...read this book .... It was so good in fact, that I literally did not put it down. I have read it three times since, and it has lost neither its freshness nor its impact.

The highest scoring Japanese ace to survive World War II, Sakai's book was the first of its kind--a first hand account from the "enemy's" persepective. It was astoundingly popular and Sakai became somewhat of a hero in the United States, and until his death from a heart attack in October 2000, he received countless "fan" letters, all of which he answered.

His story chronicles the rise and fall of not only the Japanese Naval Air Forces, but Japan itself. The thrill of victory and the bitterness of defeat are crystal clear. It is amazing that a story translated from one language to another can be so vivid and engrossing.

For a brilliant history lesson about the Pacific War during World War II that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the one. Through it all, you are there with Sakai be it in the cockpit or on the operating table. The "Classics of Naval Literature Series" version is superior to all others (for reasons explained in its FOREWORD). Highly recommended.

One of the best books on air combat I've read. Saburo Sakai's 500 mile trek back to Rabual from Guadacanal in his crippled zero is a testimony to the man and to the nature of war. "Samurai" is another book you won't be able to put down. It's the Japanese version of "The First and Last" and the reader follows Sakai's career from the early days of Japanese victory to the war's conclusion. I was particularly struck by the comparative decline in the Japanese Zero as America moved from P40s, P39s and F4Fs to Zero killers such as the F4U, F6F, and P38. *NOTE* Samurai has recently been under scrutiny for questions relating to its historicity. The climatic account of Sakai's encounter with US torpedo bombers has been singled out as particularly spurious. For more reviews see the "WWII Aviation Booklist" http://www.ampsc.com/~prophet/booklist.html

I first read this book in in the eighth grade. It was so good in fact, that I literally did not put it down. I have read it three times since, and it has lost neither its freshness nor its impact.

The highest scoring Japanese ace to survive World War II, Sakai's book was the first of its kind--a first hand account from the "enemy's" persepective. It was astoundingly popular and Sakai became somewhat of a hero in the United States, and until his death from a heart attack in October 2000, he received countless "fan" letters, all of which he answered.

His story chronicles the rise and fall of not only the Japanese Naval Air Forces, but Japan itself. The thrill of victory and the bitterness of defeat are crystal clear. It is amazing that a story translated from one language to another can be so vivid and engrossing.

For a brilliant history lesson about the Pacific War during World War II that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the one. Through it all, you are there with Sakai be it in the cockpit or on the operating table. The "Classics of Naval Literature Series" version is superior to all others (for reasons explained in its FOREWORD). Highly recommended.

This was the only resource that I used to prepare for my GROL exam, and that was all I needed. I studied for a week and a half and passed with flying colors. This book is also a great reference to keep in your technical library.

GROL Plus purports to provide the information needed to study for and pass the examinations for the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP), the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), and the Radar Endorsement for the GROL. Based on my personal experience, it does an outstanding job of meeting this goal!

What is special about GROL Plus is that it not only includes all of the published questions and answers, it also explains why the correct answer is the right one and provides easy ways to remember which answer is correct.

I most strongly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to earn the MROP or GROL. In preparing for the GROL examination, I purchased several books, GROL Plus is the one that did the job and was the only one I needed.

Reviewed by Mike Powers, Radideo.com Guide, October 2002GROL Plus purports to provide the information needed to study for and pass the examinations for the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP), the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), and the Radar Endorsement for the GROL. Based on my personal experience, it does an outstanding job of meeting this goal!

What is special about GROL Plus is that it not only includes all of the published questions and answers, it also explains why the correct answer is the right one and provides easy ways to remember which answer is correct.

I most strongly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to earn the MROP or GROL. In preparing for the GROL examination, I purchased several books, GROL Plus is the one that did the job and was the only one I needed.

Reviewed by Mike Powers, Radideo.com Guide, October 2002

I study one week and pass. Just remember the answer. That is all.

This has an accompanying song that is sweet and very fun to share with your little one. I wouldn't consider it a book for learning letters, so if you're looking to teach ABC's this isn't what you want. This is a book that ups the snuggle factor at bedtime and gives you a visual aid if you sing the song as well.

If you're looking for a fun rendition of the song, you won't go wrong with the John Lithgow CD, 'Singin' in the Bathtub'. The whole CD is worth the money.

I got this book before my daughter was born and sang the song to her in the womb. She now sings along babbling as I sing. It is a charming little book about ABC's and the beautiful blessing of children. It is sure to be a big hit for any new parent!

It's not easy being a little kid sometimes, but this lovely and positive book is filled with nice things to say -- A you're adorable, B you're so beautiful .... Who wouldn't be cheered up?

