improvements in all American schools, but it brought out the raw emotions of the survivors.

The book is balanced, hesitating to point fingers, trying to put the event into the cultural perspective of the time, and succeeding in forcing each reader in appreciating their own relative heaven.

While ghastly and emotionally devastating, the prose is outstanding, bringing each of us into the doomed class rooms. This book demonstrates the best drama is on the non-fiction shelves.

In conclusion no monument was ever erected at the site of the fire. I believe this book may be the lasting tribute to the children, nuns, parents and firefighters forever haunted by the Holy Angel's fire.


Dry, Up, With a Twist: The Humor, Irony and Chaos Behind Fine Dining
Published in Hardcover by Gardenia Press (February, 2003)
Author: John Galloway Jr.
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Lessons in Life And Fine Dining
Dry, Up, With A Twist provides a funny, instructive, and sometimes shocking look into what goes on behind the scenes in a restaurant that will have you carefully watching your behavior, as well as that of those who serve you, the next time you go out to eat. But the book is much more than a "do's and don'ts" guide to the art of fine dining.
Dry, Up, With A Twist chronicles the author's journey toward his life's goal of becoming a pilot, and his eventual triumph over the "invisible sharks" that strike in everyone's life, threatening and sometimes suceeding in devouring your dreams.
Filled with wild anecdotes, remarkable characters, and more than a few moral lessons, the book centers mainly on the author's ten-plus years spent as a busser, waiter, and maitre d'in a number of upscale restaurants, surrounded by people whose lives have either stalled or are in a downward spiral. The stories of these coworkers and customers are frequently hilarious, often painful, and sometimes profoundly touching, making the author's struggle and eventual victory over his own demons and doubts that much more meaningful.
I would recommend this book not just to those involved in or curious about the world of fine restaurants, but to anyone interested in a no holds barred examination of human nature.

Hysterical adventures in fine dining
Dry, Up, With a Twist is a definite must have for anyone
even thinking about walking into a fine dining restaurant,
either as an employee, or as a patron. The book chronicles
the humorous highs, and lows in the career of one
life-long restaurant worker. From mafioso wiseguys, to
serving the president of the United States, to drug crazed
busboys, this is one book that exposes the outrageous, and
incredible life behind the five star dining experience.
Well written and easy to read, Dry, Up, With a Twist is one
page turner that gets my highest reccomendation

Full of Humor!
John takes you into his world of being a waiter in fine dining restaurants. Galloway works in fine dining restaurants as a waiter in hopes of raising enough money to get into a military flight program with the Navy.

I must admit that I have never eaten in a fine dining restaurant before, but after reading "Dry, Up, With A Twist" I will know what to expect and how to act and be treated fairly by the waiters. However, if you have ever eaten in the fine dining industry, and you were treated poorly by the waiters, just pick up a copy of John's "Dry, Up, With A Twist" and you will find out why you received the treatment that you did. In addition, you will know how to get the respect that you thought you deserved from the waiters the next time you dine out. As Galloway will explain the do's and don'ts of fine dining.

"Dry, Up, With A Twist" was a very unique book that was filled with humor and stories in the fine dining industry. A truly enjoyable read!


Tears of Rage
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Pocket Books (July, 1998)
Author: John Walsh
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Book Review for John Walsh: Tears of Rage
One of the most extraordinary memoirs that we had the pleasure to read is John Walsh: tears of Rage, co-written by Susan Schindehette. This memoir begins with John Walsh convincing the reader how "emotionaly strong" he is. He does this by mentioning experiences that he had to deal with in the past. Although these experiences were heart breaking, John handled the situation and got the job done. John Walsh had to deal with many morrible experiences in his life, but it only made him stronger in what he could deal with.
John Walsh goes into the details about his son, Adam, who was kidnapped in 1981 at a local Sears store by an unknown assailant. In the memoir Mr. Walsh tells his readers all the things the police and him went through trying to locate his son. Mr. Walsh also worked on all cases that may have anyhting to do with his sons kidnapping. But in the end he couldnt do anything to save his son. He thought his neighborhood was safe so he couldn't understand how something like this could happen.
One of the main things that Walsh wanted to get across to his readers is that there is no where safe anymore. That everyone has to watch out and try to stop these horrible acts from happening to our loved ones.
Tears of Rage ended with a great and powerful conclusion. The conclusion is about how John deals with his son's death, and what he does about the loss. Mr. Walsh also said that he would devote all his time to the public from now on, he is doing this with his show, America's Most Wanted. The show tells the public about unsolved crimes by getting the faces of the criminals out to the public so they can identify them.
We rated this memoir a 4 star, and the reason for this is because it is a great read that talks about life and how to handle all the problems that are envolved with it. So, if you want an awesome read, pick up John Walsh: Tears of Rage, you won't regret it.

