This is the place to start this series, with Nathaniel Drinkwater as one lowly midshipman (where DO these naval authors get their strange names: Hornblower? Easy? Ramage?). I'm enjoying the stories even though I've skipped about depending on what was available. Now they are all being reprinted in a very good trade edition from Sheridan House (just to prove McBooks doesn't have a lock on the genre). This is also one of the few in the series that takes place in American waters, here while that very claim was being first disputed, 1780. Drinkwater is learning his sea-faring trade in a series of episodes where he increases in maturity and responsibility, through a smashing battle, a fight for rank in the mess, and capture and mutiny. The author constructs a very authentic feel in the details of ship-board life and the cruelties of hazing the youngest members, without indulging in long feats of sailsmanship. Woodman doesn't give Drinkwater the enthusiasms (or arcane language) of O'Brian's Capt. Aubrey, nor the self-doubt of Forester's Hornblower. Drinkwater finds a dear chaste love that stands in great contrast to the amorous adventures of Alan Lewrie in the parallel books by Dewey Lambdin. The cover illustration is pretty useless but authentically captures the somber tone of the series. As ever, keep an eye on the wind, and fair sailing!

Brilliant stuff! As first novels, these are almost as subtle and enigmatic as P.O'B's later works, but just as gripping as his early stuff; similarly based on historical fact, they are definitely a cut above the rest. Excellent descriptions of below-decks and battle actions take you right inside the ship; an acquaintance with nautical terminology helps, but is not vital, to understand the gist of the action or the day- to-day management of the ship - e.g. the handling of sails is particularly well-described, far better than any other book I've read. and succinct descriptions of wind, weather and tide preface each event; the stage is already set - action soon follows.

The hard life below decks is brought horrifically home in the first few pages - the impotence of the younger gentlemen in the face of overbearing bullying is brought sharply into focus, as is the rough justice of the foremast jacks - stark reality is served up in healthy measure here, with a side salad of intrigue and a dressing of young love.
None of the incidents or fortunate strokes of luck seem contrived, rather they develop naturally as Nat matures from innocence into almost cynical youth.

Read the following books - they get better with each tale. *****

This is the first book in a wonderful series. The Nathaniel Drinkwater books are comparable in quality to those of Forester and Patrick O'Brian. Woodman's plots are typically tighter and more focused than O'Brian's (the books are shorter), and possibly less literate and a little "dark" as one reviewer described them. Although the books in some cases have less naval warfare action than Forester's and Alexander Kent's books, they do not lack for excitement or interest. Woodman's plots seem to be based on the conflict of a competent man against evil forces, which lends power to the narrative.

Here is a list of the Nathaniel Drinkwater novels in chronological order: An Eye of the Fleet, A King's Cutter, A Brig of War, The Bomb Vessel, The Corvette, 1805, Baltic Mission, In Distant Waters, A Private Revenge, Under False Colors, The Flying Squadron, Beneath the Aurora, The Shadow of the Eagle, Ebb Tide.

Few books cause me to search out those extra few minutes of reading time so that I can get on with the story, but these books fall into that catagory.

I have read the whole series and this book is not the best one. I think that the first two books- Rebel and Copperhead are better than the last two- Battle Flag and The Bloody Ground.

The battlefield scene desciptions are very good and alone make it worth reading. I just was not impressed with the character development, especially for the new ones introduced in this book.

I do hope that Mr. Cornwell continues the series, I would hate to see it end at this point.

The Starbuck series has been an excellent read. I am about finished with 'The Battle Flag'. I personally hope Cornwell will fire up another three or four books in this series. Reading this fictional series has piqued my interest in the Civil War. In conclusion, Cornwell is an excellent author and continue to be one of my favorites. I hope he does us all a favor and continues writing in the series. jes

