I have to confess that I'm not a huge Troma fan. In fact the first Troma film I saw the whole way though in one sitting was Tromeo and Juliet, the same night I met Lloyd (who is gem in real life, though I can see him being a terror on the set). All that being said, I loved the book. Lloyd and James Gunn (and Barry in the footnotes ;-P) have crafted a great work that drifts in and out of fantasy and reality with green toxic goo spewing forth.

You don't need to be a fan to enjoy this. The book is approached with the same love that is crafted into every Troma film (I have since caught up on the films I was missing). The writers care about what's contained on the pages, but treat it with loving irreverence. The insights into the industry are dead on (especially the Ratings Board). And the tips for sex with small rodents were eye opening (ok... the last part is not in the book, but if you found that funny this book is definitely for you).

There is a lot to be learned from Lloyd's ramblings. Whether your a filmmaker, a fan or someone who enjoys a good(bad) b-movie every now and then, give it a try!

Despite its advertising, this is not really a "how to make independent film" book, rather it gives a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most successful independent film companies around today. The opening chapter entails a day in the life at the Troma. The details of the calamity seem to be very exagerated, but I subseqeuntly discovered (from valid sources) that that's how it really is there. Mr. Kaufman (co-founder of Troma along with Michael Herz) is a fine story teller. He talks about how Troma started, first aquiring low budget films, then venturing out to make their own. He explains the necessity of always keeping your film crews fed (witness his account on his filming of Troma's War), the execution of those crazy and dangerous stunts, and those beautiful, big breasted women, or Tromettes, for those in th know. Mr. Kaufman comes across as a nice guy who's driven to make movies no matter what, even it that means losing your mind and temper along the way. Many of the movies they release (of the horror, sex comedy, action adventure variety) are admittedly not very good, but there are some that have wit and heart such as THE TOXIC AVENGER and TROMEO & JULIET that shows that TROMA is a force to be reckoned with. It's a very fast read. My only complaint is that there were not enough stories, but the ones presented were pure, unadulterated, Troma. Big boobies and all.

Lloyd Kaufman is to the aspiring film maker,a god of direct to video cinema. Having been part of the legendary movie studio Troma, that has given us such unforgettable fare as Toxic Avenger and the Class of Nuke 'Em High, and their respective sequels. But to simply mention those titles among the plethora of others, would make it seem that Troma is a small company, which while the budgets may be small, the company itself is much much larger. For someone such as myself wishing to learn about independent film making, to get this first hand view of what Lloyd Kaufman went through is invaluable. I myself have fashioned my beginning career as a screenwriter by trying as best I can to model myself after the man. But here it is, an entire book that lays it out to you. A no holds barred, full account of how he made it in Troma. And best of all, Lloyd has gone about presenting this subject matter in a matter unlike other books on film making. In other words, this is not a bland and generic book, without strong author's voice, not another boring manual like book, this is a book that tells it like it is. For anyone that wishes to work in the movie industry I cannot recommend this book enough to you. And for anyone that wishes to just have a good read, this is the book for you too.

I should preface this review by telling you I have four brothers (and a sister) of my own. Whether that had an impact on how well I related to the work, I do not know. However, don't let the thickness and small print get to you. Anyone with a family (meaning the vast majority of people) should find Duncan's anecdotal style strangely easy to relate to and very funny at the same time. The novel traces the lives of the members of the appropriately named Chance family. The brothers, though very different from one another, share a love for baseball and for one another. Duncan lends a specific voice, body and depth of character to each individual in the novel. Each person is a vivid, breathing archetype. There is Everett, the rebel; Peter, the seeker of Truth; Irwin, the oaf with the personality of a Teddy Bear and many more whom we see in various lights and perspectives as the plot progresses. Should you read "The Brother's K," prepare to laugh out loud, shed a tear or two, get a little silly and a little nostalgic. For Duncan, nothing is trite; no sentament is wasted and no emotion untrue. He made me miss my brothers, kiss my mother and shake my father's hand. It was the best therapy a human can buy...and it was only 700 pages.

I found this book about five years ago, one copy on the bookstore shelf. I pulled it down, read the back flap, and took it home with me. I was fifteen at the time. The Brothers K became a part of me. It followed me everywhere--to school(to be read right up until the bell), to the orthodontist(to take my mind off more painful issues), in the car, in the bath. I could not put this book down. My paperback copy of this book is water-stained and dog-eared from repeated readings. I couldn't bear to stop reading even when the electricity was out--the top back corner of my book is singed from the flame of the candle I read by. As I grew older, I found the book asking to be read again and again. And each time I found new and more meaningful ideas. New levels emerged and I grew to love the book even more. I've read this book a total of five times now, and I recommend it to every lover of good fiction. But this story is more than fiction. It's real. Irwin Chance is my brother; I am Kinkaid.

