This book is especially helpful if you're experiencing a painful situation (death, divorce, any type of loss), when every moment feels like an eternity, and you need someone/something to turn to. You can read it from beginning to end (it walks you through various stages of healing, from loss/despair to forgiveness/hope), or you can skip around to sections that are meaningful in a particular moment. Written by 2 counselors and a poet, it contains a perfect blend of practical, healing advice and soothing words/affirmations. Recommended for all readers--any gender, any age--even for those who would never open a self-help-type book. It's the kind of book you can refer back to. It's also makes a perfect gift for a friend or family member in need. (If you're thinking of sending this as a gift from far away, and you haven't had a chance to see the book, you can trust that it will be well-received by your friend/loved one.)

I am a psychologist working in a college counseling center, and I frequently recommend this book to my clients. It provides support for anyone who is experiencing grief related to a loss, including the death of a loved one and the breakup of a relationship. The best thing about this book is its unique, easy-to-read format: the chapters are written in outline form, and each chapter is just 1-2 pages long and printed on the left-hand sides of the pages only. The right-hand side pages contain poems, quotes, and sayings offering comfort as well as inspiration. This book will help you to feel that you are not along as you begin to cope with your loss.

I was faced with a sudden loss when my fiance suddenly (phone call at 3:30am) ended our engagement for another woman he had met. I can't explain the shock and hurt that I felt. I didn't know what to do, and was frantically searching for something to ease my agony. I happened to be at the local library, and found a worn and used copy of this book. This book was a gift from God, and I don't know what I would have done without it. I had to eventually return the book, and buy one of my own. Within this book, it contained everything that I was feeling, as if the authors knew me. I have since given my original copy to a friend in need, and have of course bought a replacement. The book helped me deal with and understand the pain that I was going through, and opened my eyes to the fact that it will get better, and that the pain does not last forever.

What can I say -- this comic collection was great! Definitely well worth the $50 cost (what, you say it's only twelve bucks now? D'oh!) .. Seriously, I first found the comic on the web at sluggy.com, and when I found out the strip was published in book form, I bought three right away. Now I've hooked my parents, old high school friends, and all those weird people who don't understand the net! :) So, if you have even the humor sense of a wet sock, buy this book! You won't regret it.

I first heard about Sluggy when I was surfing the web. My Dad came down and told about an interview he heard on the radio about an online comic strip. I entered the web adress and Sluggy Madness forever. I still remember the first one I ever read. It's that good (I can't even do that with South Park). I won't give it away, but it had something to do with vampires, crayons, and a remote control. I wanted to know what would happen and who the rest of the characters were (some were being held hostage by vampires several states away). I continued on, and I became a Sluggite. I got my friends involved with this book. I would definitely recomend this book and the daily comic.

When Calvin & Hobbes and The Far Side were canceled, I was disillusioned. There were no comics in the print media equal to those comic masterpieces. Fruitlessly, I pursued humor on the internet, only to find an abundance of "(Insert Celeberty's name here) Ate my balls," being the only online comics. But one day, listening to the radio, I heard an interview with Pete Abrams discussing his online comic Sluggy Freelance. When he mentioned a homicidal mini-lop rabbit, I was intrigued. I went to the web page and promptly fell in love with comics all over again. I own a copy of this book, and can easily say it is one of the most consistently funny comic strips since Calvin & Hobbes. It has a unique visual style, as well as some of the best storylines in the histry of comics. Add that with all the colorful main characters and the equally crazy supporting cast, and you are garaunteed nonstop laughs. If you are at all interested in comics, then you must by this book.

Peter Hathaway Capstick ranks among the finest story tellers in the world today. His tales of hunting dangerous African game in "Death in the Long Grass" is riveting. His anecdotes portray in vivid detail the danger, fear, and humor in hunting big game in the African bush. Read this book and you will never look at a leopard the same again, or any other big game species in Africa for that matter. Capstick's respect for the animals he hunted and for the African people is quite apparent. "Bravo old boy!"

This book is nearly 300 pages long, but I finished it in an evening of reading, and when I did, I wished there had been another 300 pages to go. "Death in the Long Grass" is about the author's (Peter Hathaway Capstick) experience as a white hunter in Africa, and his close encounters with the various creatures there that either wanted to eat, trample, gore, or bite him and his associates.

