I wish John Peel would read this. John, the Diadem series is awesome, and you are one of my favorite authors! You're going down in history, man! But, after all that, don't tell me you got bored or something? I think I speak for every one when I say that, how dare you bring us all this way, introduce us to such great characters, and provide us with such an intruiging and riddle-like story and then abandon it at the height of excitement? Diadem deserves to go down in legend with J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis books!!!! Ok, if you wanted to wrap things up, maybe you could have ended it differently. I mean, I liked the end of #6 for a cliffhanger, but when I found it was the end of all the books, I could not believe it! Why so many unanswered questions!? You can't do this to us, John...

Dear Mr. John Peel,

I love your books! I think it's interesting having a new fantasy book series that incorporates some of the less widely used characters, like the centaurs, the sphinx, and the ice dragon, to the unicorns, wizards, and kids with magical power. It always interests me to view how writers portray the opposite sex in characters, and I approve of Hellaine. They are all believable, lovable, human characters, and that is perhaps your major selling point. I also like how all the book covers mold together to form one design! However, the suspense is killing us! Keep writing, Publish those books faster! We'll be waiting at the bookstore.

Kids who are reading this, if you like this, you'll probably be interested in another book series I've read. Patricia C. Wrede's "Dealing With Dragons". It's about a teanage girl who is a very improper princess, who like Hellaine, is bored with her royal duties of curtseying and needlepoint, so she voluntarily becomes a dragon's princess, and aids the dragons in their battle against the evil magic-stealing wizards.

I would like to tell everyone that Mr. Peel didn't stop writing "Diadem". He is just taking a break because Scholastic doesn't want to publish these books anymore, so he is trying to find another publishing company. He is writing a different series right now. I know this because I have sent him e-mail with my own concerns. I love how he captures the excitement in the books he writes. I read a few other of his books and this guy has talent. I am twelve years old and I just can't decide on what character is my favorite. I like Pixel for his brains and stuff. I like how Helaine sticks up for girls' rights. I like how Score is... I don't know the right word for him but he is so cool. Well, I need to go checkout the reviews for other books now.

I spent the first part of the book as this tragedy unfolded crying my heart out. I defy anyone to read this book and not be so affected.

The second part I was angry and outraged....at the people who destroyed the blameless school janitor, who blamed the Sisters for not getting the children out when there was nothing anyone could have done differently, for the death threats against the priests and nuns at the school. I was angry that a new school was planned within days of the fire when the babies and the nuns killed hadn't even been buried. I was outraged that the courts were more concerned about embarassing the archdiocese than bringing the arsonist to justice. I was outraged that they would build a new school on the same site with the same name and not make any mention whatsoever of the fire and its victims, living and dead.

I was angry that they refused to allow the victims to talk about it, preferring to sweep it all under the rug, that there was no counseling, either for them or the firefighters who were equally traumatized.

I've never had a book affect me so deeply.

I found TO SLEEP WITH THE ANGELS one of the most fascinating books I have read in decades. Now a college professor, I was a teenager in New York when the fire took place. I was struck by the senseless horror of it: it stayed in my mind for years and when I read TO SLEEP WITH THE ANGELS I finally could learn all that I had now known about the work. I actually went to Chicago, met some of those survivors of the fire, went to the old neighborhood, visited cemeteries and relived my own past and could learn about that horrendous fire. I have never done anything like this as a result of reading a book and I have, believe me, literally read thousands of books in my long teaching career. Hats off to the authors: they have that unique talent that all professionals strive for-- to make History come alive both for those who were involved in it (in whatever way) and for those who never experienced the event. This is the BEST book on the subject of current History that I have ever read. I cannot speak too highly of this work and I recommend it to anyone who wants to become involved in one of the most heartbreaking events of our age. I have reread the book six times and plan to do it again. My students are fascinated by the work and many have begun independent research work on the fire, due only to the skill of the writers of TO SLEEP WITH THE ANGELS.