The illustrations are gentle but lively images of children playing around large letters. I am not familiar with the Kaye-Wise-Lippman song others have referred to, but the book is enjoyable anyway. Though I would rather have had a phrase for each letter of the alphabet rather than three strings (MNOP, QRST and WXYZ), I suppose that makes it fit the song.

Particularly useful when your toddler or young reader is down in the dumps, this gentle reminder tells them that they are special and loved and important. If you know the tune, all the better!

You know how some people pray, "Oh Lord, please heal this person if it's Your will," like 1) they don't really expect Him to and 2) they're trying to talk God into doing something He doesn't want to do? It's impossible to have faith for something if you're not SURE God wants to do it. Well, this book will convince you that God DOES want health and wholeness for all His children. And just because the church, as a whole, isn't walking in the light of this absolute, rock-solid, Bible-based truth-- is no reason WE can't!

Get this book and go over the principles until the truth really sinks down into your spirit. Then find some like-minded, faith-filled believers and get into fellowship with them. It could save your life one day! And even if you never get sick, you'll be even more convinced of God's goodness and mercy and tender love, not just for all mankind, but for YOU.

I was given this book when I contracted cancer. Reading this book convinced my skeptical mind that it is the Lord's will that none of His children suffer illness. Every time I read it I see new truths and my faith is encouraged. I have since started giving it to my sick friends who need a boost in their faith.

This is an excellent book that teaches one that the true will of God is for good physical health for all. The book gives examples from the Bible of how faith is the first step in healing. I highly recommend this book to all, even to those not currently needing healing. This book can change your life.

The Empire of the East is an omnibus edition of a fantasy trilogy that includes The Broken Lands, The Black Mountains, and Ardneh's World (the last story is a revised version of Changling Earth). This series follows the adventures of Rolf, a sixteen year old peasant boy in the lands of the Satrap Ekuman. When his parents are killed and his home destroyed, Rolf goes looking for the killers and his sister Lisa. He meets the peddler Mewick, who helps him bury his parents, and then accompanies the peddler until they are stopped by three soldiers of the Castle. While the soldiers are distracted by the contents of the peddler's pack, Rolf goes beserk and throws a rock at the closest trooper. Although he misses, Mewick doesn't, and they kill all three soldiers. However, their actions are seen and they immediately have to run from other soldiers. Through these deeds, Rolf became a member of the Western resistance.

In The Broken Lands, Rolf and his teammates search for the Elephant, a very powerful thing or creature of the Old World.

In The Black Mountains, Rolf and his teammates follow Lord Chup and a golden charm to the Black Mountains, where they encountered a demi-god.

In Ardneh's World, Rolf dreams of Ardneh and the transformation of the Old World of science into a new world of magic, and follows his dreams to Ardneh itself.

This series is one of the most enthralling tales of magical adventure that I have ever encountered. All of the Swords and the Gods books are based on this series, but, while quite enjoyable in themselves, the sequels have never really achieved the same level of fascination.

Recommended for Saberhagen fans and anyone who enjoys well crafted tales of sword and sorcery.

I read this book over 20 years ago and, along with most of Moorcock, is one of my few teenage fantasy faves to hold up to an adult rereading. The characters are three-dimensional and the plot progresses in a logical fashion. I later read the first three Swords Books and found them to be progressively unreadable. In contrast, Empire (to be reprinted in '03) tells a story that is honestly compelling rather than volume after volume of endlessly overwritten product for sale. How many trilogies/series can you say that about?

In Saberhagens Swords series there are gods, made by men. Actually, they are made by the belief that men have in their existence and power. The more people believe in them, the more powerful they become.
In this novel, set in a much earlier time, we see that man created the god Draffut from technology (and genetic work) essentially taking a dog and creating a superior being. Ardneh, the hidden god is also a product of technology, in a much different manner.
This is an excllent reading book, and althoough it does require you to suspend your disbelief, it still offers a connection to the real world that allows the reader to identify with it.
Overall I believe this is the best offering from this author that I have seen, and I hope that it will be offered in print again sometime in the future.

This is THE book to own if you're interested in fancy goldfish. The section by Erik Johnson really gives a modern update to goldfish husbandry i.e disease treatment et al. Richard Hess and Erik Johnson have put together a fantastic book containing so much info assembled from a wide variety of sources that it makes a great reference book- both to the novice and the pro. The section on ranchus also is top notch. This great book isnt just a picture book; it's packed full of valuable information that anyone can use!