This is not an informational guide about either hunting or Africa. The book's sole intent is to capture your attention with fascinating, hair-raising stories of Capstick's own close calls with the wildlife of Africa as well as his recounting of some other tales where the wildlife got the best of man.

The stories are utterly captivating. They would be interesting to read no matter who was telling them. But Capstick knows how to write by weaving his own interesting experiences in with other tales he has either heard or read about. He also has a wicked, morbid sense of humor that fits well with the subject matter of the book.

I have had an interest in Africa since boyhood. The easy conversational style in which Capstick writes makes you feel that he is your PH telling the stories while you sit around the fire with a full belly, enjoying your evening sundowners. It was not until I finally made it to Africa that I realized just how realistic Capstick's writing is. Easy to read, exciting, real. What more can you want in a book? In spite of a well stocked library I find myself coming back to the "Death in the..." books over and over. Long grass was the first and is still the best!
Ted Ellis

In the Children's book Jamberry by Bruce Degen, the pictures tell practically the whole story. The story begins with a sweet brown bear taking a berry picking adventure with a curious little boy. As they go about their berry-finding expedition, the illustrator depicts each scene with enormous imagination and creativity. The pages hold bright pictures that are simple enough for little children to comprehned and detailed so that each page holds someting new and entertaining. As the pair find themselves in going over a Niagra like berryfall, we see bread growing on bushes and jellybeans steming out of rivergrass. Upon arriving in Berryland, the two march in a berry parade, which circles the raspberry jam skating rink. This story holds age appropriate material which will hold toddlers attention enough to get to the ending where the the berry explorers expereince a jam jamboree with berries of all types. I highly reccommend this book for younger children. After reading it to my little brother once, I am now asked to read it everynight!

Come join a little boy and his very endearing bear friend as they travel through berryland, on a "razzamatazzberry" adventure of a lifetime, picking and eating and playing together. Bruce Degen fills this entertaining treasure of a book with lively and joyous wordplay, alliteration, and high-spirited fun, and complements his jazzy, rhyming verse with bright, bold, and engaging illustrations. Imaginations will soar with each page turn as little ones explore the busy artwork, finding something new and special each time they open the book. Perfect for preschoolers, Jamberry is a marvelous mouth-watering, toe tapping, energetic, romp that begs to be read aloud, and is sure to send you off to the kitchen for a jamberry snack of your own. This is a classic to share with family, friends and future generations. "Mountains and fountains/Rain down on me/Buried in berries/What a jam jamboree!"

One of my all-time favorites for children aged four months to 2 1/2 years! The youngest will enjoy the enthusiastic alliterative rhyming and the bright colors; toddlers (and adults!) will also enjoy the clever pictorial links between each page (preparations for fireworks are shown in the corner of one page; delightfully exploding berries on the next).

I don't know whether this book is more fun for the reader or the listener ("Raspberry/Jazzberry/ Razzamatazzberry/ Berryband/Merryband/Jamming in Berryland"), but it will fast become a favorite for you and a child! An enchanting tale, beautifully told: A perfect gift!

Robert McCammon has created a magical adventure in his book, Boy's Life. The 1960's in the deep South in the town of Zephyr, Alabama is the setting for a year in the life of eleven-year-old Cory Mackenson. What a year it is! Get set for a roller coaster ride of danger and adventure. McCammon captures the innocence of childhood with a bit of mystery, magic, and suspense to make the reader not want to put the book down. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, something else happened to change it all. Cory and his father find themselves in deep trouble that just keeps getting deeper. The characters of Boy's Life are plentiful and full of life. Cory and his best friends, Ben Sears, Johnny Wilson, and Davy Ray Callan encounter an intriguing array of people along their childhood journey. The hilarious Demon, the eccentric Vernon Thaxter, the bigger-than-life Owen Cathcoate, and the Lady are just a few of the characters you'll be introduced to. Some are comical, mysterious, and endearing. Other characters will make your skin crawl. Their twists and turns through life in Zephyr will keep you turning the pages. Perhaps you'd like a little fantasy thrown in. Just wait. Boy's Life has just enough fantasy to make it magical, but at the same time, I found myself saying "Maybe it really could happen." Ghostly apparitions, swamp monsters, demonic monkeys (Lucifer is hilarious), messages from the grave, and an extinct carnival attraction are just a few of the fantasies waiting for the reader. Whatever you're looking for in a book, Boy's Life has it all.

