I wanted for my son to have this book remembering how my nephews loved it. I bought it when he was 13 months old and it has been his favorite ever since. He is 16 months old now and asks for it by saying "bu bu," translated to my ears as "bus book". We look at it every morning for a half hour before breakfast and then for another half hour after naptime. This is about the only time in the day that my son will cuddle with me so I am very grateful for such a wonderful, interactive book. He loves to point to the kitties in the box on the bus and also to the dog that chases the bus. I will keep this tattered first favorite for myself as a fond memory of special times shared by mother and son, even if I buy many more copies in the future once this one earns a much-deserved retirement!!

Our two-year-old loves this book. It is colorful, interactive and fun fun fun. It is one of those gems among children's books that is actually bearable the 500th time you read (or sing) it. The artistry is exceptional -- clever manipulatives and delightful illustrations help bring this classic song to life. You will open the doors, swish the windshield wipers, ssshh the babies, and yes, you will make the wheels go round. Manipulatives are generally lift-the-flap or tab.

The material is not very thick, so we also save this book for use with an adult. We have had to tape the wheels back on though, and have lost functionality on one or two pop-ups. Nevertheless, this is a delightful book that will bring smiles to your child -- and not drive *you* crazy!

I bought this book for my 22-month old son on our trip to London this past June. He absolutely loves it! I found it by accident at a children's store there called Trotters. We were actually looking for shoes at the time. When I picked up the book and casually showed it to him, he did not want to put it down anymore. He just kept turning the wheels and saying "round and round" The book is beautifully and cleverly illustrated. Each page is packed of every day life scene made to be fun by the moving parts! We read this book at least twice a day now (it used to be 4-5 times a day!)and he never gets tired of it. He always seems to find something new and interesting every time we read it. He now loves the summary page at the end of the book and the page where everyone gets off the bus to go to the library and my son would say "Don't forget the cat." I know that this book is out of print; however, I'm happy to share that it is available through amazon.com.uk! I'm buying another one for our next child, I don't think this one will make it. Thanks Amazon.com!!

184 pages, easy to read paperback volume that can provide the help we all need in writing difficult to write letters and notes. Five easy-to-follow steps give you the help you need to clearly express your feelings in writing, whether it's to your spouse, children, parents, friends, or others. Following the easy instructions, you can appropriately write like a pro, concerning repairing relationships, family matters, letters of comfort, love,and lots more. Anyone can write a meaningful letter using the tips and examples provided. If you write only one letter with the help of this book, it will be well worth the price !!
This is a book that should, and will be referred to often.

Words provide continuity from generation to generation that surpasses our limited life spans to enrich the shared love of friends and family, to bind generations, and to offer hope to the future. Despite the power of words, many people are reluctant writers, uncertain of what to say or how to say it. To that end, authors JacLynn Morris and Paul L. Fair, Ph.D. bring their own writing skills, teaching experience, and research to bear, offering aid to the reluctant writer in FROM ME TO YOU.

Simple, easy to follow steps guide the writer through the process of conveying thoughts and emotions that might else wise remain unanswered and unspoken. Using the five basic elements enumerated in FROM ME TO YOU, writers can add depth and value to their messages. Concise explanations and the generous use of examples accompany each step, clearly illustrating each point. Many of the examples are both poignant and inspiring, aiding the prospective reader in finding their own voices and experiences. Difficult to write messages that reveal secrets or explanations likewise becoming easier to write with the aid of FROM ME TO YOU.

At last, a writing book for everyone! Whether your words are meant as a thank you, as an apology, to offer comfort or advice, or simply to affirm your love, FROM ME TO YOU will aid all writers in expressing themselves. Powerful, personal messages are our legacy to those we love, regardless of the purpose of the note, and can easily be strengthened by following these simple steps. One of the best writing resources I have encountered, FROM ME TO YOU comes very highly recommended.

You can read all kinds of self help and advice books without ever getting as much as you will from this one book. Written by a man and a woman who seem to have great understanding about people and their feelings, From Me To You is a joy to read.

