I believe I speak for everyone on this list, when I say this book is one of the best, if not the best children's books of all time. For me, and many others (at least on this review board) this book was a life changing experience. I find my experience with the book is quite similar to most of the others on this page. I found the book in my elementary school library, and loved it. I checked it out every time I could get the chance, and read it over and over. I highly recommend this book, for all ages. The stories are wonderful, the illustrations are fantastic... A true classic!

When I was in elementary school I read this book countless times. I still remember it vividly to this day. It is definitely a must-read for children!

I read this book when I was in elementary school. I am now 25 years old, and I still remember this book. Over the years, I have found myself thinking of this book now and then and wishing I had a copy of it in my possession.

This book was a special friend of mine. It was there for me on rainy days, sunny days and very sad days. I can recall once being very sad about something, and remembering that I had checked the book out from the school library (I often did), and I lay down on my bead and curled up with this book. I can remember my sadness vanishing instantly as I was pulled into the spooky, yet delightful magical world of Grandpa's Ghost Stories. The tears that first fell on the pages of the book were certainly the last ones of the day for me.

Because of this book, I have always LOVED rain storms and thunder and lightening storms, they actually make me feel cozy.

No other books in the world have ever had this kind of effect on me, with the possible exception of the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark trilogy.

It is very tragic that this book is no longer in print, and I anxiously await the day that it is available again at a reasonable price.

I highly recommend this book to absolutely anyone, but especially to anyone who enjoys a good, spooky tale. This is a treasure. Do yourself a BIG favor and discover it for yourself and for your children.

It was a dog's life for Fluke the puppy until the images that had been haunting his canine mind came into sharp focus - he wasn't supposed to be a dog, he was actually a MAN! How had he ended up in this furry body? What of his wife, his child? What of HIM? Soon, though, the truth came - he the man had died, and had been reincartnated as a dog. And the visions hinted that he had been murdered! This begins a quest as Fluke sets out to his old town, determined to deliver out justice to whoever murdered him...An excellent book and a personal favorite of mine. But the best part of all was Fluke. He remained at all times a dog, even though he had human intelligence and memories, rather than some bizarre mix of human and animal that all too many books have. Fluke's friend Rumbo is also an enjoyable character, even if he did have a passion for crime. One of the best, well-written and beautiful stories I have ever read.

This is a surprise. With Herbert, you usually got a gore-fest, and when I started reading this book about a man who finds himself in a dog's body, I imagined there would be lurid descriptions of dogs ripping apart other living things, probably humans. Far from it. This book is as cleverly written and as skilfully told as anything by Richard Matheson or Jonathan Aycliffe, and I do not make such comparisons lightly. 'Fluke' describes the dog's (told in the first person-or should that be in the first dog?) quest to discover his previous humanness. It is a journey both of discovery and self-awareness. Herbert vividly describes what it (probably) feels like to be a dog, capturing the world of smells and canine desires; and the lingering sense of his previous humanity that propels him to discover who he was before he became a dog. The ending is moving without being sentimental. An unusual and satisfying book and one that I can fully recommend.

Fluke tells the tale of an abandoned dog named Fluke that has past life memories of being a man, a man that was evidently murdered. Fluke then goes on an odyssey to find his home, his family, and his killer. Getting there alternates between funny and frightening. Herbert shows genuine skill as a fantasist here and I wish it was a talent that he tried explore more often, as this is his best novel.

...QUE CONSERVAN UNIDA A LA FAMILIA LATINA. Es como si durante muchas generaciones,nuestros ancestros nos las hubieran heredado y ¡este libro los contiene todos!Es una obra de grandes cimientos morales para nuestros hijos, para nosotros mismos... Me cautivó el libro !!!

ES EL DEBILITAMIENTO DE LOS VALOES Y LAS VIRTUDES..
Y es en la familia donde tienen que sembrarse: Son más importantes que cualquier título universitario...
Y ESTE LIBRO NOS ENSEÑA A REFORZARLOS EN LOS HIJOS Y EN LOS ADULTOS !
Realmente valioso !
PORQUE SI QUEREMOMS MEJORAR AL MUNDO, TENEMOS QUE COMENZAR POR NOSOTROS MISMOS !

hijos es el TESORO DE VALORES QUE LES DAMOS LOS PADRES... Y como nosotros los tenemos ya incrustados, como para reaccionar ante cualquier situación, ES IMPORTANTE IR EN ORDEN Y NO OMITIR NINGUNO... Este libro los pone en orden y de manera sencilla para trasladarla a los peques

When I was diagnosed, I knew this was the book I needed from these words in the opening paragraph of the inroduction: "...we ask women to become immediately educated and make critical decisions ...at a time of immense crisis... [They]need a direct, informative, honest approach to the choices they are asked to make..."