I cannot rate this book without talking about the brilliance of the whole series. Cornwell takes you from your reading room, and teleports you back to a simpler time. And you find out that it's not so simple. Set against the backdrop of the Eastern Theatre in the American Civil War, he portrays the massive carnage and greatest bravery in minute detail. You actually hear the cannons, and smell the rotting flesh of the wounded. Yet, the main plot does not take place amongst the gunfire outside. But, rather, within. It is a story of a soul, and his struggle with God, man, who he is, and what he stands for. Amidst the shouting, crying, blasting, and dieing...is a poor heart, searching for peace. I found Cornwell's protrayal of Nate Starbuck to be no less than perfect. I found myself rooting, questioning, hoping, and praying for this fictional character. For, I saw myself in Starbuck. The same questions, fears, and desires. When done, I walked away from this story with a different outlook on life, liberty, and what's truly important. As will you. Awesome series Bernard! I cannot wait until the saga continues...

I bought this book for my fiance who has a low self esteem. But since she has read this book I have noticed a major change in her. She now holds her head up high puts her shoulders back and is ready to face the world.

This one is certainly the best self-help book that I've encountered in my search for help. I've read some of the supportive reviews, and I agree with the praises. This book has been helpful for me, and I did manage to raise my self-esteem quite a bit, hence the 5 stars. However, instead of doing some more praising, I thought a word of advice is in place for those considering buying this book. I'm writing this for people who seek self-help books because they feel like they really NEED help.

In seeking help of the kind this book is offering, it's helpful to understand the limitations of self-help books in general. If you can afford therapy, then I strongly recommend that you seek therapy. An interesting question for you to ask yourself might be - if I need help, why must it be SELF-help? If the answer isn't money, I'd advise you to rethink it.

I've worked with this great book for over a year, and I have been to therapy for several months. My impression is that there are improvements that are MUCH HARDER to achieve on your own. I think some of the reasons for me were:

- As I worked on my own, my defense mechanisms were trying to make it easy for me, by dealing with problems that were relatively easy for me to deal with. For instance, it was easier for me to deal with my problems in my relashionships with my friends, so I avoided my relashionships with members of my family. Naturally, the latter have significantly more effect on me.
- A self-help book tries to help as many people as possible, therefore describing many different problems that people have. Another defense mechanism would make me adopt problems which I don't have, as it is much easier to deal with problems that you do not have. A therapist can help you filter these out.
- Finally, any amount of words written in a book could not have the effect for me of the nurturing relationship with a human being, that seems empathetic to my problems, is dedicated, and accompanies me on this very difficult, painful and frightening quest for happiness.

If you do decide to buy this book, be prepared for a long rewarding journey, with ups and downs, pain, anger and tough decisions to make.

The two things I liked most about this book: First, it helped me feel good enough about myself to be able to seek help, to share my problems with a therapist, and gave me hope (by proving it) that good may come out of it. The second, it is honest. As opposed to the many "Suddenly it's all so simple and easy..." self-help books, it prepares you for hard work, and does not pretend to have some voodoo technique of helping you. Thanks

Before reading this book and doing the excercises, I was a mess. I had severe depression and didn't have a job. I couldn't cope with people and their abuse. My self esteem was so low, that I could't return something to the store that I didn't like. I tried seeing psychologists but my parents could't afford their bills. Then I found this book and started working about 10 minutes a day on the excercises. I felt stronger and increased the work load to 6 to 8 hours a day. I pulled myself out of the depression and feel very strong and confident. Thank you so much Dr. Branden for writing this book.

The Story: The title refers to the name given to an enormous albino sperm whale who is being hunted by Captain Ahab, the ruthless, single-minded, driven master of a whaling ship. Ahab hunts Moby Dick because, in a previous hunt, Moby Dick amputated Ahab's leg in a failed attempt by Ahab to catch the white whale. The story is told in retrospect by a crewman, Ishmael, of the ship, who was a young, somewhat naive man at the time.

This is not a novel for everyone; it takes a patient and persistent reader to tackle the rich but complicated writing style of Melville, as well as the author's penchant for going off on detailed, descriptive tangents. However, the writing style almost becomes poetic at times, and symbolism and metaphor abound. The closest thing to Melville's style I've found amongst contemporary writers is Gene Wolfe ("The Book of the New Sun", "The Book of the Short Sun", "The Book of the Long Sun"). Wolfe also borrowed from Melville the device of telling the story from the viewpoint of young, naive observers, who report what they see with little bias or editorializing, which leaves the reader to interpret the story on his/her own.