I just completed "To Sleep With the Angels," and felt compelled to to share my thoughts and emotions with other readers. As a student during the 1960's and 1970's, I received the benefit of the fire safety regulations mandated as a result of the fire. I grew up in a parish near Our Lady of Angels, and remained in the neighborhood well into adulthood. Two of my cousins attended OLA at the time of the fire. Accordingly, I understood the serious nature of fire and air raid drills, and knew that one day, the drill might be real. Although our Catholic school building was constructed before 1949, we had the benefit of fire doors (which were always closed), sprinklers, fire alarms within easy reach of the students and a fire box in front of the school - things which, as a group, could have saved numerous lives in the OLA fire. The phoenix of the fire was increased safety of future generations. Reading this book reminded me that I should not take such safety for granted. Moreover, I am pleased that the authors portrayed the BVM sisters as the courageous women they are. I highly recommend this book because it erases myths surrounding the fire, commemorates the victims and finally tells the stories of the brave men and women who risked their own lives to save those of the OLA students.

The author has a clever and hilarious voice that rings strong throughout this honest, no-nonsense portrayal of the insider's view on dining establishments across the nation.

"Dry, Up, With a Twist" is my recommendation as a gift for the person who has everything. Why? Because they will learn about, often shocking, secrets the fine dining establishment don't want them to know.

What? A 20% tip is in order? Where have I been?

My laughter was uncontrolable as I read this magnificient book from cover to cover--twice in a row. Buy it! This is a must-read. See if you can put it down after just one read-through. Then write your own review.

Oh my! This book landed in my hands at work accidentally, although in retrospect I see reason. It was so funny that I kept sneaking peeks during work, which is hard to do in a restaurant. Soon, all the other employees were crowded around as I was reading out loud and we were all laughing very loudly. (After we got in trouble,) I waited until that night to FINISH THE ENTIRE BOOK. John's writing style and wit is highly contagious. He talks about the [junk] life sometimes pitches us, and how we choose to swing, or just wait for the walk. He truly touched my heart when confronting our waste as an industry and puts tough subjects into a bigger perspective, all the while keeping me laughing... sometimes, crying. If you have ever eaten out, owned, or worked in the food service industry, you will LOVE his sarcasm and dry wit as he gives us ALL a little more direction in etiquette. And if you enjoy watching someone grow, evolve, and realize their dream, (go penguins!) then you will certainly want to read this book. This is a book that will be on the Best-Seller's list for a very long time. It's great, go get it!

I was very glad to stumble across this book. Dry, Up with a Twist is a daringly original book. It is a well crafted story that works on several different levels. Not only is it a hilarious behind-the-scenes account of John's many years in the fine dining industry, but it is also a thought provoking critique of the restaurant business and the people invloved in it. Mr. Galloway holds nothing back in this book, he lets his former bosses, co-workers and customers have it, while maintaining his witty sense of humour throughout. Sometimes shocking, sometimes tragic, but always entertaining. I currently work in the service industry myself and I could instantly identify with John's tale. It's nice to know that there are sane people in this crazy business . I thoroughly enjoyed Dry, Up with a Twist and I am very glad to have stumbled across it.

"Tears of Rage" is a compelling look at John Walsh's tragedy and triumph as an advocate for missing children: the legal and personal heart break he and his family had to endure after his only son, Adam,6, was kidnapped from a Florida shopping mall and murdered. The charismatic Walsh proved that one person can make a difference. As host of "America's Most Wanted" he has been a crusader for children and adults alike, making this a safer world for all of us. "Tears of Rage" will remind you just how important it is to stay close to your children and family, remind them how much you love them and always be there for them and to protect them. John Walsh is an exemplary role model and a man's man, as he has proven in keeping America safer for all of us. One man who made a difference through his own personal tragedy and has gone on to triumph.

