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

Adams-Jefferson Letters
Published in Paperback by Simon & Schuster (1971)
Authors: Cappon Lj, Lester J. Cappon, and John Adams
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A Service To Researchers
I wish this book had been put together a long time ago. It's a very useful service to researchers. When doing research for my own book "Mr Jefferson's Academy, The Real Story Behind West Point" (now, "West Point"), I went through the books available on John Adams/Thomas Jefferson, but found I had to resort to the original documents. It took a massive amount of time. That's one of the reasons my book took several years to complete. This book could have saved a lot of time, and can do the same for any reader or researcher. It's not only comprehensive, but also, well written. If you're interested in an in-depth read on Thomas Jefferson, I recommend this book. (To get a closely packed distillation of Thomas Jefferson, my own book has a biographical chapter that has been distilled from what could easily have been hundreds of pages of opinion, interpretation, and speculation to 40 pages of facts. The rest of the book is gleaned from what he, himself, read!)

Great Research Tool
I agree with the reviewer who wrote the book about West Point who said this book is a service to researchers. Why it's a magnificent research tool. I'm using it copiously at this time for a scholarly work I'm on sabbatical to work on.

Two of Americas greatest minds in their own words
What a joy it is to read the correspondence between two of America's greatest founding fathers. Through this collection of letters we begin to get into the minds of men who created and shaped this nation. We read of their dreams, expectations and fears for this new nation as well as typical correspondence between friends. That is when they were talking to each other. When the two men weren't, Abigail continued to write Jefferson to try and heal the breach. My favorite letter is from John Adams to Jefferson to tell him to stop writing his wife. This is a book for anyone who loves the human side of history and enjoys getting to know the real people behind the legends. I first read it in college, and then spent ten years trying to find it again. Now that I have, it will never leave my bookshelf.


Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Guide to Wireless Enterprise Application Architecture
Published in Paperback by John Wiley & Sons (15 November, 2001)
Authors: Adam Kornak and John Distefano
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A wealth of knowledge - A Must Buy!!
The authors do a superb job explaining the applications of wireless solutions for all readers - those very technical and those who are not. The information is concisely written and is not dry and boring. In addition, the case studies that were presented flowed very well with the material. This is the first book I've seen that disects each step of the architecture design process - the charts were a great visual guide.

Learn wireless architecture from the pros
One of the best books I've read on wireless technology. This book provides not only a blueprint for building a web architecture, but also illustrates how to integrate wireless design into your enteprise. It's like two books in one! Each section covers a unique case study for wireless. It's a rare chance to learn from the big 5 pros.
It's a great book for a beginner or someone with years of experience.

a complete guide to wireless applications
There are plenty of books out there on the shelves about wireless technology. When I first took this book into my hands - that's what I expected. Needless to say: I was positively surprised about Cap Gemini Ernst& Young's different approach to wireless technology. They not just covered technical aspects (just like everyone else), but even more importantly, how all this translates into the daily business environment. This book will stay on my desk as a source of continuous reference and will not collect dust in my book shelf.


Journey of the Heart
Published in Audio Cassette by Audio Literature (1998)
Author: John Welwood
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The best book on love and relationships I have ever read
This book should be on everyone's shelves, whether single or married - in a relationship or not! The concepts and ideas discussed here go deep to the heart of what love is, and how we make love a conscious choice daily. No matter what place you find yourself in along life's path, this book will apply to you in many ways. I would love to buy a copy for all of my family and friends, have preordered the new book to be released in 2000, and just ordered "Love and Awakening" because I learned so much from this one. This author is fantastic, and the book is life-changing!

One of the most profound books on relationships
I have read Journey of Heart well over a dozen times and I always come away with deeper insights and awareness into myself and how I interact in relationships. For the past 5 years, I have given a copy of this book to all of my friends, relatives and even strangers. Reading this book can be truly transformative. Unlike many other books in this field, it does not presribe a set of techniques. Welwood beautifully articulates the various aspects of romantic love - passion, conscious commitment, conditional and unconditional love etc. He weaves them together and demonstrates how this relates to our authentic spiritual development. Journey of the Heart will stand as an all-time classic as we pioneer into the evolution of conscious relationship. Only the Levines' book Embracing the Beloved explores these issues with such depth and sincerity.

Best book on relationships I have read
This thought provoking book is one of the best books on relationships I have read. The author's use of real life cases to highlight his points deepens the teaching and keeps the reader engaged. The basic premise of the book is that an intimate relationship is a path, an opportunity to work on the personal issues you came into this world to solve. Contains real life techniques and knowledge you can apply to your life and your relationships.