Heartbreaking, but an excellent, must-read book
Every parent should read this book. The author makes us very aware of the scumbag by-products of abuse and neglect that walk this earth in search of innocent children to exploit for their own selfish pleasure. Instead of letting this horrible tragedy break them, John and Reve Walsh dragged themselves up from the absolute pits of their terrible nightmare to change the priorities of a foolish country that cares more about stolen cars than stolen kids. It is also gratifying to know that John Walsh joined forces with the incredible genius of ex-FBI special agent Robert Ressler (author: Whoever Fights Monsters). John Walsh is responsible for bringing to our attention that these pedophiles and lunatics are everywhere and must be stopped. THIS COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE'S CHILD!! This book is emotionally hard to read. Your heart will go out to these two people for their grief and we can all be thankful that they cared enought to turn their tragedy around to help others.

This book will give you nightmares, but it is a MUST read.
John Walsh and Susan Schindehette have done an excellent job in bringing the nightmare of child abduction and lack of victim's rights into focus within the pages of this remarkable book.

From the moment I started reading, I was hooked and drug , sometimes unwillingly, into the reality that has been Mr. Walsh's life since his six-year-old son Adam was abducted and killed on July 27, 1981. The authors spare no details and I often found myself wondering how John Walsh was able to re-examine the past in such a way that I can only imagine was like pouring salt into a wound that can never heal.

The book reveals the extent that the Hollywood, Florida Police department bungled the Adam Walsh case, but even worse how this bungling occurs daily throughout the United States as victims of crimes continue to have little to no say in their own cases and investigations.

The graphic reality in this book may not sit well with all readers, but I guarantee that it is a necessar! y ingredient for opening the reader's eyes to the problems that existed and exist within our legal system.

The title Tears of Rage is an appropriate one for I found that the book started with tears and ended with rage, for both the Author(s) and the reader. Once you've opened the book and read the prologue, you'll find it very hard to put down.

The only negative thing I have to say about the book is that since finishing it, I haven't slept all that well, because I keep dreaming about being in a situation where I want to help some abducted kid, and I keep running into road blocks. Luckily for me it is just a nightmare, for Mr. Walsh and thousands of other parents it was and is reality.


SOG
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster (January, 1997)
Author: John Plaster
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A Fitting Salute For America's Bravest
The late USAF General Bob Russ, Commander of TAC and ACC used to say there are two kinds of class...First Class and No Class! Everything involved with SOG (and this book) is first class. While John Plaster's account of these very brave men is anecdotal it also documents their activities in a level of detail you seldom see. Plaster spares no trouble in providing the names of each and every individual associated with each activity. Which results in a remembrance or memorial for many young soldiers that will never get to see a Super Bowl or smell the flowers in the Spring. The book does a wonderful job of providing a complete story around each and every Medal of Honor that was awarded to the numerous SOG recipients.

While there are numerous outcomes in the book that will "break your heart" the saddest for me was the failure of the USAF to support Cavaiani at Outpost Hickory with air support that was available and en-route when ordered home. To all the senior leadership in this country (both civilian and military) with either self-serving or political agendas that resulted in less that 100% support for these brave men throughout all their endeavors..."May you burn in hell".

I drank with several of the men mentioned in this book on Hon Tre Island, RVN when the SF used it as an initial in-country training site. They used the barracks and facilities that were vacant after the HAWKs went home. I saluted them then and I continue to have nothing but respect for their deeds and bravery. Now you can sit at home in a comfortable chair and read about these deeds thanks to the efforts of John Plaster.

Essential reading for anyone interested in learning about those that went over the fence.