John Walsh is a man of tremendous courage. He has helped countless victims, and in this book, he gives his own heartbreaking story. I cried when I watched the movie on TV, but the book gives all the details that a movie simply cannot. Everyone who cares about children should read this book, whether you are a parent or not. Reve Walsh went shopping at a local mall, and let Adam play in the toy department while she quickly went to pick up something. That is when a pedophile got a hold of Adam and took him. John takes us through this miserable journey of searching for Adam, and then the horror of learning about the way he was killed (they only found Adam's head). We find out how little law enforcement did in those days for missing children, and how one man, John Walsh, fought to change those laws. Many people would have had nervous break-downs if they went through what John Walsh did, but he chose to fight for all missing kids instead. He also gives advice to parents about keeping their kids safe. For instance, he said that parents should never hire a male babysitter, no matter how nice he seems. I thought this was a bit extreme, but he had a point. Since most child molesters are male, he feels it is best to always hire a female to take care of your children. John also gave advice on how to deal with extreme grief. He said that you should take care of yourself, eat right, work out, get enough sleep, etc. Too many people neglect themselves physically when they are in the midst of a tragedy. It is uplifting to see how John came out of the depths of despair to be the crusader he is today on America's Most Wanted. John Walsh won't rest until every last criminal and pedophile are behind bars. He is an inspiration to people everywhere.

TEARS OF RAGE is the compelling story told by John Walsh of the trauma he and his wife Reve and family experienced when their 6-year-old Adam disappeared from a store. Walsh describes the agonizing days of the search for Adam; the torture of knowing Adam had been kidnapped and murdered; and the frustration of inept law enforcement agencies to coordinate their efforts. The reader is taken through the saga of the Walshs' struggles which finally led John Walsh to host the highly successful "America's Most Wanted." Few books have captured the intense emotion experienced by the family of a murdered child. Walsh pulls no punches. His raw honesty is refreshing. He attacks apathy and hypocrisy with ample justification: we cannot ignore the needs of helpless children. The reader is drawn into the realism of a world where evil co-exists with good, and anyone naive enough to ignore that fact may become a victim. He clearly shows that the efforts to work for the benefit of children and other victims has paid off and is continuing. Walsh is clearly a fighter who will not give up his battle to get murderers and other criminals off the streets. He urges support for victims' rights laws and support of various organizations that are helping victims. He advocates support for the proposed "The Crime Victims' Rights Constitutional Amendment." The reader is left with the feeling that in spite of everything, good people can make a difference.

Major John Plaster, usually known as the author of millitary and police sniping manuals, does a good, but not quite masterful job, at recollecting his experiences in the Studies and Observations Group during the Vietnam war. Plaster carries over a style that he has developed in his technical manuals, a style that is oftentimes dry, almost academic at times, though he is certainly capable of creating a thrilling atmosphere. His prose is written in such a way that it seems to project a air of the third person, occasional interjected by instences of the word "I" or "We." But perhaps I am being a bit too harsh. Plaster does accomplish his goal of informing on the various workings and effectiveness of SOG, and brings to light a certain virtuous aura to at least a few select units, which have been slandered as a whole by the anti-war ideals which followed the war. The book is generally well written, with a fair representation of the horrors of war and loss, and not without a bit of humorous flavor. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Psychological Warfare techniques. Overall, the book is comparable to Harry Constance's similar work on SEAL teams in Vietnam, yet with more of a professional air, though far less personal. It can be safely recommended to anyone with an interest in the Vietnam War, or in special forces and operations.

