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

Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Totally Jtt!: An Unauthorized Biography
Published in Paperback by Simon Pulse (1996)
Authors: Michael-Anne Johns and Nancy Krulik
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I loved the entire book!
I am a total JTT fan, and when I read this book, it really informed me evern more! I loved how it was so complete with stats, quotes, color pics, and everything from a-z! I couldn't put it down until I was done

An excellent in-depth biography!
Congratulations to Michael-Anne Johns! He has written a fantastic fun and fact-filled book on the life of Jonathan Taylor Thomas on and off-screen. Unlike some biographies, Johns uses more words than pictures, so you learn a lot more about what they're like, rather than what they look like. He has done a lot of research and included a nice review at the back of Thomas's favorites and quick facts. Every Jonathan Taylor Thomas lover should read this great book. Hopefully Johns will come up with a new JTT book to talk about Wild America and his new roles. Congrats again Johns

This book was just FANTASTIC!!!
It gave me lots of information on JTT.
I learned so much about him!
If only I was able to meet him!
:-)
Everyone should read it!


Macromedia Flash MX Designer's ActionScript Reference
Published in Paperback by APress (2002)
Authors: John Davey, Glen Rhodes, Jen deHaan, Scott Mebberson, and Sham Bhangal
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Get your feet soaking wet
I've just finished getting through a book on Lingo, and decided to pick this book up in the hopes of becoming an Actionscripter. The writing style of this book is excellent-- it wastes NO time with senseless conceptual jargony and gets straight to the point. You'll find yourself actually learning at a quick pace through a series of short examples of Actionscript that become more advanced and build on previous examples in the book. Better yet, the CD is packed full of open source examples for every short tutorial in the book.

This book is the definitive actionscript reference. Though, beginners be forewarned-- this is not a book for those who are not familiar with the fundamentals of programming and those who are not fully acquainted with Flash's interface and a conceptual understanding of animation.

Excellent way to get your feet soaking wet
I've just finished getting through a book on Lingo, and decided to pick this book up in the hopes of becoming an Actionscripter. The writing style of this book is excellent-- it wastes NO time with senseless conceptual jargony and gets straight to the point. You'll find yourself actually learning at a quick pace through a series of short examples of Actionscript that become more advanced and build on previous examples in the book. Better yet, the CD is packed full of open source examples for every short tutorial in the book.

This book is the definitive actionscript reference. Though, beginners be forewarned-- this is not a book for those who are not familiar with the fundamentals of programming and those who are not fully acquainted with Flash's interface and a conceptual understanding of animation.

Excellent Tutorial and Reference
I started with Macromedia's Flash MX ActionScripting Advanced and I learned a lot. However, it does not contain a complete dictionary. I bought John Davey's book and in addition to the complete dictionary in the book, it is also on the CD. I keep the online version loaded when programming Flash. Furthermore, the 400+ pages of tutorials, are simple, plentiful, and each one illustrates one learning objective. Both books are good, but this one is better.


Ride the Airwaves with ALFA & ZULU: Technician Amateur Radio Ham License Manual
Published in Paperback by Abtronix (01 July, 2000)
Author: John Abbott
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One of a Kind Book - for becoming a Ham !
Compared to so many other dull-reading license manuals that one has for introducing newcomers to Amateur Radio, "Ride the Airwaves with Alfa & Zulu" is a one of kind book for becoming a ham, and it's an excellent learning tool for students of all ages. Every question in the FCC Technician License Pool is covered, and all the information is worded and portrayed in ways that make learning a lot of fun and very easy to comprehend. The best feature of this book are the hundreds of illustrations that explain what's going on. Without question, anyone who is interested in becoming a ham ought to read K6YB's excellent book-for the book is one of kind when it comes to showing one 'what ham radio is all about' - and helping them to earn their first ticket. Amateur Radio Instructor- N6MV, Dr. James R. La Frieda

ALFA & ZULU
The book "ALFA & ZULU" has been a great book for me and my friends. K6YB did a great job of explaining all the answers! I have gotten my Novice and Tech with this book. My friend has recently gotten into the hobby of Amateur radio and I let him borrow the book. It has helped him a lot. I later upgraded to Tech Plus and am trying for the General. My friend is taking the Tech. Thank you for your great book K6YB....