And You Thought the Navy SEALs were the best.
Actually, Navy SEALs are undoubtedly the best. But unfortunately, they were underused in Vietnam because their existance as a guerilla warefare unit was still relatively short at that time. This book gives us continual action throughout the book because green beret operations were frequent and consisted of an unlimited supply of Montangard volunteers to keep the fight going. Also, unlike the SEALS, whose area of activity existed mainly in central Vietnam, the Green Berets were almost indegenous to areas such as Laos and Cambodia where the NVA possessed its most heavy concentrations of fighting forces. As a result, the Army Special Forces activty in Vietnam as described in this book gives a whole new meaning the term "suicide missions". Before I read this book, I knew only of the SOG missions that were portrayed on the syndicated television show "Tour of Duty" if you can remember. On the show, a regular army infantry platoon eventually ascends to the status of "SOG" team probably as an attempt to revive the shows falling ratings and bland plot line. As a "SOG" team, I don't believe the TV soldiers ever set foot in hot spots like Cambodia or Laos; and, as with every TV show, noone ever really dies. That is not the case as you will come to realize after reading this book. I don't think you could show what real SOG mission was like on TV not because of the SOG's secret nature, but because SOG mission were gorier than gory and would probably look like something out of Saving Private Ryan. What strikes me as most peculiar is the fact that the son of the owner of Walgreen's served three (or was two tours) as a SOG agent in Vietnam when he could've stayed home with his family's millions. That's dedication. Not to say that everyone else wasn't dedicated, but I'm sure that not everyone had that kind of option waiting for them back home.

Pulling back the veil of secrecy
Major John Plaster reveals the truth behind some of the most gallant episodes and valliant soldiers in America's history. Kept quiet by rules of secrecy, death of participants and frank disinterest on the part of many Americans, Plaster allows us to look inside the super-secret unit that carried the war in Vietnam into the enemy's back yard. With his brisk prose Plaster brings to life combat situations that the ordinary reader can not even imagine. The men of SOG and Special Forces have been consistently misrepresented. Now you can find out the truth. In those days 'running recon' was the ultimate challenge and even within the elite of Special Forces only few soldiers accepted the life. In this book Plaster shows the reader just what it was like to be one of the best of the best. This book is extremely valuable for recording a piece of American military history in danger of being lost. In addition it shows the reader who may have been led to believe that the men who fought for this country in Vietnam were somehow unworthy that they deserve every bit of respect and gratitude that we willing bestow on other veterans. Buy this book, read it and believe it.


All of a Kind Family
Published in Hardcover by Taylor Productions (September, 1994)
Authors: Sydney Taylor and Helen John
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Learning about ones roots can be warm and family centered.
In these violent days, when the world around us gives our children no pause to reflect on their ancestors, it is a welcome relief to sit down and curl up with this book by Sydney Taylor. My grandmother, who was an immigrant about the time that this book was set in, used to tell me of the sacrifices they made to come over. How Judaism changed to meet the needs of the families and how the families kept Judaism in a new country. Now that I have lost my grandmother and there is no one to tell my children and grandchildren about the struggles that the Jews in America faced in the early 1900's, I turn to these books for a warm and honest view of how it felt to be an American, a Jewish American, in a land of great opportunity. THe struggle of the Jews to better themselves is well described and the family centered life, where God is a friend you can talk to, makes this book worth a million dollars.

Why are the sequels out of print?
I first read this book when I was eight years old, and I loved it so much I went to the library and checked out the sequels. As other readers mentioned, not only are these books interesting and fun to read (I still enjoy reading them at age 37) but Christians can get a glimpse of what the Jewish religion is really like on a day-by-day basis. Other than Hanukah and Passover, school kids aren't really taught much about the other Jewish holidays. I remember in fourth grade, a Jewish girl in my class brought in Hamentaschen pastries, and I normally wouldn't have tried something with prunes in it - but because I had read about Purim in "All of a Kind Family", I discovered a wonderful treat!

I should also say that the illustrations in the books are terrific! Esp in the later books, little Charlie is so cute.

Hopefully the publisher or whoever owns the copyright to Ms. Taylor's books will read the reviews here on Amazon and re-release the entire series, as it deserves to be done. (I seem to recall the paperbacks were available in a gift box in the 70's).

