Mr Worman, Thank You.

Remember, if Simon sez...

this is the coolest book ive ever read. i think its the joint smokers bible. its so funny everyone knows someone who breaks a rule or breaks the rules themselves.its about time someone wrote these traditional rules down.i love the line on the back,"SIMON SEZ; SPARK IT UP" , I do everytime i get the chance. thanks simon

This book is great! Simon Worman taught me almost everything I know!

Hey everyone! Don't even bother paying ANY attention to the ...peter kline spouted in his horrendous review of The Spanish Tragedy. Shakespeare wrote Kyd's masterpiece? Give me a break! And I suppose you're also going to say that Shakespeare secretly wrote Marlowe's plays as well, right? Kudos to Mr. Richard for being a well-informed reader of the English Classics! And as for Mr. Kline, you should do some research ...

J.R. Mulryne's edition of *The Spanish Tragedy* is without a doubt the best that may at present be bought: informative, helpful, intelligent and accurate in introducing the text, presenting it, and glossing difficult words and phrases where necessary. The play is among the most exciting and artistic of its period. Kyd writes, and constructs his plot, with a level of skill comparable to that of Shakespeare, who was much influenced by *The Spanish Tragedy*, particularly in writing *Hamlet*, which is possibly yet "richer", but undoubtedly less clear and focused. Kyd shows us in an extremely sophisticated way the workings of revenge, both at an earthly and at a supernatural level. From the beginning the audience knows, in a way that the characters do not, that the supernatural world will insist on revenge. The pain of those who suffer injustice here on earth and clamour for revenge is painful to behold. Ultimately, however, in a baffling way, evildoers are punished: Hieronimo, the main character, manages to take matters into his own hands after exhausting all other possibilities, and thus ironically enacts the wishes of the higher powers. The FORM of Hieronimo's revenge is extraordinarily interesting: under the cloak of art - of a theatrical plot - he manages to kill his evil opponents quite easily. The tension between "art" and "life" is thus handled by Kyd in a very innovative fashion which still shocks modern spectators and readers. The role of language, too, is called into question: much of the play demonstrates that in real life finally action does speak louder than words, which often do not make their point or simply get ignored. Any reader who wants to get a notion of the superb quality of plays written by Shakespeare's contemporaries is certain to admire and enjoy this striking work of art. - Joost Daalder, Professor of English, Flinders University, South Australia

I reviewed this play a year ago; my purpose here is only to correct some of the astonishing misinformations given by Mr. Kline for fear that some students or others interested in Kyd might be misled.

First of all, there is no evidence that Shakespeare wrote a word of this. The play was ascribed to Kyd by Thomas Heywood in 1612, when Shakespeare was still living. The Spanish Tragedy is not mentioned in Francis Meres's list of Shakespeare's plays made in 1598; and at the very latest The Spanish Tragedy was in existence by 1592, when it was published, and performed as an old play by Henslowe. And how anyone who has read Shakespeare could possibly think the style of The Spanish Tragedy is his is beyond me; both Kyd and Shakespeare possess very distinctive styles, to neither's demerit.

The existence of the earlier version of Hamlet is not doubted. It is mentioned by Henslowe in 1594 as an old play, and alluded to by Thomas Nashe in 1589 and by Thomas Lodge in 1598 (I think). Nashe links the old Hamlet to Thomas Kyd. The fact that its text did not survive is not extraordinary; most plays in the Elizabethan period have been lost as well. The date of Shakespeare's Hamlet is almost universally accepted to be 1600 or 1601.

It is incredibly absurd to even suggest that Henry V may have been written at the same time as TST. Because of a reference to the Earl of Essex's expedition to Ireland, Henry V can be securely dated to the spring or summer of 1599. The Spanish Tragedy was at least 7 years old by then, and probably 12.

I agree that the Spanish Tragedy is worthy of frequent theatrical performance. Just don't pass it off under the mock-guise of Shakespeare.

Brighton Beach Memoirs is a play about a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in 1937. The boy's name is Eugene Jerome. The play is divided into two acts. The first act is one night in Eugene's house. The second act is a week later in his house. Eugene is growing up in a hectic and eventful household of seven family members. He writes memoirs in his journal about his family and different events occurring in his life. During the play, Eugene share's his own personal thoughts with the audience. This really gives the audience an inside look on Eugene's life. I reall liked having this inside view. It really kept me into the book. Brighton Beach Memoirs was a real page turner. I highly recommend it!

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Neil Simon is just superb! I saw the movie before reading this play, and I love it, so I knew I would at least like the play. I *love* the play; it's become one of my favorites. I fell in love with all of the characters and just adore the feeling of family that comes through while reading it. With witty dialogue (that can truly be appreciated my by people of the Jewish faith), I couldn't stop laughing, smiling, and just enjoying myself. I recommend.

There is a reason that Neil Simon is revered by the public, yet basted by critics. His plays contain characters and situations that just about anyone can relate with. BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS is based upon Simon's youth. It is a family play; not only is it about a family, it is a play that the whole family will enjoy. Lots of laughs and tons of fun.

