Tolstoy's Resurrection is an excellent book about the horrors of life during the late 19th century in Russia. Throughout the book, Tolstoy vividly describes Prince Nekhlyudov's inner soul change. Prince Nekhlyudov, a once miserly aristocrat, realizes his mistakes and tries to atone for them. Tolstoy acutely captures the misery many peasants had to endure under the regime of the malevolent and truculent judges, soldiers, governors, and officers. Although this is the first book by Tolstoy I have read, I found it overall an excellent novel. I wouldn't recommend it to someone wanting a quick read because it isn't at all a laconic book.

Tolstoy's last major novel summarizes his personal philosophy. Nekhludov finds himself approaching middle age burdened by guilt. Ten years ago, he seduced the serving girl, Maslova. Maslova's shame degenerated to prostitution. After Maslova is unjustly condemned for murder, Nekhludov decides to intervene on her behalf. He seeks to make amends for his sin and his privileged life by an idealistic binge that manages to miss the point. Through Nekhludov's quest for personal redemption, the reader learns the hypocrisy of Old Russia. Russian society, of course, symbolizes all societies in all eras that wage the eternal struggle. According to Tolstoy, the solution is not idealistic extremes, but the practice of true spiritual love. One on one with the world around us. True religion, as articulated by Christ, that transcends the limited scope of the blatant self-interest of the organized church, political parties, social engineering, and legal maneuvering.

The novel is a grim portrait of the suffering of the poor, in spirit and in fact. Readers who recall the grand historical scope of "War and Peace" and the poignant personal drama of "Anna Karenina" will be struck by the modest presentation of this book. The plot development is minimal, and mainly consists of Nekhludov's interventions on Maslova's behalf with a variety of legal, military, and political persons. This privileged structure, contrasted with the suffering of the prison inmates, leaves a deep impression. Tolstoy's goal is spiritual maturity, and not revolutionary incitement. He writes graphically and realistically of the world. This novel was banned for a time in Edwardian England. It is an eloquent albeit modest summary to Tolstoy's career as a thinker.

Tolstoy's last major novel differs from his earlier work. While in War and Peace or Anna Karenina the characters came face to face with the imponderable issues of life--the "big questions"--those novels did not dwell exclusively on the problems of evil, salvation and the challenges of redemption in the way that Resurrection does. Resurrection presents us with an intensely introspective, guilt-ridden protagonist hunting that most elusive prize: spiritual salvation, or even its lesser consolation: a little peace of mind. The reader is treated to finely drawn characters and an intense sense of place, of social milieu, and of the dilemma of finding personal justice in a deeply unjust world. Although the work is anything but comic, it has an intensely comic passage about the problem in making reparations to people who cannot imagine that one would give up one's property to do so. If you love the complexity of Tolstoy, and you do not mind a book that looks deeply within a character, you'll love Resurrection. It is interesting to contrast the theme of personal guilt in this work with its treatment in Crime and Punishment, and this book holds particular interest if you wish to compare the worldviews of the novels of Tolstoy with those of Dostoevsky.

A really good overview for those newly diagnosed (or friends, family thereof). Provides sufficient information that an alopecia sufferer is unlikely to pursue quacky, expensive, ineffective treatments. Also includes psychological impacts of the condition. Skip the other books about Alopecia (I've read them all). This is the best there is.

This is a very informative book dealing with the many physical and psychological aspects of alopecia areata. Treatments are discussed as well as purchasing wigs, hats, etc. Having dealt with AA for almost 3 yrs. now, I found that there wasn't a lot of information that I didn't already know. However, the book has been helpful in helping friends and family learn more about AA.

As a person recently diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis (all body), I found this book to be very informative, as well as easy to read and understand.

It helped me to understand that there are other people in the world with the same problem that I have.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about alopecia.

I understand through my dermatologist that Jerry Shapiro is THE person for North America when it comes to knowing about alopecia.

I hope it helps other people the way it has helped me.