It is filled with easy to understand suggestions that I've followed with amazing results. I shy away from saying affectionate things sometimes, but I think them to myself. Then along comes the book, From Me To You, and it helped me to write and send messages to the people who mean so much to me.

And look at me now , I'm even writing this review from my heart to you, someone I don't even know.

From Me To You is a book that made a wonderful difference in my life and I hope you'll get it and allow it to change your life too.

To say that this book is powerful is inadequate. 235 men of Company K, 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division went ashore at Peleliu in September of 1944. In June of 1945, after mopping up at Okinawa, only 26 of the original K/3/5 made it through. Note E. B. Sledge's integrity as an objective observer of war. Sledge, known as "Sledgehammer" by the raggedy-... Marines, tells his horrific story without whining or self-pity. Neither is he grinding an anti-war, "peace at any price" ax. His experience is of the face of battle reduced to its most sickening level. Never mind the position movements on maps at headquarters; the stench of battle prevails. From Sledge's viewpoint, grand strategy gave way to one-on-one enemy action in his sector. Fear and survival exclude swagger. Men in battle persevere to kill the enemy and to support their buddies. Naive expectations fade quickly as maggots infest the dead and torrential jungle rain fills the foxholes. Bloody Nose Ridge and the Shuri Line grind the Marines. The snap of bullets, the whine of artillery shells, and the agonized cries of wounded comrades are the only soundtrack. Mental and emotional fatigue takes a fearful toll, right along with bloody wounds and dreadful field sanitation. Sledge deplores the brutish nature of war, but recognizes its occasional inevitability, humanity's great dilemma. The privilege of freedom carries its own responsibilities. Heed the writing of a fighting man who knows. This book should be required reading for all persons on both sides of the war controversy. ;-)

I have been an avid reader of World War II publications for over ten years. My father served in the South Pacific at the War's end, and rarely speaks of the horrors of his experiences in World War II. Eugene Sledge recalls two of the most horrific battles American Marines fought in the Pacific Theater of Operations. What these men faced every day is almost incomprehensible. Having grown up in a strong Catholic family, I know all about Purgatory, Hell, and the Eternal Lake of Fire; Having read "With the Old Breed on Peleliu and Okinawa," I truely believe those men who fought in either of those two campaigns could write a book on those places mentioned.

Very few authors of books on the war in the South Pacific bring the vivid first hand experiences to light the way Dr. Sledge is able to do. He paints a picture that your mind and spirit is able to see as you read his words. He tells of the funny side of war, if there is one, the emense amount of hard work involved, and the brutality of war as he experienced it. The contrast of fighting on a barren coral rock, as was Peleliu, to the muck and mud of Okinawa is compelling.

As I have been a close personal friend of Dr. Sledge for over 30 years, I have heard many times in his own words the accounts of the battles fought on Peleliu and Okinawa. However, Dr. Sledge, in the words he writes is able to bring the battles to life, and involve the reader as if they were there. His story is so much like the man he is, strong, well prepared, confident, a believer in God, and willing to go to war for his country and "kill japs".

Anyone who wishes to gain insight into the nature of the war with the Japanese, and of war in general, needs to read this book.

How refreshing to read a book that has an inspirational message plus contains no graphic sex or vulgar language, yet at the same time, a believable story that is not contrived...a rarity these days!! I enjoyed the thought-provoking excerpts from Esther's diary at the beginning of each chaper...a clever touch by Evans. The flow is good and his descriptions of the characters and scenes "breathe" with reality. A few times, however, he overdoes the character descriptions with strings of trite adjectives. This is a poignant, touching tale that has a little bit of everything (except sex) and will appeal to males as well as females. I found it difficult to put down once I got into the story. Keep up the quality writing, Richard Paul Evans!