Required reading for Arab-Israeli peace talks!
I'd like to completely agree with and expand on Amanda Quick's review of this book. I return to it again and again (I'm more than twice her age, so that's a lot of re-readings), and expressions like "library lady" have become part of my family vocabulary. Like Amanda, I was raised Protestant; I never knew anyone Jewish until I went to college, and although I had some idea of festivals and food (my family was very international in its speech: for example, we used the word "tuchus" all the time, but I didn't know it was Yiddish until years later), I learned a LOT from all of Taylor's books. I have been teaching people from all over the world for years, and without exception, the Israelis and Jews from other countries are thrilled that I know about holidays and rituals, and all want to read the Taylor books when I tell them how important they were to me. The story of Succos alone is worth the entire series--magical. I truly believe this series could contribute to international understanding and peace. Meanwhile, read them all--they'll make you feel good about life


The House With a Clock in It's Walls
Published in Library Binding by Dial Books for Young Readers (June, 1984)
Author: John Bellairs
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Fun, scary read for fright fans!
Louis Barnavelt, recently orphaned, goes to live with his UncleJonathan, whom he's never met. When his arrives in New Zebedee, UncleJonathan picks him up at the airport and takes him to his home--a huge, spooky mansion with secret passages and mysterious rooms.

Uncle Jonathan's best friend, Mrs. Zimmerman, is in the house, and as Louis walks in, he finds her listening to the walls. To his astonishment and delight, Louis discovers that Uncle Jonathan is a wizard, Mrs. Zimmerman is a witch, and they both love poker and chocolate chip cookies.

Louis also discovers that Uncle Jonathan's house was once owned by an evil wizard--a Mr. Izzard who has hidden a magic clock somewhere in the walls of the house--a clock that will bring about the end of the world if it's not found and silenced.

To make matters worse, Louis tries to impress his new friend Tarby by stealing a spell from one of Uncle Jonathan's magic books. They perform the ceremony in the graveyard Halloween night, and succeed in resurrecting the truly evil Mrs. Izzard from the dead.

Can they stop the clock in time, or will Mrs. Izzard succeed in resurrecting her husband and bringing about the end of the world?

I was afraid to read this book as a child--the cover looks really scary, and I was a nightmare-prone child who avoided scary books like the plague. Most kids like scary books though, and this one is perfect for your 5th grade fright fan. Louis is a wonderful character, who goes from being a timid outcast, worried about impressing the kids at school, to a brave young man who summons up courage when he needs to act to save the people he loves. The friendship between Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman is funny, and they are both eccentric enough to be interesting, but not so eccentric as to become annoying.

Bellairs wrote other books about these characters, and they are worth reading, but are not as good as this book. ( )

In reading the tributes to Bellairs by his fans, I thought it was interesting that several people mentioned that they hated reading, and were not good readers until they discovered one of Bellairs' books, and that experience turned them into avid readers. END

The House with a Clock in Its Walls
"What if I were to raise a dead person by myself?" With Halloween coming up, this would be a perfect horror fantasy you would want to read. Orphaned Lewis Barnavelt comes to live with his Uncle Jonathan. He finds out an astonishing truth about his Uncle and his neighbor being a witch. Lewis loves watching his Uncle's amazing tricks. When he makes a mistake of not obeying his uncle and bringing the evil Selena Izard back to life, things don't go well. Selena Izard and her husband hold terrible secrets in their house. The clock that is always ticking in Jonathan's house gets louder. Now, the question is, can Lewis, his Uncle and Mrs.Zimmermen stop the clock before Selena Izard brings the world to an end? Read this amazing horror story to find out!

I recommend this book to anyone who likes horror fantasies. It's a real page-turner. The author writes it in a way that makes you want to keep reading. There are a lot of surprises in the middle that makes you not want to put down the book. For example, there is this one time when Luke, his uncle and Mrs.Zimmermen take a car ride and then suddenly there is a car following them. To get out of danger they drive across a bridge and then they're safe. Hey, this kind of sounds like the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Its like the character has to run across the bridge, so he is safe from the headless horseman. Anyways, I also think some of the characters in this book are interesting, like Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman. They're odd in some way, but that is what makes them fit in this story. To end it, this was a really hard book for me to put down. Read this amazing horror fantasy!