The History Channel did had an excellent show on SOG and Mr. Plaster telling the SOG story; however Mr. Plaster's book abd Photo history TELL AND SHOWS IN GREAT DETAIL AND PICTURES; UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS AND SIGHTS THAT COULD NEVER BE DUPLICATED BY ANT TV DOCUMENTARY! I never servrd my country; however; after reading (Major, Ret.) Plaster's "great" book in paperback and his photo history, it moved me and helped me to better understand just what "OUR BOY'S) had to go through, deal with and sacrifice for our fine country! I spent over $170.00 on 2 copies of each of his "SOG" books, and would have spent more on eash of them , if I had to! I put a copy of each book back for my son; so that the SOG legacy will always live on in his generation's minds! I was so glad that men (true heroes) like mr. Plaster took the time and sarifice to do the history on SOG. i ALWAYS HAVE RESPECTED the : THE US SPECIAL FORCES, however was so glad to learn of SOG, it's men, missions, all that they've done for our country and to preserve democracy; so that we all "AMERICAN'S) may and are still here, today; alive, free, safe and well! I use to think the NAVY SEAL'S were good! These brave totally-unselfish and giving men are what our country and flag is all about! If only more people in today's society would possess just a fraction of patriotism and respect to: GOD,FATHER and COUNTRY as these men did; well; we'd all be better off today, and mayby there would be more respect in our society today; toward's our fellow-man and neighbor's! I would have been "proud" to have served under "such" patriotic-team-player's; as SOG was! I only wish that people I work with, live by and come in contact with would be as respectable, humble, unselfish, and patriotic as these "fine" men were, and (always) will be; in my mind, as long as GOD so let's me live! Thank's all sogger's, Mr. Plaster and to all who served in S.E. ASIAN WAR; so that we all may "still" safely and freely be able to be here today--in a free and democratic society. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

I , when I whine or complain daily, stop, open up Mr. Plaster's book and Photo History book; and think: wow! I am so stupid; I have "no right" whatsoever to ever complain about anything! How we all are today! How lucky I am that I am here in America; never knowing what it would be like to be in a foreign land, fighting for "our great country" or to be a P.O.W.! mR. pLASTER'S BOOKS HELP ME "DAILY" APPRECIATE MY LIFE, FAMILY, AND MY COUNTRY so mush better! The book's by Mr. Plaster helps us to understand just what our men and women had to endure in S.E. ASIA! Yet these (SOG) men goes mant steps further; out on-a-limb; for you and I; risking their lives and limbs to keep us all safe and "free" here, in America on some of the most-dangerous-secret missions ever done during The Vietnam War for our country! If only "we" in today's society could be (true) team players such as these fine-brave men of SOG were; our country wouldn't have the disrespect problem that it has today! We "all" need to go back, read Mr. Plaster's book and photo history; and realize how " truly-really" blessed we "all" are to have had such a "fine-brave-unselfish" units of men like the SOG units; that so-gallantly fought in S.E. Asia in Vietnam War; so that we all might be here, today, free and democratic! Mr. Plaster's work's are; as far as i am concerned; true/definative and complete work's of the SOG units! Can't get any better than this! Thank's Mr. (Major-ret.) Plaster/ SOG! I'd give anything to someday be able to meet "all" you brave men in person, GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Much respect!

I first read this as a child, growing up in the south in a pentacostal holiness church. This book was my very first introduction to the Jewish Faith, what it means and how it impacted day-to-day life. I found that this family was a very loving family who encouraged their girls (then baby boy) to learn and to grow up strong. I remember wanting to be Jewish so that I could be a member of their family. There was so much fun and love.

Well, I have since learned about the "Jewish" stereotype. However, I was not suckered in by the error because my first experience with Jews came about through the All of A Kind Family books. I am convinced that I knew the truth about the Jewish people because of these books.

I strongly recommend that these books be added to all reading lists, as they help to teach kindness, love, and tolerance for all people, just like they helped to teach to me.

I happened upon a copy of this book at a rummage sale when I was seven years old and have enjoyed it ever since. Though it is never laugh-out-loud funny, it is highly entertaining and definitely falls into the category of feel-good books. Author Sydney Taylor created sweet and interesting characters whose lives you immediately want to follow.

The story chronicles the lives of five Jewish sisters growing up in New York at the turn of the century. Four-year-old Gertie is the baby of the family. Six-year-old Charlotte is a daydreamer who is idolised by her little sister. Eight-year-old Sarah cannot be better described than by Taylor, who refers to her in the narrative as "always the practical one". Ten-year-old Henny is the impish, mischievous one of the bunch (and they need one, considering how docile the other daughters usually are!). Twelve-year-old Ella is the oldest daughter, a talented singer with a big crush on her father's friend Charlie, who is hiding a secret.