This is the only book I've read by this writer, but I will definitely read more of his books. It is a very well written and beautiful story. I couldn't stop reading it once I started. It is also a very quick read because of the brief chapters and the way that it is organized. Although it was a quick book to read and a fairly simple story, I still felt I had been challenged in thought by the time I finished the book. I also had a good cry in the end. Can't wait to pick up another of his books.

Since I have read his other books: The Christmas Box, The Timepiece, The Letter, and The Carousel, I knew what to expect from Richard Paul Evans. He is a truly remarkable mastermind and The Locket won't let you down. It is such a wonderful story filled with romanticism and immense substance. His primary characters are spontaneous and so distinct, it's fun to read how they correspond. You feel remorseful at one moment, then condemn them the next. The theme of this book is allegiance, passion, and sympathy that touches your sensitivity and consciousness to the median. In conclusion, I just have to say that I think this is the type of book that readers can devour as well as learn from. I'm looking forward to next book by Richard Paul Evans.

When I was in elementary school I found this book at the library. I loved it so much that I did not want to return it. Finally, after several months of renewals, my parents bought it for me. It was one of my most treasured--and worn out--books that I owned.

What made me fall in love the book was the beautiful, large colorful pictures; the easy introduction of the many Gods (to a child with no background in the stories); and, of course, the myths themselves. They were wonderful stories and will pull in readers of all ages.

The book inspired me to read more books on Greek mythology--Edith Hamilton, for instance--and Norse myths (the D'Aularies wrote a book on Norse gods that is unfortunately still out of print) and Asian folktakes when I was still in grade school. In college, however, I learned that these myths in this book had gone through a bit of sanitization, but it is still terrific. I haven't found another chilren's book that treats Greek mythology so well.

This book is one that will keep giving even when the child becomes an adult. When I went to college and was assigned other Greek and Roman poems, plays, and essays, I would be reminded the pictures and the myths found in this book. It would bring back wonderful memories, and at the same time made reading ancient literature enjoyable and easy rather than onerous. To this day, I still remember all of the myths and gods that are in this book, and it gives me a nice referemce to my academic reading.

My parents recently bought the hardcopy edition of the book for me for Christmas. It was the best gift I have received in years!

It is simply a wonderful book!

I don't know about all of you, but Greek Mythology is something I just can't live without! I pondered long and hard over many other volumes that were of the same material, but VERY longwinded. I don't have a lot of time on my hands, but I was just dying to learn of the famous Zues, Hera, Aphrodite, Ares, Athena, and all of the other gods and goddesses who governed the world high atop Mount Olympus. Also of Cronus, Rhea, Gaea, Uranus, and other gods and goddesses I never knew about. Then I found this book, this treasure amongst literature. The artwork alone is enthralling and the detail in which the stories are told is absolutly mesmerizing. The book is one of the best and one would certainly advise a friend to read it if one is streched for time yet has an incredible lust for Greek Mythology. The stories are easy to understand and yet so graphical that even the simplest child could lose themselves in the stories of Eos, Hercules, or Heracles as he is called in the book, Persephone, Demeter, and Phaethon. If you love Greek Myths, this book is an absolute must

I first read this book when I was twelve years old and it affected me so much that ten years later I still have a deep and abiding love of Greek mythology. A ratty, paperback copy I found at Salvation Army still holds *the* place of honor in my Greco-Roman collection, usurping The Odyssey, The Iliad, Edith Hamilton, and Robert Graves.

What originally struck me as so fantastic (and still does) is that the D'aulaires don't write down to their audience or edit out details important to the original myth that some parents might not approve of. The end result? An all ages storybook and mythological primer that no one should be ashamed to own.

The drawings are an acquired taste, falling somewhere between Classical pottery paintings and Art Deco, but they do grow on you. My only quibble is that there's no pronunciation guide, which can really hamper you if this is your first exposure to these stories.

Buy this for for your children or even for yourself, you will never regret it.

Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet is a book that has touched many people very deeply since it's publishing in 1923. It has been translated into more than twenty languages, and the American edition alone has sold more than four million copies. It is considered both by Gibran himself, and by the general public to be his literary masterpiece. The Story is about a prophet leaving a town, and as he leaves he imparts some of his knowledge to the towns people. Gibran himself was born in Lebanon in 1883. He was a poet, artist, and philosopher. His fame and influence has spread through the world, superceding linguistic and cultural barriers. His poetry has been translated into more than twenty languages, and his drawings and paintings have been distributed and showcased all around the world. In the last twenty years of his life he lived in the United States, and began to write in English. The book The Prophet was written during this time period. His words and pictures change the way that people look at life, and people find them to be an expression of the deepest impulses of man's heart and mind. The Prophet is about a man who is leaving a small town called Orphalese where he has made his home for the past twelve years. He has, for that time period, been waiting for a boat to take him back to the land of his youth. We are not told where that land is, only that he has been waiting to return there for twelve years. The entire book occurs on the date of his departure. As he is about to leave, the townsfolk stop him in the town and request that he tell them about certain things. He talks to them about life's lessons and imparts his wisdom to them. He is asked about giving, and he tells the people to give without recognition, because their reward is their own joy. He also talks about things like marriage, work, friendship and also love. He speaks about each, and more, describing the way that people should deal with each issue. This book is an interesting book. It is ninety-three pages of life's lessons set down in writing. These are words to live by, and tell others to live by. This book is certainly a book that everyone should read. Even if people don't agree with some of the beliefs, they should still read the book, if only to get their mind thinking about life, and it's many quandaries from a different perspective. This book is not unlike the musings of an aging man imparting his life's lessons to an audience of just about anyone whom he can gather to listen to him. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's lessons and stories are wise beyond the ages, and still hold up to be as true today as they were when Gibran wrote them in 1923. The lessons enumerated within this pages are lessons that one would hope were followed by the general population, and I know that if more people read this book, then the world as a whole might become a more easily survivable place.

Khalil Gibran's The Prophet is a truly awe inspiring work of prosaic poetry. Despite being a native-born Arabic speaker, Gibran wrote The Prophet in English, ensuring that his powerful words lost nothing in translation.

The work's 28 short chapters recount the words of a prophet as he leaves his home to depart on a new journey. The words that flow from the prophet's mouth and onto the pages are philosophical and spiritual treatises on all aspects of life. Chapters discuss the range of human experiences and include discussions such as "On Friendship", "On Pain" and "On Death." What unites the 28 chapters is Gibran's thought provoking and probing literary style as Gibran's prophet invokes his listeners to live life to the fullest. The book is not overtly religious but every word and sentence is filled with a spiritual clarity.

The book is eminently quotable with every chapter providing a nugget of truth worthy of repeating. Amazingly, Gibran packs his masterpiece into less than 100 pages, making it a very quick and easy read. Readers will find themselves returning to The Prophet again and again to recapture the beauty of Gibran's words.

The Prophet, which Gibran himself recognized as his greatest masterpiece, is a timeless literary classic. Its truth has touched generations of readers and will undoubtedly continue to do so.

I have given this book to young missionaries and other special people in my life for 25 years. They almost without exception express profound gratitude for the wonderment that is "The Phrophet". As thier lives progress,understanding peace,joy,and personal wellness are the gifts so richly endowed by this master teacher to the reader. Each writing gains more meaning as life is experienced and enjoyed. I encourage you to read and share your best discoveries in this life with others. Each topic re-read, like "on Work" in this book sends you on a magical journey to the center of your soul. Sometimes just thinking and musing is all that is required to understand the gifts given. Kahil Gibran's "The Prophet" is a wonderful gift that lasts a lifetime.