This Book, like many others have said, is a Very Very easy book to follow. Very nicely set up, including very nice pictures, and very good information. There is not one paragraph that isn't too hard to understand. It gives information on many different types of crystals, as well as many different excersises you can practice with your crystals. It also tells you what the different crystals are used for and how you can use them for healing in your everyday life. I would deffinetly recomend this book for anyone who is interested in crystals, crystal heling, wants to learn about crystals but has trouble understanding some information, or anyone who wants to expand their horizons! It is a great book for just about all ages. I hope everyone enjoys it as much a I do. Personally I bought it after I borrowed it from the library after the 3rd millionth time

Excellent - simple and straight forward - colour photos illustrating a good cross-section of 100 or more crystals and their properties, how to use them and heal, balance and restore balance and health. Highly recommended not just for the beginner but great as a quick reference guide.

excellent little book that is easy to follow and understand for any reader. stones and crystals are described in their colour sections making it enjoyable to read when referencing. Well recommended and a book that you can read again and again.

A few days after starting to read this book, I got a cat!
Is it a coincidence, or a miracle?
Before getting the cat, I bought this book just because I liked cats. However after getting the cat, everything in this book looks very real, and it makes me love my cat more and more.

Well, thank you Clea Simon for writing such a wonderful book about the bond we women have with our cats!

This book is packed with cat women like myself and stories illustrating the points that Clea makes about women and cats. From times before Christ, to ancient Egypt, to modern day, Clea looks at how women get the negative stereotypes that are still present today, as well as looking at why we women love our cats so much. Clea also tells her personal "love story" with her cat. This book also talks about the current feral cat problems, and what women are doing throughout the country to help control this. And yes, there is even women in the book that go a little too far: the cat hoarders.

I also learned something else with this book: I had taken it to work and a few co-workers spotted it. They are on my waiting list to borrow and read this book....turns out there are more women out there who really love their cats than you would imagine. These are the same women who teased me for having a picture of my cat at my desk (and referring to him as "The Handsome Boyfriend").

Clea Simon beautifully captured both the humorous and the tender side of life with our felines. She has interviewed a wide variety of "cat women" and uncocered truths about the age-old connection between our two tribes. While parts of the book made me laugh out loud, the haunting closing section deals with the loss of Clea's cat Cyrus; but she leaves us on a hopeful note and reminds us that there are more relationships out there. My cat stays on my lap while I read it to her, so it must be good!

I found it hard to put this book down. The characters are well developed, the plot quite believable. Trauma surgeons rule!

Howard Simon gets it right the first time! He captivates the reader with this ultra-realistic account of animal rights activists gone mad. The characters are well defined and the action keeps you turning the pages hour after hour. I've read this book several times and it got better every time I read it.

The author's scientific/medical background is apparent in this exciting thriller. Simon does an excellent job in painting a complete picture of his characters. Even the antagonists were people whose motives, if not methods, could be appreciated. A great first novel!

In a world full of self improvement books, it is rare to find one as short and powerful as this book.
In a little over 100 pages it says more of importance than many books 4 times the size.
Reynolds has obviously studied a lot of scientific research on happiness , then condensed the most significant findings into this sharply written guide book.
I not only found it fascinating, more importantly i found it useful .I now feel i have a number of effective tools to lift my moods whenever i feel down.An excellent buy.

This book was so concise and to the point! I'm a basically happy person but like to be open to improvement. Mr Reynolds makes it so easy, you have to really want DESPERATELY to stay depressed not get happy! I wanted to get copies for all my family, friends and customers. Alas, no books available. Can't understand why (unless people are buying it faster than they can print it!)

It's virtually impossible not feel happy after reading Siimon's book. For the short time that it takes to read, the information that it gives concerning mood elevation is extremely beneficial to anyone at any level. The value that this book can bring to someone in a negative frame of mind can not be underestimated. For those people that need the formula to get themselves back on track after a little set back, honestly this book will bring a smile back to your face...which often is all that you need to get started again.

After you have read this book you will probably feel like us and want to tell Siimon,(the author) what a wonderful person he must be to have even had the interest to write such a book. As you will begin to realise Siimon has an amazing wealth of knowledge and it has been a wonderful positive experience to have met him at one of his motivational presentations in New Zealand.

We have a lot of time for Siimon's beliefs and we will happily read more of his books and take every opportunity to attend more of his seminars. It can only be a positive step.

Siimon's books "100 ways to live to 100" and "When they Zig you zag" are also great books! Howver "become happy in 8 minutes" is a great introduction to Siimon's natural but impacting writing style

This is one of two works by Green that I've truly enjoyed, a well put together piece that combines fantasy and mystery.

Green has a very direct writing style that's well-suited for the frequent action going on, making it easy to read although you may occasionally wish for a more descriptive flair. (Then again, there are some gruesome bits I most definately would not want more detail on.)