I am writing this review solely because I want people to hear about this book. It is absolutely amazing and I want everyone I know to read it. Whenever someone asks me what it's about, I falter because it covers so much of American ideals and history. It is an amazing character novel that makes you want to meet everyone in it from the protagonist down to the Sunday school teacher. Duncan depicts everyone with such detail. The first time I read this book I couldn't put it down and I've had the same experience after reading it three more times. There is so much to it that you'll never be satisfied.

When my friend recommended this book to me he said these words, "This guy (Duncan) writes with so much passion. there are characters in here that say everything you ever wish you could have said." He's right. This book is perfect and I dare anyone to find flaws with it.

If you've ever wanted to know exactly what to say and when to say it, you should read this book. Not only will it increase your desire, but it will satiate it. READ THIS BOOK!!! it's so good

My mother first read this book as a late teenager, and fell in love with it--the characters, the history, the writing style, etc. She named me after Katherine, and presented the book to me when I was thirteen--I have since read it five times. The novel transports you back to the late fourteenth century, into a time immediately before the chronicling of history really began. It brings clarity to a fuzzy image of the period. Not only is this book the least painful way to learn about this era, it also brings it alive with a vividness not often seen. This time period, so often snubbed by historians as just another unimportant century in the Middle Ages, has its share of important characters and events: Geoffrey Chaucer, the Peasant's Revolt, the Black Prince, etc. Seton does well in portraying a time colored by intrigue and revolutionary change. It paints a portrait of England directly before its transition into a world power. All told as a subtext of a great Romance and historical drama. A wonderful portal to another time.

I first read this book as a teenager, it changed my life! I'm now 40 and I must have re-read it at least a dozen times. Anya Seton transported me back to the fourteenth century and I live and breath those characters each time I re-read it. I have looked up all the places on the map, visited Old Bolingbroke, Kettlethorpe and Lincoln Cathedral. The Cathedral bookshop publishes an interesting booklet about Katherine and Joan's tomb. The book has inspired me to study medieval history at university, read about medieval mysticism and The Great Pestilence and study the lives of the mighty Plantagenets. One can learn so much from this book, matching the facts to the necessary fiction and the truly great thing about it is that it compels the reader to want to find out more and more about this fascinating period in English history. Oh how I wish the Savoy was still standing! English history lovers will also enjoy the excellent Green Darkness (tudor)and Devil Water (Stuart).

I enjoyed GREEN DARKNESS so much I decided to make my next read Anya Seton's KATHERINE. It has now become my FAVORITE READ OF ALL TIME. It is a love story of epic proportions unlike anything I've ever read or experienced. This is truly a real-life fairytale.

As historically detailed as GREEN DARKNESS, I was amazed to find I loved this book even better. Set in the mid 14th C. Katherine de Roet is a convent-raised young woman who, with her sister, comes under the care of Queen Philippa (wife of Edward III), and despite being without dowry marries the rather difficult Sir Hugh Swynford. Eventually she becomes the mistress of Philippa and Edward III's son John of Gaunt, and after bearing him four children, becoming his wife. The children's births are eventually legitimized and John and Katherine eventually are the forebears of both the Tudor and Stuart dynasties.

But this story is of the relationship between Katherine and John and the many twists and turns it takes before these lovers can be together. When Katherine turns 15 the Queen summons her from the convent to Windsor and she soon gathers much attention for her beauty. When Sir Hugh Swynford attempts to ravish her, the King's third son, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster comes to her rescue. Hugh gets out of the situation by saying he wishes to marry the fair young maiden. Sir Hugh is a rather disagreeable and homely man, but it is seen as a step up for young Katherine, without dowry, to marry him. She does but very reluctantly. Meanwhile she is befriended by the Duke's wife, Blanche, and returns her friendship for which young Katherine is eventually richly rewarded.

Katherine and Hugh go to live at his mismanaged estate, Kettlethorpe, near Lincoln which is not too far from the Duke and Duchess of Lancaster's favorite home of Bolingbroke Castle. Katherine is not exactly happy but accepts her life. But when she befriends Blanche again and then sits with her as she lays dying from the black death, her whole life changes.