This book is a must have for people suffering from FMS. It is the only book on the market today that offers a step by step treatment for reversing Fibromyalgia. It also offers information about the disease itself and the cluster of symptoms that come along with it such as: fatigue, IBS, skin irritations, vulvodynia, hypoglycemia, ect... This book will help you understand your body and how fibromyalgia affects it. It will also provide solutions for coping and controlling your symptoms until the guaifenesin makes them go away. I can truly say that Dr. St. Amand's protocol has not only changed my life, but it has saved my life. Ten short months ago (Feb. 1999) I was in the hospital fighting for my life from an overdose of pain medications & antidepressants given to me by a rheumatoligst, who claimed that these medications were the only way to deal with fibromyalgia. Today I have been on Dr. St. Amands treatment for 11 months and 8 days. I no longer need or take any pain medication and my family doctor is now weaning me off of prozac. I am happy and have the will to live again. Please do yourself a favor, read this book, and start the protocol. It's not easy but it works!

I was mad and cried like a baby when I read this book. How could anyone "promise" reversal of FM? I had to find out, so I read the book four times in the first two weeks, and I continue to re-read a portion of it everyday. I was able to share the protocol with my doctor who then started me on the Guaifenesin. (I will see Dr. Amand June 29th, 2000) My mom, sister & my aunt have bought the book and they along with my son are now following the protocol using Guaifenesin. Friends and family cannot believe the change in me. I have people calling me just about everyday asking "what are you doing?" And, how can they do it too? I can honestly say that I'm getting my life back, No it's actually better! The cycles are tough, but they do come to an end and I feel better than I ever have. My mind has cleared up and I've vowed that I WILL help everyone I know with FM to get this book to share with their doctor and "Get Well Soon!" A MUST HAVE! Thanks Dr. St. Amand & Claudia Craig Marek!

I read this book and it changed my life. If you have fibromyalgia, you are crazy not to treat it as described in this wonderful and amazing book, written by a doctor who has devoted his entire professional life to this disease. He knows what he is talking about! I know, because I bought the book in September. It's now 3 months later and I'm practically pain-free and have more energy than when I was a kid! Dr. St. Amand has saved my life with his incredible insight, and I will forever be grateful to him for that. You must buy this book if you have fibromyalgia or know anyone else who does. I guarantee you will regard it as one of the most important books you will ever read and own, second only to the Bible.

So very many books were written about the Beatles, and so many TV documentries were made about them. Anthology is definitely the best one yet, and I don't think there will ever be another book as complete and sincere as it. For the first time the Beatles tell their own story (yes, even John - material from old intreviews with him are beautifuly collected and edited into the book), along with some help from George Martin, Derek Taylor and Neil Aspinall and some old quotes from Brian Epstein, Mel Evans, Pete Best and others, and that makes Anthology a truly unique experience. The story is told from such a personal viewpoint that you will feel like you're part of the band. George, Ringo, Paul and John will become your closest friends for the period of reading the book.

Anthology covers every (well, probably almost every) aspect of the Beatles' life and musical career. It starts as four seperate stories as every band member describes his childhood, then melds into the story of the band. All the interviews from the wonderful Anthology TV series are in the book, but so are many more. There are far more details - especially about the music itself, which was neglected in the series. While in the series some albums were hardly mentioned, in the book the Beatles refer to almost every song, telling a thing or two about its background. Also, more touchy subjects which were avoided in the series appear here - such as, the (phony) death of Paul McCartney, the (real) death of Stuart Sutcliffe, the unfortunate Hell's Angels incident and the terrible case of Charles Manson and his connection to the White Album. The photographs and documents shown in the book are facsinating as well.

And no, it's NOT too long. The only problem with the book is its weight, which makes it quite uncomfortable to read. Anthology is a superb book, which reminded me why I used to love the Beatles so much and got me to hear all their albums again - twice.

So very many books were written about the Beatles, and so many TV documentries were made about them. Anthology is definitely the best one yet, and I don't think there will ever be another book as complete and sincere as it. For the first time the Beatles tell their own story (yes, even John - material from old intreviews with him are beautifuly collected and edited into the book), along with some help from George Martin, Derek Taylor and Neil Aspinall and some old quotes from Brian Epstein, Mel Evans, Pete Best and others, and that makes Anthology a truly unique experience. The story is told from such a personal viewpoint that you will feel like you're part of the band. George, Ringo, Paul and John will become your closest friends for the period of reading the book.