The story chronicles the lives of the family throughout their various trials and tribulations over the year. If my sister and I are any indication, any reader will want to read and re-read it!

The whole "All-of-a-Kind" series was one of my favorites as little girl! I used to devour these books and I'm so happy to have found them so I can give them to my 9-year old niece for Christmas! I hope she loves them as much as I did. I remember feeling totally involved with the family and couldn't wait to read the next book. I agree with some of the other reviewers, as a Christian, I wasn't really knowledgable in Jewish customs and this book taught me so much about Judaism -- celebrations, religious customs, history, etc. So not only was I reading a wonderful story, but I learned something too. Also loved that it was set in the turn of the century -- that was a learning experience too. Wonderful wonderful book -- so happy I found it again! Thanks, Amazon

"What if I were to raise a dead person by myself?" With Halloween coming up, this would be a perfect horror fantasy you would want to read. Orphaned Lewis Barnavelt comes to live with his Uncle Jonathan. He finds out an astonishing truth about his Uncle and his neighbor being a witch. Lewis loves watching his Uncle's amazing tricks. When he makes a mistake of not obeying his uncle and bringing the evil Selena Izard back to life, things don't go well. Selena Izard and her husband hold terrible secrets in their house. The clock that is always ticking in Jonathan's house gets louder. Now, the question is, can Lewis, his Uncle and Mrs.Zimmermen stop the clock before Selena Izard brings the world to an end? Read this amazing horror story to find out!

I recommend this book to anyone who likes horror fantasies. It's a real page-turner. The author writes it in a way that makes you want to keep reading. There are a lot of surprises in the middle that makes you not want to put down the book. For example, there is this one time when Luke, his uncle and Mrs.Zimmermen take a car ride and then suddenly there is a car following them. To get out of danger they drive across a bridge and then they're safe. Hey, this kind of sounds like the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Its like the character has to run across the bridge, so he is safe from the headless horseman. Anyways, I also think some of the characters in this book are interesting, like Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman. They're odd in some way, but that is what makes them fit in this story. To end it, this was a really hard book for me to put down. Read this amazing horror fantasy!

I suppose I am going to spend a long time looking for another book as suspenseful, well-written, and atmospheric as John Bellair's House With a Clock in Its Walls. I first read this novel at the age of ten and I was immediately captivated by the author's use of setting and character to transport me to a small town in the 1940s where magic is present around every corner. Bellairs' take on the gothic genre is masterful; through wit and economy of words he is able to conjure up everything from a vast Victorian mansion with secret rooms, to a mysterious, kind, and magical uncle, and to an evil witch brought back from the dead. This book is responsible for starting me on an obsessive search for any literature or film related to the "gothic house" story--and only a few works, such as Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House or Angela Carter's short story "The Bloody Chamber," come close to capturing the same sense of magic, dark foreboding, and hous! ! es that are truly living characters. I have often wished that this book were turned into a film; I can seen every frame of it in my head. I think it is marvellously visual and would be highly effective on the screen. If you haven't read this story, you are in for a real treat. It's smart, funny, scary, well-written, and genuine--qualities that are unfortunately hard to find in most adult novels. Likewise, if you enjoy this book, you have the opportunity to delve into the many other Bellairs books which are generally of the same quality of this story. (Besides, the terrific Edward Gorey pictures alone make this book a great read!)

I first became acquainted with "The House With a Clock in Its Walls" around the age of eight. It was made into a kids' TV show (an "After School Special", perhaps? I don't remember), and I immediately checked the book out from the library. Over the years I read several other of Bellairs' books, but my favorites were always the books linked with (and continuing the story of) "The House With A Clock In Its Walls". The stories were especially fascinating for me, as they all took place in Michigan, my home state (in fact, "The Letter, The Witch, and The Ring" - book three of the series - takes place in no small part near Petoskey, Michigan, which is only 25 miles from my hometown). When I was in college, I found that the college bookstore had some copies of T.H.W.A.C.I.I.W. for sale, so I bought one. I found the story was just as enjoyable then as it had been 16 years before. I'm now 27, and I STILL enjoy these books! These are truly stories for young and old alike.

