If you have trouble understanding and particularly visualizing what mathematical formulae mean. If you have a belief that all mathematical concepts CAN be visualized if only mathematicians tried hard enough. If you like math books but wish there were more pictures. If you wish there were instructions on things to do in Math books other than write out formulae and solutions. If you want hope that there's new and exciting stuff out there that you can find by doing things with paper other than writing on it. THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. A particularly interesting section on how to generate the Cantor Set by Geometric iteration using the tent map and a good explanation of sets related to the Cantor set and the general relationship of things like the Cantor Set to more complicated fractals. One of the most interesting books I have eever read vastly increased my understanding and provided me with valuable ideas to furthur my own creative efforts. Well done HHandP I look forward to the new book.

"Mathematical Reflections" can be enjoyed by anyone with a high school level of mathematical education but will also interst the more advanced reader. Topics from tiling of the plane to paper folding to Fibonacci numbers are presented in a clear and interesting manner along with problems and solutions. If you ever wondered why the ratio of consecutive Fibonacci numbers converges to the "golden ratio", this book is worth the purchase price

Dark fantasy writer Garth Nix expanded his readership with his excellent "Seventh Tower" series. Now he expands further, in a darker, grittier, more realistic fantasy set in our world, where a confused young boy has to escape dark forces that want to use him for their own ends -- or kill him.

Arthur Penhaligon has asthma. As a result, he ends up in the hospital regularly. But one day he encounters a strange man called Mr. Monday and his creepy butler, who leave him with a Key shaped like a minute hand and a little book with dancing letters. When he returns home after another stay in the hospital, Arthur finds that the Key seems to be attracting unwanted attention -- a statue of a Komodo dragon comes alive, and a winged man-dog tries to come into his house. What's more, a House has appeared -- one that is also inside the little book.

Soon Arthur is being pursued by more dog-faced Fetchers, and a strange plague is sweeping his town -- and somehow the Key is keeping him alive, even though he was supposed to die of an asthma attack. His answers lie inside the House. But what lies beyond it is like nothing in our world, where ghastly nithlings roam and the Piper's children run wild in the streets. And the sinister Mr. Monday wants the Key back.

Garth Nix takes his focus from high fantasy (such as the Abhorsen trilogy or the Seventh Tower series) to a more modern fantasy that takes place in our world. Though Arthur skips to another world, he's clearly from our own world. But Nix doesn't downplay his brand of horrific fantasy either; stuff that would seem silly for most other authors is magic in his hands.

As in his other books, he melds an exceptional, original fantasy world with elements of horror. The handling of the parallel world, the Will, Sneezer, and the Key and Atlas are all wonderfully woven together (not to mention the characters of Dawn, Dusk, Noon for each day, and so on). At the same time, we have the bloodwinged, silver-tongued Noon and the ugly Fetchers, not to mention the hideous nithlings. This is dark fantasy at its best.

Arthur is a likable kid, with an unusual problem (asthma). Like most of Nix's heroes, he's desperately running and searching, and learning from those ahead of him. Quirky Suzy is reminiscent of a Lloyd Alexander heroine. The writing is detailed, evocative, and never lags for a minute.

"Mister Monday" is another great book from Garth Nix, combining darkness and fantasy and leaving me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Brilliant.

I think Keys to the Kingdom is my new favorite series by Mr. Nix. Once again, he has created a deep, detailed and believable world that leaves readers hungry for the next book. The story of Mister Monday begins in the normal world, where Arthur is starting his first term at his new private school. During a PE endurance run, his asthma leaves him gasping for breath, and he collapses. Just when he's about to pass out, he meets two strange men, who give him a small book and a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. Once Arthur touches the key, his asthma attack suddenly stops as if it had never started. The two men begin to fight, and then they vanish, leaving a confused Arthur with the book and key, wondering if he had been seeing things. Things escalate from there, and as Arthur realizes the extent of the key's powers, he finds that lots of intruders from the House, another world, would be willing to kill to get it. Left with no other options after a mysterious plague sweeps his town following an attack by intruders, Arthur travels to the House to unravel the mystery of the key and the book. It's really amazing how, over and over again, Nix can imagine new, perfectly functional, interesting societies, with suspenseful and enthralling plots to match. I think Mister Monday is a great book for people of all ages, not just for teens and young adults.

this book is an unimaginable blend of magic,fantasy,realistic fiction,and suspense. It's so amazing the way Nix takes morals and stuffs them into a suspensful tale.