To give more details than this is to rob the first-time reader of the discoveries they will read. It is a story to particularly savor as when the Duke tells Katherine "She is my heart's blood. My life. I want nothing but her." Talk about a Cinderella story! Those better versed in English history of the mid to late 14th C than I am will realize just what is happening in some of the dramatic historical scenes than I did.

But even after Katherine and the Duke are finally together, all does not go well. Seton details the history of this time beautifully and, sometimes, painfully.

Seton includes quotes from Chaucer (who was married to Katherine's sister Philippa). It is also surmised Chaucer may have had Katherine in mind for some of his passages, particularly in "Troilus and Criseyde."

This book made slow reading for me as every few pages I was either picking up a historical reference to read more or searching on the internet. I do have to warn readers though, keep the hankies handy. I could have used an entire box and even woke my husband up with my sobbing. Most of these tears were tears of joy though.

And I have to add a "shame on you" to the eejit who gave this book only two stars and said it reads "much like any other "romance" novel put out by the thousands on a daily basis," which not only is a disservice to this book but to the historical romances as a whole which, it is obvious this person has very little experience with. First of all this is a romantic historical and does not fit the definitiion of a romance novel at all. Secondly, to say romance novels are "put out by thousands on a daily basis" is not only inaccurate but ignorant. This book has both huge differences and many similarities to romances, but isn't a romance novel by any stretch of the imagination. That said, readers who enjoy their books both historically accurate and very romantic are sure to enjoy this beautiful story.

To everyone sending in countless reviews raving about Titanic, please don't talk about THE MOVIE and obsessing with LEO DICAPRIO, just focus on the book! Everyone's getting so cynical and hyper from seeing Titanic one too many times!

Anyways, James Cameron's Titanic is a good source for intriguing look at the process in the making of the biggest and most ambitious epic in decades. While sheet-wide "making of" pictures are a little overblown, it gets a dose of fascination to witness how Titanic was filmed under extreme circumstances. Most of the texts are well-written with the quotes from the man himself, James Cameron. However, these are not common in a couple hundreds of pages, which may or may not be satisfying. For more complete insights and details about filming the footages of the Titanic and on the set and with the filmmaker discussing the complications of completing the exhausting process, just go buy "Titanic and the Making of James Cameron". It's a better read than Ed March book itself, although not recommended for those who are too illiterate or just plain lazy to read the literally complex book in one sitting. Other than that, James Cameron's Titanic is a great book to start with, especially for pre-teen fans.

If Jack Dawson said to Rose Dewitt Bukatter, "Winning the ticket is the best thing ever happened to me. It brought me to you!" may be I should say, "Watching this movie is the best thing ever happened to me. It opened my eyes to TITANIC disaster!" I have seen the movie 4 times and planning to watch it again and again. I never get bored of this wonderful, beautiful, marvellous story of Titanic. I found myself a Titanic mania, I am hunting for any book and story on Titanic and love this book very much! Kate Winselt acted tremendously superb as Rose! She should win the Best Actress for this upcoming Academy Award! James Cameron's Titanic is unquestionably excellent story! There is no such "perfect" word to describe! Just watch and read the book, then you will know!

I don't know where to start. I am overwhelmed from reading the reviews. I am thrilled that so many others were as touched by the film as I was. I have seen the movie 11 times, and don't intend to stop--ever. I will be first in line when it comes time to pre-buy the movie. Yes, I have read the book. It is amazing. James Cameron certainly has a way with words. I didn't expect it to hit me so hard, but the first paragraph on the inside cover brought me to tears. Looking at the pictures is like watching the movie again. And by now I know the words.. :-) There has never been a movie like Titanic. Everything about it is awe-inspiring, and the fact that this really happened is what got me so into it. I have become quite the Titanic historian since the release of this film, and it seems like the more I discover, the more I want to go back to the theaters. I am happy even when the movie is sold out because that means it is accomplishing what James Cameron set out to do. It is touching the lives of millions of people and opening their eyes to one of the greatest tragedies of all time. I get choked up every time I try to write how I feel about this movie and book, and everything surrounding them, and so I will just say that never before have I been so fascinated and broken-hearted at the same time. I hope that Titanic continues in it's huge success, and you can all bet that I'll be doing my part to keep it going strong. Oh, and if anyone wants someone to talk to about the movie who will share in their excitement and not think they're loony for seeing the movie so many times, feel free to email me!!

