I had heard about this book before its release and I was not disappointed. The authors seem to have an uncanny sense about Nabokov's oeuvre. I have long had an interest in Nabokov's writing but was fascinated by the prospect of a book that would finally tell the story of his work, and its importance, in science. What is great about this book is that it reads with a plot, from the beginning-- which tells Nabokov's story as a scientist before his fame in literature-- to its end, which tells the story of the scientists who completed Nabokov's work nearly 50 years later. The latter includes exciting treks across remote areas of Latin America in search of Nabokov's Blues. The authors also tell us about Nabokov's fascination with butterflies within his own literature and, at the end of their book, provide what appears to be the first major assessment of Nabokov the scientist. In their opinion his contribution was far more important than ever previously appreciated. A great book.

The authors have created an absolutely perfect and delightful work on Nabokov's butterflies and all the resulting interfaces. Nabokov has always preoccupied me and, fortunately, I also have a deep interest in nature - particularly in butterflies and birds. Thus, this book, which develops everything from Nabokov's biography and literary use of butterfly and other nature motifs to their place in modern science and today's biodiversity crisis, was wonderfully eye-opening and informative. It's my bet that few people appreciate how big a story Nabokov's science actually is. It is not only a major part of his biography, previously untold, but also a linkage of his life's scientific work to major questions confronting scientists today. As with his literature, Nabokov turns out to have been a pioneer. It is only a pity that Nabokov did not have two lifetimes, one for literature and one for science.

What is intriguing about this book is that it has taken an entire volume of previously untapped material-- Nabokov's scientific work and the stories of and from the scientists who have studied and completed Nabokov's pioneering work in science and woven an entirely new story about a personage who might have been considered previously well-known. Who would have known this story was around? It reminds of Sobel's Galileo's Daughter which also uses the same tack-- takes the correspondence with his daughter, previously untapped, and weaves a whole new story about Galileo! The authors of Nabokov's Blues have extra luck in that, since they are demonstrating for the first time Nabokov's acumen in two very different fields, science and literature, they can take the opportunity to interweave these two worlds, which they do in a fascinating and intriguing way. What is so compelling about this book is that its story has just not been told before. Just when you thought you knew something about Nabokov, here comes his science! and, with gusto. A great book.

One of the first grown-up books I ever read was a tattered copy of Ernie Pyle's "Brave Men," derived from his articles written from Sicily to France, 1943-44. Pyle was a man's man of a journalist, and was loved by men and women of all ranks. People on the home front eagerly read his dispatches from fronts all over the world. Pyle wasn't interested in criticizing the government or military. He was man enough to realize that both make mistakes, but to harp on them was a disservice. His subject was the fighting man: low-ranking soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and officers who did the dirty work. Men who drove mule trains up the Italian mountains and flew dive bombers over France. Men who strung telephone wires across North Africa and stormed the shores of Pacific islands. Men who manned anti-aircraft guns on ships and led platoons through the French bocage. He reported on the war with his wonderful prose and gift for storytelling until a sniper's bullet claimed him during the Okinawa campaign in 1945.

Ike and his top brass, once they understood how Pyle operated and once Pyle gained their trust, let Pyle go wherever he wanted and talk to whomever he wanted. They knew Pyle would never agonize over German and Japanese civilian casualties in order to appear "objective" and "balanced." They knew Pyle would never be waiting on the beaches before the troops even landed. They knew if Pyle ever found out about a secret operation he would keep his mouth shut and not blab about it to the world. It's doubtful today's crop of media darlings will produce an Ernie Pyle. In the quest for ratings, advertising dollars and careers, most of today's mainstream media ' especially the beltway crowd ' is incredibly selfish, whining, arrogant, ignorant and, ultimately, unpatriotic. Pyle is proof positive that a journalist can tell it like it is and still love his country at the same time.