For All you Harry Hordes...
I read this book because it was on the "If you liked Harry then read this" list. The story line is great, and the last several chapters are compelling and scary. Bellairs does a great job of blending suspense and fantasy, just as Rowling has done with the Harry Potter series. This is a must read for all harry potter fans (I recommend to read it while waiting for number 5) This is a great book because of its storyline and setting. The story is typical for a boy Lewis's age- trying to fit in,but failing. The setting is the greatest creation of the author. A house filled with fireplaces, a clock(or clocks?), and secret passageways. Another 5 star classic for anyone


Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Published in School & Library Binding by Simon & Schuster (Juv) (October, 1989)
Authors: John Archambault, Lois Ehlert, and Bill Jr Martin
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This is agreat book to help children learn the Alphabet
Chicka Chicka boom boom is a great book when teaching a child the letters and order of the alphabet. This book is full of vibrant color and, exciting rhyming words. The first time I read this book was when a three year old I was Nannying for at the time told me she could read the book to me. As I sat next to her and read the book silently as she was reciting the book to me almost word for word, I realized yes she did inded know this book. NO, she was not reading the workds, but she new the oder of the alphabet and had been the read the book enough times to be able to recite the book. The book was well written and the illustrations also help to express the plot of the story.

WOW! Fast and fun (and educational too)!
"A told B and B told C
I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree."

Thus begins Chicka Chicka Boom Boom's bouncy romp through the alphabet. The cadence is quick and the rhyming is fun. One can't help but read it aloud just to bop along! This book has captivated every child I've seen "read" it from 1 month (no kidding, the bright colors and simple shapes really grab 'em) to 5 years.

As for its learning potential, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom clips through the alphabet twice, and in a brilliant move portrays the child-personified letters as lower-case and the "adult" letters as upper-case. The "kid" letters are rambunctious and accitentally get hurt (resulting in "skinned-knee d", "black-eyed p", and "loose-toothed t"), but the "adult" letters are there to help them up, dust off their pants, and feel better.

In short, this is a book that's so sweet and fun, I'd have bought it even if it didn't have it's additional benefit of learning the alphabet! Chicka Chicka Boom Boom comes highly recommended!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
This is hands down the best book for children age 3 and under that I have ever encountered (and we have over 1,000 children's books in our home!). I began reading it to my oldest child when she was 2 months old, and by 16 months, she could recite the alphabet AND identify all 26 letters of the alphabet-- upper AND lower case! I give most of the credit to this wonderful book (but keep in mind, we read it EVERYDAY, often times, several times a day!) My youngest child picks this book out of the shelf first and foremost. He is only 13 months old, but he absolutely loves this book and prefers it over most toys. Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault have more than a classic here, not to mention the great illustrations by Lois Ehlert. If you're looking for the perfect book to teach your children the alphabet or you just simply want an entertaining book that is sure to be a hit, look no further. This is it!


Once a Runner
Published in Paperback by Cedarwinds Publishing Company (May, 1998)
Author: John L. Jr. Parker
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A revieling work into another world
Once a Runner gives the reader and insight into the obsesive but often beutiful world of the seriouse runner. The main character, Quinton Cassidy, is the captain of his college cross country team and a nationally reknown miler. Through trials of miles, he learns what it means to be a true runner and breaks all mental barriers he hits along the way. I loved Once a Runner because being a high school runner, I could relate to it well. I can say with little doubt that any runner would appreciate this book; it is one of the finest books writen on the sport. But, those ignorant to seriouse running have perhaps the most potential to really get alot out of the book. Parker describes the world of a hardcore runner so well that anyone could uderstand and fell the pain Cassidy does day in and day out. After reading this, I would not be surprised to see people emmulate it. So if you need a shot for your own personal running mentality or want to learn about something new read Once A Runner.

For TRUE runners
Once is the book read by many top collegiate distance programs across the country. Cassidy represents all runners who seek to be the best. This is not a book for the happy-go-lucky "Runner's World" readers who think a 35 minute 10k or running on the treadmill when it rains outside is what running is about. A true runner runs when he doesn't want to, has quirks that come out when doing it, and puts his heart into it--just as Quentin Cassidy. An inspirational book for those that laugh when people ask them the Secret to running, why they run, and other things only runners understand. Miles of Trials. . .

Cult Running Classic Inspires All
Hello All!

I run Divisin III Cross-Country and Track for Colorado College in Colrado Springs, CO. I have been running since 7th grade, yet somehow I managed to miss reading ONCE A RUNNER until this summer. This is the premire running novel! It is the cure all for those days when you are having a hard time getting motivated. After 10 months of training, it is easy to get a little burned out. After reading the Interval Workout chapter, I remain inspired to dedicate my life to the sport. For all runners out there (and those trying to understand us) you can't find a better read!