Anthology covers every (well, probably almost every) aspect of the Beatles' life and musical career. It starts as four seperate stories as every band member describes his childhood, then melds into the story of the band. All the interviews from the wonderful Anthology TV series are in the book, but so are many more. There are far more details - especially about the music itself, which was neglected in the series. While in the series some albums were hardly mentioned, in the book the Beatles refer to almost every song, telling a thing or two about its background. Also, more touchy subjects which were avoided in the series appear here - such as, the (phony) death of Paul McCartney, the (real) death of Stuart Sutcliffe, the unfortunate Hell's Angels incident and the terrible case of Charles Manson and his connection to the White Album. The photographs and documents shown in the book are facsinating as well.

And no, it's NOT too long. The only problem with the book is its weight, which makes it quite uncomfortable to read. Anthology is a superb book, which reminded me why I used to love the Beatles so much and got me to hear all their albums again - twice.

The Beatles story is an incredibly fascinating one. In so many ways their history is not merely of a musical group, even a great one. The Beatles transcended mere music. From 1962-1970, the entire period of their recording career, the Beatles recorded hundreds ofbrilliant songs, groundbreaking albums and lived enough advenutre to fill a lifetime. When this book was published, the three surviving Beatles had lived more than twice as many years since the breakup as the entire time the group was together. It is really remarkable to read (or see in the video) McCartney, Starr and Harrison talking about the Beatle's times from the perspective of late middle age. The story itself will be familiar to any Beatle's fan. The early days in Britain, the crazy days of Beatle mania, the acid drenched mid-sixties when the times began to influence the Beatle's sound and the Beatle's music so headily influenced the times. The flirtation with Indian religion, the death of Brian Epstein, Yoko Ono, the slowly growing rigt and finally the acrimonious breakup. All in an incredible 8 years. What makes this book unique, even from earlier books that quote the Beatles is the perspective of time which has clearly mellowed the three surviviors. Lennon's quote's are necessarily taken from before his death in 1980 and it is interesting to see how his failure to reach middle age lends a different perspective to his memories of the Beatles, in his case memories less than fifteen years old. How fascinating to hear Paul and George discussing the making of "Let it Be" where the bitterness was clear. Paul essentially apologizes and it is nice to know he and George settled their differences before Harrison's death late last year. Not only do I recommend this book, it cannot be missed by anyone interested in the Beatle's history in their own words. No other auto-biography will be as comprehensive for one reason. It will require much of the book to focus on pre and post Beatles years. As I stated, the Beatles recording career lasted 8 years. Today a top band would record at most three albums in that time. Don't miss the book or the video collection

Over the years, there have been many attempts to establish a
"Deep Inner Meaning" for "Lucky Jim," but I wouldn't pay them
much attention if I were you. "Lucky Jim" is simply a hilarious
book. For me, it was a revelation -- I had no idea that a book
might leave me with my sides aching, weak from laughter, yet
ready to laugh again, as I recalled the phrase or the incident
which had initially tickled my funny-bone.

One reason the book is so funny is that it gores some very
Sacred Cows. In its time, those sacred bovines very definitely
included provincial academics who were seriously into
Elizabethan madrigals and recorder concerts; Amis had the
genius to see these daffy eccentrics for the incredibly comic
figures they really were. Even more outrageously, the novel's
hero gets the girl of his dreams and escapes the dreary provinces
for a happy career in London, by abandoning the academic life
and going into (are you sitting down?) BUSINESS. Into... TRADE.
It is hard to imagine anything more non-U.

In short, a masterpiece of comic English prose!

Highest possible recommendation!!!

Kingsley Amis's "Lucky Jim" is a novel in the tradition of Wodehousian humoristic writing. But whereas Wodehouse wrote about silly characters worming their way out of silly situations with silly dialogue and behavior, "Lucky Jim" presents a scenario in which humor is developed more subtly through natural irony, cynical sarcasm, and things that are implied rather than said.

