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Book reviews for "Pencavel,_John_H." sorted by average review score:

A Killing Frost
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (1999)
Author: John Marsden
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Great Thriller, Like No Other
This book is one of my favorite books that I've read. It is the last book of a series, and after reading this one I plan on reading the others. The story was about a girl named Ellie and her friends who try to help their country when it goes into war, they try to attack the enemy without getting caught. Every time they get close to getting caught, I would get Goosebumps!

The author filled the books with tons of great, vivid details. " To come to Cobbler's Bay during wartime and find ugly growths all over it and great monstrous ships sitting in its innocent water, like big metal leeches, made me both angry and unhappy." (Page 83) I had no trouble picturing everything in my head.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read thrilling and capturing books. When you start reading it, you never want to put it down. The characters that the author created were very realistic with their own personalities that make them sound even more real. I gave this book 5 stars!

Absolutely BRILLIANT!!!
I would just like to say, you've got one thing wrong, the fourth book in the Tommorow When The War Began series is not called 'The Killing Frost' it is in actual fact called, 'The Third Day, The Frost'. Why have has it been changed in the US? I think the original title is much better and it is how John Marsden would like it to be called. John Marsden is the most brilliant author to come out of Australia in years. His books, especially this series, are amazing. The characters become part of you, and they make you laugh and cry. It is must for every teenager around the world to read these books, it's a necessity. The only down side is that you never want them to finish, and when they do, you just want more and more. So a big thank you to John Marsden, of whom i have been lucky enough to meet on several occasions, and keep up the brilliant writing.

Loved the first three books of this series
This series is phenomenal up to and including the third book. I'm in Australia (where it is called "The third day, the frost") and have read the two books that follow "Frost" as well: "Darkness, be my friend" and "Burning for revenge". Numbers 1-3 really get the adrenaline pumping. You'll be addicted as soon as you pick one up. I remember walking around the house carrying my copy, finishing it at 4 am, my homework ignored. And at the end of number three... Oh man. I howled!!!! To this day the ending brings tears to my eyes. But I'm not going to tell you what happens - read it yourself, but Be Warned, you'll spend the next few weeks in mourning. 1-3 are an emotional rollercoaster, but I have to say that if you're in America and anxiously waiting for the next episode you may be disappointed. Seems to me that either "Darkness" is a spin-off of the first three, (i.e an attempt by Marsden to capitalise on his earlier success) or his publisher has been on his case to get out the next books in a hurry. At the end, the characters are left in pretty much the same situation as when this book began. None of their attempts at sabotage have any effect this time around and I was left feeling unsatisfied and cheated. Overall, boring, and fairly pathetic when compared to the earlier 3. Number 5 was slightly better, but these two have merged into one in my head. I forget what happened in which book. Yawn!!


Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (2001)
Authors: John Lewis and Michael D'Orso
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A Captivating Accout by a National Hero and Leader
John Lewis tells the story of a time when America was at its crossroads. He was Destined to become a leader in the Civil Rights Movement from his humble beginings in Troy, Alabama. Congressman Lewis tells his story of 35 years standing steadfast with determination and never wavering efforts to bring about "The Beloved Family". "This book is a legacy to us all and should be required reading in all educational settings."

Extraordinary account of the Civil Rights Movement!
This work is a well written account of one of the most tumultous times America has seen this century. Its vivid descriptions of the many facets of the Civil Rights Movement take you through the mundane and the monumental, and make you feel as though you are there. Through the touching recollections of his family, and the friendships that he made during the Movement, this compelling book gives insight to what makes John Lewis one of America's living legends.

The story of a true American hero
John Lewis was seemingly everywhere during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. From the Nashville Sit-Ins, to the Freedom Rides to the famous march from Selma and more. It is akin to someone having been at the Boston Tea Party, Lexington and Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Not only was Lewis there but he was an active participant, one of the many brave souls who risked injury, even death to bring down segregation. Lewis knew all the key figures in the Movement, such as Dr. King, and was a leader himself. Today, of course, Lewis serves his country in the House of Representatives.
It's hard to go wrong with such a compelling story to tell and Lewis doesn't dissapoint. With the help of co-author Michael D'Orso, we learn not only of one person's participation in the Civil Rights' Movement, but gain insight into the Movement as a whole.
Lewis is vastly under appreciated by Americans today. Hopefully Waking With the Wind will help future generations appreciate John Lewis, an American hero.