C.S. Lewis has said that he found it painful to write this book since it required him to spend days on end thinking upside-down. But it is lucky for us that he did, since the result is a book that both delights and enlightens.

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS documents the correspondence between Screwtape, a senior devil, and his nephew Wormwood, a novice tempter. Wormwood's mission is to win a soul for the underworld, and Screwtape offers him the accumulated iwdom of Hell on how to accomplish it. The result is a well-laid out map to the pitfalls to which we humans are all-too prey. Lewis' had great insight into human weakness, especially the uncanny way ou pride pops into almost every thought we might have. He is also alert to the ways our unquestioned assumtions can lead us astray. As Socrates said, the first step towards wisdom is to "know thyself" - and the tempters in this book do all they can to prevent that from happening.

Lewis, of course, is a Christian, but THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS are useful to any person who is seriously engaged on the spiritual quest. I read this book about once a year, and am always chagrined to find that Screwtape is still one step ahead of me! (And he is unfailingly eloquent to boot.)

This volume includes "Screwtape proposes a toast" which employs the same technique to discuss modern education. I find this a weaker part of the volume. It seems Lewis could have done more with the concept, but his arguments about the failings of modern education are much sharper in his book, THE ABOLITION OF MAN.

Still, this is an invaluable volume. It is the book that I most often give away to people - it is laugh-out-loud funny, and sadly all-too true.

Screwtape, a mid-level bureaucrat in Hell, is coaching his nephew, Wormwood--a recent graduate from the Tempters College fresh on his first job as the tempter to a youngish English man who still lives with his mother, but begins dating a young woman must as World War II breaks out. The first letter begins with Screwtape chiding Wormwood for allowing his "patient" to become a Christian.

Lewis was given a fair amount of criticism when these letters first were published in the "Guardian" in the 1940's. Most of this criticism was from somewhat dense people who didn't realize Lewis was joking. They actually thought Lewis was trying to get people over to the Devil's side. Lewis' intent was just the opposite.

I enjoyed the book, but found it somewhat scary. I am also a government bureaucrat and some of Screwtape's verbiage is very familiar to me!

The best insight I gleaned from the book was one passage where Wormwood is complaining his "patient" is not committing any large, grandiose sins. Screwtape advises his nephew that it doesn't really matter how bad the sin is, only that it is a sin. It helps Screwtape and his fellow minions if their "patients" don't realize the "gentle path, soft underfoot" on which they are traveling is really going downhill.

Makes you think.

I'm not usually a fan of "books on tape" but this is a case where inspired reading (more of a one-man performance) brings out nuances which don't come across on paper. Screwtape was the first C.S. Lewis book I read as an adult (after reading the Narnia books nearly 10 times apiece as a child). Though I'm not a Christian, I found a lot of inspiration in Screwtape. Lewis is so good at capturing the little games we all play and the avoidance techniques we all use. He writes so well about the redemption of souls, and the meaning of our spiritual side. I remember finding some of the wit in the book a little obvious. Not so with Cleese's reading! He has never done anything better. His comedic talents bring out the humor of the book, including some lines which weren't funny on paper. But his performance ranges far beyond the merely funny: the menace with which he says "I could show you a pretty cageful down here . . ." or the quiet hypnotic way he reads Lewis's lines about the road to Hell being "soft underfoot, . . . without milestones, without signposts" -- these things send a chill down the spine. My only regret about these tapes is that four of the Letters are not included. But the remaining letters are read in full with no abridgement. I literally wore out my first copy of these tapes and have ordered a 2nd set.

I was only 5 when the attack on Iwo Jima took place. My own father, by virtue of age, good luck and a naval officer's commission escaped conscription into this particular hell. My personal wartime experience is a vague one of watching free movie musicals at the Ottumwa Iowa Naval Air Station, squashing and saving tin cans for the war effort and finally weaving red white and blue crepe paper into the spokes of my junior bike in celebration of VJ day. Thanks to a new book about World War II, I am discovering what it was really like back then to feel true patriotism. It is a bittersweet revelation, but a very valid one.

"Flags of Our Fathers" is a book which appeals not only to the die-hard WWII buff but to any person, male or female, with an interest in a teeth clenching, powerful and poignant story. It describes a horrible battle, the incredible selfless sacrifices of young men and the angst of their families.