Figure in Shadows
Published in Paperback by Yearling (1977)
Author: John Bellairs
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Great book full of magic and mysteries.
When first I started reading this book I thought it was kind of sad how everybody made fun of Lewis. I thought how could somebody be so rude. It got interesting however how Lewis was so sensitive yet he could stand so strong. I thought when I read that the person who was writing "Veno" was the man who once owned the amulet. Later I realized that it was not him because he would have gone after the amulet rather than write "Vino" . Over all I thought that this was a great book that would pull you into the text and make you feel like you were part of the story. A clever mix of horror, humor, magic, and mystery by John Bellairs. I would recommend this story to all kids.

One of the best Horror books ever
I read this book in the 70s or early 80s. I was so frightened by it that I stored it under my sister's bed at night just to keep it out of my room and away from me. It scared me that much - It's very vivid. To this day, the smell of wet ashes reminds me of the book. I mean this all in the best way, of course. I was, perhaps, a little unprepared for the depth of spookiness found in this book, but now I realize that while it frightened the living daylights out of me, it also thrilled me. I credit this book and MacBeth (also read when far too young and impressionable) for my love of "unseen" psychological horror fiction today. Definitely talk with your child after they read this, though. You don't want them spooking at every imagined figure in the shadows.

This story will stay with you.
I read this book 25 years ago, when I was 9. Since then, I have read thousands of books, but I remember this story, almost by heart. I did not know it was a series. I am going to buy everything by Bellairs, to read myself, and for my son, who will soon be old enough for this. I recommend this book heartily. Bellairs is quite the equal of Rowling. If Stephen King wrote youth horror, his charactorization and style would be close to this.


Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide (2nd Edition)
Published in Hardcover by Ten Speed Press (2002)
Authors: Burton Goldberg, John W. Anderson, and Larry Trivieri
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Very Highly Recommended!
As a practitiner of alternative medicine (Chinese health & healing), you should know this book is an absolute must-read. It is a resource book for both patients and health-care providers alike. In it, 380 leading physicians explain their treatments. It contains information on how to reverse over 200 health problems offering the benefits of dozens of medical books with interactive cross-referenced text. You will enjoy reading about real life patient success stories and hundreds of self-help tips while 50 alternative therapies are explained in detail.

Excellent Resources for MTs
The world of alternative medicine is here, and it can be rather confusing at times. I transcribe medical dictation for physicians, and more and more patients are taking OTC supplements. This reference book is a wonderful resource for MTs in helping them locate non-mainstream remedies that are being dictated by physicians.

What a comprehensive book about medicine and healing
This has got to be one of the most comprenhensive books ever written about alternative medicine. It tells a lot of valuable information about various vitamins and minerals and how they work to keep our bodies in perfect form. It gives important detail about what doses of each supplement we need to take. I also tells us about how the supplements interact with each other.

This book goes into great detail to tell us about our various organs and other body parts and how they work. I tells about how to handle disease when we contract it. It reinsures us that we don't need to run to the doctor everytime we get sick.

I have learned an inmeasureable amount of information from this book. I really believe it has been a worth while investment.

I Would Strongly Recommend This Book


Burning for Revenge
Published in Hardcover by Houghton Mifflin Co (25 September, 2000)
Author: John Marsden
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Awesome!
John Marsden has done it again. Book 5 will not disappoint you! If you've been anxiously awaiting the end -- Books 6 and 7, intitled The Night is for Hunting and The Other Side of Dawn, respectively -- you shouldn't have to wait long. I already own all 7 and I live in North America! There is this Australian online bookstore at bookworm.au which sells all 7 books in softcover with very reasonable shipping charges. It is a pretty rudimentary site -- I suspect it is run out of someone's basement -- but they sure deliver! I almost didn't want to read The Other Side of Dawn because I knew that that would be it for one of the best series I have ever come across. I won't give anything away but I will say that the series did not disappoint!!

Well, get on with it!
One day I walked into the library, and one of the librarians handed me a book, "Here, you'll like this one." Well, I read it, 'Tomorrow, When the War Began.' I absolutly loved it! I didn't find out that it was a series until later, but I was absolutly enthraled when I read the others. I didn't talk to anybody for weeks; there was no ungluing myself from the books. I can't wait to read this next one. Please hurry up, Mr. Marsden! There is a wide range of fans waiting to nab your book off the shelf as soon as it gets there.