A Princess of Mars
Published in Audio CD by Tantor Media Inc. (01 February, 2001)
Authors: Edgar Rice Burroughs and John Bolen
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GET THIS BOOK! Read the whole series!
John Carter, Dejah Thoris, Tars Tarkas, they are all here! This is the totally unbelievable story of a man who got transported to Mars basically, because he thought it would be cool to go, so he wished it, and POOF, he's there. Then, there's the fact that the planet itself and the life on it are also completely ridiculous. FORGET ALL THAT! Read it to be swept up in one of the greatest adventure series of all time. John Carter goes to Barsoom (Mars, to the Martians) rescues the most beautiful woman in the universe and (later in the series) conquers an entire world through the power of his will and the strength of his right arm. Handsome, powerful heroes, beautiful half naked captive princesses just panting to be rescued, Villians, so evil you want to go back in time to strangle their parents, Big ugly friends, (What are you laughing at, remember Chewbacca?) strange beasts, stranger aliens, wierd science, epic battles, betrayals, great reunions. This one's got it all. The best of Burroughs' body of work, the most action packed series from the true master of the action story. Edgar Rice Burroughs is the creator of Tarzan. Don't ever pick up his work expecting an intellectual workout. Just get in and hang on for the ride

Not just for guys!
Princess of Mars is a fantastic, wild ride. I think everyone makes a mistake though of saying it's just a guys book. I'm a woman, and it was my mother who recommended Princess to me! I think any girl who's interested in science fiction or fantasy would really enjoy this book. Yeah, it was obviously written with adolescent boys in mind but I think anyone can enjoy this wildly imaginative page turner.

The characters are all extremely likable. John Carter is the perfect southern gentleman. Honorable, loyal, incredibly brave, respectful to women, extremely handsome; a perfect hero who is never boorish or conceited. Then there's Sola, one of the few green Martians to show compassion and kindness, and Tars Tarkas(aren't these names so cool?)a ferocious green martian warrior with a tragic past who is also able to feel compassion and love. And I dare anybody to tell me that they wouldn't want a Woola of their very own! Dejah Thoris though is mainly for the guys. Carter's love and devotion for her was really sweet. I didn't even know that this was part of a book series until I read it on amazon and now I am really eager to read the other books of the series. And wasn't the end cool? I don't think I've ever read an ending quite like that before. What Carter found in the cave at the end was very creepy and intriguing. (I won't give out a spoiler)

Although this is pulp fiction and sort of like a comic book in a way,(I can see mothers in 1912 scolding their kids, "That Edgar Rice Burroughs is going to rot your mind if you keep reading it!") it's still light science fiction at it's best! (I'll warn you right off though, please don't expect something deep and complex like Dune or Darkover and post a review whining about it. Princess is purely for fun.) And am I the only one that thinks Princess would make a really awesome movie?

Imagination & Adventure!--WOW!..A must read!
You want imagination?..adventure?..a few dabs of science(remember it was written in 1912)?..an ageless hero?..an absolutely beautiful damsel in distress?..a whole new world?..with a language all it's own?..inhabited with strange new creatures?.. friends and foes?..battles royal?..This book, and all 10 or 11 sequels, have it all! ER Burroughs was the early master of science fiction, adventure, and imagination; a man ahead of his time, and he gives the reader a roller-coaster ride of incredible adventures. Join with us now as John Carter meets, rescues,and captures the heart of the INCOMPARABLE Dejah Thoris, Princess of Mars!, and eventually, along with his friend Tars Tarkas, follows suit with the entire red planet, Barsoom to its wild and whacky inhabitants.

Is this intellectual literature?..of course not. Is it non-stop fun and enjoyment, the original page-turner novel?...You bet it is! Pick this book up, start reading, and I guarantee: you won't put it down until you're finished!..and then you'll run out the door and be hunting for the 2nd book in the series, The Gods of Mars, and then # 3, The Warlord of Mars, and on through the series. Be warned: make sure you have access to #'s 2 and 3 before you start The Princess...you'll be sorry if you don't!

I first read the Burroughs Martian novels(there were 10 known to me then) as a graduate student studying Physics, some 40 years ago. They provided the perfect escape from the rigors of courses like Quantum Mechanics and E & M. Now I reread them,and I continue to enjoy. You will too.


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