James Bradley & Ron Powers have brought to vivid life the real people behind the famous flag-raising mythos, the surreal war in which they so valiantly fought and the survivors' eventual reentry into civilian life. This is an adventure story of true horrific experiences. On the surface it is a "good guy-bad guy" saga in which our good guys finally triumph. The good guys lucky enough to come home are quiet, self effacing and seemingly forever linked to the ghosts of those who did not survive. In an age before psychologists had discovered and mined "survivor's guilt" and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the luckiest of these largely teenaged boys trained, fought, were wounded, came back and resumed living to the best of their ability. I defy any woman not to bleed for the mothers and fathers who waited and any man not to cry for the "uncommon valor" of these very young sons. Bradley's personal experiences with his own hero father, his intimate interviews with families of these sons and his own quiet faith are melded with the poetic prose of Ron Powers into a seamless whole.

This is a meticulously researched, lovingly crafted and stunning battle book, written by exceptional men about exceptional men. It is sure to become a classic.

This book is easily one of the best books I ever read. I especially recommend it to anyone who is interested in wars and the men who fight them. Bradley's personal and passionate account of arguably the toughest, bloodiest, and most highly decorated battle our nation ever fought is simply remarkable.

By the end of the book you will long remember and appreciate the sacrifice and significance of the U.S. Marines' WWII Battle of Iwo Jima and the lives and deaths of the six flag raisers (Harlon Block, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, and Mike Strank) forever immortalized in Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal's prize-winning photo atop Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, and in the world's largest bronze statue, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial.

Shortly after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, an e-mail I will never forget arrived at my work computer. Attached to the e-mail was an image, actually two images side-by-side. No words were needed. On one side was the Rosenthal Iwo Jima flag-raising picture, and next to it was the New York City firemen flag-raising at "Ground Zero" picture. Reading this book helped me to fully understand the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Seriously, five stars are just too few for a monumental book like this one. This book is an instant classic that should live for all time! If you are like me, you have a whole story built up in your mind around one of the most famous photographs in American history -- the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. If you are also like me, there is little reality behind that story in your mind.

Written by the son of one flag-raising Marine, this amazing story should be read by everyone. It tells a tale of heroism, horrible circumstances, and the lasting consequences of an unexpected event in a compelling, unforgettable way. This book rivals All Quiet on the Western Front for its revealing insights into the nature of war, comradeship, and courage.

To set the stage, Iwo Jima was the first Japanese soil the Marines invaded. The Emperor had issued orders that the ground was to be defended to the last man. Iwo Jima was filled with tunnels that harbored over 20,000 Japanese troops who could shoot from relative safety while Americans were out in the open. The tunnel system was so extensive that Marines would literally be kidnapped while standing next to their buddies, and no one would know where they had gone. Rocks would suddenly open up to reveal mortars.

Tough fighting went on for days. The Marines lost 7,000 dead and had another 15,000 or more wounded out of 70,000 men. Ironically, the worst of the fighting came after the flag photograph, and three of the six Marines in the photograph died in this later action.

As tough as Iwo Jima was, living with the aftermath of the photograph was even harder in many ways. Two of the three survivors had their lives deeply affected in negative ways. The story of all three riveted me more than anything I have read in years.

I read fairly few books about war, but I cannot recommend this book enough to you. As Americans we owe it to those who fought in this battle to remember what actually happened and what the repercussions are. You will be moved at a deeper level than you can possibly imagine by this outstanding book.

Remember Iwo Jima!

The book is intended for couples, but the ideas are applicable in nearly any relationship. In fact there is a chapter at the end for parent-child relationships.

The premise of the book is that each of us has a natural way of both expressing and understanding love, and that those natural ways fall into five different styles, or 'languages.' In most cases we are married to a spouse whose natural language is different from our own. So when we try to express love to our spouse in our own language, it falls on deaf ears, so to speak. (In my own case I express in 'acts of service', and my wife understands 'words of affirmation'.) The theory is that this miscommunication starves the marriage relationship. But if we were to learn which language our spouse understands, and then use it consistently, we would improve our marriages tremendously.

Yes, I read this book at the request of my wife; thus lending credence to those who claim that a man won't read a marriage book on his own. But regardless of motivation and initiative, I'm glad I read it. While perhaps walking close to the line of being too simplistic, Chapman offers an easy to understand model. And the book also strives to be easy to apply by offering plenty of suggestions to help the reader get started in doing it. Expressing love consistently and over the long haul in marriage is by no means an easy proposition, but I think this book offers great help.