This rhyming tale of a mishcievous little monkey on the loose from an urban zoo depicts the adventure and fun all children live for. Because of the simple plot, the story is captivating, fun and amusing. The illustrations make for a colorful bonus to accent the story. Though the story is short and simple, every read promises to be entertaining!
Allan Ahlberg really did a great job writing this one. He anchored his story around the phrase Monkey See, Monkey Do. The mischief this monkey gets in is hilarious. Though one reviewer claims this monkey doesn't come close to comparing with Curious George, it is the loveable monkey's character and playfulness that makes this story really rock. Monkeys are fun characters in children's books and this one is no different. Ahlberg even plays with the rhyme to pen a few new catchy phrases for the monkey's antics. Keeping the wording simple captivates readers and makes this an excellent selection for group sharing.
Andre Amstutz also contributes brilliantly to this treasure. His ink and watercolor illustrations are bold and exciting. Every page is busy with vibrant color and exciting action, befitting the characteristic of the monkey. With every turn comes a bundles of sights for children to see. The sights in this book encourage children to talk, identify, and engage in a lively and fun story.
I have not yet read this story to children at storytime, but plan to do so next week. I'm confident they will love it. I also look forward to purchasing two copies myself. One will go into my own children's book collection because it is an excellent work. The other is a gift for my nieces. Their love for fun and animals will be inspired by the adorable antics of another loveable monkey.

A smart little monkey finds keys to the cage and, once he frees himself, embarks on a rhyming adventure, eating Baby's banana, saving a stranded kitty, romping all over town, only to find himself back in the arms of his monkey mom. Reminds me of "Goodnight, Gorilla", plot-wise, but has an original tone. I love it!

Monkey Do! is a fantastic childrens book. I have bought this for all my grandchildren. They are ages 5,4 and 6 months. It is entertaining and easy for them to read with me. The illustrations and the large type make it move fast and the children do not get bored. They story keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. We also look at the illustrations and talk about what is going on. Monkey Do!is more than a story it is an interactive book that looks at a normal family's life in one day when a monkey gets involved.

I THINK THIS BOOK IS THE BEST. THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I EVER READ. I LEARN SO MUCH IN THIS BOOK. I WOULD ABSOLUTLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO THE REST OF MY STAFF TEACHERS AND MY FRIENDS.I HOPE THEY HAVE MORE MOSBY'S MEDICAL BOOKS. I CAN FINALLY HAVE SOMETHING GOOD TO TEACH MY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

Mosby's 1999-2000 Medical Drug Reference is a MUST HAVE for the Medical Transcriptionist. I have found it, by far, to have the most up-to-date drug references available, which enables me to complete the tasks-at-hand more efficiently.

If you are contemplating building a log home or anything having to do with log homes, this book is the "Bible." I have never been so impressed with a publication! The level of intelligence and know-how compiled in these pages would take the average person years to hunt down. If you are thinking about a log home - do not delay! BUY IT!

Anyone planning on building a log home that does not invest in this book is making a serious mistake! You'll find information in this book that you can't find in the monthly periodicals.

The Millenium Issue of Muir's Orginal Log Home Guide contains no advertising. I believe this adds to the validity of the views and opinions contained with in the book.

This book reveals the best log building systems, corner styles and everything you'll ever need to know about settling.

The Muir's are on a crusade to develop some building standards within the Log Home Industry. Until they accomplish their goal, you can count on the Log Home Guide to provide the information you'll need to prevent a disaster as build your dream home.

I was amazed to find out how little I really new about the Log Home Industry and the many building systems that are available. With the information contained within the Millenium Issue I feel I'll be better prepared to make the biggest investment of my life.

This book is the ultimate guide for any type auto racing fan! I've got the '90 edition-it's getting pretty worn out. Time to get a new one. Plan a visit to a local short track on your next vacation. KEEP THIS BOOK WITH YOU WHEN YOU HIT THE ROAD! Like they say, don't leave home without it! Best bang-for-the-buck for any auto racing enthusiast!

If you are an auto racing fan and headed into new territory, you must have this book. It's very well organized. The entries (updated each year) are thoroughly reliable. Events, phone numbers and directions for every track. Schedules for major national and regional series.

You cannot call yourself a race-chaser without owning at least one copy.

I (like many) have been to NYC many, many times. But, going with children is a whole new experience. This book is helpful because it mentions things many visitors wouldn't know (Did you know there was a monorail in the Bronx zoo?). Great book!

You will no longer have any excuse for being bored on a rainy day (or a sunny day either!) I recently took my 5 year old to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island without first checking to see what information this book offered. BAD MOVE! My son was tired of waiting on the long lines, bored with static exhibits, hungry, hot, etc. If I had checked with New York's 50 Best Places to Take Children I would have found out that there is a 90 minute tour boat that goes past the Statue of Liberty. My son would have seen the statue without the long, tiring lines to wait on just to go to the top of the pedestal (we weren't early enough to go to the crown). Mr. Ishac has captured the best attractions the big apple has to offer a child from the kid's point of view. The book is small enough to carry in a pocket while acting like a tourist; even if you have lived in NY all of your life like I have. Included in the featured attractions are the usual favorites such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Empire State building plus some unusual and obscure spots such as the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. Now I just have to try and find the time to visit all of these great places.