As an eighth grade English teacher, my most difficult mission is to have students metamorph into active readers. To accomplish this, I am constantly adding to my personal classroom library, searching for well-crafted novels in an effort to lure students into the powerful realm of literature. This year, I decided to pick books geared toward boys, and on my jaunt, I stumbled across Boy's Life on an off-the-cuff recommendation; what a treasure I unearthed. Unfortunately, the thickness of Boy's Life deterred me and any student from reading it. By the year's end, with its spine intact, I found myself casting the novel in my pile of books to read over the summer. Soon enough, however, I found myself clutched in the arms of the pages, and I could not put Boy's Life down. The tale of Cory MacMackenson's journey through boyhood, all that he encountered, whether fascination or terror or basic boyish thrill, was captured in artistry detail and a brilliant craft of language. No person should go to "the other world across the river" without soaking up the words Robert McCammon has strung together in this magical masterpiece.

If you don't enjoy this book, there is a good chance you may have forgotten what it means to be a child - experiencing the wonders and mysteries of the world around you, completely open and receptive to any and all stimuli. Boy's Life is a step toward fantasy (and away from Horror) for McCammon. Those of us who "discovered" McCammon as a horror writer shouldn't be surprised at the slight change in direction, considering all the fantasy elements in Swan Song (which I also highly recomend), but Boy's Life is a tour de force. Cory Mackenson is a character everyone can relate to in some way, and his story covers the entire range of emotions. You'll laugh hysterically in church, cry on the baseball diamond, swell with pride in an empty street, cringe in terror in a flooded house, and everything in between. I have read this book 3 times, and each time I have been loathe to put it down, uplifted when the end comes but, like a child, sad that the ride is over. Read this book and feel young again!

Beagle's dreamy prose would be reason enough to read this fantastic fantasy novel, but the interesting plot, memorable characters, and subtle underlying plot about the need for truth and justice in the world is one that every reader will take with them to the end of thier lives. The major characters (the beautiful unicorn who becomes Amalthea, failed magician Shmendrick, and jaded scullery maid Molly Grue) are all very real, relatable characters, and not the ones you'd find in a typical fantasy. Lir is likable and realistic as the "Hero", minor characters such as the cat and the spider are lovable, and even the villains (the people of Hagsgate, Haggard, and Mommy Fortuna) are not typical villains. Beagle makes his novel so memorable, perhaps because instead of relating to the perfect heroine, the reader relates more to Molly Grue, or Shmendrick, or even Haggard. The Bull and the Unicorn are symbols - it is the human characters of this book that make it what it is. The ending of this novel is perfect - it left me in tears, and I couldn't decide if I was happy or sad. I could rant and rave about the splendor and beauty of this novel forever, but it wouldn't make any difference. Peter S. Beagle's novel "The Last Unicorn" is perhaps the best book ever written, certainly the best fantasy novel, and I give it the highest reccomendation I can possibly give. Get it now!

The Last Unicorn is one of most astounding books I have ever read. Not only because of the story, which is a fairytale in every sense of the word, but also because of Beagle's flawless writing, which weaves a spell of words and images that I find myself willingly ensnared in every time I open its pages. I find myself lingering over each sentence, each word, and I am astounded by the care with which he tells this tale.

Once upon a time, there was a unicorn. A beautiful unicorn... who was all alone. She sets out on a journey to seek others of her kind and is joined on her travels by a bumbling magician and an old spinster, neither of who are what they first appear to be. Encountering magical monsters, outlaws and suspicious townspeople, the three travelers find themselves at the gate of a forbidding castle wherein lives a cruel king and a gentle prince. It is in the walls of this castle that the truth lies. But can they accept what the truth will bring?