Ernie Pyle was the perfect writer for the task of covering World War II from the perspective of the common man. His roots in rural Indiana coupled with his desire to see the world and tell the stories of ordinary people engaged in extraordinary endeavors such as combat helped him establish a style that has no equal. I found this book in a used bookstore in Palo Alto, Calif., and once I began reading I couldn't stop. His words are a tribute to a generation that truly did save the world. If you ever see one for sale, grad it. It's a real gem.

Ernie Pyle was a man who loved his job. He takes us to the soldiers who were fighting for us, and lets us know what it was like through close calls, boredom, dreams and ambitions of those ordinary men thrust into war that he came in contact with. He brings the humor and the tears of war and tells stories that we can all relate to to help us understand what it was truly like. His love for the common soldier is apparent throughout the entire book. He was, without a doubt, the greatest war correspondant of all time. This book and Here is Your War are required reading for anyone even remotely interested in WWII, as well as for anyone who just wants a good story.

I find it hard to comment on the Freddy books because they've been a part of my life since I was in second grade: they're not something I can judge; they're something I judge everything else by.

That being said, I think this is one of the best of the Freddy books. Brooks does a marvelous job of combining humor, drama (the courtroom scene with Jinx is worthy of the best of Perry Mason!), and splendid characters. If you like gentle humor and a fun read, this is a book for you.

Many rears ago the local library was too far to walk to so a book buss would bring them to our school. I milled offer the shelves and found a series of intriguing stories. It was the Freddy the pig series. I enjoyed many hours reading about Freddy's adventures with his pal Jinx. Then for years he just disappeared from view. No one ever heard of him. I combed the used bookstores and still no one heard of him. Then one day he returned. Today I am rediscovering Freddy. Not only are there new adventures but the originals ar being republished.
This is the best book to start with; it explains how Freddy became a detective, which he uses, in subsequent adventures. After reading a book on Sherlock Holmes he decides he can be a pretty good detective and recruits friends in the process.
The stories are intriguing in them selves. However underlying the story are several real life concepts for one to work out as what's the matter with going to jail if you get fed and do not have to work? What do you do when the judge has already made up his mind befor the trial? I especially like the way he browbeats the pore little rabbit during his interrogation. One forgets how intimidating it could be.
Well you will enjou this story as freddy must fingure out what happened to a childs toy train and what diabolical plot it is used in.

Freddy the Detective was the first hard bound book that my son Jonathan ever read (age 9-10). Later he went on to read all of Shakespeare's 37 plays as a teen ager. This can happen to your children if you introduce them to the Freddy series. "Detective" is especially interesting to boys who may not like to read that much. And it is excellent for adults also since there are many levels of understanding in all of the Freddy books (all 26 of them).

Kurt Busiek has crafted an excellent superhero storyline in Confession. Astro City has, and continues to be the best pure superhero comic out,and Confession is the highpoint of the series. The story is completely told through the eyes of the Confessors sidekick, the Altar Boy. The fact that Busiek pulls off this narrative without seeming derivative is one thing, but the most impressive part is the quality of the story itself, and the shocking secret that the Confessor hides, adds to the drama. Throw in some mysterious religious imagery, and you get a solid enjoyable story to read. While it isnt as shocking or hilarious as Preacher, its an excellently written, beautifully drawn story, in the mold of classic comic book storytelling.

In the follow up to "Life in the Big City", Kurt Busiek hits the mark once again in the fictional world of Astro City, where he brings the "costumes" to a place every bit the equal to Metropolis or Gotham City.

The story revolves around a Batman and Robin-type team of the Confessor(to whom Busiek gives both Rorshach-like angst and a new twist on the "Dark Knight" mold) and his new side-kick, Altar Boy. The same sense of wonder at these costumed super-beings that permeated "Marvels" is in full effect here. There are bible-thumping heroes, an X-men-like supergroup, a superhero-phobic Mayor hell bent on registering all costumed crusaders(a la the X-men again) and requisite Alien Invaders (summoned in the previous graphic novel). There's a nice balance between continuity (the unsolved Hill murders, Altar Boy's revealing apprenticeship with the Confessor, the Aliens) and stand-alone randomness here(the final, doesn't-quite-fit-here Hangman time story).