Outstanding!
I absolutely love John Marsden. I've read nearly all his books:so much to tell you, letters from the inside, Nortons hut-they were all great, but this book was the best of the best. This book seems a bit shorter than the others, but it's probably because I read it so fast! Even though this was the best book out of the Tommorow series, I suggest that you read the books in order, otherwise it will ruin some of the endings. Here's the order: Tommorow when the war began, the dead of night, the killing frost(US)/The third day the Frost(UK), Darkness be my friend, Burning for revenge, the night is for hunting, the otherside of dawn. The last 2 books can be special ordered from the UK.


Dog Talk: Training Your Dog Through a Canine Point of View
Published in Hardcover by St. Martin's Press (1995)
Authors: John Ross and Barbara McKinney
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Boy howdy, dogs don't listen...
This book is full of great ideas and concepts. I purchased the title based on average customer review, and really grasped the concepts within. However, once I finally got my dog, I quickly learned that many of the things the book takes for granted lead to much frustration on your part. Dogs don't just sit in front of you, though that's one of the big points the book relies on. Dogs won't just stand next to you, no matter how hard you make them try. Pick up the book if you want a nice read, and want to have some great concepts, but take the time to follow-up the book with some hardcore, professional obedience training. Doing it yourself will result in hours of frustration, and an unruly pet.

A well balanced, intelligent approach to dog training!
As a fellow author and dog trainer, I can highly recommend this title as one of the best presentations of an "all-breed" basic training program that I've read. John Ross stresses the importance of understanding the world from your dog's point of view (which I highly agree with). The ability to "read your dog" and communicate with him effectively is, after all, a key element to successful training.

Ross also presents a well balanced approach, free from the ineffective gimmicks and "quick fixes" so commonly heralded in many training books today. You wont find "purely positive" nor correction/aversion based methods blindly recommended here... but instead an intelligent approach based on conditioned responses, and an understanding of natural canine behavior.

If you want to establish an enjoyable, life long relationship with your dog... then "Dog Talk" is a book you should not be without! I wish more instructors of basic manners obedience classes would follow the "Dog Talk" training program; if they did, the result would surely be many more happy owners with well mannered canine companions.

Bridging the Inter-Species Communication Gap
John Ross is vastly under-rated and under-cited; at least it seems that way with other trainers I've spoken with on the East Coast of the USA. This book provided the foundation for my training with my first dog that has led to my entry into professional dog training. While many people looking for house manners for their puppies seem to turn to the Monks of New Skete book, a fine work in its own rite, those who I encounter who chose *Dog Talk* typically seem to have better working relationships with their dogs.

Perhaps it is his clear, concise, and straightforward method that makes the difference. Not only does he talk about his successes in dog training, he offers examples of his own failures in dog training to clearly demonstate to the reader better methods that he acquired as a result. Personally, I like to learn from someone who is likewise interested in learning, as well--I tend to be wary of those who seem to have never made mistakes.

Not only does he get a dog owner through the basics of house manners, he includes solid instructions for expanding into a working relationship with a canine, and that includes a few fun tricks.

This book is divided into two sections--the white section includes general stories, and anecdotally describes how to speak to your dog on a level he understands. In the central grey section he tells, step-by-step, how to train a particular behaviour (e.g., "Sit," "Stay," etc.), what to expect as your dog begins to learn, and how to address specific problems as they arise in the training process. He doesn't expect one to read his mind when he describes a process--he gives one all the necessary information, including photographs, so one will know if one is going about something the right way.

The only potential drawback to this book is that he does incorporate a traditional dog training collar in some exercises. I contend, however, that if one has firmly followed his instructions on how to engage a dog--in language the dog understands--one will find that the dog performs such that corrections are not necessary. This is especially true if you begin work with a puppy (a dog under the age of two).

If all humans engaged their new pups in *Dog Talk* from the day they brought them home, the dog shelters/dog pounds would no longer be over-flowing with discarded pets, and there would be virtually no such thing as a "bad" dog anymore.

This book really is just that good.