The protagonist, Jim Dixon, is a lecturer in the history department of a not-so-highly acclaimed British university. He is lazy, immature, and hates his job and his boss, Professor Welch, the head of the department. Jim feels obligated to attend Welch's boring weekend parties, singing corny madrigals with insufferable members of the university faculty. At one of these parties, Jim runs afoul of Welch's son Bertrand, a pompous, self-important painter and self-declared pacifist who threatens Jim with bodily harm when piqued.

Jim falls in love with Bertrand's voluptuous girlfriend Christine, but he is stuck in a contentious relationship with Margaret, another lecturer in his department. He dislikes Margaret intensely, considering her neurotic and unattractive, but he can't help but feel a little guilty over her recent suicide attempt.

This background is used for further comic developments in which Jim must extricate himself from various quagmires, such as his attempt to conceal the damage to the Welches' bedsheets caused by his burning cigarette, his ploy to get Bertrand to bring Christine to a dance to present him with an opportunity for a rendezvous, and his attempt to deliver a scholarly lecture on "Merrie England" while quite inebriated.

Amis is masterful in the way he sets up these predicaments for his protagonist and allows him to conquer them one by one, capitalizing on each scene's full comic potential, finally emerging with something like a twisted fairy-tale happy ending. Overall, "Lucky Jim" is a novel that deflates intellectual and artistic pretentiousness in a smart (as opposed to vulgar) manner.

Kingsley Amis is one of my favorite writers, and Lucky Jim (1954) of course is probably his most famous novel. It's also his first novel, which makes him one of those writers who spent their entire career trying to live up to early success. Despite Lucky Jim's preeminent reputation, several later novels are at least as good: I'd mention as my personal favorites The Anti-Death League, The Green Man, Ending Up, The Alteration, and The Old Devils.

I think this is my third reading of Lucky Jim. It remains a very enjoyable book. It's the story of Jim Dixon, a history lecturer at a provincial English university shortly after the second world war. Jim is involved in an unsatisfactory relationship with a drippy fellow lecturer called Margaret Peel, who uses emotional blackmail such as implicit suicide attempts (she took sleeping pills after breaking with her previous boyfriend) to keep him on the string. He hates his job, and he hates his boss (Professor Welch) if anything even more, while worrying that he won't be retained for the next school year. He hates phoniness in general, particularly that represented by Professor Welch, who is into recreations of old English music (recorders and all).

The plot revolves mainly around Dixon's growing attraction to Christine Callaghan, a beautiful girl who is nominally Professor Welch's son Bertrand's girlfriend -- but Bertrand is also fooling around with a married woman, and he's a crummy artist to boot. Also, Dixon is working on a lecture about Merrie Olde Englande, which he hopes will impress Professor Welch enough that he can keep his job, but every sentence of which he hates. The resolution is predictable, if rather convenient for Dixon (involving a rich uncle of Christine's), but it satisfies. The book itself is really very funny: such set-pieces as Dixon's hangover-ridden lecture, and his disastrous drunken night at the Welch's, remain screams after multiple rereadings.

I should say that some things bother me a bit. Some of Dixon's stunts (such as stealing a colleague's insurance policies and burning them) seem, well, felonious. And of course Margaret Peel really is someone he's better off breaking up with, but the way Christine is presented as naturally good because she is beautiful does seem rather sexist. Still, all this can be laid to accurate description of a certain character -- and if we root for Jim (as we more or less naturally do), it should be with some uneasiness.