To me, this story is a detailed and adventurous tale of obsession verging on insanity. Ahab is so focused on catching and killing Moby Dick that he loses sight of his own welfare and the welfare of his men. He never questions his own motives; he is out after revenge for losing his leg, as well as out to redress the insult of a simple beast not accepting the dominion of Man. Moby Dick's defiance of Mankind's superiority and sovereignty is seen as an outrage, a matter of honor for Captain Ahab to resolve. But, why did Moby Dick bite off Ahab's leg in the first place? Ahab sees it as an act of war by the whale, a refusal to bow down to the Master of the Earth (Mankind). Might it not just as easily be an animal naturally defending itself against a predator (Mankind) invading his (Moby Dick's) domain?

Jay Nussbaum wrote a book called "Blue Road to Atlantis" which is a gem of a story that retells Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" from the fish's point of view. Mr. Nussbaum could make quite a story out of Moby Dick's point of view of this puny maniac who keeps harassing him and trying to kill him.

Recently, I just finished a copy of the book, Moby Dick . I had picked it up in search of a truly challenging work. I have to admit, I haven't ever read anything like Melville's works in my life, and it was a pleasant surprise to have chosen such an amazing piece of classic literature to read.
Initially, I was startled, and almost discouraged by the high level of vocabulary used; much less the large list of sailing terms used within it. At the beginning, it takes a while to acclimate to the phrasing and sentence structure that Melville uses, unless one is used to reading older works. Once acclimated, it becomes easy to understand the piece.
Concerning the plot, I found it enjoyable, however, at times confusing. I know that many have heard the traditional yarn of the insane Captain Ahab, seeking the whale that crippled him; but reading the actual tale presents a whole new aspect. I found that the incessant interruptions of information on cetology became somewhat of a nuisance; however, very informative and worthwhile reading, as it gives the reader a better understanding of the book. After having finished the book, I went on to read another book on cetology, and found it quite interesting comparing modern day whaling to 19th century whaling. Unfortunately, in the elongated sections about the anatomy of a sperm whale, one feels as if the majority of this book is an encyclopedia of miscellaneous information. Without this factual information, it seems as if it would be nothing but a mere short story.
Despite my complaints, I would recommend this book to all who are seeking a thoroughly challenging literary work. I enjoyed being able to read one of the great all time American novels, and read it in its raw form. I would have to rate this book as being one of the best I have ever read.

Last semester in college I had the opportunity, for the first time, to read various chapters from Herman Melville's "Moby Dick". I became so enthralled with what I had read I decided to purchase the novel as soon as possible. I just so happened to pick up Penguin's 150th Anniversary Edition. All in all I am quite pleased with this edition from the cover to the pages that are printed clearly and crisply.

Moby Dick may not be everyone's cup of tea, it can be rather long and tedious to get through as Melville likes to lecture almost as much as tell a story. But from the first line "Call me Ishmael" it's hard not to be sucked into the story as we follow Ishmael on his journey across the sea with the nefarious Captain Ahab. The story centers around Ahab's quest to find and destroy the White Whale. Of course Ishmael plays just as important of a part.

Melville's use of language is spectacular and he truly did write a classic novel. This is a fascinating tale of adventure that shouldn't be missed.

This bible is for those who want the original word (KJV) but want to be able to understand it (NLT). I would recommend this bible to anyone because we are all sinners and we all need help from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Study this bible so we can all become more in tune with GOD

The comaprison of the two texts on the page is wonderful. I believe the King James Version is the best for intensive bible study and The Living Bible is more readable and up-to-date in the language of our day.Check out the Love chapter I Corinthians 13:4-6 Living Bible "Love is vry patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices when truth wins out." I usually notice when others do me wrong....how about you?