Chicka Chicka boom boom is a great book when teaching a child the letters and order of the alphabet. This book is full of vibrant color and, exciting rhyming words. The first time I read this book was when a three year old I was Nannying for at the time told me she could read the book to me. As I sat next to her and read the book silently as she was reciting the book to me almost word for word, I realized yes she did inded know this book. NO, she was not reading the workds, but she new the oder of the alphabet and had been the read the book enough times to be able to recite the book. The book was well written and the illustrations also help to express the plot of the story.

"A told B and B told C
I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree."

Thus begins Chicka Chicka Boom Boom's bouncy romp through the alphabet. The cadence is quick and the rhyming is fun. One can't help but read it aloud just to bop along! This book has captivated every child I've seen "read" it from 1 month (no kidding, the bright colors and simple shapes really grab 'em) to 5 years.

As for its learning potential, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom clips through the alphabet twice, and in a brilliant move portrays the child-personified letters as lower-case and the "adult" letters as upper-case. The "kid" letters are rambunctious and accitentally get hurt (resulting in "skinned-knee d", "black-eyed p", and "loose-toothed t"), but the "adult" letters are there to help them up, dust off their pants, and feel better.

In short, this is a book that's so sweet and fun, I'd have bought it even if it didn't have it's additional benefit of learning the alphabet! Chicka Chicka Boom Boom comes highly recommended!

This is hands down the best book for children age 3 and under that I have ever encountered (and we have over 1,000 children's books in our home!). I began reading it to my oldest child when she was 2 months old, and by 16 months, she could recite the alphabet AND identify all 26 letters of the alphabet-- upper AND lower case! I give most of the credit to this wonderful book (but keep in mind, we read it EVERYDAY, often times, several times a day!) My youngest child picks this book out of the shelf first and foremost. He is only 13 months old, but he absolutely loves this book and prefers it over most toys. Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault have more than a classic here, not to mention the great illustrations by Lois Ehlert. If you're looking for the perfect book to teach your children the alphabet or you just simply want an entertaining book that is sure to be a hit, look no further. This is it!

Once a Runner is the best running book I have ever read. Unlike training guides or running stories that spend far too much time explaining the beauty of running and trying to introduce people to the wonders of jogging around, Once A Runner really goes into the life and mind of a runner (though the book uses fictional characters, they are easily recognizable and realistic). It describes the dedication, hard work, and goofiness that is required to be successful and what makes runners a very unique, though cetainly interesting breed. The story itself, of a young college-aged runner and his quest to run the fastest mile he could while in school and after he got kicked out, is extremely well paced and smootly written, just as a good race. It is a fantastic book and I would highly recommend it for beginners, enthusiasts, or someone who just needs a little motivation.

Hello All!

I run Divisin III Cross-Country and Track for Colorado College in Colrado Springs, CO. I have been running since 7th grade, yet somehow I managed to miss reading ONCE A RUNNER until this summer. This is the premire running novel! It is the cure all for those days when you are having a hard time getting motivated. After 10 months of training, it is easy to get a little burned out. After reading the Interval Workout chapter, I remain inspired to dedicate my life to the sport. For all runners out there (and those trying to understand us) you can't find a better read!

With his character Quentin Cassidy, John Parker captures the mentality, work ethic, satisfactions, and frustrations of what it is to be a runner. He delves into Cassidy's non-running antics which include highly elaborate pranks, law school aspirations, and romantic relationships. In addition, he shows the amazing lack of understanding that non-runners have for runners. There is an excellent scene where Quentin is at a social function and is assaulted with all the customary runner questions and comments. People ask him what he thinks about when he runs and mention how they don't drive as many miles as he runs.

Parker also excellently depicts the daily grind and competitiveness of running. His book includes passages that berate Runner's World and, instead, focus on the quest for glory that running can become. He makes Quentin a very real and believable character. This book is a running classic and rightfully so. It has an excellent story, great characters, and great discussions on running. To be a runner and have not read this book is equivalent to blasphemy.

