THIS IS A PROGRAMMED, AUDIO-TUTORIAL APPROACH TO LEARNING ALGEBRA. I USED TO GET LOST IN THE TRADITIONAL LECTURE APPROACH TO MATH -- THEN USED THIS BOOK ALONG WITH THE TAPES AT BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE. AFTER YEARS OF FRUSTRATION WITH MATH, I FINALLY GOT IT! I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO FEEL THEY ARE "MATH-IMPAIRED' AFTER TAKING THE TYPICAL CLASSES.

A well written 'how to' for novice astronomers. The book describes pieces of the telescope to seas of the moon in a organized fashion. Chapters are broken out as views of the moon and each attraction is mapped with directions. Historical anecdotes accompany each chapter and give good perspective to what we are viewing. The author respects the reader- there are no excessive words and he assumes intelligence. It makes you want to know more about the moon!

In Hawk Moon, Ed Gorman not only gives us a fascinating murder mystery with the retired investigator Robert Payne, but he also treats us to a flashback case involving an almost identical murder that was investigated by one woman using then unheard of criminology techniques. Although the main story is sometimes confusing to read, there are plenty of surprises to keep the reader's interest. And the flashback story is pretty good, too, occasionally being more fascinating than the main story.

I have to hand it to Ed Gorman. This second entry in his Robert Payne "Moon" series clearly demonstrates just how nice a guy this Payne really is. Although sometimes you might think he comes across as being too good, or too nice, you can't help but like and yes, admire, this man. He has a strong sense of friendship and love; his reminiscences of his deceased wife are some of the most touching in modern crime fiction. You know Payne really loved this woman. And his relationships with different characters in both books further proves that Payne is probably the nicest "detective" out there.
As for the plot of this one, it's a little complex and sometimes incoherent, but it moves well, and once again, his parallel story telling ties the two segments together nicely. Particularly unique is his handling of Anna Tolan, a police investigator back in 1903, who in addition to trying to solve a similar case to Payne's in the nineties, is having doubts about her relationship with Trace Wydmore, a nice young man who is trying to score a "home run" with the virginal young girl. Considering the times, one can understand both Anna and Trace's different problems. Their dialogue rings so true, it's refreshing.
The murders that Payne has to solve lead him to a belligerent Native American named David Rhodes, whose estranged wife, just happens to be policewoman Cindy Rhodes. I'll say one thing for Iowa---they certainly advanced women's lib in their use of women as police officers.
The supporting characters are appropriately shady and/or nice, and Payne's adventures with the two elderly Native Americans who want to fly in his biplane is extraordinary.
A great novel in spite of its minor flaws.

What can I say? Another smoothie from the Master. Don't read this with the lights out -- in fact it'll be impossible to read this in the dark.

I hope Ed continues to write more funny stuff though, like Daugher of Darkness. Can we get more satirically hilarious old Hollywood kiss-and-tell quiche please? Love those faded actors. Maybe Gorman can do something about Bradbury versus Mr. Barrymore. He should work closely with Matheson, Jr. or David Schow and get back on the old saddle with hilarious faded cowboy actors and so on. Maybe he can freshen the read with faded scifi actors too (ala Galaxy Quest). Hey Ed, time to imagine a really satirical SF novel, with Hollywood in it. Whaddaya say, hey?

Tears of the Moon by Nora Roberts was a very good fictional story about two star-crossed lovers who fall into the trap of fate. The novel explores Irish folklore, which gives the book its magic. Roberts snatches the reader's attention and compels them to want to read more.

Tears of the Moon was the second in an Irish trilogy about the Gallagher family. The trilogy itself revolves around an Irish legend of a fairie prince named Carrick and the mortal woman he loved, Gwen Fitzgerald. Three times Carrick tried to win the love of Gwen and she wanted nothing more than to accept him, but he forgot one thing. He never told her that he loved her. After the third rejection, Carrick got mad and cast a spell on the both of them. They can never be together until true love finds itself three times over. The second time around, the story is of Shawn Gallagher and Brenna O'Toole, friends forever...and maybe a bit more. Is it possible that the two could play a role in breaking the spell? After all, Shawn and Brenna are two very different people. Shawn is a dreamer and is in no rush to change his life in any way. Brenna on the other hand, just wants Shawn to get up and do something with himself!

Tears of the Moon was a great book that will make the reader laugh and continue to turn the page. Nora Roberts did a remarkable job describing the Irish countryside and pulling the reader into the story. This book is recommended to anyone who likes a good romance novel with a little Irish twist.

Also, don't miss the other two books in the trilogy, Jewels of the Sun, the first book, and Heart of the Sea, the third book.

