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Book reviews for "Middleton-Murry,_John_Jr." sorted by average review score:

The Wild Country of Mexico: LA Tierra Salvaje De Mexico
Published in Hardcover by Sierra Club Books (1994)
Author: John Annerino
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Una evococion brillante !
En THE WILD COUNTRY OF MEXICO/La tierra salvaje de Mexico el fotoperiodista John Annerino captura a bellezo y el espiritu de la gente nativa y de la tierra salvaje que ellos habitan por medio de imagenes vivas e imponentes con texto en ingles y espanol. Viajamos a troves de seis regiones distintas de Mexico: las remotas selvas de Chiapas; las ruins maya de Quintana Roo; la Sierra Volcanica Transversal, una meseta hobitada que es la tercera mas alto del mundo; la Sierra Madre Occidental, el hogar legendario Canon de Cobre; la rica bioregion de Baja California, y el Desierto Sonorense, uno de los grandes desiertos del Nuevo Mundo. Aqui esta una evococion brillante de la gente y de los lugares en las areas de Mexico que son poco conocidos y rara vez visitodas. -La Casa del Libro

A gorgeous photography book of Mexico.
A gorgeous photography book of Mexico with bilingual text. In THE WILD COUNTRY OF MEXICO/La tierra salvaje de Mexico, photojournalist John Annerino captures the beauty and spirit of both the native peoples and the wild land they inhabit through colorful breathtaking images and English/Spanish text. We travel through six distinct regions in Mexico: the remote jungles of Chiapas; Mayan ruins of Quintana Roo; the Sierra Volcanica Transversal, the third-highest inhabited plateau in the world; the Sierra Madre Occidental, home of the legendary Copper Canyon; the rich bioregion of Baja California; and the Sonoran Desert, one of the greatest deserts of the New World. Here is a brilliant evocation of people and place in areas of Mexico that are little known and seldom explored. -La Casa del Libro.

Delightful & powerful. -Morning Star-Telegram
I've taken a delighful ramble through Annerino's handiwork, THE WILD COUNTRY OF MEXICO/La tierra salvaje de Mexico. As a consequence, I have a powerful urge to see what the author wrote about and photographed. The book uses wonderful color photographs and Spanish/English essays and captions to take us from mountainous Chiapas, where the indigenous people speak pre-Hispanic languages, to Yucatan, where Mayan ruins poke out of beach-bound jungles...It's the Sierra Madre that produced my favorite photograph, the eerie, wind-eroded ruins of the ancient city of Paquime.


Wireless Data Demystified
Published in Paperback by McGraw-Hill Professional (03 January, 2003)
Author: John R. Vacca
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The Technological Future of the Corporation
The technological future of the corporation depends on fast access to data anywhere, anytime on such devices as notebook computers, PDAs and mobile phones. Vacca's book, Wireless Data Demystified, is written to instruct mobile internet professionals on how to quickly install wireless data network technology. The text first covers the fundamentals and protocols of wireless data networks, then how to plan, design and install them not only in the business setting but at home. This text is a great reference guide for any technology professional wanting to get up to speed on wireless data networks.

Wireless data: A key, futuristic communications technology
Traditional computer networks require cables to link devices like computers and printers, and physically connect these devices to hubs, switches, or each other. However, cabling is messy and expensive to install, and represents an unrecoverable expense. An alternative is the wireless data network that connects devices without the cables, using radio frequencies to transmit data between devices. Wireless networks are not apparent to users, who can still share files and applications, exchange e-mail, access printers, and share access to the Internet.

With industry analysts predicting that wireless data transmission will be a 7.5 billion annual business by 2005, Vacca's voluminous text is a timely aid to those companies seeking to adopt this promising technology. This book is a 'must read' for those experienced mobile Internet pros who need to configure, install, and troubleshoot wireless data network technology, as well as those seeking to design and implement wireless data network applications. Vacca has done his usual comprehensive, excellent job of covering an aspect of technology.