With this book as an information guide, I was able to understand the options and protocol particular to my diagnosis. This is a must read for every newly diagnosed patient and those who support her.

I bought this book recently after my girlfriend was diagnosed with breast cancer. THE BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL MANUAL is informative and easy to read. I feel empowered understanding the disease as well as the options my friend has with the up-to-date method of treatment.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, including friends or family members of those who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. It also should be the first book to read for anyone who wants to be informed about breast cancer and the current treatment.

A breast cancer diagnosis puts a woman's life into a free-fall. Dr. Link explains how to take charge of a situation over which you feel you have no control. He has offered a concise, up-to-date compilation of information necessary for a pro-active role in breast cancer treatment. He lets women know in understandable language that there are options available and helps sort throught the facts in order to make intelligent, informed decisions.

I discovered Dr. Link's book AFTER I had been diagnosed and had already received a second opinion on my own. He helped me sort throught the maze of chemotherapy treatments, and gave me the confidence I needed to make the right choices for me. I was so impressed with his book that I have donated copies to our local hospital to be given to women at the time of initial diagnosis.

If you are facing this nightmare of a journey, take this book with you...

A first rule of thumb when approaching Cabell's 18-volume opus, the Biography of Manuel; every book will be about Cabell's relationship with his wife. Cabell is obsessed with marriage, and objectifies all of his female characters to fit one of his imagined female roles; nag, whore, or unapproachable beauty. Cabell's characters always return to their nagging wives, for familiarity's sake if nothing else, with never a suggestion that it might be possible to have a long-term relationship between a man and a woman in which both are creators and in which both learn from each other.

The book Jurgen is from the same mold. Jurgen the pawnbroker moves from one of Cabell's stereotypical women to another. The book became well-known because of the godawful sex sequences, in which Cabell archly refers to Jurgen's sword, staff, or stick -- the resulting call for censorship made the book famous, but that doesn't mean it was Cabell's best. I thought The Silver Stallion and, in some respects, even The Cream of the Jest or The High Place to be better examples of Cabell's writing.

I would recommend that anyone who likes fantasy read at least one of Cabell's books, because he writes like no one else. This book had the usual Cabell wittiness and sardonic feel, so if it's the only one you can find, certainly try it.

In the 1920s, James Branch Cabell (rhymes with "rabble") was considered by many to be one of the greatest American writers, based on this novel. Tastes changed with the coming of the Great Depression; worse, Cabell never again came close to writing a book of this quality, despite his many attempts. Whether or not Cabell is a great writer (and I incline to the view that writers should be judged by their best rather than their mediocre works), Jurgen is a great book, full of insight and a joy to read. The eponymous protagonist is a middle-aged pawnbroker who is given an opportunity to relive his youth. In his travels he encounters, among others, Guenevere, the Master Philologist, the Philistines, his father's Hell, and his grandmother's Heaven. In the end he has an opportunity to question Koshchei who made all things as they are. I heartily recommend this novel. Although it is in an older fantasy tradition, it is at least as readable and enjoyable as the best contemporary fantasy, and its literary quality is far greater. I have re-read it many times.

Early in his journey, Cabell's Jurgen comes to a place known as 'The Garden Between Dawn and Sunrise.' In the garden live all the imaginary creatures that humankind has ever created: centaurs and sphinxes, fairies, valkyries, and baba-yagas. Jurgen is surprised when he sees his first-love wandering around the garden, but his guide replies "Why, all the women that man has ever loved live here...for very obvious reasons."

Moments like this, simultaneously jaded and genuine, sentimental and cynical, are the most delightful parts of 'Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice.' Nominally the story of a medieval pawnbroker's quest to find his lost wife, 'Jurgen' becomes a bildungsroman in reverse as, on the way, its hero regains his youth and visits the lands of European myth, from Camelot to Cocaigne (the land of pleasure) -- each land shows Jurgen a way of life, and he rejects each in favor of his own sardonic stoicism, for he is, after all, a "monstrously clever fellow."

That phrase describes Cabell as much as it does Jurgen: the author is remarkably erudite, and, like a doting parent hiding easter eggs, drops in-jokes through the book on subjects as far-ranging as troubadour poetry and tantric sex. Cabell corresponded with Aleister Crowley in his day, and, in ours, is an influence on Neil Gaiman ('The Sandman,' 'Neverwhere,' etc.). The book itself caused quite a splash when it became the centerpiece of one of the biggest censorship trials of the early 20th century: something to do with Jurgen's very large *ahem* sword.