I wasted time attempting to find the book at a retailer and the local library (so I eventually bought it used through Amazon.com). What a read! The author, a pschyiatrist schooled in Jungian theory, shares (and analyzes) numerous "Middle Tales" (as opposed to fairy or elder tales). Middle tales desribe life beyond the "...and they lived happily ever after" of fairy tales. The "ah-ha" quoitient, especially for those of us who are living the "middle years", is close to 100! Dr. Chinen's insights bring one closer to the belief that there is a collective unconscious. (Or Not!) Definitely worth the search.

Chinen brings insight into the middle years of life with his delightful look at fairy tales from around the world that focus on the middle years. The simple tales are rich with psychological meaning and demonstrate the psychological tasks that must be achieved in the middle years to provide a sense of well being and balance. Move over Snow White and youthful princes--there is life after the hero!

As a Coventry resident, I found this book fascinating, especially with its explanation of the truth behind some of the myths of this raid.

Despite the destruction of this raid, Coventry survived and so did many of its most important medieval buildings. The post-war reconstruction was ambitious and well planned, and has been ruined in recent years by cheap building and poor planning.

(A numerical rating, as above, is mandated by the new Amazon format but explicitly disavowed by this reviewer.)

Author Kurki, in the course of demolishing some widely held but erroneous views of the Coventry Raid, also provides a very interesting survey of the Battle of Britain. He details German Air Force units, weapons and operational plans, British defenses (including electronic), Ultra and other Allied codebreaking capabilities, and brings together a lot of useful information not easily found elsewhere.

Very interesting account, with maps, photos, charts, appendices, bibliography, and index.

In my mind, this is one of the most important books written in the twentieth century. Strong words, I admit; please allow me to make my case. This book helps to remove much of the confusion concerning the Kabbalah which is a rich tradition of repeated attempts to achieve and portray direct experiences of GOD. In the words of a disciple of Isaac the Blind (1165?-1235?), "The essential thing in the divine service of the mystics and those who meditate on His name, lies in this : 'and cleave to Him.' [Deuteronomy 13:5] And this is a cardinal principle of Torah and of prayer, that one make one's thought conform with one's faith." One of the most important scholars of the twentieth century, Gershom G. Scholem (1897-1982) opened up a once esoteric world of Jewish mysticism, the Kabbalah, to concerned students of religion. The basic thesis of this book is that the Kabbalah originated in one chronologically limited time-span (13th century) and in one geographically limited area (Provençe, France and Gerona, Spain). The editor, R. J. Zwi Werblowsky who worked closely with Scholem, writes "in many way's URSPRUNG UND ANFäNGE DER KABBALAH (1962) [Origins of the Kabbalah] is the most impressive of all [of his writtings] for here Scholem dealt with a major yet enigmatic phenomenon in the history of Jewish spirituality." For Scholem, the oldest literary document of the Kabbalah is the book Bahir. He presents historical evidence that it is a product of Oriental sources combined with purely gnostic tradition (e.g. Merkabah literature) distilled in German Hasidim to arrive in Provençe sometime between 1130 and 1170. Scholem continues with the fascinating history of the Kabbalah with a study of Isaac the Blind, one of the greatest early interpreters from Provençe. Isaac's many new contributions included combining the Bahir with new ideas, thoughts and terminology. In the mid-13th century, the trail continues to the city of Gerona as the centre of the contemplative Kabbalah in its most complete development prior to the Zohar. Scholem writes, "The Kabbalah appeared in Gerona in the fully elaborated form of a contemplative mysticism that sought to draw all domains of Jewish existence into its sphere of influence and to embue them with its spirit." I honestly hold to the conviction that this is a book for everyone, regardless of faith, or disposition to esoteric mysticism. From the first edition, Professor Scholem writes, "Once the ice of ignorance has been broken and the charlatanism that dominated the field has been overcome, the way will be open to further fruitful research. Jewish studies as well as the history of Oriental and Western religions will benefit equally from a more penetrating study and discussion of the problem of the Kabbalah." If you are interested in a spiritual relationship, this book with be interesting to you.

This is a very in depth study of the origins of Kabalistic development. Mr. Scholem has obviously done alot of research into this field and is considered one of the leading authorities in it. His works are always very well researched and comprehensive in both scope and content. Though this text is not entertaining it is doubtful that those reading it are looking for entertainment. One will find a treasure trove of in depth information that is informative and insightful. No stone has been left unturned by Mr. Scholem in his study of the material at hand. His interpretation of this field of study is unique in the aspect that he gives the true historical evidence and avoids interjecting his own beliefs into the text. If one is looking to come to a true understanding of when, where, why, who, and how the Kabbalah came to take the form that is currently presented to us in other books then one should invest the time needed to read this text.