You don't have to read the first one to follow along, but if you have, its all the richer. I love this series. The first two have been flawless. I also love the Inhumans, Planetary and the Watchmen as other examples of excellent, character-driven graphic novels.

Kurt Busiek's "Astro City," while infrequent, is still hands-down the best comic book in recent memory, and possibly the best superhero series ever written. Busiek has created an entire universe with the feel and flavor of everything good about Marvel and DC's superheroes, yet injected them with his own flavor. He's got twists that make archetypes a little different than you'd expect -- sometimes a little more human, sometimes a little less, always something you wouldn't have thought of yourself but that leaves you slapping your forehead and going, "of COURSE!"

"Confessions" is the second Astro City collection, and the first extended storyline. (The first trade paperback, "Life in the Big City," was a collection of single-issue stories, this is one story over six chapters). Brian Kinney has come to Astro City in the hopes of becoming a superhero, a wish that seems on its way to fulfillment when the mysterious Confessor takes him under his wing. But the city is troubled at the moment. A serial killer terrorizes the people of Shadow Hill. Public sentiment is turning against superheroes. And Brian's mentor is not at all what he appears to be.

For all of the great work Busiek has done, this book is easily my favorite. It's everything that makes "Astro City" great -- classic archetypes twisted around, lots of mysteries, a logical but unexpected point of view... it is superhero storytelling at its finest.

This book also contains the short "The Nearness of You," which -- I'm sorry, Alan Moore fans -- gets my vote for finest single issue comic book story ever. It is tender, heartbreaking and wholly uplifting all at the same time. I still get teary-eyed when I read it.

"Astro City" is set to finally return to comic book shelves. If you haven't read it before, get books like this for a primer, then jump on-board!

The remarkable thing about this book is that it combines both broad scope (alpine mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, and "expedition issues" are all covered) and enough depth that the reader gets accurate, useful technical details on how to do virtually everything. No matter your present skill level, interests, and plans -- from peak bagging to cragging to big walls to alpine expeditions -- the full gamut of climbing is covered in detail. Special, high quality chapters on subjects such as land navigation, geology, and snow and ice mechanics that are generally omitted from most climbing manuals are covered superbly well here. This is truly the "Climber's Bible" -- the one book that every mountain traveller really must read and refer to again and again.

This is the book to have once you're ready to depart from the established trail.

I've been reading "Freedom" since its early editions; in addition to being an excellent and entertaining course in general mountaineering, it's also a fabulous ready-reference. I've lost track of how many times I've looked up a particular knot, rappel technique, belay menthod, etc.etc.etc. Excellent sections on rock, ice, snow, and just about everything else. I can't imagine any mountaineering library being without it.

You might want to pick up two copies; one is bound to be covered with dirt and water from use in the field!

As summer season is approaching in the northern hemisphere; many mountaineers are getting ready to climb again.
Whether you are just starting out with hillwalking or you sharpen your icetools weekly, this is the one book that rightly is known as 'the bible of mountaineering'.

You will never know too much about the versatility of mountaineering and I recommend this book for every climber, hiker or armchair mountaineer.
Over 500 pages filled with clear drawings of techniques and knowledge.

Everything from building a snowcave to using a 'Texan prusik' and rockclimbing technique is covered.
Mountaineering is not just one of these disciplines, it's always a mixture of everything and therefore it is good to have knowledge on all aspects before you head out into the wild, whether it's Denali or that big boulder in the park.

This is the only book around truly covering 'Mountaineering'; it's a classic and if all great mountaineers own a copy and still read it, why shouldn't you?