Social satire and an idiosyncratic cynicism in the guise of a scholarly romance-fantasy, 'Jurgen' is what would have happened if J.R.R. Tolkien and Dorothy Parker had gotten together to write a book.

Mr. Strock has captured the essence of President Reagan - his core values from the heartland of America; his eternally positive attitude; his sense of timing; his ability to effectively communicate with vision and passion in a sincere manner; and most importantly, his strong leadership qualities that resonate so tellingly during the current period of ineffectual and morally bankrupt leadership.

The lessons to be learned in this book apply so well to everyday business situations, and also to long-term strategic planning. The book should be required reading for business schools and political science classes.

Strock has brought all of this good information and lessons to the table in a way that is easy to read, yet chock full of fascinating vignettes that contain indirect insights to be pondered and studied over and over again. His writing style is rich and sophisticated, yet brings President Reagan to life as few others have done. I particularly love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

I cannot think of a better combination of good writing, historical research, and practical advice for the everyday person, business executive or political leader. This book belongs on every desk and bookshelf!

President Reagan has always been a hero of mine. At the age of 8, I became intoxicated with politics in large part because of the 1980 Presidental campaign. As a Canadian, I watched this incredible leader from a little farther away then an Amercian, but came away impressed. I therefore began to read or watch anything I could find on President Reagan. The problem was all the information I gathered failed to answer the key question for me: how did Reagan lead? Much material is available on what he did, but I never received the practical tools I was looking for. Reagan on Leadership clearly and concisely describes his techniques. Strock reached deep into Reagan's tool box and paved the road for how I can apply these tools to my life. It is the only book or article I have read that answers the question I have asking about Reagan for years: not what did he do, but rather how did he it.

This book captured the very essence of the Reagan presidency. By replaying the significant events that occurred and then providing detailed information on what went on to carefully orchestrate those events, James Strock has defined a presidency that laid the foundation for economic growth and peace for generations to come. The reader is guided through the many lessons that President Reagan taught us about leadership, values and life in general. Although he is called "The Great Communicator", it is evident that he was "The Great Assimilator". His ability to learn throughout life and apply the lessons learned is powerful. Business leaders can learn and grow from reading this book.

Background

1.'How To Make War' is as the title suggests is aimed to be 'a comprehensive guide to modern warfare for the post cold war era'. This, the third in the series of 'How To Make War' books written by the author James Dunnigan is a comprehensively revised edition published in 1995. The author has gone on to gain much acclaim through his later titles including the well-known 'How Not to Make War'.

2.After the end of the Cold War, the world has seen major upheavals in the politico-military arena. The emergence of the United States as the only superpower and recent events such as the Gulf War in 1991, have changed the threat perceptions of most countries and as a consequence military policies. This has invariably lead to a rethink in warfare methods and techniques, in addition to the continued advancement in terms of warfare technology. Dunnigan has written this revised edition of 'How To Make War' with special emphasis to the above changes in the post Cold War scenario.

The Book

3.The author begins by acquainting the reader with the universal 'principles of war'. The book is structured into four major sections, the first three being the obvious air, land and sea theatres. More importantly however, is Dunnigan's emphasis on the human factor involved in war, which has a section by itself devoted to it in Part Four of the book. In addition there are four other sections dealing with special weapons, numerical warfare, and transportation logistics. The final section is a summary and statistics of the weapons and armed forces of the time. The sections are interspersed with as many as 48 different charts and tables displaying a vast array of data, which help the reader in assimilating the text. The sections on Ground Combat, Air Operations and Naval Operations introduce and discuss the composition, roles, conditions, developments and future trends of their respective components. This helps the reader to understand and comprehend the facts presented subsequently.

4.In the part dealing with ground combat, the author has brought out the changing role of the infantry with the advance in technology. At the same time he clearly brings out it's indispensability with respect to occupation of enemy territory, which continues to be the final determinant of victory. Dunnigan also charts out the material developments in ground battle methods, by providing details of the armory of the major players of today. The tremendous development in artillery weapons is well documented and interesting, while the factual account of the same is fairly precise and informative. This section also has a chapter devoted to the increasing role of the paramilitary forces and reserves.

