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Book reviews for "Riordan,_James" sorted by average review score:

The Ancients (Forbidden Doors #10)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Tyndale House Pub (2002)
Authors: Bill Myers and James Riordan
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Forbidden Doors
There is no way to give proper tribute to these amazing books in 1,000 words or less. They are must read books for any teenager who wanted to know how to fight evil with good and know how great our God is. With a quoted word from scripture, demons flee in terror. The difference in power between he who lives in this world and He who lives in me is astronomical. Of Christian non fiction out there, this series is one of three I took the time to read, buy, and recommend. Bill Myers is a fanomonal writer. He's right up there with C.S. Lewis. My only question is: who is Z?

awesome read
hi, this is an awesome book for anyone of all ages and religous backgrounds. i own the entire series and love them all. they're very inspirational and remind me of how powerful the Lord is when i have a problem. has anyone heard anything about another book(#11)?? if so let me know. thanks

great series
This is an awesome series for any Christian teen, and anyone else who wants to read it! It really shows the power of God and how He gives Christians authority over demons, etc. This series can really build your faith! Except the last book made you think another one was coming... what about #11? I hope there is more to come! =)


The Platinum Rainbow: How to Succeed in the Music Business Without Selling Your Soul
Published in Paperback by NTC/Contemporary Publishing (1988)
Authors: Bob Monaco and James Riordan
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A musicians instruction manual
I read the book in the Mid 80's while living in California and saw all of the myths that I thought were just that myths come to light out of the dark. This book is slimmer that the most of them but contains everything you need. "A musicians instruction manual."

A book for aspiring musicians.
Absolutely fantastic. Gives the honest truth about the business today. Any person in the music business should read this.

Awesome
This book is a God-send to all aspiring musicians. Gives you insight on everything from getting small-time gigs to recording to making it big.


The Woman in the Moon and Other Tales of Forgotten Heroines
Published in Hardcover by E P Dutton (1987)
Authors: James Riordan and Angela Barrett
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All Time Favorite Book
I think I was eight the first time I read these stories. Over the years I read again and again, before lending the book to a friend and never seeing it again. It took me eight more years to track down a used copy, a search that encompassed two continants, countless used bookstores, and finally, a very good out of print book service. Every minute spent on that search was well worth the effort. The copy I have now sits in the place of pride on my bookshelf. I still haunt used book stores looking for copies to give to friends with daughters.

This book opened so many doors to new ideas for me. It dispelled the notion that women could only be beautiful, helpless prizes for men (like Cinderella) or evil, ugly, vicious adversaries (like her stepmother). That is, after all, the stated objective of the book. But it also taught me that the stories our culture tells are not the stories every culture tells. It opened my eyes to a world full of rich and varied literary traditions.

Beautifully writen, marvelously illustrated, this book belongs in the collection of every young girl -- and boy. Buy it for any child you care about -- you never know what sort of ideas it might give her, or him.

A must for every little girl -- and boy
My grandmother gave me this book when I was 10 years old, and I loved the exotic stories that went way beyond the typical Cinderella fairytales I was used to. I've passed on my well-read copy to my 10-year-old little sister and, just like me, she couldn't put it down. I still occasionally reread these stories, not only because they're well-written, but because they take me to another place and time where women warriors rule, young girls can fly and married women are anything but "the wife." I recommend giving this to any young person you know and love.


International Politics of Sport in the Twentieth Century
Published in Paperback by Routledge mot E F & N Spon (1999)
Authors: James Riordan, Arnd Kruger, and Jim Riordan
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The International Century
This is the international century, so it is most appropriate that authors from 5 countries came together under the expert partnership of Kruger & Riordan who have coedited an international anthology of worker sport (of which there is a chapter here in the book) before. The book is a perfect overview which would serve a university course well. All chapters (one exception on Afro-American sport) were written exclusively for the book, and some in fields not before explored: Kruger's history of homosexuality and sport is timely and superb: If the rate of homosexuality is 10 p.c. in sport, do the two football players on the field who are gay enjoy the tossing and tumbling differently than their straight co-players? His comparison of fascism and sport in Mussolini's Italy, Hitler's Germany and Franco's Spain shows that a lot was actually invented in Italy and later on refined by Germany. Wedemeyer puts terrorism and sport (Ireland, Palestinians etc.) into an historical context. Bill Murray (author of 2 world histories of soccer)is the best expert on the history of the international soccer organizations. Gudrun Doll-Tepper, president of the disabled organisations, gives a structural analysis of her sport.etc, etc. You name a world expert and you will find it in the book.


Little Bunny Bobkin
Published in Paperback by The Watts Publishing Group (25 June, 1998)
Author: James Riordan
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A delightful preschool counting book.
Little Bunny Bobkin wants to learn how to count, but nobody will help him! Mother Duck shoos him away when he tries to count her ducklings, and the honey bees chase him away when he tries to count their poppies. When he finds he has wandered into the wild wood and is trapped in the foxes' den, he must use his counting skills to outwit Mother Fox and avoid becoming rabbit stew! Tim Warnes full color illustrations perfectly showcase James Riordan's charming little story that will enhance the counting skills of young readers ages 3 to 7.