Beagle tells an amazing tale, of love and loss, of heartache and hope. Each of the characters in his work has such life and depth, and I see myself in each and every one of them. From an inept magician who desperately seeks to be more than what he is to the outlaws who cry out with loss of that which they have never known, there is so much life in these few short pages that I find myself reading and rereading each page, afraid lest I miss something. When Schmendrick cries, "I'll make you into a bad poet with dreams!" I want to laugh, but at the same time I want to cry with pity, with unexplainable sorrow for something I can't quite understand and am not sure I want to.

The Last Unicorn is about more than just a quest for unicorns. It is also a story about the things that we love and what we will do - or not do - for that love. It is about what really defines a hero, and what constitutes a happy ending. But most of all, it is about magic. Joy. Sadness. Beauty. It is about all the things we are and all the things we long to be. It is a breathtakingly beautiful story by a wonderful writer, and I recommend it as one of the best books I have ever read.

I have read this book a numerous amount of times and I still learn something new every time. It starts out making you think that it's generally about a unicorn who cannot find others like herself in the world. A butterfly comes by and tells her that a creature called the Red Bull has driven all the unicorns into the sea for his owner, King Haggard. This unicorn was the last. So the unicorn sets out on a journey that would forever change her life. Along the way, she meets a want-to-be wizard, but he is only a kindly skinny magician. And a woman named Molly Grue. When finally they reach King Haggard's castle, the Red Bull senses the unicorn's presence. The only way the unicorn can escape and save her people is by turning into something else. So her magician turns her into a human. They get into King Haggard's castle and stay there for a while. And as the unicorn becomes more human, she forgets that she was once a unicorn and she forgets her mission and why she actually came to King Haggard's castle. And through everything, the unicorn learns to love, cry, and even regret. And as her last few touching words, she says, "I am the only unicorn that regrets. I regret. And I thank you for that, too." It's a must read for any emotional lover of fantasy. Or even anyone who isn't. You'll love it. It's an amazing look at the human world of emotions through the eyes of a creature who has just began to feel them.

I am working on a doctorate in Russian history, and, consequently, have read many, many, books on Russia. This book is by far the best book on Russian history. Robert Massie's Peter the Great is an elegantly-written work which not only provides abundant and overflowing information about the "great" man, but which, like no other book, transports the reader into the world of late 17th century and early 18th century Russia. I know that many "serious historians" pooh-pooh this work and others because it is not "serious history." This attitude is tragic. If you are interested at all in good history and good story-telling, this is the book for you, even if your interest is not specifically in Russian history. The author presents his subject, Peter the Great, as a "real person"--one with both inspiring qualities and with not so inspiring qualities. Yes, there are alot of details about the military, however, these details all illustrate Peter's great attention to the creation of a navy from scratch and of the development of an army that went on to rival the greatest in the world. I cannot say enough good things about this book, and cannot thank the author enough for having written it and having inspired me to continue my own studies.

Wow! Massie's Peter The Great is a fascinating study; an enjoyable read and a spectacular trip back through Russian history in the early 1700's. Even if you are not a history buff, you will enjoy Peter's thirst for knowledge, personal hands-on development of the Russian Navy, his massive economic, architectural and social reforms, ingenious manner of self-education by traveling incognito throughout Western Europe, his unique personality displayed through a mock Tsar who promotes Peter to Vice-Admiral, all-night drinking binges with his mock court and Peter's personal heroics.

Peter certainly earned his title and likewise I feel Massie can add "The Great" to his name. The best compliment I can give to Massie is I now have a tremendous thirst to study Peter's archenemy, Charles Xll, and learn Charles's perspective of Peter The Great.

Buy the book

The first time I picked up this book, I looked at the dauntingly large size of the book and was dismayed. However, upon closer inspection, I realized that this was not another dry description of another person in history. Rather, this biography on Peter the Great is written very well. It draws the interest of the reader, and at times is difficult to put down. The detail in which Massie describes the life of Peter the Great is amazing. I expected a biography, meaning a history of the life of one specific person, but I received a history of Europe at the time. In other words, if one is looking for an in depth look at Russia in the late 17th through mid 18th century, and an introduction to the history of all of Europe at the time, look no further. However, one must be forewarned that if they are seeking outlines of these different parts of Russian history, this is definitely not the book for them. Massie explores so many different things that it is difficult not to have learned something new about these times upon reading this book. I definitely recommend this book and hold it in high regard.