In His Own Write
Published in Paperback by HarperCollins (paper) (1988)
Authors: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
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Strangely Hilarious
Yes, this is an odd book. Some of the entries were very funny, some very odd, and some were really quite disturbing. However, despite being put off by some of the stories, I did thoroughly enjoy the way Lennon wrote. The play on words were especially humurous if very hard to interpret at times.

This book may not be for those who enjoy traditional comedy, but it's certainly worth a read if you're looking for something new. The complete randomness and, well, weirdness of Lennon's style (and, perhaps, mind) are very intriguing, whether you find it funny or not.

The introduction by Yoko Ono is also worth a look at (it's a little suprising, but oddly thought-provoking).

It's a good "larf"
I love The Beatles and I love nonsense so this was a perfect match. When you feel you've been thinking too much for one day this is the book to read it is just pure fun. The little short stories just make you giggle even if you're one of those people who never laughs when reading. This book also makes John Lennon seem more human since he has become this legend you get to see this silly but still genius side to him. Just a warning don't try making sense of this book it will just give you a headache just read it for kicks. To quote dear Mr.Lennon "this correction of short writty is the most wonderfoul larf I've ever ready."

millennonia
One of the best books I read in a while. John lennon puts all his wit/humor that is his whole aura of his famous personality. I also enjoyed his little pictures though out the book. So even if your not a fan of his music you'll be a fan of his writing and maybe get to appreciate a little more by venturing in his mind a bit.


Wherever You Go There You Are
Published in Paperback by Hyperion Books (1920)
Author: John Kabat-Zinn
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Inner peace, wisdom and harmony
Jon Kabat-Zinn¢s ability to describe and explain living in being-mode and mindfulness is brilliant. Although these things are thought to be some "eastern things", he successfully presents them as the life things, which directly have effects on our stability, development, relationships and quality of life. The chapters of the book are interesting, meaningful and inspiring, and not forcing a reader to see the world through any religion or spiritualism; they are not written in such a style.
If you want to learn what the mindfulness is, or just to be more inspired on seeking the right path and attitudes in your life, then read this book.

If you are interested in meditation, or, if you want to find
a way to slow the pace of your busy world, Jon Kabat-Zinn can express the "out of body" concepts of meditation in a way that no one else can.

You get to choose: "Wherever you go...." is a book that can be explored over and over, that can start you on a path to a new habit to find within yourself what you need to survive today's busy world; that can help you find a new habit to renew the life you lead. Or, utilize its message just as a brief "chapter read" to jump start the positive if you are not looking for a lifelong habit.

It is very difficult to express, in words, the inner activities that result in becoming comfortable in your own skin. Kabat-Zinn writes thoughtfully and honestly about how he has accomplished this, and what things might work for you. There are many treasures in this book. For me, his ability to describe the rewards one gets from practiced patience, and to impress upon the reader the simplicity of the "body scan" and how it can lead to the habit of lying down meditation are two examples of things that readers can take away at any given time from his book.

Many self-help readers today are looking for the "quick fix" or some small coping practice they can employ to keep their days positive. In some ways, in addition to helping you understand why meditation works and why it can change your life, Kabat-Zinn writes a poetic and illuminating version of the "one minute help" chapters that the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" series provided to these readers in the busy working world.

When you couple his vision and ideas with the lovely verse that liberally sprinkles his book (Kabir, Thoreau and Whitman are favorites) you have a quiet and inspirational message that can do more to help you understand and eliminate your stress than can all the meditation, control and organizational techniques advocated in today's America could ever do.

Read "Wherever you go, there you are" and learn how mindfulness can change the course of your daily life for the better. It works.