I really enjoyed reading The Charge of the Tigers. The story of Maureen and John, their strength and courage, there love for life, their mutual love and desire to help build self esteem in the young boys, and their love for each other, was very inspiring! There were many times, as I read the book, I found myself relating to some of the situations. Although I picked up the book because I know the author, I found it very worth my while reading it.

After reading the other review, I was rather frightened for the safety of the prodigal Dr. Vera. Someone certainly does put the fan in fanatic. Hopefully he can keep his location and resident phoneline away from the adoration of his public, and continue writing such charming novels. He has mastered the art of crafting the perfect Victorian novella. When Dr. Vera writes, he takes you on a journey of the heart, mind and spirit. The trials and tribulations of John, Maureen and the children become your very own. (Be forewarned: there are some very shocking jokes!)

First, I'd like to thank Amazon for FINALLY bringing to the States one of the most tremendous exports Pakistan has ever seen -- Zak Vera, world reknowned cardiologist and athlete who is now practicing in the US and who originally is from Pakistan and is the son of Cambridge scholar and world-class cricket player, Delawar Hussein. I began reading Mr. Vera's works (which heretofore were only available in Pakistan) many years ago, and looked forward to the day when his tremendous talent would finally be accessible here in the UK. And that day has finally come with the release of Charge of the Tigers -- I wept, I laughed, I could not put it down! The story moves fluidly, the plot is riveting, and, for you ladies out there, the romantic plotline crafted by Mr. Vera puts Danielle Steel AND Jackie Collins, COMBINED, to shame! Simply out of this world! I found myself cheering on John, Maureen and all those grand kids at Father Barrigan's. This book transcends all age groups, all races, all cultures -- it is truly inspirational. I simply cannot wait for Mr. Vera's next book to hit Amazon, and recommend this book to all! Bravo and cheers to you Mr. Vera!

Although this book is recommended by many as a standard work in the field, I personally found it unreliable and uneven.

Fahlberg focuses on attachment to the exclusion of all other special needs and developmental tasks, and recommends techniques (such as "holding therapy") which many experts on attachment have criticized as harmful and even abusive. I found her account of separation issues to be much less sensitive and thoughtful than that of Claudia Jewett ("Helping Children Cope with Separation and Loss"), for example.

There is almost no reference to organic mental or physical disabilities, except for outdated references to "schizophrenic children" dating from the 1960s.

There is useful advice in it, but it doesn't extend far beyond common sense and is undermined by inaccuracies and omissions.

A must read in the field, a really excellent book. A must read for parents who want to help children build healthy attachments, really helped with my situation.

This book MUST be required reading for ALL adoptive families for insuring they have true insight on parenting their child responsivly. Being a mother desperately looking for the "why" my adopted child behaves as he does and "why" four years of traditional treatment hasn't mattered, I now have these answers and far greater insight as to what to do next. Dr. Fahlberg has provided the comprehensive guide for all who care about advocating children with all kinds of behavior and disorder issues. Dr. Fahlberg's "A Child's Journey Through Placement" is the Dr. Spock book for all adoptive parenting - outstanding material, information and very well written.

Heartwarming story that draws you right into the lives of these women. Not too long, just the right length so it doesn't overwhelm you. Really helps younger generations appreciate that life goes on, even without a mate. Enjoy it, and live it to the fullest. I highly recommend it.

A beautifully written book about women coping and living their lives after their husbands have gone (well, one is still alive but with Alzheimer's). This book is encouraging and heart-warming - It really draws you in. I highly recommend it.

One woman has a husband with Alzheimer's. Another has readjusted after divorce from a selfish husband. The third is a widow who breaks her hip.
In their weekly three-handed bridge games they give each other understanding and encouragement, each embodying in herself the different principles and strong character traits that help them cope with the problems many older aged women face: social isolation as single women, fianacial distress, maintaining independence and the on-going need to find meaning in their lives.
This is not just a dull story about blue haired women playing cards. In realistic terms they are menaced as well by criminals and thugs. They manage to overcome even an armed robber and a psychotic stalker.
The regional flavor of modern Texas is vigorously depicted along with trail riding horses and larialts flying.
This book is a must read for women of a certain age and others who look for dignity and strength while coping with trouble and sorrow. Bravo!