An Essential Guide to Implementing Wireless Data Networks
Vacca's new book provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging wireless data technology. The book is geared toward experienced Internet professionals who need to learn how to install wireless networks quickly. It provides numerous hands-on examples, such as an access network protocol, and useful discussions about issues such as the implementation of homeland security (currently most available protocols and products have huge holes). A large portion of the book is devoted to the design of wireless networks, dealing with issues such as standards, robustness, ease of installation and use, and, of course, security. Detailed schematics demonstrate typical filter and uplink applications. The final chapter offers a series of recommendations to support Vacca's assertion that wireless technology is the key to the future of communications and concludes that future networks will require a new methodology that integrates all layers of network design. The book is organized to move from an overview of this emerging technology through the planning and design, installation and deployment, and configuration phases. It also supplies advanced solutions to wireless design problems and new directions of the technology. Altogether a must for those people who are charged with implementing this type of network in their organizations.


Sugar of Lead
Published in Hardcover by Xlibris Corporation (2001)
Author: Almer John Davis
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A Modern Classic--a thrilling read, makes you think!!!
Sugar of Lead is a phenomenal read. It delves into the life of a gangster who seeks revenge for the death of his blood brother while trying to save the life of his widow. It asks questions about the value of life and death while confronting the ongoing battle between good and evil. It is intriguing and a fast read. Sugar of Lead is one of the few books that actually cover the life of Asian gangsters. It compares to The Godfather in its richness of detail and excitement. I highly recommend it people of all ages.

A Modern Classic--a thrilling read, makes you think!!!
Sugar of Lead is a phenomenal read. It delves into the life of a gangster who seeks revenge for the death of his blood brother while trying to save the life of his widow. It asks questions about the value of life and death while confronting the ongoing battle between good and evil. It is intriguing and a fast read. Sugar of Lead is one of the few books that actually cover the life of Asian gangsters. It compares to The Godfather in its richness of detail and excitement. I highly recommend it people of all ages.

Davis Produces A Contemporary Classic with Sugar of Lead
Sugar of Lead is one of those novels that provides a deep, rich tale of one man's introspection after trying to survive in this world, as well as a deep, rich context for its setting and background. This reminds me of novels written by some guys named Hemingway and Bellow. In true fashion as a story in this postmodern era, Sugar of Lead tells of a white male trying to find his place in the Asian gang world, which no other novels offer. The reader is left in introspection of his own identity, as well as with the satisfaction of finishing a good book. People of any ethnicity or age will be able to enjoy this book, which is much more than a gangster novel. It is a classic just waiting to be deemed so, and a must-read.


Bob Books for Beginning Readers/Set 1 (Bob Books Set, No 1)
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (1994)
Authors: Bobby Lynn Maslen, John R. Maslen, and John R. Masten
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EXCELLENT FOR ALL YOUNG READERS!
These books are great! My daughter just turned 5 and is reading this set like a pro. The words are simple and the sounds are repetative. By the time the first set is completed the child knows all the sounds the letters make and can sound out words with ease. Reading becomes a snap. We have tried other beginning readers and none hold a candle to the Bob Books!

Don't look any further for beggining readers. WONDEFULL
I LOVE these books. I looked everywhere for books to jump start my 5 year old into reading. These are perfect. Almost all the words can be sounded out using the "short" vowel sounds. Untill now every book I found was either too long, or too dificult, or epxected the child to know too many "sight" words and my daughter didn't even want to start. But with the BOB books, she can read a whole book by herself. After working with two of these sets I can truly say she is reading! No need to memorize dozens of sight words before getting started. No understanding complicated "rules". I would recommend these books to all begining readers. They are well worth the money, I wish I found them earlier!

Unique
Most books that claim to be "easy readers" require a first-second grade reading level. Bob Books start out at a much lower level. To read book 1 the child must know only "m" "a" "t" and "s." I have seen no other readers that start at such a basic level.

My children love the characters and feel so good about their reading ability. Only Bob Books afford them the feeling of accomplishment that comes from finishing a whole book. When I first purchased them I was a bit surprised at how "homemade" they seemed, but now I see how perfect they really are for new readers.


The Book of Ebenezer Le Page
Published in Hardcover by Knopf (1981)
Authors: G. B. Edwards and John Fowles
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Nothing like being alive
These are the fictional memoirs of Ebenezer Le Page, who writes about his life from the time he is a young boy to present, possibly till the day before he died. At a first glance, he led a very uneventful life, in that he never left his island, and was a simple farmer and fisherman. However, this is an example of how human nature is endlessly fascinating: the little and big fights between the members of his family, his observations, in retrospect, about what went wrong with this and that other person, the what ifs, his love life, his mom, his devoted sister, the horrible German occupation of Guernsey, and finally his decision over who would be the heir of his money and land. This is one of the best books i've read this year. There is so much history, insight, wisdom and humor in these pages that makes this one of those must-read-at-all-costs books. I would love to go to Guernsey and visit the sights.