Concentrated Wisdom - A Definite Keeper
This has long been a best seller and justifiably so. Kabat-Zinn works clinically with people who are stressed and his earlier book, Full Catastrophe Living, was written for people who are almost pathologically stressed, to bring them the beneficial effects of meditation. The present book is written for average people on the street, who may not need so urgently the therapeutic effects of meditation, but in the belief that we can all of us use a healthy dose of it. It is written with no religious strings attached, and even avoiding the word "spiritual," and yet it has the ability to open up the spiritual realm for us, no matter what we wish to call it. It is an introduction for the beginner and a source of good advice for the practitioner of meditation. It's written in bite-sized chapters, in clear, easy and very readable prose. It is a delight to read. The book's three parts explore the why and how of meditation and its many applications in daily life. Many chapters conclude with suggestions for reflection or meditation. It is concentrated wisdom that deserves much rereading and a permanent place on your library shelf.


When Worlds Collide
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (2001)
Authors: Philip Wylie, Edwin Balmr, John Varley, and Edwin Balmer
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Apocalyptic science fiction from the 1930s
Two rogue planets, one the satellite of the other, are heading directly toward the earth. The scientists who make this horrifying discovery have a plan to save a small remnant of humanity.

The story is engaging enough that I was content to suspend my disbelief at the implausibility of the disaster and especially of the opportunity for survival. Much of the entertainment value of the book is in its being old: news of the impending disaster is spread by newspaper; atomic power is being hastily developed; the sexual attraction between two main characters is expressed only in passionate kisses.

There's plenty of apocalyptic fiction I'd recommend over this (e.g., "Earth Abides," "The Stand," "Alas, Babylon"), but "When Worlds Collide" is entertaining enough for a rainy Saturday. It has a sequel, "After Worlds Collide," which I haven't read.

Classic Sci-Fi
It's remarkable how well this book holds up after 70 years. It's not exactly =hard= science-fiction, and it emphasizes a lot of social issues, which is probably one of the reasons it has aged so well. Most importantly, it tells the story expertly, with a good amount of suspense and intrigue (and a lot less misanthropy than can be found in the excellent film adaptation).

The sequel ("After Worlds Collide") on the other hand, is =far= more dated, thoroughly permeated with '30s notions of nationalism. By today's standards it's more than just politically incorrect, it's borderline racist. But that aside--and it doesn't serve to try to read old novels with modern prejudices--it doesn't have the same sense of urgency (the impending doom of all mankind) found in the first book.

The Grandaddy of the Disaster Genre!
I first read this book more than thirty years ago. I have read it many times since and it will always remain on my list of all-time favorites. This is a book in the tradition of Verne and Wells in that it brings many basic scientific principles to life and makes them understandable to the reader.

Against the backdrop of universal disaster, Wylie and Balmer manage to tell a story that has real human dimensions. Love, hate, ingenuity, and compassion all play out here in characters that will truly engage the reader. Furthermore, the scope of adventure the book gives will compel the reader to keep turning the pages, eager to see what happens next. In this way the book is a true success. However, for the discerning reader, the story also raises some perplexing and even disturbing questions, giving it a depth that mere adventure can't.

My career as a geographer and mathematician can trace its genesis to one book, and that book is WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE. So I personally owe its authors a great deal, and so does all science-fiction because this book epitomizes the genre's greatest strengths.


Juggling for the Complete Klutz/With Block Beanbags
Published in Paperback by Klutz, Inc (1994)
Authors: John Cassidy, B. C. Rimbeaux, and Diane Waller
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This is a good book if you want "Learn" to Juggle
I basicly taught myself how to juggle, and it would have been much eisier to learn if I had this book. but the book also lacks any more advanced tricks. I also didn't like the way they made juggling 5 balls sound Imposible, It isn't that hard it just takes pretty long time. If you just want to learn how to juggle than this is a great book, but if you already can I'd recomend "Beyond the Cascade" by Georg Gillson, it has step by step instructions to 88 3 ball tricks.

An amusing read but don't believe all the claims.
I did indeed enjoy this book. The subject is approached with humor and simplicity. However, I went into this thinking (as others have claimed) that I'd be juggling away within minutes or, at most, an hour or two. Not so. Four days later and I'm still trying to master the basic cascade. Maybe it's an age thing or maybe I truly am a klutz. Whatever the reason, this book with its set of beanbags will get you on the road to the basics of juggling but don't expect to be able to join the circus next week. It may take some time to learn the basics but it will happen with patience and persistence. This book will help in that with its quirky humor. However, to learn more advanced juggling you will need a book like "The Complete Juggler" by Dave Finnigan. For those of us in the world who need a little extra help, I would recommend starting with scarves instead of beanbags. I would definitely recommend this book as a gift. It would make a great stocking stuffer for pre-teens, teens and young adults.