Beginning as some other Zelazny books, the main character comes to and realizes all is not well (in a similar manner does Coils begin). He has amnesia and is drugged and stuck in some strange place. Effecting a quick escape, he tracks down a familiar name and encounters a few memory-jogging relatives. From there begins quite an odyssey, the five book series known as the First Chronicle of Amber. These five books tell a grand story of the grand conflict within an ancient kingdom ruled by demi-godlike individuals.

Corwin, the narrator and protagonist, is one of these ruling individuals. He is one of the Nine Princes in the book's title, and he is a leading contender for the succession. His brother Eric, however, has his own designs. Corwin works to recover his memory and is embroiled in a conflict for the throne of Amber. There are many mystical aspects to the realm of Amber and the royal family. And considering how darn many there are, he does a great job of personifying them all.

Told in the first person, Zelazny of old did a wonderful writing job in this novel. Excellent exposition, great fight scenes, good atmosphere, wonderful descriptions. Easily among the top notch of his novels. The ending is not as grim as the action right after the climax, which is a good respite. Suffice to say that Zelazny does not always leave the heroes to be the grand saviors with all enemies falling before them.

This is the lead off in simply one of the greatest, most imaginative, and mind-blowing fantasy series ever written. (What was the late great Roger Zelazny smoking when he released this novel back in 1970?) "Nine Princes in Amber" is the first in a series of ten books chronicling the ever-feuding bloodlines of the House of Amber -- the true kingdom of Order in the Universe -- and the struggle with its eternal nemesis: the Courts of Chaos. The protagonist, Prince Corwin, is both noble & just and wise-cracking & street smart. Zelazny has created a universe so original, and dozens of characters so rich that it truly boggles the mind. And instead of whisking us off to some remote fairyland, he combines modern day Earth (a mere shadow world) with his infinitely rich universe. Where else are you going to find MIB's (Men in Black), a fast food chain called "Kentucky Fried Lizzard Partes" and swordfights all in the same book! Roger, we will sorely miss you.

I started reading Zelazny's Saga of Amber five or six years ago. I never finished the series (i only got about half way through), but it was something I knew I'd pick up at a later date and read (and now I've purchased the Great Book of Amber, which contains all ten books in the saga, and I'm currently reading it). Zelazny published the first book, Nine Princes in Amber, in 1970. And it turned out to be not only well written, but one of the most original ideas in the world of fantasy (like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series, Jordan's The Wheel of Time, Weiss & Hickman's collaborations, the Dark Elf books of R.A. Salvatore, and so on). The book deals with a family fighting for control of the known world, Amber, and all other worlds, which are 'shadows' of Amber. The reader visits many different worlds, we get swordplay, intrigue, and a cast of great characters. And Zelazny writes in the first person, told from one the brothers, Corwin. But in the beginning, Corwin has amnesia, and doesn't know who he is, or the story of his family. It makes for a great voice and helps keep the reader in a state of suspense and 'knowledgable' confusion, that isn't seen elsewhere in the series, or in many other books. The chronicles of Amber is a highly original, well written series, and Nine Princes of Amber is the best of them.

This is the most refreshing thriller I have read in a while. It is very difficult to put down, and there are surprise twists and turns at every corner. Korriher has a command of the language seldom seen in books of this genre and his characters come to life in an amazing way. If Grisham is starting to get old for you, and you like action-packed stories that are well-researched and take you on a roller coaster ride, this book is for you. It would make an excellent movie!!!

Someone To Kill is one of the finest pieces of fiction I have ever read. It opens with a bang (quite literally) and kept me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover. Kurt Corriher is a masterful crafter of words. Each character is colorfully developed and locations are described in a way that I felt like I was part of the action. I couldn't put the book down and I am anxiously awaiting Corriher's next!

Someone to Kill is a great thriller. I literally couldn't put it down. The plot moves at a relentless pace, with twists and turns that continually build suspense and seemingly disparate strands that come together beautifully in the end. What's more, the book has characters who are real. Pavlak is masterfully drawn -- complicated, gutsy, sharp, and with a negative streak that breaks the hero mold. Karin is a great contrast -- warm-hearted, non-violent, attractive, and very bright. What a refreshing change to read a thriller that combines action, suspense, and intrigue with lead characters who don't fit stereotypes and who change each other in genuinely human ways.
...