All this said, Lucky Jim is deservedly a classic of 20th Century fiction, and an enormously entertaining book.

bold and witty, this hefty tome is a stellar discussion of what to do and how to do it for total mind/body fulfillment. the world would be a much happier place if "getting it on" was required reading in high school sex ed. (esp. with the handy diagrams for beginners and the uninformed.)

this guide unabashedly and responsibly emphasizes sexual stimulation, satisfaction, and safety -- with a healthy dose of clever humor thrown in. just peruse the glossary for a quick laugh.

would have expected some more information on same-gender sex and fetishes/fantasies -- but coming in at 700 pages already, i can see where those topics are for another book. if nothing else, "getting it on" is impetus and inspiration to initiate sexual communication for mutual enjoyment.

personally, while i've never considered myself a slacker in the sack, i bought this book with a new boyfriend -- to very satisfying results following a shared (and oft-interrupted) read on a snowy vermont sunday. highly suggest other readers employ the joy of pop quizzes, (still something to sweat over!).

Among the many lovely items I received from my Queen on Valentine's Day was this: "The Guide To Getting It On!" by Paul Joannides, published in 2000 by Goofy Foot Press. This is a huge 698-page oversized paperback book that covers just about every sex topic you can think of, with an especial emphasis on every aspect of The Deed itself. It's delightfully light-hearted and yet it's amazingly informative, discussing all sorts of topics in a frank, playful style that makes it a delight to read. Sample chapters in the book include:

Chapt. 9 - Sunsets, Orgasms, & Hand Grenades. Having an orgasm, the different types of orgasms a person can have (an orgasm in two-person sex usually doesn't feel like an orgasm from masturbation, for instance), faking orgasms, how it feels to different people.

Oral Sex - Chapt. 17 - Popsicles & Penises and Chapt. 18 - Vulvas & Honey Pots. Techniques on giving (and receiving) head, why different people don't taste the same, beard burn, using your teeth, advice for men from females (and for women from men), different positions.

Chapt. 34 - Techno Breasts and Weenie Angst - feeling inadequate about your body, and how to feel better because you're not a Playboy/girl model.

Plus: Getting naked, massages, nipples, sex fantasies, birth control (all types, including abstinence), pregnancy, sex laws, goofy sex terms, legitimate sex terms, and much much MUCH more.

Most of the book is large text, but there are many drawn illustrations (not photos), most of which are of people smiling and enjoying themselves as they illustrate whatever the current chapter is talking about. In fact, the whole book feels that way: it wants to make you smile, enjoy yourself, and have FUN with sex -- whatever sex-related topic you're trying to learn about.

After glancing through the book for the past couple of days, I'm
already convinced that this is the type of book that I'd like to leave in a semi-comspicuous place at home, and let my kids find it and look through it on their own when they get old enough to need to know about this stuff. It's witty, informative, not deceptive, and it tries to instill common sense as well: Have fun, help your partner have fun, and BE CAREFUL not to get into trouble (pregnancy, STD, break the law, etc.). Even if you've been doing it since you were old enough to know what "it" is, you'll probably still find some useful information in here.

In short, this book is well worth looking into. You may have trouble finding it at a used-book store, because it's a small-press publication; and I suspect that not many people are going to want to get rid of it after they buy it. But you might get lucky....

The above is my response to this book. When I first started looking though it and reading some of what Paul Joannides has to say, I thought, "Right on!" And the more I read, the more I felt this way. Mr. Joannides deserves some kind of "Medal of Honor" for writing a comprehensive, non-judgmental and at times hip and irreverent look at the world of sexuality. He leaves virtually no topic uncovered. Dang, why wasn't a book like this around twenty years ago? I could have really used it back then! He also obviously put a great deal of effort and love into this book which spans almost 700 pages. Not only is it informative and humorous, but it gets its subject matter across in a down-to-earth and common-sense style. I also loved all the illustrations in the book....

This book in my humble opinion should be mandatory reading for every Human Sexuality class taught, it truly is that good. I lost count of all the various chapters in the book, but among them are [chapters on various types of sex] sex and aging, and a chapter about sex laws (and some of them are truly shocking). Most chapters also feature comments from readers of earlier editions of this book or those who filled out surveys on the publisher's web site; all of which are also highly informative and interesting.

I give this book five stars, only because I can't give it six. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn more about sex, relationships, what makes the "opposite gender" act the way they do, in other words virtually everyone!