excellent easily understood intro. to amateur (ham) radio
This is an excellent book that prepares one to pass the amateur radio test and get licensed. Many times introductory books tend to include too much and overwhelm the reader with detail he niether needs or wants. This is especially true for the younger reader. This book is excellent in that it breaks down the mountain of information into easily digested cartoon-like lessons. As an amateur extra (KC6WCT) who has been teaching for many years, I believe this book is absolutely unique in preparing the student for just what he or she needs in an easily digested format. It is also very good in that it gives some inexpensive suggestions on starting to enjoy your ham privleges after you get your license.


Cabaret: The Illustrated Book and Lyrics
Published in Hardcover by Newmarket Press (1999)
Authors: Joe Masteroff, John Kander, Fred Ebb, Joan Marcus, Rivka Katvan, and Linda Sunshine
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Oh,my...Quite lovely.
I was delighted to have this book arrive in the mail one day because I knew I would love it completely, being a big fan of Kander and Ebb as well as Alan Cumming. When I opened the box I wondered if there would be any pictures of Alan. Sure enough, the cover page has a stage hand painting Mr. Cumming's nipples. Already delighted, I continued to read. When I finished I was so pleased. I was left with the wonderful uneasy feeling you get from reading about the immoral Sally Bowles and sadness from the thought that there was no more to read. Kander and Ebb wrote this beautiful musical/play and I am ever so ecstatic to now own a beautiful printing of it. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit New York to See Alan Cumming and Natasha Richardson in Cabaret, but now I have pictures of the show to keep me company. I think any Broadway fan or any person that enjoys a good story should purchase this book. It does justice to the original play in ways the movie never could.

Incredible!
This is an extraordinary book that captures a great element of the Roundabout Theater Company's production of "Cabaret." The book, pictures, reviews, and behind the scenes looks at the production are exquisite, and an absolute must-have for anyone who saw the musical and loved it as I did. Reading the text is a great method for reliving the experience, especially while listening to the CD.

Excellent!
I purchased this book because my school was doing a production of Cabaret- and it came in handy! Many cast members referred to the excellent pictures for make-up/costume appearances. The pictures in the book are unique- I have yet to come across many of them online or elsewhere. The best part of the book is most certainly the entire script!


Zac Attack!: Hanson's Little Brother
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (1998)
Authors: Tracey West and Michael-Ann Johns
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Caution: Dangerously Cool!
Hey there Hanson fanz! This book rocked! I'm surprised that the author didn't even interview Zac herself! I love the pix and the quiz in it to see if you're the type for Zac. Very well written! There may be a tinie tiny bit of false info, but still cool!

As Zac once Said: "'Peace, Love, Happiness, and Bullet-Proof Marshmellows!!"

Zac fans, this is the book for you!!!
This book gave me tons of info on Zac. There were even 16 pages of great color pictures. It was the best Hanson book I ever read! READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!

This book will satisfy your Zac Fact Needs!!
Well, all I have to say to fellow Hanson fans is; if you haven't read this already...you better go out and buy it as soon as you can (if your local bookstore hasn't run out of copies yet!!) It has great behind-the scenes photos, cool tid-bit facts, and anything you wanna know about Hanson's drummer boy!!! (Beware of a little false info here and there)


Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (2001)
Author: John J. Coughlin
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Awesome! A must Read!
I learned about the existence of this book just as I was desparing that there were no good intermediate or advanced pagan books out there. "Out of the Shadows" was everything I was looking for and more. As someone who has long been attracted to dieties with darker, less nurturing aspects like Sekhmet, Kali, and Coyote, I agree that this book was much needed in presenting paganism without the "good vs. bad" dualism. The left hand path is often misunderstood, and I think this book is a wonderful introduction to it. It is a very psychological, thought provoking view. One will find no pre-made spells or rituals here; Coughlin explores the philosophy and mechanics of magic to help you understand why they work. -Quite a liberating thing!
It is also a joy to read; I really enjoyed the conversational style of writing that Coughlin used. He defines and clarifies several aspects of dark spirituality/goth subculture that I would not normally have read about, such as Vampirism and Satanism. He also goes into depth about subjects that would never see the light of day in other books: blood, pain, insanity, sex magic, curses, and drugs. Always there, though, is a reminder of the need for balance and responsibility. The final chapter on haunting was superb; it made sense of the hauntings that I have experienced and caused me to see them in a new way. This book tops my list of favorite pagan books; I reccomend it to everyone who can handle the subject matter and wants a full course meal in magic.