This second book, Tears of the Moon, in Nora Roberts' Irish Trilogy is every bit as wonderful as the first, Jewels of the Sun. The characters, of course, are the same but the focus has shifted to Brenna O'Toole that feisty handy-woman and Shawn Gallagher the dreamer song writer who works at the Gallaghers family-owned pub as the cook. The magical legend of the beautiful ghost that lives in the cottage Shawn now inhabits continues. But Shawn doesn't see her, Brenna does, and she receives a message from this beautiful ghost about Shawn's music. A message she doesn't fully understand. Shawn, however, meets and talks with Carrick, prince of the faeries, who gives him a pearl and some advice that Shawn decides he isn't going to take. When Brenna decides to take matters into her own hands and seduce Shawn, he is completely thrown by this development, even though he discovers his (previously unknown to him) passion for her. Shawn finally recognizes his musical talent and finds someone who is anxious to publish his work. The beautiful descriptions of Ireland in the book make you want to visit this enchanted place and maybe meet a faery there as well. The next, and last, book in the trilogy will focus on Darcy, the Gallagher's independent and beautiful sister. Eagerly awaiting "Heart of the Sea".

Nora Roberts can write romance as can no one else. She is a master at describing people, places and things and has a way of making you feel you are right there, living alongside her characters. In Tears of the Moon, Brenna O'Toole is the perfect example of the proud Irish woman and the development of her love story with Shawn Gallagher is as fiery and magicical as any romance reader could want. Nora Roberts has that magic touch that brings the story alive for her readers. She's definitely a great romance writer, but her extraordinary storytelling ability really shines through when she writes about Ireland. I just ordered Heart of the Sea, the last book in her current Irish trilogy and can't wait for it to arrive. My dearest wish is that she write more books about Ireland and it's mystical faerie people. She does it so well.

The description on the back of the book says it best: Libertarian revolution. If you're interested in this book at all, you should read it. It was brilliant, moving, thrilling.

What's it about? Well, there's a computer technician living on Luna, a prison colony where the lack of gravity causes irreversible osteoporosis that makes it impossible to move back to Earth after a few months. Earth is dealing with overpopulation and lack of food and shelter. Nations are still divided. And then the people of luna decide that they have had enough and want their freedom. They fight for it. This is their story, including the AI computer that helps them figure out a way to win against the mother world. But I won't tell you what that is or how it ends, because that's the best part.

As a standard caveat though, Heinlein uses a couple of obsolete concepts freely. Relish it, if you will, but be prepared. Sometimes that's what good sci-fi is all about.

My only real q!ualm with this book, and one that almost cost it a star is that it is narrated in the first person, and the narrator has a thick Loonie accent.

Heinlein is the godfather of science fiction and this book, which won him the last of his 4 Hugos is probably the greatest of all of his works.

Heinlein was a master at speculative science fiction, he is able to create a set of events, while purely fictional, is kept so close to realistic lines that they not only seem plausible but real. This novel could almost be a self help guide to carrying out a revolution. What greater cause than the freedom of not one country but an entire planet in chains?

To me, what makes this novel his greatest is the relative clarity of the narrative and the smooth transitions between the various stages of the plot. While Stranger in a Strange land could be said to be more imaginative, its narrative structure is such that it could almost be 2 storylines told at once.

Call me a romantic, but nothing I have read in science fiction has stirred my blood more. That is why Heinlein can be forgiven in giving the book an ending that many feel is romantic rather than realistic. How many revolutions do result in better government anyway? This is one of the most underrated novels in science fiction and is a bennchmark for which future generations of writers can set their standards. It is a classic that will never age and who knows, it could still come true! Viva La Revolution!

This was only the second Heinlein novel I'd ever read, and to me, it was the most moving. I have read Starship Troopers, The Cat that Walks Through Walls, and Stranger in a Strange Land thus far.

This novel is part science-fiction adventure, part social commentary, and part political philosophizing. However, that seems to be the formula for most of Heinlein's novels (or at least the ones I've read)

The story is of a computer repairman, who is the first person to realize that the large central computer which the Lunar Authority uses to control most everything has become a sentient being. Through this realization, as well as meeting with a couple of agitators who are dissatisfied with the way things are run on the Moon, Manny (the repairman) becomes one of the founding fathers of the revolution that allows Luna to gain its independence.

Throughout the book, Heinlein explores different notions of politics, marriage customs, culture, and human nature, all of which is thought-provoking at least. The end of the book, and its inevitable climax, left me emotionally drained. Never has any book been able to do that to me the way this book has. While Starship Troopers remains my favorite Heinlein novel, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a very, very close second.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in science-fiction, political science, or just plain looking for a great read.

Robert Westbrook shows his talent and his literary roots in his new mystery series. Also author of Intimate Lies, Westbrook knows the Southwest first-hand. He draws you into the outsider viewpoint and tells an intriguing story. The star of the tale takes you along on an eerie investigation to discover what might be an imagined apparition, a deadly hoax, or an evil supernatural being.