This is a small book, but has some very encouraging stories and testimonies, plus in invaluable list of the top Aloe Vera sellers that are virtually empty of the active ingredient, and which ones are the best (most potent and effective).

This is another book about Anne Frank that I get the chance to read. Although there are many biographies about this wonderful human being, this book is the closest one that can answer the questions that all Anne Frank fan has. I did for many years just read the Diary over and over but I wanted more! This book is definetly more! It tells you more about the relationship she had with her family and the rest of the people in hiding. This is a girl who could hardly see the light coming from her window and the only green thing that she could think about was a huge chestnut outside the Annex. This book describes this little things that she cherished and that she no longer had....her freedom. She didn't either had freedom of speach inside the Annex due to the critics about her attitude. This book develops more information about why Anne acted like she did and why she had an open opinion about everything. It also gives you a bigger idea of why she didn't like her mother and develops more about her childhood around her family and her friends. I hope all readers that enjoy the Anne Frank writings will enjoy this description about her persona. Is a total different thing to read her diary knowing more about her life and early aspirations. ENJOY!

Children love the big and small idea. It helps them to identify themselves in context of adults. The idea that there is a big and small in alphabets, illustrated with big and small creatures is enchanting indeed. My daughter loved the pictures and wants to read the book again and again. That's the true test for any book.

This book is exciting and thrilling to read.Written by 'The Original Bond', it has that fresh, mountain-air charm that so refreshingly characterise Bond's dreamy stories. The tale revolves around the bangle tinkling, lithe, agile Binya and her relationship with a skimpy, sky- blue umbrella scarved with a 'Lady's touch' which forms the most important vertex of the triangle, also involving Ram Bharosa, the stingy grouch. The umbrella then leads to an entire range of chain reactions, ranging from a physical scuffle, envy and finally,metamorphosis.Also her attachment to her brother,Bijju, shows a burst of sisterly love. The final irony seems to lie in the fact that at the end, the umbrella is abandoned to the pursuit of a better relationship. Bond, nevertheless, laughs his way to triumph, knowing that his audience love the book inspite of its paradox. Leading from tiger claws to victories and downfalls, this book is 'unputdownable'. Tripping lightly through the Mussourie landscape, the tale twists and turns as subtly as a stream, submerging all going through this book and seeping them with wonder at the charm, naivety and most of all, the simplicity of Binya's world.

I'm torn between what I think of the book and what my daughter thinks. She's 17 months old and wants to read this book daily. I, like other reviewers, found the text a bit awkward at first. Now that I've read it aloud about a million times and added my own twists and actions to accompany the story (kisses on the tummy, toes, eyes) I'm getting lulled into liking the book too. I LOVE that the white grandmother has a black grandbaby and that the daddy is a super dad and that there is an asian mother and daughter. The illustrations don't grab me because they have kind of a messy look, but they obviously grab my girl, because she just stares and stares at each page. So...take what you will from this review. For the amount of fun it's given us, despite my initial misgivings, I think it's worth a try. In fact, I'm buying it for a friend's baby for xmas.

I bought this book for my daughter, who is 18 months old. It took all of one reading to be added to her list of favorites--she constantly asks for "more more babies". The pictures are wonderful for toddlers, simple and brightly colored. Not only do little ones love the story--lots of repeated elements, little people like them--it's virtually impossible to read it to a child without cuddling. This has become part of my standard baby gift package.

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a sweet, touching text that should be "cooed" rather than read aloud. Author Williams tells anecdotes about parents and grandparents playing with and cuddling their babies. When my son was fifteen months old, this was his favorite book. He loved it so much, it soon became everyone's favorite book. One of my best memories is of listening to my husband reading the story of Little Guy being swung in the air by his daddy. Inevitably, when the story was over, my husband would swing his own little guy in the air.

However, don't believe the age range listed for this book in the on-line catalog. This is a book for and about BABIES. As soon as your little one has had enough of being known as "the Baby", you need to put this book aside and move on to another good book. My son outgrew this book with his toddler clothes.