It's about time!
I wish this book had been available about 21 years ago when I first began exploring Wicca and Paganism and wondering why I couldn't stand most of the people I was meeting and why I couldn't sit still for most of the rituals I attended. The truth was and is that the Dark Side is what I feel a true affinity with! The format of this book is simple and very to the point. I appreciate the fact that John does not make it easy for any reader by including rituals, but challenges us to create our own! Although I think his tone is a little too apologetic at times (like having to stress that Dark does not necessarily mean evil), he is not adverse to including a section on Satanism and the Left Hand Path, which too many other "Wiccans" will run screaming from. The differences and similarities between Satanists and Dark Pagans should be clear, but John is insightful enough to explain both. OUT OF THE SHADOWS will definitely ruffle a few feathers, but it will also evoke howls of delight from those brave enough to venture into the dark and appreciate what they find there. There's no doubt that this book fills a gap too long ignored by the Wiccan/Pagan community.

Outstanding Read
This book is absolutly outstanding.The author takes on a dificult subject and section by section covers all the aspects of darkness and dark spirituality.The author has a very easy style writing and you really get the feel that you are having a one on one conversation. Anyone even slightly interested in the subject, and anyone interested in Paganism shoul definatly read this book.


River of Lakes: A Journey on Florida's St. Johns River
Published in Hardcover by University of Georgia Press (1999)
Author: Bill Belleville
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A beautifully written portrait of the St. Johns River
Bill Belleville takes to Florida's St. Johns River in "River of Lakes" to tell the story of its history, culture and nature with eloquence and ease. He is truly smitten with the waterway, and it shows. His descriptions of the river's flora and fauna are sure to captivate readers, taking them along for a vividly colorful ride as he explores the river and its tributaries and springs via airboat, houseboat and kayak. Belleville's provocative thoughts also prompt deep ponderings of the river and its fate as Florida steps into the next millennium and struggles with the issue of balancing growth with its fragile environment. This is a Florida rarely seen by tourists, and, thankfully, Belleville delivers a stunning and remarkable guided tour.

One of the Best Books Ever Written!
River of Lakes is a masterpeice and will sell itself! Environmentalist and adventurer Bill Belleville traveled the entire length of Florida's fabled St. Johns River in a very small boat. The past comes alive! He writes so vividly you can almost see, hear and smell the Timucuans, Spanish explorers,the early settlers and the smoke belching paddlewheelers and, especially, the reality of the present day St. Johns. I thought an alligator tried to bite me while I was reading this book! The author has probably researched this river better than anyone in history and turned it into a fascinating story as well as a benchmark for generations to come. Also, the exploitation of this beautiful river is detailed and its future is brought into perspective. Belleville who is best known for his expeditions on behalf of the Discovery Channel has written a great book. His style, at least in my mind, resonates with the travel writings of Paul Theroux. River of Lakes is a delight to read and I loved it!

Riverfront Resident Finds "River of Lakes" a Scenic View
Bill Belleville's sublime story of the St. John's River was a book I could not put down. A modern version of William Bartram's Travels, "River of Lakes" truly catches the history, geology and flavor of life along the St. John's River. For those of us who have grown up on the river, and who have played in its creeks and springs since childhood, it was an absolute joy to read. I hope that Belleville (who also makes films about rivers) makes a film about the St. John's based on this book. Hang up your hammock by the river, sit back and soak up the beauty of this poetic odyssey. If you haven't seen the St. John's before, you will want to now!