I found this book to be an absorbing, page turner. The author's descriptions of Taos and the characters were very realistic. I felt I knew the characters well. It is a mystery written with cleverness and humor. The ending was a real surprise. I recommend it highly to mystery lovers.

Ghost Dancer was great fun to read. Not just another Hillerman type southwestern mystery, this was far more clever and had more colorful characters. Great social commentaries, witty and insightful writing and a well constructed mystery that led me down many wrong paths.

MOON ON THE WATER is like a meal with a delicious first course, while the rest is bland and tasteless. The collection starts off with some very good stories: a dying robber thinks of his father during his last moments; a delusional man spends half his waking hours in a fantasy world; a child's jealousy of his newborn brother grows; a man entertains a little girl who may or may not be his own. Most of them are short, and they have a satisfying bite to them.

After these, the book takes a different track. There are a few gems buried in the remainder, but too much of it consists of confused, disconnected ramblings. Many of them, even the straightforward ones, simply left me shaking my head. In addition, a number of stories couldn't be classified as horror even under the broadest definition, though I wouldn't have minded if they'd been better. Overall, a disappointment.

One story in this collection alone is worth the price of admission. "The Running Horse, the High White Sound" is one of the best stories I've come across in years. I won't spoil it for you, so you'll have to trust me. But it really got to me. On the other hand, there are stories that simply left me scratching my head wondering why they were even included in the book. You could skip "With Father, at the Zoo, then Home" and "FDR: A Love Story" and not even feel bad for doint it. But don't you dare skip "A Someday Movie". Buy it. I don't think you'll be sorry.

These aren't really "horror stories" per se, but tales laced with dark humor and subtle psychological horror. Castle is indeed a master of the short story; this being my first time having read him. He is adept at describing real life in everytown USA.

"If you take my Hand, My son" is one of the better stories about a son thinking about his dead father in a coma and a terrifying conclusion. Kind of like G'n'R's hit song, "Coma."

"Buckeye Jim in Egypt" is another tale that is awesome. It talks of our society, racism, and the story about a wandering man with supernatural powers.

"Moon on the Water" is the title story and is an interesting read about jazz musicians who become entwined with a rich girl with an adrenaline rush-attitude. A good story.

"Altenmoor, Where the Dogs Dance" is also an interesting read about a boy and his grandfather who know about the afterlife.

A solid collection from a great writer!!!

Until Andrew Doughty's "Maui Revealed" was released, this Moon handbook was the best you could get. We used it on our first trip to Maui. Like other Moon Handbooks, it is rich in history and background info, but the practical detail can't compare to "Maui Revealed." We now use this Moon Handbook mainly as a supplement for historical background -- still useful but not our first source. (Most other Maui guides are superficial rubbish.)

You're spending 1,000-2,000 bucks to go to Maui -- go ahead and spend 20 bucks to have your own in-depth personal tourguide.

This handbook helped make for one of the best vacations of my life. The "insider" information is absolutely indispensible. For instance, there are many, many beaches on Maui, but there are many, many different kinds of beaches. Some with murky water. Some with huge waves. Some not navigable unless you swim beyond volcanic rocks. But there are one or two absolutely perfect beachs. And the Moon Handbook explains it. My girlfriend and I found the beach in front of the Sheraton at Ka'anapali to be the best all-aorund beach. We waded out into the calm waters and swam with sea turtles, right there in front of the Sheraton. This handbook explains, though the "little" details like, parking is difficult near the Sheraton so where to park, what the rates are, even shortcuts between buildings and such. This kind of info is just completely impossible to get anywhere else.

There are discussions of the personalities of various snorkle tour boat crews -- from adventurous, to laid-back. Some snorkle boats provide lunch, others don't. All this info is in the Moon Handbook.

We checked out Haleakala Mountain and Red Hill. With the handbook, we found how to get to Iao Needle. We found which Luau Party was the best for us, etc. Which restaurants to go to. Where to shop in Lahaina. The Sugar Cane Train for an easy-going afternoon. A drive out by the blow-holes on the NW end of the island.

I highly recommend this book before going to Maui. If you don't feel like shelling out 20 bucks, another option is always looking into your local library. Most good public libraries carry Moon Handbooks and they're absolutely free. A must before traveling to Maui, the Valley Island! (the 6th edition also includes info on the islands of Lana'i across the Auau Channel and Moloka'i)

Happy vacationing!

Stacey

This book is written for intelligent and inquisitive tourists who want to really understand what Mauai is all about. It outshines Mauai Revealed by 100%. I found myself using it every day as it offered a far more indepth look at places not found in any other tourist publication. If flash and hype are not your style, buy this book. Good index, well written, excellent maps. It had plenty of things to do to keep me amazed every day of my two week vacation.