I couldn't keep Goldfish without this book! It's incredible - the general, species and medical information contained within is absolutely comprehensive. The photos are gorgeous, and cover every type of Goldfish you could dream of. The history section is interesting as well. Breeding information, basic tank care... you can't ask for more!

If you're going to buy one book on fish keeping this year, make it this one!

This is the book the goldfish hobby has been waiting for! Clear and accurate information on keeping fancy goldfish. Excellent information on disease and treatment of goldfish ailments. Glossary of varieties of goldfish and terms commonly used in the goldfish hobby, including Japanese terms. PLUS!! the best darn goldfish picture book ever! -This is the premier "go to" book for goldfish keepers.

I have liked GE 999 ever since I started readng it in Animerica magazine. So, I got this book, but discovered that this is actually the *sequel* to the *first* adventure of Maetel and Tetsuro. I got this information from the biographies of the characters and the clues in the story. As a result of not havign read the first series, I am a tad bit lost. Can someone tell me WHY they chose to publish the sequel in English before they translated the first series? It doesn't make any sense!

Anyway, the characters are fun and I enjoy their adventures. But the blurb at the end of every chapter is too deep and confusing for me to understand.

I like this, and I will look up the first series--right after I find out who started this translating mess in the first place.

I love Matsumoto's work. Maetel is one of my all-time favorite characters, as is her friend (and in the movie "Maetel Legend", her sister) Emeraldas. Harlock is...interesting, but kinda cool. Tetsuro, well...he's okay.

The plots are incredible! They really make you think (and I'm not just talking about the blurbs at the end of each segment!). There are very few manga that can do that.

I reccomend this series to any and every anime/manga fan!

In the distant fututre, ayoung boy named Tetsuro steals a boarding pass to a train called the Three-Nine. After emabarking, he meets a woman named Maetel, who bares a striking resembelance to his deceased mother. A grand journey begins that will take Tetsuro to the edge of the universe and back. He will meet many friends and enemies in his journey of wonder.

I first read the book when I was 14. The only reason I read it was that I was bored out of my mind at summer camp. I know its cheesy but this book changed my life.. Not so much because of its content but because it was the first book I ever liked. Now I own a small used bookstore outside of Atlanta and Dark Horse was the book that got me started.

this si an amazing book. if you like a bit of war, an amazing storyline a just a tiny bit of romance, you'll liove it. Unforunetly it is out of print now, but perhaps it can be reprinted for the next generation, I know it's worth it.

Dark Horse is on par with early Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey stories, and contains many of the elemtnts that made both the Valdemar and Pern series popular. Magical black horses choose and accompany "good" mages, protecting them from evil magic and acting as advisor and friend.

Dark Horse is the story of a young girl who is orphaned when her entire tribe is killed by a rival tribe that is led by an evil mage. She rescues and is rescued by a Hunnuli, a giant protector-horse, and is adopted by another tribe. When she learns that she, too is a mage (though a good one) she risks losing her life and her love because of the gifts she was born with...

I am disappointed that after only five books that this series has come to an early and undeserved demise.

Breakaway is a must-read book for anyone in the corporate world who has responsibility for human resources, employee development, sales and marketing management, and for top corporate executives.

The main theme of the book is that in order to break away from the competition in today's ever-changing economy, an organization must effectively develop employees to deliver value to the customer faster than the competition does. After analyzing how organizations currently train employees and the deficiencies associated with this type of training, Fred goes on to define a new method for bringing employees to proficiency faster and more successfully than traditional training methods.

The first several chapters of the book document a new model for human performance and the three rules for accomplishing peak performance. The first rule - Establish a proficiency threshold - describes how to determine the point at which an employee is equipped to deliver the promised value to customers quickly. Fred clearly describes the questions that managers must ask in order to define the proficiency threshold and discusses the relationship of the proficiency threshold and the value chain.

The second rule - Accelerate the accumulation of experience - includes a discussion of how people really learn, describes the four phases of learning, discusses how traditional training methods leave the accumulation of experience to chance, and how to manage the accumulation of learning. Using an example of training copper splicers to become fiber optic cable splicers, Fred demonstrates how to successfully manage the accumulation of experience in relation to training.

The third rule - Measure the cycle time to threshold proficiency - describes the metrics used to measure the how fast an employee can be trained to arrive at the proficiency threshold. Fred goes into some detail on how to measure the overall proficiency of the organization, and redefines the learning curve as the proficiency curve.

In the last half of the book, Fred describes how to "put it all together". Recognizing that no two companies are the same, Fred compares and contrasts the styles of two very different companies. What emerges is that there is no set of rules for achieving organizational proficiency, rather there are a set of key concepts that managers must be aware of in designing fast, effective, successful development programs.