Tunnel of Night
Published in Paperback by Random House (1999)
Authors: John Philpin and Patricia Sierra
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Frightning, chilling and believable-very scary mood piece
John Wolf was supposed to be Lucas Frank's final case as a psychiatric profiler, but the cunning sociopath had other plans. Lucas, accompanied by his daughter Lane, tracks Wolf to his Vermont lair. Lucas uses the killer's bomb against Wolf to enact justice.

Almost a year has passed since that explosive summer day in Vermont. Frank is enjoying his retirement. However, unbeknownst to Frank, John Wolf turns out to be a cat as he survived the bomb. Wolf has been working on vengeance against those who tried to stop him with Lucas and Lane heading up the list. By the time law enforcement officials realize that Wolf is back, it is too late as the killings have begun anew. The stage for a final confrontation between profiler and serial killer is set with only one person expected to walk away alive.

TUNNEL OF NIGHT is hair raising psychological suspense that evokes terror in the bravest of humans because readers will believe that Wolf is modeled after a real human monster. Lucas is an anti-hero who does his job well because he values his principles instead of a simple law book. John Philpin and Patricia Sierra address social issues with dignity inside a well designed novel that will have the audience demanding the return of the father and daughter team.

Harriet Klausner

An incredible read!
"The Prettiest Feathers" began the bizarre saga of two men, Lucas Frank, the reluctant, semi-retired psychiatrist who knows crime and criminals inside out, and John Wolf, the brilliant, insatiable killer fixated on Dr. Frank. "Tunnel of Night" continues the tale. The authors' characterizations are real and totally believable, and give substance to a quick moving plot that doesn't let up. Read these books! They are psychological thrillers and so much more! With a supporting cast of quirky characters, and a myriad of seemingly unrelated details that tie up nicely at the end, these novels are tremednously satisfying. Can't wait for the movie that's sure to come. A month ago I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Philpin speak and read from his work. He is every bit as mesmerizing as his books. Best news: he assured me that there will be additional titles in the Lucas Frank series.

An awesome read!
I read the entire book on a plane between Philadelphia and San Francisco, and only then found out that Prettiest Feathers precedes the action in Tunnel of Night. Take the two books as one. They are an incredible story, well-told, with the kind of insights about criminal behavior that are usually held in reserve for the experts. There isn't enough space to say what I want to say. John Wolf frightens me more than Hannibal Lecter, but so does Lucas Frank, the retired forensic psychiatrist who tracks Wolf down. As a prosecuting attorney, I often feel that no one will ever understand what goes on in the mind of a murderer. Philpin and Sierra do.


Wingtips: Stories (Johns Hopkins, Poetry and Fiction)
Published in Hardcover by Johns Hopkins Univ Pr (1999)
Author: Avery Chenoweth
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A superb first collection, the best I've read in ages.
It will be a long while before the reader forgets the Goodpasture family members. This superbly written first collection of interrelated short stories depicts a seemingly dysfunctional American family that, on reflection, are not all that unusual in their struggles with life and with each other. The collection includes two of the funniest scenes I've had the pleasure to encounter in a long time. The one in "If I Were You," the final story in the collection, had me giggling hysterically, albeit a bit nervously, since the devastating truth that the sharp humor cloaks is revealed only at the end. I look forward to this writer's next effort, whatever it may be.

Chenoweth rules!
Flannery O'Connor, John Updike, James Joyce, and now: Chenoweth! Each story does the work of a novel, and the novel does the work of twelve stories. They intertwine in a threnody of hope and longing. Congrats, I say. Highbrow style covers these poor cousins to the rich in a multi-hued texture of language and wit. The view from the outside, like a poor boy staring at the candy store window, or F. Scott looking longingly as the belles of the ball circulated in their pastel dresses inside the country club of his imagination, is the predominant flavor of the book, and a haunting one too. Wilde wrote that all of us are in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars, and Chenoweth renders this aphorism into fiction that both dazzles and despairs. Next time, though, he should go for the money with a novel that reaches the folks in the trailer park as well as those in the halls of literary academe.