What Fun!
When I was an undergrad, a bunch of my friends and I wanted to to become Juggling Ministers. We spent ten bucks on minister licenses from an ad in the back of Rolling Stone and then we learned how to juggle. We were a hit on campus that year. Anyway, this was the book that taught us how to juggle. We spent hours with this book and learning how to juggle. It was great fun.

It starts off with a bang. The first lesson is to drop the bags right on the floor. Get used to it, because you'll be doing a lot of that when you first start learning.

The writing is humorous. And best of all it works like a charm.
Very easy if you keep at it. I can now juggle four things at a time and haven't lost a step. Once you learn, it is difficult to forget. Highly recommended!


The Dead of Night
Published in Paperback by Laureleaf (13 April, 1999)
Author: John Marsden
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Riveting, not at all mediocre!
I've read 2 of these books and disappointed that I can't get more of them..however this weekend I am picking up one I managed to order. The Dead of Night was just as good as Tomorrow, When the War Began; actually I preferred it although they were both awesome. It's not "medicore" in the slightest, it was beautifully done, and really makes you care about the characters. It's really refreshing just to sit down and read a truly good book instead of sitting in front of the TV and being sickened by commercials. I loved how in the Dead of Night they have Chris's poems in it. I couldn't make sense of them, neither could Ellie, but like her I thought the poems were beautiful and had a wonderful sound. The romance with Lee was good. I like Lee's character. The series has inspired me in my own writing. I love how they mix deep, serious thinking and analyzation of death, hot and cold blood, with action packed scenes, as well as romance. I definitely recommend you read this, if you don't read this, you're missing out on a treat from Marsden. Great job!

I loved it!
I really loved this book. I wish I could read the rest of the series, but all I can find is the first 2! The characters are so real. My favorite character is Lee. The characters have matured a great deal since the first book, yet are just as likeable. I liked how they put in some of Chris's poems, like ELlie I couldn't make much sense of it, but they were beeautiful sounding. It's interesting how the author works in drunk driving in a survival book. I also thought the book had a good romance. I'm glad Ellie's with Lee and not with her original crush, Homer. I like the character FIona, she's great. One good part of the book was Harvey's Heroes! It made laugh until I read the twist at the end! (If you read it, you know what I Mean.) I urge you to read it1 I'm not into action stories, but Marsden's characters won a place in my heart.

The greatest war story/ comming of age tail ever told
I was first introduced to this serioes at school, we were assigned to read it for English, before this book all books assigned to us in school were all garbage and I expected the same, as did most the other students in my class, most wouldnt bother to read it, so the teacher read it aloud in class, for most of it upuntil the half way mark I ignored most of it, until it dawned on me that this book was actualy sounding o.k. When I got home i got my copy from the bookshelf and actualy started to read it, and I read at any chance I had, and when I finished I read the second and third and then had to wait while the rest were written and released
The amazing story starts off with a group of teenagers going camping, and when they return the find the Australia has been taken over by another country, they go to the bush again to hide, but can't just sit back and do nothing and decide to fight back in what ever way they can, although unconventional, when all is said and done and the series is over they made a huge impact on the war, sometimes planned, sometimes fluked, of coarse not all survive and with every loss you can not help but feel the emotional pain of the others, it is the best comming of age story I have read, and although it is listed as a young adult series, it will be unforgetable to all ages and you will develop a bond with Ellie, Homer, Kevin and the rest of the gang, I have never fell in love with any fictional charactors the way I did with these guys, not even in T.V series
A story like this comes along once in a life time, do not, and I mean do not missss this book


Bob Books First! Level A, Set 1
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (2000)
Authors: Bobby Lynn Maslen and John R. Maslen
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Yep! These are good ones.
Once a child knows the basic letter sounds, he or she is ready for Bob books! I have 6 kids, and we homeschool. I used other books for my 2 oldest, but my son Alex began reading with Bob Books. He loves them!