Euripides: Medea
Published in Paperback by Cambridge Univ Pr (Trd) (2000)
Authors: Euripides and John Harrison
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Medea...too much woman for me!
'Medea' by Euripedes is a classic and powerful Greek tragedy that broke all the rules of that time period. Euripedes takes two great figures in Medea and Jason, and uses Iconoclastic techniques brilliantly to make Jason seem stupid and Medea seem like a murderer. It is especially interesting because of the story that you need to understand outside of the play. You will need to know who the gods are and how Medea and Jason got together. Medea is a powerful sorceress, which is a major point in this play. The imagery of the death scenes were VIVIDLY scripted and the gods, who are supposed to represent all that is good and rightous, are also mocked and bashed by Euripedes. Overall, Euripedes defied all and created a tragic masterpiece, I will definately recommend you to read this. Thank you.

Scorned Barbarian Woman Bent on Revenge
This is one of those remarkable plays that feels like it was written just last week. Medea is the daughter of the evil King Aeetes in Colchis -- on the remote, eastern side of the Black Sea. She assists Jason in slaying the serpent that guarded the golden fleece, and fell deeply in love with him. (See Apollonius Rhodius' Argonautica for a fuller treatment of the love episode at Colchis). She even killed her brother, Absrytus, on their way back to Greece.

Medea has one problem, however. Aside from the fact she is a witch, she is a barbarian, a non-Greek. The Greeks used the word "barbaros" to refer to all people who weren't Greek, because if they didn't speak Greek, it just sounded like "bar bar bar" to the Greeks.

So after Jason and Medea settle in together back in Greece, his homeland, he decides that his interests (and Medea's) are better served if he marries the daughter of King Creon of Corinth. Medea gets jealous, poisons the woman, and then kills her two children in revenge.

Medea is an absolutely riveting character, whose tragic problems are those of all woman who have left their homes and families to follow men to foreign lands, only to be scorned by them in the end. The speeches of Jason and Medea are remarkable point-counterpoint presentations which reflect the deep influence of the sophists of Euripides' day. Medea sounds, at times, like a proto-feminist. She is one of the most enduring dramatic creations of all times, revealing with each line the remarkable genius of Euripides, the most modern of the three great Greek tragedians

The best known tragedy of Euripedes.
This play is regarded by many as Euripedes' masterpiece and should be required reading of all educated people. It retells the tragic story of Medea, who had helped Jason in his quest, became his wife, gave him two sons, and feels betrayed since he is marrying the daughter of the ruler of Corinth (Jason has come to the conclusion that this is necessary to protect Medea and his sons since she is a barbarian). With horrible vengence, she kills the bride and the king and then kills her two sons. Euripedes depicts how much passion and vengence can overcome not only individuals, but those who strive to be rational. Men (and governments) can't ignore the influence of emotion, and even irrationality, on their decisions and actions, even when those actions may seem rational and just. Man has to remain flexible. The play also shows how emotions, anger, and unbridled fury can cause a person to do stupid and irrational acts. Euripedes is undoubtedly warning Athens with respect to the war that is going on with Sparta.


Henry V
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (1999)
Authors: William Shakespeare and John Russell Brown
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A brilliant play
Required to read Henry for my AP English Language class, I came into the play with a bias. I honestly felt that it would be a boring political play. I was utterly wrong! A huge fan of Shakespeare, I found Henry V to be a formidable match for the Bard's more critically acclaimed plays, such as Hamlet and Macbeth. Henry has it all! Shakespeare's attitude toward Henry the King is certainly one of admiration. By communicating the fact that an effective monarch must have a complete understanding of the common subjects (Pistol and Bardolph and Quickly), Shakespeare sets up Henry to be the ideal Christian king. The controlled language of Henry's speeches, particularly his response to the Dauphin's idiotic insult, also glorifies Henry. I certainly recommend this play to anyone, fan of Shakespeare or not.

Profoundly Brilliant!
Written by Shakespeare for Queen Elizabeth I amidst a time of Irish rebellion, Henry V more than adequately serves its intended purpose of galvanizing nationalistic fervor. It proved itself to be an unwavering and unfaltering impetus of patriotism in Shakespeare's day, during WWII, and still today it continues to resonate and reverberate this provocatively telling tale of the most gloriously revered monarch in English history.

Henry V's stirring orations prior to the victorious battles of Harfleur("Once more unto the breach") and Agincourt("We few, we happy few, we band of brothers") astonish and inspire me every time I read them. Simply amazing. Having read Henry IV Parts I&II beforehand, I was surprised Shakespeare failed to live up to his word in the Epilogue of Part II in which he promised to "continue the story, with Sir John in it." The continuing follies of the conniving Bardolph, Nym, & Pistol and their ignominious thieving prove to be somewhat of a depricating underplot which nevertheless proves to act as a succinct metaphor for King Harry's "taking" of France.