Having lived overseas as a missionary for a good part of the past 20 years and having realized that God speaks in other languages besides English, it is a real treat to find an English version of the Bible that is written in the language that we use every day. The only cautions I have are: 1]- This Bible speaks real plain. It will probably touch some ares of your life that you have kept your conscience quiet on. You may need to make some changes! So if you are comfortable with your knowledge of God and your relationship with Him ... and don't want to be disturbed - this is not for you. 2]- Keep your King James Bible to compare.

God Bless, James Yoder

Just before his tragically young death, Nathanael West wrote a friend that he was confident his best work was in front of him. The genius and brilliance of these two remarkable short novels make that prospect seem unspeakably tragic. As it is, these two works have been sufficient to cement West's reputation as one of America's great literary talents of the 1930s. MISS LONELYHEARTS is perhaps the more highly acclaimed of the two, though many find THE DAY OF THE LOCUST perhaps even more entertaining. Either way, this volume contains two of the most remarkable short novels in American literary history.

Nathanael West was an exceptionally dense writer, in that his pages contain no wasted words, no needless characters, and no pointless characters. Every sentence, every word, every comma plays an essential role in his work. Both works are distilled to their most concentrated form. As a result, although they are highly readable and brief, they contain far more content than even much longer books.

Both of the books are littered with moments of devastating power. In MISS LONELYHEARTS, these are more intimate, deeply personal, miniature scenes. The same is true of THE DAY OF THE LOCUST, though it ends with one of the greatest crowd scenes this side of Tolstoy's WAR AND PEACE. The riot scene ending the novel is so vivid, so clearly presented, so terrifying that one might legitimately argue that it is the greatest crowd scene in literature. On the other extreme, the opening letters at the beginning of MISS LONELYHEARTS are as heartbreaking as anything in literature. They are worthy of comparison with the most horrific examples of suffering that Ivan in THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV (a book that Miss Lonelyhearts reads and West loved) comes up with when talking with his brother Alyosha.

These are not happy books. West was one of the foremost spokesmen for pessimism of the early 20th century. At the time of his death, however, he was working on a novel that, he claimed, was far less negative and dealt with 'the Milk of Human Kindness.' But in these two, the misery of individual lives and the ultimate meaningless of the lives of all the characters can depress some readers. There are no admirable characters, no one that we can pull for sympathetically. There are, however, some astonishingly vivid characters'Miss Lonelyhearts, his editor Shrike, Tod Hackett, Faye Greener, or Homer Simpson (Matt Groening has indicated awareness of that character). But if one can handle the unrelieved tragedy and the hopelessness that pervade West's pages, one will find these to be two gloriously original and unique masterpieces.

Largely unknown during his brief lifetime, Nathanael West is now regarded as one of the finest authors of the 1930s--a writer whose slashing satires of American decay are so dead-on accurate that they are often painful to read. This is particularly true of his two best works, MISS LONELYHEARTS and THE DAY OF THE LOCUST. Both novels are short and intense, and both present horrific visions of American society choking to death on its own mass-media fantasies.

Probably West's most powerful work, MISS LONELYHEARTS concerns a nameless man assigned to produce a newspaper advice column--but as time passes he begins to break under the endless misery of those who write to him for advice. Unable to find answers, and with his shaky Christianity ridiculed into destruction by his poisonous editor, he tumbles into a madness fueled by his own spiritual emptiness. First published in 1933, MISS LONELYHEARTS remains one of the most shocking works of 20th Century American literature, as unnerving as a glob of black bile vomited up at a church social, empty, blasphemous, and horrific.

THE DAY OF THE LOCUST is the best known of West's works, and presents the story of a Hollywood art designer as he drifts through the California dream factory--a place in which reality exists only as something to subvert into a saleable commodity: an addictive series of dreams that won't come true for the increasing numbers of malcontents that crowd Los Angeles in search of the fantasies seen on the movie screen. And their seething disillusionment proves more deadly than even Hollywood could ever imagine. First published in 1939, THE DAY OF THE LOCUST is still considered the single most scathing novel ever written about Hollywood.

Like much of West's work, these two novels are written in a comic style that the author deliberately and quickly sours: laughter quickly gives way to despair, despair to surreal horror, and all of it condensed into tightly written, noir-ish, and double-gritty prose that has the impact of a wrecking ball. West is not a writer for every one, not by a long shot, but his power is undeniable, and these two works are his best, essentials in American literature. But brace yourself: they offer one-way tickets going straight down all the way.

