This was without question one of the most gripping novels I've read in many a day. I first ran across this work in a brief mention by British travel writer/popular historian James Morris, where he thought it akin to the gulag novels of post-Stalinist Russia in subject matter and philosophical content. Add to that a wealth of striking narrative detail, immensely memorable characters (Maurice Frere, Sarah Purfoy, and particularly James North leap to mind), some truly transporting (no pun intended) and incredibly creepy passages, mind-blowing plot twists and turns, and a persistent refusal to provide too pat solutions to characters' problems... Clarke wasn't better than Dickens or Eliot, but neither of the latter could have written this book.

Clarke's masterpiece was published in 1874, after being serialized in 1870-72. Critics have lambasted a few of the less believable elements and some of the pat characterization of a number of supporting characters, but these are flaws to be found in most novels of that time (and ours). Clarke redeems himself by taking the cliches and mannerisms of the nineteenth-century English novel and using them to illuminate a whole new society, one practically mythical to the metropolitan consciousness of the Victorian Anglophone world. This work is a great counterpoint to all those English novels of the day where the hero or villain gets packed off to the antipodes and returns mysteriously changed. The main thrust of the novel, though, was the need to tell the true story of (white) Australian society's beginnings. Clarke, in telling the story of the unjustly convicted Rufus Dawes (aka Richard Devine), provides a panoramic view of early Victorian Australia, from the hellish convict settlements of Macquarie Harbor and Norfolk Island to the nascent frontier towns of Hobart and Melbourne, from the aging memories of the "First Fleeters" (the original convicts who arrived in 1788) to the controversial Eureka Stockade Uprising of 1854. The narrative frequently moves at a deliciously whirlwind pace to accomodate the exciting interaction of characters and history.

Clarke's novel is generally cited as nineteenth-century Australia's greatest and points the way towards more nuanced examinations of the colonial experience in the twentieth century (Peter Carey's JOE MAGGS, about the "off-stage" life of Dickens antihero Abel Magwitch, is apparently very much in this vein). Don't read it just for this reason, though. Please be sure to find the longer, original version, as I was fortunate enough to do. Clarke was forced to produce a revised, shortened version for the original publication, one dictated by his editors that turned the novel into a much more "conventional" Victorian literary production (and has a longer title--FOR THE TERM OF HIS NATURAL LIFE). I understand a TV series was made in the mid-80s with Anthony Perkins as North. If this was the case, then it badly needs to be remade on celluloid, because I can't seem to find the series. It's a magnificent novel whose flaws, I think, are amply counterbalanced by its unexpected joys.

The well-known phrase 'for the term of his natural life' is used by Marcus Clarke to bring home the horrors of transportation and the Tasmanian penal system in the 19th century.
Richard Devine, an innocent man (under an assumed name of Rufus Dawes) convicted of a crime he did not commit, is sent for transportation and assumed killed in a shipwreck. In reality, he is heir to a vast estate (unbeknown to him) and the convolutions of the tale that evolve from this are wonderfully written; the gradual demolishing of Dawes, the unspeakable duality of Frere, the calculating guile of Sarah and the gullible innocence of Sylvia are woven together in a plot that does not end happily ever after. This I think, serves to underline the barbarism and futility of the transportation system.
Based on actual events, Clarke uses his 'hero' to illustrate the depravation and privations that prisoners (and their guards) had to endure. Graphically showing how degradation degrades and power corrupts, the narrative never dwells on gruesome details, instead it relies for effect on the imagination of the reader, which can be more terrifying.
A book that deserves a wider readership.

It's a collation of events by various persons involved in the penal settlement of early Australia. Marcus Clarke has interwoven these events into a novel of fiction. These are stark facts; and show, as far as I've researched, very detailed. L.P. Hartely said it all,in this case.."The past is a foreign country.They do things differently there." The more you read on, the more you want to know..

Amazing, on-fire reading about what God has done with people who let Him have His way in their lives. You can't read this story without thinking about your own choices in life!

I recently recieved this book as a gift from the Campus Crusade for Christ staff members on my campus, as a gradution/going away present. I had seen this book at the Christian bookstores, but had never read it myself. I couldn't wait to get back to my room, so I could start reading it. I was up until almost 2 AM because this is one of those books where there is no such thing as a good place to stop.

before reading this book, I didn't know much of anything about Bill Bright. I was also curious about how Campus Crusade for Christ got started.

This book gave me a new respect for Bill Bright. The biography, Michael Richards was brutally honest. He didn't sugarcoat Bill Bright's weaknesses and shortcomings or portray him as some kind of a super hero. But as I read, I was amazed and humbled by Bill Bright's faith, love for the Lord and also his humility and integrity.

I was challenged and inspired by this book. I think that every Christian, regardless of whether they are involved with Campus Crusade for Christ or not, should read this book. If you do, you won't be sorry.

God answers prayer! Reading this true adventure story motivates me to trust God more to do what He has promised He would do.

What a selfless story about ordinary people and an extraordinary God. Simple child like faith pleases the Lord.