Delightful. Insightful. Poingnant & Cantankerous!
I loved this book, me! I grew up on that little island, barely 5 miles long and 4 miles wide, but a whole country unto itself! The place defies the physics of Geography! It's tiny, but it's vast too. Like the story of our friend Mr. Ebenezer Le Page, the simplicity of the lives of the inter connected characters, colourful and quirky, defies the closeness of the shores. GB Edwards' posthumous writings capture the essence of the folk and the place as well, possibly better, than any book about anybody, anywhere. I highly encourage anyone who reads this story to find out as much about Guernsey as possible, perhaps even go there (visit Victor Hugo's house), then read it again for the first time. Utterly enchanting!

Delightful. Insightful. Poingnant & Cantankerous!
I loved this book, me!

I grew up on that little island, barely 5 miles long and 4 miles wide, but a whole country unto itself! The place defies the physics of Geography! It's tiny, but it's vast too. Like the story of our friend Mr. Ebenezer Le Page, the simplicity of the lives of the inter connected characters, colourful and quirky, defies the closeness of the shores.

GB Edwards' posthumous writings capture the essence of the folk and the place as well, possibly better, than any book about anybody, anywhere. I highly encourage anyone who reads this story to find out as much about Guernsey as possible, perhaps even go there (visit Victor Hugo's house), then read it again for the first time.

Utterly enchanting! Haunting! Simply brilliant!


The Second World War
Published in Paperback by Mariner Books (09 May, 1986)
Authors: Winston S. Churchill and John Keegan
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Historical accuracy and personal experience
Churchill's book is really astonishing, not only for the sheer size, but for the vast expand of knowledge displayed and the personal experience behind it. Churchill includes hundreds of documents and thus gives ample proof of what he writes. His strongest moments are his criticism of British appeasement policy and the account of 1940/41, where his will to survive and his pertinacity can still be felt through the pages. His personal experience is always there, though he refrains from giving his readers too many anecdotes. In spite of the fact the everything was written very shortly after the war, most things are quite accurate, though the pages on Nazi Germany are not always enlightened. But - being German - I have never felt any hatred towards my people as a whole and one can well join in with his disgust of Germany at that time. The book, or rather books, never bore. An absolute masterpiece of historical writing.

Sir Winston at his Best
Truly an amazing account of the Second World War by one of its principal actors, and an absolute must-read for those who are looking to understand the events that took place during the darkest period of the 20th Century. Churchill brings it all home in vivid detail, exposing to future generations just how close the human race came to entering a second Medieval period; to the utter destruction caused by the War; and the horrors that came after it.

The book makes the reader all too aware that there were few leaders before, and certainly none since, that could have been the defiant, resolute, and unyielding inspiration for freedom against the Nazi tyranny the way that Sir Winston was in his time.

literature and history at its finest
A masterpiece of world literature. Anyone remotely interested in twentieth century history should read Churchill's accounts of WWI and WWII.

Churchill begins the Second World War by noting that the "volumes [are] a continuation of the story of the First World War...set out in The World Crisis, The Eastern Front, and The Aftermath". As great as the Second World War is in scope and insight, it is even greater when considered together with his treatment of WWI. It is a pity his account of WWI and its aftermath are currently no longer in print, available only through university libraries and sellers of rare books (if any publishers are reading, I beg them to consider republishing his accounts of WWI).

Churchill's chronicles of WWI and WWII are a invaluable account of the incomprehensible turmoil that characterized the first half of the 20th century. The scope of this literary achievement is made even more precious and amazing when one considers the firsthand perspective given by Churchill. During both wars, he occupied important government roles, putting him in a unique position to chronicle events during that era. The World Crisis, The Eastern Front, The Aftermath, and the volumes of the Second World War are personal memoirs as much as monumental histories. They are compelling on many levels, the stories of many through one.


Please to the Table: The Russian Cookbook
Published in Hardcover by Workman Publishing Company (1991)
Authors: Anya Von Bremzen and John Welchman
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The most-used volume in my kitchen!
_Please to the Table_ is without a doubt the most-used cookbook I own (and I have dozens!) I love cooking and baking, but was a total novice at anything beyond Central Europe -- much to the initial dismay of my Ukrainian-born husband. We've since read and re-read this cookbook together, including the delightful narrative sections and literary excerpts. (He's especially fond of the Gogol bits!) It's got history, literature, cultural tidbits, and culinary savvy that make a fun read for anyone.