Powerful and vibrant, the character of Henry V evokes passion and unadulterated admiration through his incredible valor & strength of conviction in a time of utter despondency. It is this conviction and passion which transcends time, and moreover, the very pages that Shakespeare's words are written upon. I find it impossible to overstate the absolute and impregnable puissance of Henry V, a play which I undoubtedly rate as the obligatory cream of the crop of Shakespeare's Histories. I recommend reading Henry IV I&II prior to Henry V as well as viewing Kenneth Branagh's masterpiece film subsequent to reading the equally moving work.

We Few, We Happy Few
On D-Day British officers read Henry's famous words to their men as they approached the beach. When Churchill needed material for his famous "Few" speech, his thoughts turned to the pages of Henry V. From "once more into the breach" to "we happy few, we band of brothers" this play resonates with Shakespeare's paen to England's warrior king. Oh, you'll be a bit confused at the start if you haven't read Henry IV parts 1 and 2, but this is primarily the story of Henry V's victory at Agincourt. Whether the play glorifies war or just Henry you will have to decide. There is much food for thought here for the perceptive reader. But then Shakespeare is always provocative.


A Godward Life : Savoring the Supremacy of God in All Life (Book 2)
Published in Hardcover by Multnomah Publishers Inc. (1999)
Author: John Piper
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Strong Meat in Bite-Size Form
I have tried and tried to get into "daily devotional" books for years. I have read in Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest" and C. H. Spurgeon's (whom I love!) "Morning by Morning," and even A. W. Tozer's "Renewed Day by Day." They just don't help me much. None of them, that is, except Piper. Piper is different. Piper gives food for the soul.

These meditations are strong meat in bite-size form. Piper meditates on Scripture passages (like Matt. 6:34, Phil. 1:21, and Rom. 5:8), gives snap-shot biography (of men like Abraham Lincoln, Adonirum Judson, and Charles Spurgeon), and reflects on social concerns (such as abortion, advertising with sex, and the lottery) - all from a God-centered perspective.

Not only is the content good, but Piper's writing style is both intellectually engaging and emotionally stimulating. He thinks deep. And when you read Piper, YOU begin to think deep. He is about as far from superficial as the Pillsbury Dough-boy is from muscle-tone.

This book helps me prime my spiritual pump. Some of my favorite meditations are: #19 "O SPARE US THIS REBUKE IN WORSHIP: Thoughts on the Handicapped Heart", #40 "WHEN UNCLOTHED IS UNFITTING: Thoughts on Selling with Sex", and #106 "THE POWER OF A FATHER'S DISCIPLINE: Memories of John G. Paton's Father." And there are so many more.

I commend this book with all my heart. Read. Think. And Live.

not merely 'feel good', but spiritually edifying
I was recommended to John Piper as I am in a stage of "God thirsting", insatiable for the truth, and getting to "know God". I purchased most of Piper's books, thus far I enjoy both versions of Godward Life the most. I read it at the airport as I travel frequently, and one time found myself borrowing a highlighter from my neighbor on the plane. The book made me understand the complete truth behind the passage "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." My heart became very peaceful henceafter, indeed the truth shall set you free.

Some of his preaching are easy to accept, but 'hard to practice' daily in life, but I know those are the truth God is teaching me. Indeed the narrower path has its hardships, yet also its blissful rewards. My next readings will be "The Pleasures of God and Future Grace".

Just enough Piper to digest quickly
The book came in the mail like hundreds of others. You see, I review books for a living. In other words, I get paid to be a cynic about the publishing industry. Know up front that I don't give 5 stars lightly or easily.

I'd heard of John Piper often and heard him quoted even more so it seemed. A devotional? Maybe this will be a good introduction before reading A Hunger for God or Desiring God.

I was taking a trip and decided to take A Godward Life along since my spiritual rhythm would be off while I was gone. Little did I know that I would be caught up in the personal correspondence and private musings of one of today's greatest pastors. I read all 120 readings in 7 short days--some twice, many highlighted, a few quoted in my journal.

I read a lot of books. I've seen a thousand devotionals. This was the first one to change my life. For me, this is the My Utmost for His Highest for my generation. I can't wait for the sequel.

Be sure to read Piper's letters to the editor of the local newspaper. How refreshing. Get to know the man and his thoughts--not just his outer presentation.


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