Campus Crusade for Christ is the largest mission organization in the world. This is the story of how real a walk with the Lord can be. Honest and candid as the author reveals the weak and strong areas of this follower of Christ life.

This book will encourage the faithful not to give up or in. It will challenge those who have lost focus of eternal matters to reveluate their priorities.

I am encouraged to be about my Father's business. A must read for anyone interested in missions. Bill and Vonette Bright are role models of a true servant of the Lord.

Michael Graham is a bit of an oddity in the world today. First of all, he is unafraid to tell you exactly what is on his mind, no matter the consequences. In addition, what he reports is the truth. This alone makes him nearly unique nowadays. In his book, Clinton & Me, he displays his mastery of the above two virtues as well as his mastery of satirical humor. From the first essay to the last you will be laughing, but more importantly, THINKING. The biggest problem in politics on a grass roots level these days is that so many people don't think anymore. Witness the vast number of ineffectual incumbents that get re-elected in this state alone. Michael Graham, both in his daily radio show and in Clinton and Me, he makes it impossible for you to merely tow the party line. Read this book. Even if you disagree with the politics, it will make you question your stance on each and every issue it addresses, and that is ALWAYS a good thing.

Michael Graham's book takes a look at the Clinton Administration and says what we have all been thinking. Nixon left office for less than has conspired in the Clinton White House. From the hiring the former Govener of SC, which has the worst education system in all 50 states, as Secretary of Education, to the O. J. like impeachment trial of Clinton, Graham pokes fun at this soon to be former administration.

Graham also has touches of family humor. His stories of his children are delightful.

In conclusion, Clinton is a must read for conservatives and liberal alike. I wish more people in the United States saw life through Michael Grahams eyes.

More pointed than Dave Barry, more balanced than Rush Limbaugh, and funnier than the late great Lew Grizzard, Michael Graham is the best columnist I've discovered since James Lileks. He hits hard, but he makes you laugh, and he's the only American besides me who will admit wearing those squared-off knit ties in the early 80s. Even lefties will find things to like about this book. And check out that cover!

This book is an excellent resource for HR professionals, compensation specialists, and line managers alike.
Well written, with great models and thought processes, yet pragmatic in its approach, this book provides a great fresh look at how to motivate employees to achieve business results.

This book is an absolute must-purchase!...
Compensation and HR professionals in general can derive great insight and value from this work. I recommend it strongly as a cornerstone of every business person's professional library.

An absolutely wonderful source of information for compensation professionals, HR professionals, and managers of all functions.
This book is a very hands-on, pragmatic handbook for building the rewards systems and structures, which will allow an organization to win the war for talent. I recommend it highly!...

A fan of Hitchcock's adaptation of "Marnie," I decided to get the book from the library, and I was very pleasantly surprised. George writes in the first person, and it is extremely insightful to be able to delve into the workings of Marnie's mind; her extreme emotional detachment, which has served to protect her from dealing with a long-buried, horrible memory and an imbalanced, mysterious mother; her ability to create different personalities to accompany her various aliases as a way of dealing with the moral dilemma engendered by her penchant for kleptomania; her deep-rooted, seemingly inexplicable fear of intimacy.

Winston's writing style was quite clever: The story is gripping and tumultuous, yet presented in a cool and practical manner through Marnie's voice, just as Marnie, herself, seems cool and methodical but brims with overwhelming pain and confusion beneath the surface.

Though there are some marked differences between the book and movie, they are quite similar in what I believe are the most important and interesting aspects of the story; namely, a woman rendered incapable (by suppression) of "natural" feelings due to a traumatic childhood event is able to meet and conquer her demons through the love of a patient and caring man.

I do heartily recommend the book as well as the movie.

I really enjoyed this book - much more than the movie. It takes a look at a woman with a past, a tramatic childhood; and how she overcomes it, despite herself. Hitchcock showed Marnie's false reality very well in the movie, but the script and Tippi Headren couldn't do the character justice.

Although the film version did not follow the storyline, this story well-defines the "burial" of a childhood traum and warps the thinking and actions of an adult woman. Alfred Hitchcock was the director of the film version which starred Sean Connery and Tippi Hedron. With the help of her husband, Marnie is forced to revisit her mother and, in doing so, discovers what it is that has so terrified her. Again, with the help of her husband, she is able to adjust her life and live as a well-adjusted human being.. Graham's story has been out of publication for a number of years. After checking with many sources, including Buccaneer Books in New York, I have discovered that this book is out of print. They would have to check with the Graham estate to get permission to re-publish it. I am hoping that SOMEone may have a good copy (either paperback or hardcover) that they are not looking to gouge in pricing. Anyone out there who fits this description? I do not have an email address, however, you can contact me at 414-545-3933 or write to 9849 W. Beloit Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53227-4234. Thank you. Bev Bayliss Heipp

I found this book at the library and I just fell in love with it. It is so cute and sweet and the pictures are just gorgeous! It perfectly demonstrates the wonderful relationship that people can have with cats if they will just treat them right. As the boy learned, if you are gentle and kind to cats, you will be rewarded with the affection of very loving creatures. My cat is just like that. Mark Graham's beautiful paintings illustrate the wonderful qualities of cats: they are mysterious, beautiful, serene, cozy, and very affectionate. This book is out of print, but I have been fortunate enough to find two old copies. I treasure them.