In fact, he has a rather direct style in all things. His setting I found a bit simplistic but adequate, especially his system of magic (there are four royal children, each with an elemental gift: fire, water, earth, and air--a little too tidy and democratic for me). His dialogue is actually very modern, which again makes for easy reading but prevents this from becoming true high fantasy. (Not that I think that's what he's necessarily aiming for.)

His characters are the true joy in the story, especially the protagonist. His cynicism and wru humor will keep you smiling and rooting for him as he lands himself in the midst of trouble: impersonating a prince whose father was murdered, with the prince's permission--but not necessarily the acceptance of everyone else.

Things wrap up quite neatly, without any niggling loose ends. It's a fairly quick read that should tide you through any rainy day, but I won't award any literary merit to the author. Enjoy it for what it is: a light, amusing read.

Once again Simon Green has given us another of his long line of very entertaining stories.This one concerns a down on his luck actor who agrees to become through magic of course to be stand in for ailing Prince Viktor.The actor,Jordan soon regrets his decision as he enters the sinister Castle Midnight where the real battle the terrifying unreal and he must match wits with Viktor's evil brothers, Lewis and insane sorcerer Dominic and their various henchmen.This novel has scenes of terrifying menace as the characters battle monsters and other creepy things thrown at them from barriers of the Unreal and there are scenes of lethal court intrigue and machivellian manuvers as each brother plots against one and another and no one is what they seem to be and no one can be trusted! A gripping fantasy novel set in the same world as Green's Blue Moon Rising.This novel also has ingenious murder mystery as you try to unravel who killed King Malcolm to gain the throne.The various villians like murderous Prince Lewis and dangerously insane Dominic were quite memorable as with some of the female characters as brave steward, Catriona Taggart, ruthless Lady Elizabeth and Viktor's ambitious Lady Heather were also great.Add this novel as feather in Green's cap as one of the most entertaining sf/fantasy author in the market today!

I would like to say that this is the best fantasy book I have ever read ( beleive me I`ve worked my way through quite a few ) and am very surprised that this didn`t immediatly become a bestseller. It has all the twists and turns, magic and politics, humour and sheer bloody mindedness of masterpiece.

The hero ( if you could call him such ) is a complex yet lovable rogue who is thrust into the world of demons and politics when he`s hired to impersonate a sickly prince. The king is dead and the three princes are attempting to find his will ( losing it if it doesn`t suit them!) as well as his crown and seal. It soon becomes apparent however that all the princes are willing to go to great lengths, and forge strange alliances to achieve their aims.

The lovable hero twists and turns through the strange politics, magic and assassination attempts with a wonderful droll cynicism which is bound to catch your heart.

Simon R Green`s best work is right here and I`m looking forward to more in this series.

I would just like to say that I did not read the book, but watched the entire series on PBS...that said, it was one of the most interesting and thoughtful programs ever to air on PBS (besides Sesame Street, of course!)

Anyway, I found all three of the families portrayed had their own ways of dealing with life in the late 1800's. Personally, I could not have done it....just the little conveniences that we take for granted each day (running water, heat, toilet paper) were not on hand and they had to make due with the few amenities that they had...if the book is as good as the mini series (I am sure it will be even better) you will find it as insightful as I did...

I didn't think I could love anything more than watching the Frontier House series on PBS. I am pleased to report that I loved this book even more. I don't think it would be a great read for someone who hasn't seen the series, but for those of us who have and loved it this is a must have companion.

The book intertwines facts about and stories of real life settlers on the Frontier with the stories of the Frontier House families, the Clunes, the Brooks, and the Glenns. It gave more indepth information about the selection process these families went through to be chosen for the show, the training they received and some of the questionable behavior they displayed while on the frontier. My absolute favorite parts where where they catalouged all of the clothing Nate Brooks was given to survive the winter as well as what rations of food the Clunes were given to last them the first five weeks of the experiment until they could get to the general store. My only complaint is that I wish they would have included this kind of information on each and every one of the participants. It may seem like minutae to some, but I loved every minute I spent with this book and have to say it was my favorite Christmas present I recieved in 2002.

I loved this book. It gave a lot more details than the show and tried hard not to pass judgement on the individual families.

It was a hoot that the Clunes and the Brooks would not have anything to do with the petty, hyper-competitive Tennessee family after they got to know them. Even at the post-show get-together, they sat apart. The Tennessee wife, in particular, was much more focused on one-upping the other families than simply curious to see if she could cope with 1880's hardships. She was what my grandmother would have called a "pill."

I thought the most interesting observation in the book was made by one of the family members who remarked that he had hoped to get away from the frenetic busy-ness of modern day living. Instead, he found himself just living an 1880's version of freneticism, working nonstop.

Finally, the book left me feeling that only one person in each family was actually gung-ho about participating in Frontier House. The rest of the groups went along, but not as enthusiastically.

I personally would never have to try this experience to know that I'd never make it. One day without a diet pop, hormone replacement therapy, hot showers, and a microwave oven and I'd be on the next train back to city-slickerdom.