In this series of books Hamilton ceates a unique cosmos of worlds, cultures, aliens, and characters. All without forgetting he has to first entertain and engage his reader. Don't look for deep meaning or some "read between the lines" insight - this is a fun romp through the galaxy. Much like Dune, a new world is created complete with technology, aliens, cultures and language. Unlike Dune, you don't need an appendix to keep up with the action. Don't get the first book(s) (Reality Dysfunction 1 & 2) without buying The Neutronium Alchemist 1 & 2. You won't forgive yourself. Can't wait for the conclusion.

This series is more far-reaching than almost any I have read before. The sheer scope is awe inspiring; it's absoluely amazing how complex a world Peter Hamilton has created here.
In this, the 4th book, some old characters, like Quinn Dexter, Ione, the Lord of Ruin, Joshua Calvert and many, many more, are revisited, and new characters introduced.
New twists are revealed and older plot threads wind tighter as this story progresses.
Centering around the mysterious Alchemist, this book continues the fight against the posessed and the struggle to overcome the terrifying revelation about the nature of the Beyond. What is the Alchemist? What can it really do? Is it truly capable of destroying an entire world? I know I was terribly curious.
As this book goes on, more and more worlds are falling to the posessers, and Al Capone's empire is growing fast. Several worlds are already lost beyond retrieving, pulled out of our universe entirely. Is there really a way to stop the dead from returning? Especially when all who live in the Confederation will eventually join them?
It's facinating to me how Hamilton has shown the different ways people are reacting to this crisis. How different people are dealing with this revelation.
I was enthralled yet again by this fantastic story. The way this series is put together is truly beyond belief. The plot is engaging and it really makes you think hard about the nature of our existence.
But I'm not saying that this is the kind of book that will make you change your life. No, it's simply a wonderfully imaginative story, bringing the whole galaxy into focus in a masterfully told tale. The places you get to explore, and the people you meet will make you ready for more, I promise.
One last thing. Don't be intimidated by this book's size. I actually finished it in one day, it was that hard to put down.
I can't wait to read the next.

Peter H Hamilton is fast approaching the heights of Iain M Banks when it comes to truley engrossing, orginal and spectacular pseudo politcial sci-fi space opera - his earlier novels deal with near future, post global warming/flooding Great Britain and all eventually lead up the development of the deep space race - and lead us all neatly to this tour de force.

The reality disfunction (even though weighty at 1,000+ pages) is almost best read in one sitting - a novel that you never want to end. Simply stunning, highly original, action packed from start to finish british science fiction - can't wait for the last in teh series.

In Mario Puzo's The Godfather, he uses the crimes of a family and their Italian heritage to show how it affects a large loving family. I thought this was an excellent book, because the plot sequence was amazing with constant twists and suspense. The irony of this book comes through the crime boss Vito Corleone who is a kind-hearted and loyal friend of all who come to him with a request. However, he makes his living off of corruption and death which really doesn't affect the reader's attitude towards this loving character. The vicious side of the mafia comes through Vito's son Sonny. Sonny's rage leads to the death of many mob-related characters as well as to the his own death which is another irony evident in this novel. The Godfather uses masterful description of each member's life and how mob-life affected them. Another example of irony in The Godfather is the youngest son Michael's situation. At the beginning of the novel, Michael is returning from World War II and has no part in the family business. However, when his father nears death after gunshot wounds, Michael is drawn into the family business and chooses to pay back the antagonist Solozzo by spilling his blood for the sake of the family. Michael becomes the leader of the family after his father and Sonny die and he returns from Italy after things die down about his assasination of Solozzo. This transformation from an upstanding servant of the country to a crime boss looking out for the wellbeing of his family alone is the ulimate irony in this novel. Women and children are not major characters in the novel, because Puzo uses them to show how the mobs goal was to keep the innocent free from encountering their violent troubles. Puzo incorporates the lives of everyone involved in this crime family to show how much love and loyalty lead to their success and rage and deceit lead to their downfall. After reading the novel, I gained a greater appreciation for the movie which I had seen earlier and an understanding of how loyalty leads to power in the world.