Ponape and Nan-Matol ARE still mysterious islands in the South Pacific - despite much archaeological speculation, Easter Island is too! This wild tale combines the mystery of these islands with hollow-earth theory and techno-occultism to produce a fantasy epic only Abraham Merritt could conceive.

abraham merritt: a great writer from the age before the far corners of the world had been explored. when there was still a sense of innocence about what the world contained. it is gone now that we have investigated the whole world. there are no strange islands in the south pacific; no metal monsters in outer mongolia; no bridges to valhalla above the artic circle in scandinavia. there are times when knowing too much hurts the ability to dream. from pat taylor

I gave this five stars because it deserved it. It's still a classic and still a lot of fun to read. However, readers be warned. You must remember it was written in 1919. Stereotypes abound. Women are voluptous, wear very little clothing and are either totally good or totally evil. If you can make allowances for all that, then it's a thoroughly enjoyable romp and the author's imagination is stunning. Today, he would place his adventure on an alien planet. In 1919, the vast uncharted regions of the Pacific were vast and alien enough to contain lost races, lost civilizations, unimaginable science, etc. My recommendation is to suspend all disbelief and critical judgment and simply enjoy.

"From the Earth to the Moon" is Jules Verne's least appealing work that I have read so far. It is the story of the Baltimore Gun Club and their attempt to build a cannon big enough to shoot a bullet to the moon. The gun club dreams up the idea as a way of filling time after the end of the Civil War.

The leader of the club, Impey Barbicane, is wagered that he can't pull it off. Also, a Frenchman has volunteered to ride along on the bullet.

It has been about four years since I read "From the Earth to the Moon", so I don't remember many of the details very well. I do remember my feeling after having finished it that, not only was it inferior to other works of Verne, but that it was an inferior novel by itself. The characters are more like caricatures than real people, the dialogue is unusually bombastic for a Verne hero (perhaps this was Verne's take on Americans), and the action was undramatic.

I would suggest reading other works by Verne like "Around the World in Eighty Days" and "A Journey to the Center of the Earth" before this one so that you don't develop an initial dislike for his work. Verne is an excellent author not indicative of this work.

Jules Verne's novel "From the Earth to the Moon" is the imaginative story of an attempt, made shortly after the U.S. Civil War, to send a projectile to the moon. This daring plan is masterminded by veteran artilleryman Impey Barbicane, president of the Baltimore Gun Club. The novel follows the progress and remarkable outcome of the venture.

"Earth. . .Moon" is a terrific adventure story and a pioneering classic of 19th century science fiction. It's also an affectionate satire of the United States and the American character as seen through Verne's eyes. Verne's witty writing had me laughing out loud throughout the book. And furthermore, the novel is about courage, loyalty, and faith in the ability of human beings to overcome incredible obstacles.

Verne populates his adventure tale with a number of likeable and memorably drawn characters. He cleverly mixes in real scientific data with his fantastic tale. He also establishes the book's literary genealogy early on with references to Locke's Moon Hoax and Edgar Allan Poe's story of Hans Pfaal.

I read this book in the Lowell Bair translation, which is published as a Bantam Classic. "Earth. . .Moon" is suspenseful and exciting; it's also surprisingly poignant and ultimately inspiring. It's an enduring masterpiece by one of the 19th century's great visionary geniuses.

While I naturally have long admired Jules Verne for his outstanding scientific vision and prodigious talent as a writer, I really had no idea that he could also write in such an entertaining and humorous fashion as revealed in this short novel. My memories of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea consist to a large degree of stretches of pages devoted to pure scientific language that could be hard to get through, but this book is an easy read full of action and laugh-out-loud commentary. Don't get me wrong, though--the science is here, and Verne goes into a lot of details concerning the project from conception to reality, walking us through all of the steps involved in constructing the cannon and its projectile. Surely, though, Verne knew that the very idea of launching men to the moon via a superhuge cannon was not really an idea that could work; as such, he lets the story and especially his characterizations of the main players in the drama, take center stage over the science. What we end up with is a study of sorts of the American character, a tribute to the power of imagination and dreaming, the glorification of science, and a very funny story about some really amazing characters.

I can not begin to relate the number of truly humorous anecdotes and observations filling the pages of this story. Barbicane, J. T. Maston, and Michel Ardan are quite memorable characters, and their acts and exploits will entertain you to no end. Verne introduces subtle but hilarious remarks and observations throughout the entire book that will make you laugh out loud. If the idea of hard scientific theorizing has scared you away from Verne, pick this book up and be wholly entertained. I would recommend, though, that you pick up a copy that also contains the sequel, Round the Moon. This first book essentially culminates in the firing of the men into space inside the projectile, and you will certainly want to read the story of what happens to the men afterward. I now have to find a copy of the second book, so I urge others to save yourselves time and buy both stories in one package.