West offers a slanted few of reality in these two novellas. It is a few that helps bring into focus the problems plauguing the soul of society. Through the eyes of the main characters we are taken through reality room by room, through the exposed characters in the novel. Everday Miss Lonelyhearts must find something positive to say to those who have suffered and will suffer. In The Day of the Locust, one begins to wonder if anyone's dream ever comes true. These two stories give the reader a break from the monotony of conventional narrative.

The Midwich Cuckoos is a very interesting, if somewhat dated, story. We have a quaint English village with all its women of child-bearing age suddenly (..spontaneously!) becoming pregnant, including virgins. Divine intervention? Well, let us say there was some intervention from something beyond this world. Curiously, the folks of Midwich carry on with the births of these children. However these children soon exhibit rather sinister traits, and Midwich soon finds itself overwhelmed.

While certainly a fascinating read, The Midwich Cuckoos has a somewhat dated feel. Certainly alien invasions and the raising of alien beings wouldn't go down well with most folks nowadays. And unlike other Wyndham novels I fail to see any underlying social message here (..other than don't raise kids that aren't humans?). Still, Wyndham is a clever writer. And The Midwich Cuckoos is one of his better efforts.

Bottom lines: strange, disturbing, and not terribly believable. But certainly an interesting read.

Midwich was an ordinary village. Until the Dayout. Everyone in the village was sleeping. Anyone who ventured into the outskirts of the village would mysteriously black out. The next day things were back to normal. But every woman of suitable age was pregnant...

"The Midwich Cuckoos" is a metaphorical title for a book about collective intelligence. The alien children born in the village are identical. Golden eyed, unemotional, endowed with mental powers and superior intelligence. Over the years the Children become a bigger problem. They commit a murder and contol the minds of others. They are cold, ruthless and calculating.

This book has been described as disturbing. When it was first published the idea of children committing murderer was probably quite shocking. These days it seems normal. This is an interesting book but I prefer the apocalyptic scenarios in "The Day of the Triffids" and "The Chrysalids".

Wydham takes a look at a very interesting question: what happens with the entire human race is threatened, but our social conventions, politics, and institutions prevent us from saving ourselves? The odd title is a reference to the way cuckoo birds place their eggs in the nests of other birds who mistake the eggs for their own - but even after they hatch the surrogate mothers are compelled by their natures to take care of the babies. In Midwich, at a time when England regarded itself as the most civilized political community the world had ever known (hey, it probably still thinks that way!), the locals find themselves unable to mistreat a brood of alien, mind-controlling children, even though the fate of the world is at steak. Lot's of good narrative and entertaining philosophical conversations among the characters made this a truly great book, in the tradition of Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" or Orwell's "1984".

Nathaniel is, so far, is the only book I've read by Saul. And I intend to read more. The mystery of Prairie Bend, the setting, is enough to get you going by itself. The hidden secrets of the Halls will shock you till the very end. This novel is very gripping and you will find yourself not wanting to put the book down.

John Saul has done it again I have read just about every book ever written by Saul and I think he is in a league with King! I've have never read a story by him I have been disappointed in. Nathaniel has a clever dialogue that kept me guessing to the end of the book. There were characters in there you could identify with living in a small town!

I read this book and did a project on it in fifth grade and I have read in numerous times since then.(6 years) I've bought many copies to read and I love it, I love all of John Saul's books. I can picture the barn and graveyard in my mind. This book really grabs at your attention and doesn't let go. I could sit up for hours and read John Saul's books.

If you have a pulse, can read, and understand this book can cause you to reflect more consciously about the everyday things that you do in your life than you may have in a long time. If you can withstand that, then doing Nathaniel Branden's exercises which he presents throughout the book will push the envelope even further. He doesn't settle for feel-good platitudes, but the medicines he offers can open us up to possibilities that we have previously not seen through the haze of unconscious behavior and thinking.