The Godfather provides the reader with an understanding of friendship, love, respect, and loyalty. Most people think negatively when they think of the Italian Mafia, but Puzo managed to get across a deep and powerful message of how family and truth are the root of life. Such a point can be used to describe anyone's life. I highly recommend this book for all those who believe in respect, honor, and truth. If anyone can get a copy of Puzo's book the Sicilian it would be a great addition to the Godfather. It is connected to the Godfather, yet a new story all together. I also recommend Mario Puzo's Fortunate Pilgrim which explains the depth of family. And the book Capo (the author's name escapes me) is an excellent novel on Sicilian Mafia facing the truths of betrayal, love, and the city of New Orleans. The Godfather is a book for anyone who enjoys the tales of Italian Mafia.

I came to read 'The Godfather' after recently viewing the classic film series about a mafia family, the Corleones, and their stuggle for power and survival in the face of the violent world of crime to which they belong. I was hoping that the book would expand on the characterisations and plot lines portrayed on the screen. The book did not disappoint. It is fast paced, full of suspense, and develops a host of interesting characters.

The central character is Don Vito Corleone, the head of the Corleone family. He is the 'Godfather', a powerful patriarch who has refused to allow society to bend him to its will. Instead he has constructed his own society where 'respect', 'honour', and above all 'family' are the key notes. But this Sicilian counter-culture is a violent one, and power has its price. Don Corleone is the victim of an assassination attempt which threatens the destruction of all he holds dear.

The most pleasing thing about the book is Puzo's style, descriptive, yet very tight. He is essentially a master story teller. I am ignorant as to how faithfully he presents the Mafia world, but there are no holds barred in his realism about violence, ruthlessness, and brutality. His depiction is a chilling and thoroughly gripping read. A brilliant feature are the cameo tales of the story's lesser lights, such as Luca Brasi, Lucy Mancini, and Amerigo Bonasera. These add a depth and richness to the tale Puzo weaves.

The only negative note for me was the fairly frequent and graphic depiction of sex. Of course, Puzo's frankness about this is fully in keeping with his treatment of violence and the like, but it was just a little much for my taste at times.

'The Godfather' is very exciting, though not profound. A Classic of its type.

The Volkswagen bible. Get this book. It's funny and insightful, and really a good read. It's one of those shop manuals where you read it just because you want to, not because you have a problem. Arguably, it's more geared towards the 70's and earlier VW, due to when it was originally written, and it does have a few errors, but the ones that are there are actually funny.

If you have but one book for your Volkswagen, get this one. You can add to your book collection later, but this should be your first if you are even considering driving your VW. My grungy Chilton's is fine, but this one is written from a driver and mechanic's point of view, with real experiences, and real solutions. One of the best auto related books I have read ever, and it has some great information in it too.

Don't look to this book for restoration information that would cover trim details, and paint schemes. Look to this book to help you keep you Volkswagen alive.

This book is near the top of my all-time best books list. My brother gave me a copy of this book when my first Beetle engine threw a rod. It enabled me (a 17-year-old overhaul virgin) to completely overhaul the engine by myself. 17 years later, it's very dog-eared, but has helped me through several overhauls, and has given me the confidence to tackle a Bug restoration. If you can only afford one VW book, this is it. Doesn't cover body work much, but the mechanical system description and illustrations will appeal to anyone funky enough to own an air-cooled VW. I'm pleased to see that it is still in print. John Muir is gone now, but he lives large in my estimation!

I have owned 5 VW's in my life time and wouldn't be with out this book. I have overhauled several bug engines and a bus engines following this book with great success. I have had everything from a '63 bus to a '75 bus with a few bugs in between (a friend and I even put together a 2 cylinder bug engine) with each vehicle I would purchase a copy of " How to Keep your VW Alive" and when I sold the Vehicle I would offer the book to the new owner. I have given copies of the book to friends with VWs and a copy to my son when he bought a '74 bug several years ago. In the summer 1973 my sister, her child of 5, and husband left the USA for a tour of Europe by VW bus. I gave them a copy of Muirs book and it helped keep them "Keep on Trucking" on thier merry way.