In summary, this book is very readable, indeed it is designed "...for the business leader, to be read in the time it takes to fly from Chicago to San Francisco or Denver to Miami." True to one of the key concepts, the book is clear, concise and to the point.

About the author:
Charles L. Fred is a thought leader in performance improvement and an expert in learning speed. He is the founder and CEO of The Breakaway Group, which provides seminars and workshops to teach the concepts described in Breakaway. Formerly the CEO of Avaltus, a leading provider of e-learning services, he has also directed major change efforts in both the manufacturing and service industries, has consulted to successful companies around the globe, and has been a frequent speaker to major business forums and groups of senior executives over the past twenty years. Once a nationally ranked NCAA track athlete, he continues to compete in corporate races across the country. He lives in Centennial, Colorado, with his wife, Julie, and their three teenage children.

Review by Richard D. Turnquist.

What has really changed in our world in the last two decades? Time has sped up and surpassed all the other busienss variables in importance. These days time is more important than money.

To win in business, you must break away from the pack and stay ahead by serving your customers extraordinarily well. "Speed-to-proficiency is more than a theoretical advantage; it is the most devastating competitive weapon in a world where the competitive forces of scale, automation, and capital are subordinate to the power of a proficient work force."

I enjoyed this book, right from the first sentence -- "This book is designed for the business reader, to be read in the time it takes to fly from Chicago to San Francisco or Denver to Miami." Breakaway is an easy read with a vital message. Read it.

Breakway was clearly written by an author who has been in the trenches, growing a company and working with people. From its elegant organization to its intuitive set of theories Breakaway reinforces what we all know to be true - that a principled approach to business will achieve the best results. This book should be on every business person's must-read list.

This book provides a welcomed view from the other side from Captain Tameichi Hara, Imperial Japanese Navy, who perfected Japanese Naval torpedo doctrine just prior to WWII - enabling the Imperial Japanese Navy to exploit and use to devastating advantage, the Type 93 oxygen fueled torpedo, aka "Long Lance"

Captain Hara injects humor and adds a personal side to his story while providing his views of key naval battles that he fought in against the United States Navy during World War II

This is a must read for any serious naval historian interested in the Imperial Japanese Navy, particularly as it relates to the naval engagements Hara fought in and the destroyers he commanded.

This book should always be in print. If I taught history in school or college, I'd make sure it was required reading. I first read the book as a mere lad of 14, always kept my copy around. It did much - in the postwar years, to wash away any bitterness toward former 'enemies.' In all honesty, I have never been able to forget certain things said by Hara - in his book, about human conduct. The other reviews say it all. Hara was a remarkable person. He took his duties seriously, but always remained a conscientious individual - candidly critical of the Japanese high command, when necessary - always ready to pay tribute to the skill of his opponents - peers in the U.S. Navy.I was struck by Hara's integrity - his strength of character, his leadership qualities - his daring, often fighting unequal battles. He realised the importance of learning from experience - of not making the same mistake - twice. I missed the references to the 'Rape of Nanjing' - must check it out. Still, as other reviewers noted, Hara was inclined toward a certain universalism in his thinking, moving toward a kind of pacifism toward the end of his career.He never approved of the senseless brutality frequently doled out to young cadets etc., and maintained a code of honour - worthy of the best Samurai tradition.I liked the goodwill expressed between Hara and his American peers, upon the surrender of Japan.As regards naval history per se, Hara's accounts of battles like Santa Cruz, Guadalcanal/Vella Lavella etc., question Sam Morrison's conclusions or observations in the official study (H.U.S.N.O. WW2).Alas, Hara could be accorded a bit more respect in his native land. An NHK t.v. documentary covering the loss of the Yamato, didn't make a single reference to Captain Hara, or the Yahagi, then escorting the Yamato, lost alongside.Like one of the other reviewers, I've read Hara's book so many times, it has fallen to bits. In the present climate, there is something sobering about Hara's book. That honour matters - in war, that military action always requires clear and attainable objectives, and ought never to become a mindless slaughter of the enemy, or a mindless sacrifice of one's own personneland resources.

Little can be added to the reviews below, expect to add that this book really shows how Hara was a leader of men. In spite of IJN policy and militaristic propaganda he trains his crew to a superlative level. He is also brutally honest about himself and his mistakes and foibles. Add to this some invaluable historical eyewitness data and you have a great book. Hara, by rewriting IJN torpedo doctrine in the 30's, can honestly be said to have contributed more to the IJN's battle success than any other person. This book is rich in history and flavor and well worth tracking down. My paperback copy is in three parts with the spine gone, but I still consider it one of the stars of my collection.