You want imagination?..adventure?..a few dabs of science(remember it was written in 1912)?..an ageless hero?..an absolutely beautiful damsel in distress?..a whole new world?..with a language all it's own?..inhabited with strange new creatures?.. friends and foes?..battles royal?..This book, and all 10 or 11 sequels, have it all! ER Burroughs was the early master of science fiction, adventure, and imagination; a man ahead of his time, and he gives the reader a roller-coaster ride of incredible adventures. Join with us now as John Carter meets, rescues,and captures the heart of the INCOMPARABLE Dejah Thoris, Princess of Mars!, and eventually, along with his friend Tars Tarkas, follows suit with the entire red planet, Barsoom to its wild and whacky inhabitants.

Is this intellectual literature?..of course not. Is it non-stop fun and enjoyment, the original page-turner novel?...You bet it is! Pick this book up, start reading, and I guarantee: you won't put it down until you're finished!..and then you'll run out the door and be hunting for the 2nd book in the series, The Gods of Mars, and then # 3, The Warlord of Mars, and on through the series. Be warned: make sure you have access to #'s 2 and 3 before you start The Princess...you'll be sorry if you don't!

I first read the Burroughs Martian novels(there were 10 known to me then) as a graduate student studying Physics, some 40 years ago. They provided the perfect escape from the rigors of courses like Quantum Mechanics and E & M. Now I reread them,and I continue to enjoy. You will too.

Princess of Mars is a fantastic, wild ride. I think everyone makes a mistake though of saying it's just a guys book. I'm a woman, and it was my mother who recommended Princess to me! I think any girl who's interested in science fiction or fantasy would really enjoy this book. Yeah, it was obviously written with adolescent boys in mind but I think anyone can enjoy this wildly imaginative page turner.

The characters are all extremely likable. John Carter is the perfect southern gentleman. Honorable, loyal, incredibly brave, respectful to women, extremely handsome; a perfect hero who is never boorish or conceited. Then there's Sola, one of the few green Martians to show compassion and kindness, and Tars Tarkas(aren't these names so cool?)a ferocious green martian warrior with a tragic past who is also able to feel compassion and love. And I dare anybody to tell me that they wouldn't want a Woola of their very own! Dejah Thoris though is mainly for the guys. Carter's love and devotion for her was really sweet. I didn't even know that this was part of a book series until I read it on amazon and now I am really eager to read the other books of the series. And wasn't the end cool? I don't think I've ever read an ending quite like that before. What Carter found in the cave at the end was very creepy and intriguing. (I won't give out a spoiler)

Although this is pulp fiction and sort of like a comic book in a way,(I can see mothers in 1912 scolding their kids, "That Edgar Rice Burroughs is going to rot your mind if you keep reading it!") it's still light science fiction at it's best! (I'll warn you right off though, please don't expect something deep and complex like Dune or Darkover and post a review whining about it. Princess is purely for fun.) And am I the only one that thinks Princess would make a really awesome movie?

John Carter, Dejah Thoris, Tars Tarkas, they are all here! This is the totally unbelievable story of a man who got transported to Mars basically, because he thought it would be cool to go, so he wished it, and POOF, he's there. Then, there's the fact that the planet itself and the life on it are also completely ridiculous. FORGET ALL THAT! Read it to be swept up in one of the greatest adventure series of all time. John Carter goes to Barsoom (Mars, to the Martians) rescues the most beautiful woman in the universe and (later in the series) conquers an entire world through the power of his will and the strength of his right arm. Handsome, powerful heroes, beautiful half naked captive princesses just panting to be rescued, Villians, so evil you want to go back in time to strangle their parents, Big ugly friends, (What are you laughing at, remember Chewbacca?) strange beasts, stranger aliens, wierd science, epic battles, betrayals, great reunions. This one's got it all. The best of Burroughs' body of work, the most action packed series from the true master of the action story. Edgar Rice Burroughs is the creator of Tarzan. Don't ever pick up his work expecting an intellectual workout. Just get in and hang on for the ride