I have become extremely jaded by a lot of the feel-good new-agey speak that has become closely identified in my mind with "self-esteem" and these days. Initially that association caused me to hesitate in buying this book. To the contrary, and to my relief I found Branden's message free from that kind of shallowness. If you merely seek self-flattery Branden offers none. On a personal note, in this book Branden even succeeded in rehabilitating the word "spirituality" for this once self-identified "atheist" who still occasionally refers to himself as a "secular humanist." On the whole his message proved very accessible, and I even found myself eager to reread it after getting through it the first time.

In the early seventies just after the publication of The Psychology of Self-Esteem, I went to the library looking for other books on the subject. I found only one other book with self-esteem in its title. Over the years, I've watched closely as the word self-esteem has exploded into American culture, and has become as American as the proverbial apple pie, often with undercurrents of confusion and ignorance. Yet, with Nathaniel Branden, the innovator of the whole movement, the definition has always been the same; what has changed is his ever-increasing knowledge and awareness of the subject, much of which he shares In The Art Of Living Consciously. For those interested in the role of consciousness in improving one's life and one's self esteem -- that one is competent to know one's world, and worthy of happiness -- this will be the book for you. Once again, Nathaniel offers up a treasure chest of personal examples, as well as the examples of his clients. Also, offered is a facinating look into the world of ¨spirituality¨ as seen through the eyes of Mr. Rationality. Here, again, is another powerful and entertaining book from the man who launched the term into public discussion.

Nathaniel Branden has finally written the One Book I Would Take With Me to a Desert Island If I Could Have Only One Book. I must consider this book his absolute masterpiece. It was only on my second reading that the power of the book really hit home. I wasn't prepared for the truth and beauty of it the first time I read it. I just wasn't prepared. I'd so clouded up my own intellectual history with spirituality and escapist self-help (a true contradiction in intentions). I dip into any page now and come out cleaned and bright and ready to use the power of my mind. I do the sentence completions and feel my center grow stronger every day. This one book may be the greatest single gift psychology has ever given to humanity.

"The Child in Time" is my first Ian McEwan work, although I was aware that he studied at Malcolm Bradbury's creative writing program at the University of East Anglia, as did Kazuo Ishiguro, of "The Remains of the Day" fame.

McEwan is a subtly brilliant writer with amazing psychological understanding and insight. With equal ease, he navigates the political landscapes of family; personal life; commercial London, and Thatcher's 1980's Whitehall.

The tribulations of his friend, publisher Charles Darke in the treehouse in rural Suffolk is altogether telling and allegorical in itself. The stark tragedy of losing his child Kate, brings the neccesary focus needed to capture the reader's attention for the duration of the novel.

Heartfelt, and very well worth the read.

When Kate, daughter of Stephen and Julie is taken from a supermarket(don`t worry, I haven`t spoiled anything!)there is no way for Stephen`s life to go but down.The book centres on his struggle to find his daughter,meeting people from his time and even travelling to the past to discover aspects of his parent`s lives. The time element in this book is uncomfortable to the reader, yet McEwan`s writing takes you fluidly through the plot,with the difficult subject of time beautifully interwoven. I really enjoyed reading this novel and studying it for English Literature A-Level as it is written so provocatively that one cannot fail to relish the piece. The characters are fully rounded and fit into the plot with the greatest of ease. The plot itself is extremely well thought out and expertly written by a great English writer. McEwan is able to draw upon the innocence which the plot desires, Whilst also creating a clillingly spooky atmosphere. This book is no easy read, it`s wonderfully moving ending is reached only after a disturbingly beautiful and sometimes horrific plot. This has to be counted amongst McEwan`s greatest works,and all in all, "The Child In Time" is a wonderfully written journey through the darkest elements of time, which leaves the reader with the radiating glow of hope.

The Child in Time has it all. Ian Mcewan has witten a profoundly moving, deeply personal work that rings true on every page.
It is a novel about loss and the effort to find meaning despite of it. It probes issues of family, marriage, and personal growth.
I found The Child in Time to be one of the most satisfying novels I have read in years. The rewards in reading it are many.