Michael comes to visit his aunt and uncle. In his zeal to love the cat is too rough, initially alienating them. But over time he watches the cats and learns what the cats want

I studied under Michael Dennis in graduate school and was strongly influenced by his approach to history. I think we'd benefit from rereading this history of a building type. It provides us with a format for analyzing the evolution of architectural and urban types over time, with proper acknowledgment of parallel developments in politics and economy. I urge students of architecture history and urbanism to look closely at this book and study the implications of Professor Dennis' argument.

With stories like "Ferryman" (Eric Brown), "The White Stuff" (Peter F. Hamilton & Graham Joyce), and "A Night on Bare Mountain" (Graham Charnock), anthologies don't get any better than this. My only quibble is with the experimental narrative "Thirteen Views of a Cardboard City"(William Gibson) which rounds out the volume with a whimper, not a bang. Otherwise, this is Hugo & Nebula territory.

This is the only anthology of poems that we currently have formy 1 1/2 year old daughter and I am not sure it can be topped. Theillustrations are wonderful, from lyrical fish, to beret-wearing little girls throwing tantrums. The poems are from all over, and from all time periods, some by established writers, like Robert L. Stevenson, and others by unknown authors. Not all of the poems are big hits with us, but 85% are right on the money. "Dr. Stickles Tickled Me" really helped break the ice at recent trip to the pediatrician, and "Silvery Silvery, Over the Trees, the Moon Drifts by on a Runaway Breeze" makes a great bedtime verse. I bet most of us don't remember much poetry from our childhood, but this book makes re-learning it all great fun.

Wow! Since I read this book, I've been confined to talking only about IT! Hyde has put on paper what has thus far only been effectively expressed on film. Unlike any other American-centric author, Hyde makes her optimistic view of our country believable. What makes "Pay it Forward" very real is Hyde's acknowledgement of the errors of human beings. What makes this work truly fantastic is proof that America can be made smaller -- truly village-like -- by kindness. She doesn't ask for "random" kindness, but for good deeds to be "paid forward," not back, for other acts of kindness. Catherine Ryan Hyde shows that you, me, anyone can perform mammoth acts for others, without losing what matters; and by doing so, the reader learns, we can change the world (and thereby gain so much more). I sincerely believe that this one book, or the point that Hyde makes, can improve the nature of day-to-day relations between Americans, country-wide, city by city.

Catherine Ryan Hyde has written the best book of the year and maybe several years. Right from the start I felt my heart touched by her words and the wonderful characters she created. Except for Trevor, the characters are all damaged people. Rubin, the teacher, was in Viet Nam and suffered the loss of half his face, and the use of one arm. Despite his appearance he is a really good man, and a wonderful teacher, the kind we wish we all had. He becomes a surrogate father to Trevor.

Arlene is Trevor's mom. Despite her alcholism which she is fighting, her love for Trevor is important. She works two jobs to keep up her home. Trevor adores his mother and wants to make her happy. His father Rick, is not married to Arlene, but is an unfaithful husband. He disappears in the beginning of the story.

It starts with a social studies project initiated by Rubin. What can you do to change the world? Several children choose projects. Trevor comes up with a plan he calls pay if forward. He will help three people. Instead of them repaying him, they have to pay it forward to three other people. This is to continue and continue until the whole world is changed and blessed by these good deeds. It is a concept I believe in.

Well, it doesn't seem to work for Trevor at first. He doesn't realize what is happening with his plan. Even his efforts to get his mother and his teacher together seem to fail after a time. Trevor is not really discouraged. Even after the class is over he continues to work towards setting up his pay forward plan.

Meanwhile the movement is going on quietly and is reaching from their small town to L.A. A reporter wants to find out who really started this movement. He digs and digs until he uncovers Trevor.

This is a beautifull written book with many poignant and heart warming moments. I absolutely loved the character of Rubin and Trevor as well as Arlene. The love which develops between these three people is one we wish we all had.

If you have time to read only one book read this one. It will change your life for the better.

Maybe I think too many books are good, but this book has to be up there with my favorites. I started reading it at work, just wondering what it was about because the movie looked so good. I ended up taking it home and reading a majority of it until early last night, fighting with the allergy pills that were trying to make me go to bed. It is such a great book. It warms your heart in such a big way... you finish it hoping that it is a true story. I can't wait to see the movie and see how the Movement is passed throughout the world. This book can definately change your life.

It is about a little boy named Trevor who, for a social science extra credit project, invents a concept called "Paying it Forward." He does good deeds for three people... selfless deeds... and instead of having them pay him back, he tells them to pay it forward-- he makes them return the good deed to three other people. His dream is to make random acts of kindess an every day thing. Although he thinks he fails, he does end up reaching his dream.

So read it! Read it before the movie comes out! Read it because the movie is coming out! Learn the wonders of paying it forward... maybe it isn't just a dream.