5.In the section on Air Operations, the author tries to substantiate his theory that the air force is primarily an information gathering service whose warfare role evolved to destroy the enemy air forces. He does dwell on it's emerging importance in softening of enemy targets for the infantry, while contending that this role is being taken up by air support divisions of the latter. He also elaborates at length on the air force's "simple missions" but complex "means". A separate discussion on Air Defence in the following chapter contains a wealth of information and statistics.

6.In the section dealing with the Navy, the author stresses the importance of control of commercial shipping lanes through naval might. The importance of technology upgrades for the US despite the indisputable superiority of its forces is dealt with at length. Submarine warfare and naval air operations are also discussed separately in different chapters.

7.The author has laid great emphasis on the human factors of war. He has dealt elaborately on the psychological, professional, motivational and leadership aspects of this major constituent of warfare. One cannot dispute his contention that "when it comes to fighting, warfare is not waged by numbers, but through the courage, determination, skill, and leadership of individuals. As a part of this section the author has included a brief discussion of the peacetime role and pressures on the armed forces.

8.The discussion on special weapons includes interesting details on electronic warfare and the opening up of space as the new dimension in warfare. The dangers of biological and chemical weapons and the tendency of Third World countries giving in to this low cost option is clearly brought out. The author also raises relevant questions about the viability of Nuclear Weapons and their relation to the conventional options. Dunnigan also raises important issues of economics and the logistics of war. The reader is given a concise picture of the quantum of mobilisaton of supplies and the related costs.

Comments

9.The book as a whole provides a fairly comprehensive picture of the world's weapons and armed forces. It also attempts to give an insight into the tactics employed. The information provided is interesting and educative without going into specifications of armaments and weapon systems. The author's credibility is enhanced by the fact that warfare developments and results of wars, have conformed to his predictions in earlier books. This book should not however be in any way mistaken for a book of reference akin to Jane's. It is more of an educative tool in the hands of a young officer who wishes to improve his understanding and comprehension of the various aspects of warfare.

10.At the same time the reader may be cautioned that the author's viewpoint is primarily based on information and intelligence derived from a majority of US sources. Some of the theories enunciated and assessments are based totally on US perceptions. Additionally the concepts enunciated in 1995, may require some revision in the fast changing world scenario. The length of the book and its text format (622 pages of fine print) does tend deter the prospective reader. However, the book provides the discerning reader (the service officer and the layman alike), an opportunity to expand his horizons, by enabling a fairly in depth insight into all the important aspects of warfare while increasing his knowledge on weapons and systems. 'How To Make War,' undoubtedly needs to be included in any Naval officers 'should read' list.

I have read all three editions of this book (and several of Dunnigans other books on contemporary military matters) and wish to say that "How to Make War" is the best overall guide to not just war, but to military affairs ever written. His style is highly readable, and he knows all aspects of his subject very well (would that more policy makers and military people would pick it up). In an area of inquiry that is both so important and so widely misunderstood, it is a real benefit to those in government, industry, academia, and the military who wish to really understand military matters. I have read all editions more than once and find myself using the book frequently for reference in my work.

Many of us have seen the reports of military operations on CNN and we get a healthy dose of military oriented documentaries on some cable channels but for most of us the world of the military is an unknown realm. Even books that suppose to tell us the who, what, where, when, why, and most important how of military operations are often written using incomprehensible terminology. The fine work produced by this author clearly explains these terminologies and many of the inner workings of the military but does so without talking down to the reader. The traditional venues of combat air, land, and sea are discussed in detail but the book also includes specialized areas such as electronic warfare and space based activities. This book is a must for any aspiring arcmchair General or Admiral.

When I first started reading Knights Wyrd I found it somewhat interesting but not that great. It had some action and suspense but not a lot just mostley minor adventures. It appeared to be nothing more than a tale of wizards and warriors.
Then as I continued to around page 150-200 I could not put the book down. It bacame a tale of betrayal, friendship, loyalty, and facing your fears.

The Nights Wyrd is about a young man named Will who is looking for his wyrd (destiny). On his way he encounters many enemy's such as a man eating Troll, carnivorous Mermaids, and an invincible Ogre. It's a lot of fun and adventure. If you like books with action then you should read this book

Knights Wyrd is very exciting. It catches the readers attention at every moment. Your eyes will never venture away from the pages. If you have children, I reccomend this book as a gift. When I read this book, I had to read at least 3 chapters at a time, before something even slightly boring happened. The reader left out all of the boring areas, and kept the exciting parts. The only flaw is that the book is a little too short for fast readers.