They are written at a perfect gradient, beginning with 3-letter, short vowel sound words. They are written just as I would have written them!

I do wish the books were larger in size (not more pages, just bigger pages) and the pictures are just drawings - no color. An improvement of better, more colorful pictures and larger pages would get a 5-star vote from me.

These are great tools, and I recommend them for every beginning reader.

Try it ! You won't believe your ears!
I gave Bob Books to my son when he was four years old and quite proficient with his letters of the alphabet. He started reading, and he has been doing so ever since. Bet I don't have to tell you how happy it made me feel (althought now we have to stop at the library almost every day and pick up new "Easy Readers"). The Bob Books start with very simple words that can be sounded phonetically without knowing any of the rules, and then progress gradually, usually adding one or two new sounds per book. The books are very short and very simple in meaning, able to hold children's attention and giving them a huge sense of accomplishment upon completing each book. They are color coded for easy recognition of different levels. Excellent also for children learning English as a second language (my son). You can't go wrong with them, trust me, I am a savvy buyer.

"I can read it myself!"
My son started reading on his own and was having trouble getting through a whole Dr. Seuss without help. I wanted something more basic. When I looked at the Bob series, I thought it might be too basic, but it came highly recommended, so I bought it anyway.

First books out of the box, I was very disappointed. The binding is the same quality as a []magazine - staple through folded sheets of paper. The stories were so boring. The pictures so simplistic. Line drawings that look like someone doodled them during a boring meeting at work.

Then I watched my son. He actually read the words. Read every word. No making things up when the word was too hard. No making things up when he thought he knew what was next. He actually read.

And since the words were simple, he was able to pay attention to the story at the same time. On the other books, he was reading the words - but not getting the story. With the Bob books, he laughed and giggled. He is getting practice now. When he gets to where he can read the whole first series without a mis-step, we'll start the second series.

Reading take practice and going through the simple stuff until you can read words at a time instead of letters at a time is great. Boring as all get out for the grown up - but great for the kid.

Do NOT get these books for a 2 or 3 year old thinking that they can learn early. They will just tear the books up.

Do NOT get these to read to your kids. You'll just fall asleep.

DO get these when your child is ready to learn on their own. They will love the satisfaction of reading a whole book themselves. And you will enjoy seeing them get better with each reading.

I honestly thought I was wasting my money. I can honestly say that I was wrong. This was worth every penny and then some. I now know what my daughter's first book will be....


Mind Prey
Published in Hardcover by Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated (01 May, 1995)
Author: John Sandford
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The best series with the best character, Lucas Davenport
I started out with the book "Night Prey". My friendand I were in school, when she told me to read this book when she wasdone. I read it within 36 hours, it was such a page-turner. I then found out that this book was just one in a series of "prey" books by John Sandford. I've read almost all of them, and I'm planning on buying "Certain Prey" from amazon.com soon. The best series that there is. John Sandford is definately my favorite author! He's created such a likable character in Lucas Davenport, and he definately knows how to add in unsuspecting twists and turns to every novel. If you like James Patterson's novels, you'll definately enjoy anything written by John Sandford.

Great Book, Great Series, My New Favorite Author!!
I love these books. Recently read my first Prey book and am hooked!! This is the best one so far in a really great series, so that is saying something! Try to read them in order if you are just starting out on Mr. Sandford series. I love Lucas Davenport... Thanks Mr. Sandford, (aka John Camp) keep up the good work!!

Lu cas Meets His "Evil" Game Nemesis
Started with book no. 1 in the Prey series, and have enjoyed every one! I feel like Lucas Davenport is a close family member. I thought Winter Prey was the best so far til I read the next one, Mind Prey. Each Prey book has a totally different scenario of circumstances and bad guy/girl. This makes for a new and exciting read with each book even though Lucas appears in every one. I love following the same hero/heroin in a series. They become familiar to you and you don't want anything to happen to them. Very similar to Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta. Am now reading Sudden Prey and it's great too! Keep them coming Mr. Sandford!


John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide
Published in Paperback by Watson-Guptill Pubns (31 October, 2000)
Author: John Shaw
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