Very well put together and easy to read. Not only was it enlightening in terms of how both my significant other and I think and act/react differently to different types of expressions of love and affection in different situations within our relationship, but it also helped me better understand other significant relationships in my life, ie: with family and close friends. One thing that is good about this book is that the author puts things in very plain language, without too much psycho-babble. I'm not affiliated with christianity, but I was impressed with Dr. Chapman's ability to keep his religious beliefs separate from the subject matter at hand. I found it to be a very basic manual for relationships from which anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation or spiritual path, will be able to absorb and digest alot of good information. Also, this information is excellent for both singles as well as couples. If you're in a relationship that is going badly this information can help you turn things around (if you apply it), and if your relationship is already great it can help you keep it that way (or make it even better).

Are you sure you know what makes your mate feel loved? If you can answer "yes" without hesitation you are either very lucky or (more likely?) too hasty. Reading this book made me understand more fully what I thought I knew already: Human beings are different. One person's way of expressing love may mean little to another person. Gary Chapman identifies five basic ways of expressing love: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Giving Gifts, and Physical Touch. If you and your mate speaks different "love languages" AND NONE OF YOU REALIZE IT, disappointments and problems are in store. E.g, imagine you give your mate a gift that you put a lot of work or money in, but s/he would much rather just be together with you for an hour. Both of you will be disappointed, you because the gift what not taken as the love sign it was meant to be, your mate because you spent time on the gift instead of spending time on him/her. Turn the story around and imagine the joy possible if you both know what will make each other feel loved and both express love in the mate's love language. The book is an easy read, full of examplifying stories from real life, and avoids the pitfall of easy solutions to hard problems. There are a few Scripture references in each chapter, which is a plus from my point of view, but the book can be read without those by anybody ready to think of the loved one before thinking of oneself. One reservation about me: I am a bachelor, and this is mostly a marriage book. The principles of the book can be applied to family and people around me, but without a mate I am not fully competent to judge to book. At least I know what to give my cousin when she is married at the end of the summer!

OMG! What is there to say? I love this book so much. I cried when I reached the last page because I never wanted it to end. I love this book so much I have read it 5 times in the past year. Milo is a young boy who thinks everything is boring and worthless and pointless. One day a tollbooth appears in his room so he drives through it. After he drives through it he finds himself in a magical land. He soon befriends a watchdog (literally) named Tock. Milo and Tock venture through many lands like Dictionopolis and The Silent Valley. They meet tons of really odd yet cool creatures. And finally they save the princesses, Rhyme and Reason, and they resolve all conflict in the land. I don`t wanna give away the exact end so I`ll stop here by saying.......You NEED to read this book. It`s one of those books that you`ll want to pass down for generations. For some it might even change your lives. This book ventures into the true meanings of things and it gives you a whole new point of view. It doesn`t matter how set in your ways you are. This book WILL change you. Whoever doesn`t read this book is missing out on something really wonderful.

It was over 15 years ago when I first plowed into this book, but it reveals a new facet to itself every time one delves into it anew. And it works on many levels-- as adventure story, as allegory, as Alice-in-Wonderland-style surrealistic tale.

The chief character, Milo, has a serious case of ennui at a young age. He sees little point in doing or experiencing anything. One day, a mysterious tollbooth materializes before him, and through it Milo is transported into Dictionopolis, a world so weird that it makes Oz seem truly as normal as Kansas. There are characters such as the bickering Humbug, the aptly-named Spelling Bee (who reflexively spells out commonly-used words), and the marvelously tongue-twisting Weatherman, whose splendid spoonerisms would put Gilbert and Sullivan to shame. Things in Dictionopolis happen for no particular reason, its denizens act with no point in mind, and in general things make absolutely no sense. Even the poor king is constantly embroiled in conflicts with himself, over, of course, nothing at all. All this has come to pass because the princesses, Rhyme and Reason, have gone missing. It is thus that Milo sets off on his search-and-rescue mission. To say much more would be to spoil the book's ineffable magic, so whether you're getting this book for your ten-year-old or for yourself (and there is no shame in the latter!), it's a must-have for your bookshelf.

I remember reading Norton Juster's "The Phantom Tollbooth" when I was in third grade and liking it for its adventure, its characters, and its wordplay (though I missed most of it that time around). I've kept the same copy over the years - both covers have fallen off, but I have fond memories of it. About a week ago I took it off the shelf and read it again because I was bored (much like Milo, the book's main character, was when he first stepped into the Tollbooth). What I found was a splendid allegorical story that has a refreshing lookout on life quite different from that preached by most children's fantasy. The genre of escapist fantasy, fueled by claims that as long as one has imagination one doesn't have to do anything, is debunked by this book. Its last words are "I would like to make another trip, but I really don't know when I'll have the time. There's just so much to do right here."