Not having ever eaten any of this food myself, and being one to generally prefer cookbooks with pictures, I was initially nervous about trying any of the recipes. But the directions are so precise and easy to follow that I can proudly say that every single recipe I've tried has been a smashing success. I have since tried other Russian and Ukrainian cookbooks, but none yields the same superlative results with my picky hubby -- and my critical in-laws!! ;) We've eaten our way across the entire former USSR, and loved every minute of it!

I would especially like to thank the author for the following recipes (whose pages are stained and whose ingredients are responsible for not a few of the extra pounds on my man's middle...): "My Mother's Vegetarian Borscht" -- you can add beef if you like, but even his father (who is a professional Soviet-trained cook) didn't notice it was missing. His sister pronounced this borscht her favorite - over their mother's - and she has never made any secret about not liking me, so that's a ringing endorsement! "Apple Baba" -- this one is a unanimous hit and my husband always begs me to make it for guests. I usually add 2 extra apples and double the cinnamon, though, by popular request. The "Rum Baba" makes a great New Year's treat. And the classic "Cherry-filled varyeniki" -- WOW. I'm a dumpling neophyte, and these came out perfect the very first time.

My only criticism of this book is that its directions often assume that one has a food processor, beaters, blender, and other electronic kitchen gagets. If you're like me and do everything by hand, you have to mentally adjust the directions. But it's never altered the fabulous outcomes. The other thing that I would have liked is more bread recipies. But overall, it is a classic and will make a welcome addition to any cook's shelf.

Not a cookbook but a cultural experience
I treasure this book. I read it again and again and never tire of its beautiful and vivid descriptions of food and feasting in the former Soviet Union. When I open "Please To The Table" I become infected by the authors' enthusiasm for the cuisine of half a dozen countries. Even though I'm not normally an adventurous eater, and I rarely have time to cook, every time I open this book, I can't help being seduced by the descriptions of each dish. Instantly, I'm in the mood to entertain. I want to fires up the stove, load up the table, chill some vodka, and gather my friends about me.

My Russian-born husband nods fondly when I read aloud to him from this book and gets so excited by the tantalizing promise that perhaps we can recreate some of his old favorite dishes. So far, everything I've tried has turned out beautifully.

If you can only have one Russian cookbook, have this one.
Open this book to find that combination of good recipes, travel writing and memoir that is the hallmark of the very best regional cookbooks.

Von Bremzen and Welchman not only give their readers easy-to-follow directions for the preparation of a wide range of authentic dishes, but also an understanding of the occassions on which the food would be eaten and an often humorous insight into the cultures the dishes come from.

Read, eat, laugh and travel. Is there anything better in life?


Sackett's Land
Published in Audio Cassette by Bantam Books-Audio (1998)
Authors: Louis L'Amour and John Curless
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Couldn't put it down
When my Grandfather told me that I could have all of his Louis L'Amour books (24 in all and all of the "Sackett's") I was extremelly excited. I picked up this book ("Sackett's Land") and was immediately drawn into the world of Barnabas Sackett, I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 hours. I great book and not a "Western" (so don't let that bother you). I guarantee that you will be enchanted with this one.

The Sakkett's Land A great book for anyone
Hello my name is Michael Toomey and I have just got done reading a book called Sackett's Land. It is another wonderful book written by the great western author of all times LOUIS L'AMOUR. Unlike most of his books the book starts out in England In the Fins. Barnabas Sackett is the Sackett in this book. He is the first Sackett to go to the Americas. It all started out with Barnabas getting in a fight with some on and then all hell breaks loose. The man who he got in a fight with is a powerful man with a lot of influence in England. Barnabas and Jublain are chased all through England. On is trip through England he meats a lot of different people. The question is will Barnabas make it to America and if he does will he make it back or be killed by savages? Well you just got to read it don't you.

I would like to thank my English Teacher for giving me the chance do do this book review Thanks Mr. Powell

My Favorite Book- A true adventure story.
This a story of adventures that you can dream about. L'Amour does an outstanding job of describing the details of England and the new America. Barnabas Sackett finds gold coins and wants more out of life. It is exciting and uplifting. To see how he battles pirates and Indians and lives off the land. Not a western but an adventure story that is so well written you can't wait to read the next one to see how Barnabas turns out. I also listened to the audio tapes and they are great. The reader has an excellent voice.