Mother Night is perhaps the darkest of Kurt Vonnegut's novels in terms of it's storyline and sense of humor. Most of the humor within the book comes from Vonnegut's use of situational irony. The main character, Howard Campbell Jr., spent WWII as a double agent. He was a fairly famous German radio personality (dispensing all sort of pro-Nazi propoganda), and did his best to raise German morale during the war. At the same time, he was sending out coded messages for the allied troops over the radio. When the end of the war came, the US wouldn't aknowledge his part as an agent. Thus, Campbell became a war criminal. The novel, in large part, deals with Campbell's treatment after the war. This is where the irony comes into play. I won't go into what happens to Campbell (so as not to give away crucial elements of the plot. However, when reading, it is as Vonnegut states earlier in the book: be careful what you pretend to be [sic], for what you pretend to be is what you are. This story sticks out amonst Vonnegut's works as one of the most original, and suprising of his books. It is also a good introduction to the philosophies that are embodied in most of Vonnegut's other books. I believe that this particular novel is a good starting point for anyone interested in Vonnegut. (aside: do you ever feel like one of those little kids from Reading Rainbow when you're doing a book review?)

Vonnegut is a genius, and whether you are a fan of his or not, you will love this book. The introduction is perfect, as Vonnegut tells us the moral of the story before we even get started. "You are what you pretend to be, so you better be careful about what you pretend to be." The novel follows Howard W. Campbell, an American living in Germany, recruited by the governement to spy on the Nazis by propaganding for their war. Campbell is now about to be put on trial for his war crimes.
Like I said, Vonnegut is a genius, and Howard Campbell is one of the most complex and amazing characters ever created, even though this book is short of 300 pages. At some points in the book, you think he's a smart man that you respect and feel sorry for, while at other times you want to just punch him in the face. This is not a war novel. It is a book written as though Howard Campbell was talking directly to you, which is what makes it such a fascinating read. If you like any Vonnegut, or are a fan of satires like Catch-22, or you enjoy books relating to the subject of war or the human spirit, this book is perfect for you. It is honestly one of the best books I have ever read. I can only hope the same for you.

'Mother Night' is the story of Howard W. Campbell Jr. Nazi propagandist, racist, war criminal, and American spy. The story, told by Campbell from his prison cell in Israel, is of his success as a playwrite in Germany before the war, his recruitment by US intelligence, the devistation of the loss of his wife, the utter lonliness and apathy that plagued his life after the war, and the web of political intrigue that surrounds him before his trial. The style is similar to Vonnegut's other masterwork, 'Slaughterhosue Five,' in which Campbell also makes an appearence, and is told with the same wit and wonderful insight into the human soul. Truly a classic and a pleasure to read!

I found this book after reading an interview with Tina Turner in Enlgand in which she discussed her life and the Buddhist practice she credits with helping turning her life around, Soka Gakkai. This book is the most inspirational life-story of a living person I've ever read!

I've since re-read this book a few times, as well as other books that are related to the Buddhism she mentions in the text. At first, it was hard for me to believe someone like Tina could also be a Buddhist, but now that I've read more about it I completely understand.

I'm so glad Tina mentioned in the interview about Daisaku Ikeda, the leader of Soka Gakkai and a prolific Buddhist author as well. I also found a wonderful book about this Buddhism at Amazon which I highly recommend - it's called "The Buddha in Daily Life" by Richard Causton.

Tina is the greatest! A true rock and roll Buddhist Goddess! Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo...

I found this book after seeing a Larry King Live interview with Tina Turner in which she discusses her life and the Buddhist practice she credits with helping turning her life around, Soka Gakkai. This book is the most inspirational life-story of a living person I've ever read!