The wordplay in this book approaches Carollian proportions in parts. The descriptions of the demons near the end (including such monstrosities as the Horrible Hopping Hindsight, a "most unpleasant fellow whose eyes were in the rear and whose rear was out in front... he invariably leapt before he looked and never cared where he was going as long as he knew why he shouldn't have gone to where he'd been") are wonderfully clever and illustrate the worse sides of human nature very well. Other characters - Alec Bings (he sees through things); the fat/thin/tiny/giant man, Dr. Dischord and the Awful DYNNE; Chroma the color conductor; the Spelling Bee; and the .58 of a boy (he's one of the 2.58 children the average family has) are all so well done that one finds oneself reading their parts over and over again with a grin on one's face.

Though the allegory becomes too simple as one grows older, it should be returned to over and over again just to see if you missed anything the last time around. It was only recently that I noticed the wonderful line "Is everybody who lives in Ignorance as bad as you?"

"Cheaters" is not Dickey's best novel. While I enjoyed reading some of the male viewpoints expressed in monologues and dialogues throughout this novel, I had an extremely difficult time relating to the "sistas." I hope Dickey didn't expect readers to root for Chante, Tammy, or Karen. The mentality of these characters came across as immature and sometimes ghetto; perhaps the point of the book was to show how they started off one way and ended up better off somehow (I thought) but the problem is that these three characters had no depth to begin with so I started and ended this book with no respect (and little concern) for them. Because of the immaturity of these women, it was difficult to buy into Tammy's refined black woman/Nina Simmone/Josephine Baker persona, and I couldn't believe that Chante was raised by traveling, well-rounded parents due to her ghetto girl mentality. I couldn't find myself or any of the positive black women I know and respect in any of these characters. For once I'd like to read about female characters who aren't so obsessed with a man's "buck-fifty" that they don't notice much else (like who else he might be sharing it with). People who cheat don't neccessarily have to be so dysfunctional and immature.

I got through half the book and slowly my interest in these people waned; I didn't care what happened to most of these characters. They resembled stereotypes within a plot that was so cliche.

The plot was too predictable. I was looking for a fresh approach to the age-old topic of cheating (show me a storyline I haven't seen on a zillion TV shows and movies). This story has been told and retold time and time again: A promiscuous person haunted by his/her sins, the "oppressed" spouse who meets a "free spirited" woman/man and finds it a little too easy to stray from his/her commitment (the grass is greener on the other side -- sure), and there are a few other predictable subplots and endings which I won't give away (trust me, they'll give themselves away within the first quarter of the book)

Needless to say, I was disappointed because there was no good feeling to hold onto in the end; no happiness for the characters (whether they ended up happy or not); just another story about cheating to add to the pile. I still love Mr. Dickey and I will continue to read his books (cause I know there will be better ones). I love his accurate descriptions of the Los Angeles area (my home), its laidback settings, and characters. "Friends and Lovers" was his best, and I hope he'll take us back to those well-plotted stories with characters (good and bad) that are mature, complicated, and not so predictable.

Cheaters is one of the best novels that I have read recently. It focuses on today's dating game and the twists and turns as it relates to relationships - be it one on one or more than one. The content of this novel deals with the aspects that many other writers opt not to deal with. It explores love, truth, honesty, sex, sexuality, pain, suffering and emotional turmoil. It really opens up an avenue that shows the side of African American males that they want to keep hidden. It addresses the sensitive side that men try to hide and opens a woman's eye to that side of men. It's a great book and I have recommended it to all of my friends and fellow readers. If you're just beginning to read or if you're a member of a book club I highly recommend Cheaters for your enjoyment. I've have enjoyed all of his novels to this date and I can't wait for his new novel.