Wonderful stories of family and intrigue
These stories connect on many levels; I found them very entertaining. My favorite was Going Back-- a universal story of college days done as a complex of witty and constantly shifting dialog. This one ought to be a movie!


Reelecting Lincoln: The Battle for the 1864 Presidency
Published in Paperback by DaCapo Press (13 November, 2001)
Author: John C. Waugh
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Once Upon a Time, there was a President...
As his narrative style demonstrates, author John Waugh is a great storyteller; his vivid descriptions of the many players involved in the campaign of 1864 are details one might expect from a work of historical fiction. But this is not a novel. It is a well-researched, very readable history that illustrates Abraham Lincoln's political skill and the importance of his re-election to the fate of the union. What quickly becomes apparent is Lincoln's skill in successfully juggling the interests of opponents both inside and outside his party. While other politicians may have been more dedicated to the immediate abolition of slavery, one begins to understand that Lincoln's overriding goal above all else was the end of the war and the restoration of the union. Waugh's work suggests that Lincoln's personality, and perhaps more importantly, moderate ideology, were crucial to that goal.

The book does a thorough job of showcasing Lincoln's many opponents as well as illustrating the President's own doubts about getting re-elected. Still, after finishing the book, I never really got the sense that Lincoln's re-election was ever really in serious jeopardy. After all, the subject of the book is the "battle for the 1864 presidency." Granted, we have the advantage of knowing the outcome, and, for Lincoln, the threat of defeat was indeed real. But many of the quotes of the doomsday prognosticators seemed more like wishful thinking from Lincoln-hating politicians who could never attain the numbers to give him a more serious challenge. When one removes the book's microscope on Lincoln's political opponents, the big picture would seem to suggest that the people of the north were loyal to the President all along. In any case, keeping one's perspective might be a good idea.

Still, I'd recommend this book-it's a fun read that is well-written and very accessible. Another theme that I took away from Reelecting Lincoln was the reminder that our heroic leaders were ordinary politicians once-fallible with friends and enemies alike.

A marvelous work of History,It reads like a novel.
The election of 1864 was probably the most important Presidential election in our History.It is no understatement to say that if Abraham Lincoln had not been re-elected Our History would have been very different.In fact had Lincoln not won the United States might not even exsist today. In Re-electing Lincoln John Waugh gives us a superb account of this crucial campaign.Mr. Waugh is a former Political Reporter. And it shows.As I read this Book I often had the sensation that I was reading this in the newspaper or watching it on CNN. Mr. Waugh also has the gifts of a Novelist. He gives us a powerful and a suspenseful story with a cast of simply unforgetable Characters. As a History Teacher the thing that I gained most from Re-electing Lincoln was the realization that Political campaigns really have''nt changed much in 134 years.Those who think Campaign finance practices are sleazy today will find this Book a real eye opener.This Book is a wonderful read,even if your not a Civil War Buff. Don't pass it up.

Surviving the Mythical Lincoln
It fascinates me how many great histories and biographies there are to read these days. You don't have to be a historian to enjoy this analysis of one of the most influential times in US history. It entertains, it enlightens, and it builds momentum like a well-written novel.

I spent my boyhood worshipping Long Abe, influenced by the school texts that anointed him a hero. Reelecting Lincoln reveals a more human Lincoln, yet one that I admire and respect. John Waugh exposes the Saviour of the Union for his frailties as well as his strengths. His research unveils the criticism of the President during this important period of the war, the fact that he was seen by many as a yokel, undeserving of the presidency, and the multiple factions, North and South, within and without his own party, even within his own cabinet, that were plotting to defeat him in the 1864 election. This book is well-researched from primary sources, including Lincoln's two personal secretaries and the letters and biographies of major and minor historical figures of the day. A journalist, Waugh also uses material from a multitude of very political newspapers, most of them embued with the opinions of their egomaniacal editors, men like Horace Greely, to describe the events that shaped the campaign during the conflict of the rebellion. There was indeed much underfoot during this year that was so essential to shaping the young nation. The United States was very close to turning out very differently than it looks today. Waugh weaves this story expertly. Reelecting Lincoln is a fascinating, entertaining book.


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