I've since read and re-read this book a few times, as well as other books that are related to the Buddhism she practices. At first, it was hard for me to believe someone like Tina could also be a Buddhist, but now that I've read more about it I completely understand.

I'm so glad Tina mentioned Soka Gakkai and Daisaku Ikeda in the interview, because she didn't directly discuss them in this book. I also found the BEST book about Tina's Buddhism at Amazon.co.uk, which I highly recommend - it's called "The Buddha in Daily Life" by Richard Causton.

Tina is the greatest! A true rock and roll Buddhist Goddess! Nam-myoho-renge-kyo...

In Short this book is one of the best I have ever read. Tina is one of the most influential rock stars in history as she should be. The book sends a powerful message about what it takes to survive! Tina, you are a wonderful person, you realised you only had one life to live so you've lived it and what a life it is!

Remember when comics were fun?

Back before the Dark Knights, the relentless violence, the angst? When people donned ludicrous outfits and fought for truth, justice, and the American way?

Kurt Busiek does, and he's provided an all-expenses-paid trip to Astro City, where the superhero comics of yesteryear live anew.

As with Alan Moore's "Watchmen", you won't recognize the heroes and villains, but you know them nonetheless---Samaritan, Winged Victory, Crackerjack, the Honor Guard. Simple, classic heroes who immediately bond to the imaginations of comic fans.

The story here is simple, straightforward, and infused with a joy that would make Garth Ennis throw up. Whatever happened to the comics you didn't mind your kids reading?

If you prefer your comics to be uplifting and life-affirming, as opposed to the relentless bleakness of the various X-titles, stop by "Astro City." You'll be glad you did.

The comic book adventures of costumed superheroes represent a specialized genre of literature that has been around for decades. Every so often a new work comes around that truly represents a new high point in the field. Such a work is "Kurt Busiek's Astro City: Life in the Big City," an intelligently written and spectacularly illustrated volume that tells the story of a remarkable group of superheroes.

"Life" is actually a collection of six interrelated stories, each of which stands on its own as a fine piece of comic book art. Together the six tales present a stunning portrait of the fictional Astro City, a postmodern metropolis teeming with costumed superheroes, sinister supervillains and other memorable characters. Among the many heroes we meet are Samaritan, the almost godlike caped hero with a tragic past; Winged Victory, a flying superwoman with a feminist twist; the Hanged Man, a mysterious figure who maintains a silent protective vigil; and Jack-in-the-Box, a demonic-looking clown with a number of high-tech tricks up his sleeve.

But just as compelling are the "ordinary" citizens of Astro City: veteran reporter Elliot Mills, legal clerk Marta, and the other working folks whose lives are lived in the shadow of the supermen.

"Life in the Big City" smoothly blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and social commentary. Well-written dialogue is complemented by a wealth of memorable images... The stories explore such thought-provoking issues as ethnic identity and the anxiety of assimilation, gender politics, and the psychology of paranoia. One of the compilation's best tales, "The Scoop," is a witty and surprising parable about journalistic ethics.

The book length comic, or graphic novel, is a rich genre whose practitioners have produced some outstanding classics in recent years. The intelligence, visual power, and moral integrity of "Life in the Big City" elevate it to that distinguished company.

A workaholic Superman-type; a read-between-the-lines newspaper story of a superhero battle;a 2-time loser thinks himself straight; a supersticious woman contemplates moving uptown; an alien passes judgement on the human race; and 2 caped heroes (well, 1 caped, 1 winged) go out on a date...these 6 stores bring you into a world not so different from the comics you grew up on and maybe only slighly different than the city you live near.

Astro City is bright, clean, the good guys work around the clock protecting the innocent and they generally prevail. This is not the city the Dark Knight resides in by a long shot. Unlike Alan Moore, who tends to turn the superhero genre on its ear, Kurt Busiek instead embraces the best of the 'capes' and makes you fall in love with them all over again. For those burnt out on endless soap opera plotting or dark, cynical anti-heroes, Astro City is a perfect remedy. ....