You've done it again Mr. Dickey! This book was very good. I enjoyed it, and it makes a great vacation read. I have become a devoted fan. I thought the characters in this book had some serious issues. I would love to see a sequel, or at least a book featuring Tammy and Darnell. That was a total surprise. But I could see how he would be drawn to a woman like Tammy when he had a woman like Dawn at home. She gave her husband absolutely NO support for his dreams and wishes at all. It really showed that people should have a LOT of conversation befor they say those "I Do's!" Jake was a flake. He gave new definition to the word "dog" and I don't blame Charlotte for leaving him. And poor Stephan was a victim of his father's legacy. Karen, however, had some SERIOUS issues with her, not to mention her toy 'Victor'. Interesting for a man to write about that. That one called for one of those things that make you go 'hhhhhmmmmmm!' Chante really had to learn how to value herself as a person. All in all, I enjoyed this book very much. However, some of the characters were a little hard to warm up to. However, I am looking forward to reading EJD's newest effort, "Liar's Game," and anything else he may write. I have a select group of writers that I buy whatever they have out and I think Mr. Dickey has moved onto that list! If you haven't read any of this author's books, buy a couple at a time because when you finish one, you will want to immediately pick up another one. They are like those potatoe chip ads, you can't read just one!

Shogun is one of those rare books that you wish would go on forever. Indeed, I know people who re-read it every year. The story follows the adventures of marooned English sailor John Blackthorne in late medieval Japan during the tumultuous years when Tokugawa Ieyasu (here called Toranaga) was uniting all of Japan under his rule by any means necessary. It's truly an epic tale of war, honor, trechery, masterful manipulations, tragic heroism, and star-crossed love.

The characters come alive completely and the plot is absolutely gripping. Be warned that you probably won't be able to put this one down - Somehow I read this 1000+ page book in only five days, ignoring all my schoolwork. I can't say enough good things about this book - it never lets up, always keeps you thinking, and can be quite moving emotionally too. The other thing that's cool about this book is how amazingly accurate it is historically, considering it's fiction. One of my only complaints about this book is that Clavell changed all the names even though almost all his characters were real people - even the main character, Blackthorne, was based on a real guy. It would have been cool to get the real names.

Shogun is Clavell's masterwork - if any author writes a book this good even only once in a lifetime he or she has suceeded. Everyone should read it, not because it will incredibly enrich your life (its only fiction after all), but simply because this book is so damn good it would be a shame for anyone to miss out on it.

Despite what some reviewers say, Shogun is one of the better crafted historically based novels. What some people forget is that this book is of the fiction genre. Yes, that means the author is bound to take some liberties with the historical matter. If certain, rather minor historical inaccuracies really bother the pseudo historian in you, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you are in the market for one of the most complete novels ever written - Shogun might just be your book. This book takes a fabulous love story, lots of action and intrigue and wraps it in a torrid period in Japan's history. Lord Toranaga's character is actually based on the last true Shogun of Japan, Ieyasu Tokugawa, who conquered all the other territories, creating for the first time in centuries - a unified Japan. Many of the other central characters are based on true historical figures as well. I completely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Asian culture and in a terrific read. Clavell in my opinion is one of the best western authors ever to catch the true "asianess" of the Chinese and Japanese cultures he writes about. His attention to minute details of the culture is what really creates a lasting and sincere portrait of Japan in this novel.

For sheer narrative power and immersion in another world, few have done it better than Clavell in Shogun. The book grabs you from the first page and never seems to let go. It's an easy read, too, since you barely notice you're reading. (I read it in three days back in the seventies, hardly stopping for air, and have needed bifocals with reading lenses ever since.) Still the book has some unfortunate blunders including an allusion to a samurai using judo (not invented until the 1880's, while this book takes place in the 16th century) and another shaking off his sandals to kick at an enemy (quite out of character for such warriors since they were predominantly weaponed soldiers who would never choose to kick an enemy if they had access to one of their traditional instruments of war; besides so-called karate kicking wasn't introduced into Japan, from Okinawa, until the 1920's). The worst error, I thought, had Lord Toranaga playing chess, a western game, when it would have made more sense for him to be playing the indigenous Japanese game of go instead. But the Japanese warriors did have jiu-jitsu, the forerunner of judo, and kicking could have been a part of what they did (however unlikely) and Toronaga could have taught himself chess since he is portrayed as a quick study with a keen and very deep mind. And besides, these are minor quibbles. Basically, this is a powerful tale of intrigue and maneuvering as the players move about on the chessboard of feudal Japan, never certain who among them is really moving the pieces and who is just being moved -- at least until the end. The sense and feel of the culture, if not the details, also ring remarkably true and you do feel as though you've lived the entire experience when at last you close the book on the final page. And the characters, as the reviews following mine point out, are also based on real people; the events on things that really occurred -- though Clavell granted himself literary license to manipulate and recast what he found in the histories to make his tale a more dramatic one. It's not a true story in that sense, but it's a great one and well worth a pair of glasses. -- Stuart W. Mirsk