After graduating from West Point in 1969, he chose the Infantry and volunteered for Vietnam. This book tells of his experience as a lieutenant in a combat zone, a fortified camp that protected a Vietnamese village. It is about the experience of one platoon leader in combat.

The camp was surrounded by booby traps and an enemy hidden in daytime. They were able to repel assaults, but took their share of losses. The landing zone for helicopters was outside the perimeter; it was their sole link to headquarters, and their supply line.

Their stay there came to an end when their enemy shelled the neighboring village, causing many casualties. The villagers began moving away, negating the need for their camp. They were moved away to a new area. I think the enemy got a new leader, one who read B.H. Liddell Hart's book "Strategy" and used the "indirect approach" to eliminate the camp.

It is not easy to be a leader if you are young and inexperienced. The book describes how a young officer established his leadership among a group of veterans. He faced a lot of difficulties at the beginning as the veterans perceived him just a "college boy" but they had to put the whole platoon fate to this "boy's" hand. Eventually, Lt. McDonough became a successful leader after he had devoted himself entirely to his platoon and his job.

The inside world of Lt. McDonough had a lot of similarities to mine when I was a probationary police inspector - similar capacity of a Lt. who normally leads a platoon or similar team size of policemen in the Hong Kong Police Force. We both experienced similar things for gaining the trust from our subordinates, we both needed to participate and devote ourselves in order to set good examples to others. We both needed to show firm and strong leadership in order to convince our men of our competence. I will recommend this book to my friends in the Force and I think they will like this book too.

Well I found a book that ranks with Macdonalds' Company Commander, the best military memoir ever. Platoon leader is an unbelievable glimpse into the life of a typical platoon leader sent into the bush of Vietnam. After reading this book it is obvious why the Army chose it as required reading for officer candidate school. Macdonough describes clearly and with brutal honesty his tour as a young LT sent in the fight with no idea what to do. His platoon was on an isolated outpost and has to not only spend the days patrolling but endures the nights of fierce enemy attacks. Here it is described in such a flowing exciting manner that I finished it in one sitting. This is no 'glory of war' type memoir, but a plain portrayal of the senselessness and viciousness of war. Truly one of the classic military memoirs ever written!

This book is excelent. Reading this, I really got a feeling as to what it was like on a submarine in World War II. It includes action sequences that really make it feel like you were there, on the sub. Calvert is a genius. I highly suggest this book for ANYONE who is interested in submarines, WWII history, or Naval History. I really think you will love this book as much as I did.

The author takes you through his experiences during WWII from the Naval Accademy To VJ day. The events flow from one period to another in an orderly manner. I read this book in three days, not wanting to miss a line. Sometimes reading fast to find out what was happening next. He keeps you in suspense through each chapter and joins each in an orderly transition. As a WWII submarine man, I found the action accurate and reported with sincere modesty. I served with Vice Admiral Calvert in the USS SKATE SSN 578 including two cruises to the North Pole. It was an honor to serve with him and he is a credit to the Navy and the American tradition "get the job done." I would recommend this book to any WWII history buff. Raymond L. Aten, LT(SC) USN(RET)

This was the first book of this genre that I have ever read and I had trouble putting it down. It has everything- harrowing encounters with Japanese convoys; the incredible bravery of submariners who were nearly doomed in the early part of the war by defective torpedoes and engines; powerfully drawn pictures of men in the direst cirumstances. I was brought to tears as Calvert told of the demise of the US Submarine Harder whose daring exploits had earned her the admiration of every submariner in the Pacific. Calvert very deftly prepares the reader for forthcoming terror as he painted the picture of her crew going out to sea for their final, fateful voyage. As I read this passage I felt a knot in my stomach as my mind visualised those bright-faced, confident warriors waving cheerfully and unkowingly to their admiring comrades. Calvert tells a touching love story in the midst of the of this taut thriller. However, what leaps out of these pages is his steadfast character and unwillingness to take the easy way out. I give credit for Calvert for the simplicity and forthrightness of his prose. He lets the events themselves rivet the reader to each page. In addition to the touching love story, there is the telling account of the skipper who selflessly comes to grips with his inability to take the pressure of commanding a submarine in wartime. There is the tragic death of the chief petty officer who is the very incarnation of the spirit of the Jack. We tend to forget that courage is not necessarily over-arching drama played out by over-sized heroes. More often than not its men who quietly weigh the odds, act on their best instincts, and somehow "stolidly and unimaginatively", as Calvert says,not only accomplish their mission but also survive through an unfathomable mix of skill and chance. Read this book.