The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters (Arbor House Library of Contemporary Americana)
Published in Paperback by Main Street Books (1993)
Authors: Robert Lewis Taylor and John Jakes
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This book should not be out of print!
I remember so vividly reading this book when I was in the 5th grade. While hiking with my 9 year old I was talking about this book and he can't wait to read it... if only we could find it. Help!

A Priceless Piece of Americana
Having read this book over 20 years ago, it has stuck in my memory as one of the Greats, where dozens of other titles are all but forgotten, and it is out of print?! A Pulitzer Prize winner, no less! This book needs to be available to hand down to my children and yours, and their children after them!

An Absolutely Unforgettable Read
I read this book back in the 1970's - it belonged to my Father. I found that it was absolutely rivetting, even though I could only have been about 13 at the time. I reread Jaimie McPheeters at least twice again but unfortunately, when my Father died, the book was sold along with a lot of his other personal effects. I have often wondered where I could get a copy and when I have visited the States, have endeavoured to find one - to no avail! It really is a brilliant read - I still remember some of the passages quite vividly. That 'The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters' is no longer in print is a crying shame. Would some kindly publisher please read these many and unified reviews and resurrect this great novel.


A Bell for Adano
Published in Audio Cassette by Books on Tape (1944)
Author: John Hersey
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Great Story, Thought Provoking
Back in high school, I made a vow to myself that I would eventually read all of the Pulitzer Prize winning novels. A Bell for Adano was one of the first that I read. Now, a few years later, I have read around 30 of those novels, and while many have been wonderful, few have matched the experience of reading A Bell for Adano, and I continue to return to it.

The splendid novel is set during World War II, though it isn't really a war novel. The novel is about how very different people can, and should treat one another, especially when in a difficult situation. A Bell for Adano primarily concerns Major Joppolo. He is an American officer placed in charge of the city of Adano after the invasion. Joppolo is a wonderful, though flawed man. He's always practical but remains sentimental. He sets out to make the lives of the people of Adano the best he possibly can. He does so by not treating them as the enemy but as People. The "bell" of Adano refers his attempt to restore an historic bell to the city that it had lost during the war.

I can never do justice to my favorite novels when I review them, and this is one of them. I can't say enough good about it. The characterizations are strong and the interactions between the characters are touching and thought-provoking. Joppolo's relationship to the city's people is truly remarkable. It makes one think about America's relationship with foreign countries. The story is heart-tugging and humorous. There are few novels written this century that can touch a reader as much as this one does, and this one can make you think a little, too. A Bell for Adano certainly deserved its prize, and it definitely deserves to not be forgotten.

Still Worthwhile Fifty+ Years Later
John Hersey would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize and become a prominent star in the pantheon of twentieth century writers. This book was written during World War II and was a best-seller when released in 1944. And it still resonates today. In short, it is the story of an American officer given civil responsibility for overseeing the coastal Italian town of Adano following its liberation by American forces.

How Major Victor Joppolo goes about this task is interesting as are the variety of Italians-former fascists and anti-fascists alike--he meets and, eventually, wins over. More gripping, though, is the character of Jappolo himself who, in many ways, Hersey repressents as Everyman--or at least EveryAmercicanman. He is practical, yet sentimental. He wants to do good, but also wants to be loved. He has a strong sense of loyalty, yet hungers after an Italian woman despite loving his wife back home. He admires the Italians, but shapes them in our American mold. He is--in modern psychobabble--conflicted; imperfect, yet very admirable.

The title refers to the city's most prominent--it has dozens of them--bell which for seven hundred years called the people to work, to eat, to love, to church, to life. It was shipped away by the retreating Germans to be made into bullets at some northern foundry. Its lack leaves a gaping wound in the civic fabric. Joppolo, of course, gets the town a replacement bell. How he does it fills you with pride. His first hearing of its strong voice can break your heart. This is a worthwhile book both as a story and as a still provocative look at the American character.

A Great Read!
This book is wonderful in its clear language and soft touch. You will instantly feel a part of the town and its inhabitants. The book tells the story of a small town in Italy occupied by the Americans at the end of WW2. It relates how the occupied village interacts with its human, caring "occupier", an American army officer. Much like Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres, this book puts a massive event in world history into focus. I highly recommend the book.


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