Making It in the New Music Business
Published in Hardcover by Writer's Digest Books (1988)
Author: James Riordan
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THE BEST BOOK *EVER* FOR ASPIRING MUSICIANS

This is BY FAR the best book I've EVER read about becoming a successful musician.

It takes you step by step towards achieving your dreams. It's a world apart from most music biz books that just tell you what a record deal is.

This gets into the philosophy. The work ethic. The mental approach. AND the specifics of the industry!

A truly amazing book, that I'm shocked to find on the "hard to find" list. Worth having Amazon search for.

I did an interview with the author. It's posted on this website...


Break on Through : The Life and Death of Jim Morrison
Published in Paperback by Quill (1992)
Authors: James Riordan and Jerry Prochinichy
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Great Rock Biography.
"Break On Through" is one of the great rock bios. It is an exciting, incredibly well-detailed read. The problem I tend to have with a lot of biographies is that the writer doesn't really capture the person's life, instead, the writer simply records what the person did and when blah blah blah. In other words, bad bios tend to be no less than simply boring. "Break On Through" is written with a cinematic energy and a true feel for the essence of the material. James Riordian and Jerry Prochnicky have made a brilliant study of one of the enduring rock legends, Jim Morrison. Riordan is also the writer of the brilliant biography of Oliver Stone and does an equally excellent job here. Jim Morrison is a very complex figure, an artist and captivating poet who will always remain a weird enigma in that no one will ever really be able to explain the REAL Morrison. So, this should be read as another study on an icon. But boy is it rich! It celebrates the excess, the depth, and the poetry behind the Morrison story (and The Doors music). Like the Oliver Stone movie, "The Doors," one of course should not read this as the DEFINITIVE explanation, but as another point of view. "Break On Through" manages to transport the reader back to the era in which it takes place with a revolutionary energy that makes it a book that is hard to put down. But I also loved it because it has detailed observations of the music, lyrics and philosophies. The authors actually take time to even explore exactly what living by the "Dionysian" concept means. It also presents fascinating, interesting events and it works not only as a bio on Morrison, but as a study of the beginnings of a new form of rock music. The book also explores how The Doors and Morrison's stage attitudes and lyrical style produced what would eventually be the Punk movement and bands like The Cult, U2, Creed, Echo And The Bunnymen, even Alice Cooper and many others. It brilliantly portrays the rise of an icon. It is also a great story, that of a brilliant artist who's drive to excess lead to his early demise and how he left the music world an influence that is immortal. Well written and brilliant, "Break On Through" is a must for those who like a good biography, rock fans and of course, Doors fans. Great book.

James Riordan: "Break on Through"
This is a good, factual account of the life and times of Jim Morrison, focusing mainly on his career as lead singer of The Doors. I recommend this book be read in parallel with Hopkins and Sugerman's "No One Here Gets Out Alive". These two books cover many of the same incidents, putting different spins on them. There is some real meat in this book, and I highly recommend it.

Brilliant, of course I am biased on this one!
If there was but one biography I was able to read for the rest of my existance, I would consider this one being the one I select. I have loved The Doors and Jim Morrison for as long as I can recall, and found the practise of alternative religions and shamanism interesting long before I learnt that Jim was more than just dabbling in Shamanism, but believed he was posessed by a medicine man. Hence, this novel, with all its poetry clippings, information regarding shamanism, a somewhat more accurate portrayal of Jim, and the writer's zealous attitude regarding Jim ( it was clear the writer found Jim Morrison to be the most marvellous person to have existed), combined with the simple, factual and well written book presentation, this is one of the most passionate and beautiful biographies I have ever encountered. It is clearly meticiously researched (as is seen by the poetry excerpts scattered throughout) and obviously of huge interest to the author. Although I can't imagine it being of great interest to those not particularly interested in Jim Morrison, as there is much less emphasism on The Doors, and basically solely revolves around the chrismatic lead singer. I feel, however that it will certainly provide entertainment for most willing to see it through to the close, simply because Jim Morrison was an enigmatic and highly interesting personality. This novel centres much around the idea that Jim was a poet, and not a rock star, and while this can prove repitious, the case is presented in a way that allows us to excuse much of Jim's outward behaviour. A brilliant overview of a brilliant genius.


Thumbelina
Published in Hardcover by Putnam Pub Group Juv (1991)
Authors: Wayne Anderson, James Riordan, and Hans Christian Andersen
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A book about a small person doing extrodinary things.
Thumbelina is not normal girl she is about the size of your thumb, but don't let her height mistake you she can do alot of things other people can't do. Like she can fit into small spaces that you can't. So if you like books that are about people doing extremely different things that you don't think that can do then this is the book right for you to read. This book will amaze your eyes with the colorful pictures inside, and with the amazing things Thumbelina can do.

A Beautiful Little Tale
Hans Christian Andersen's story of Thumbeline is so endearing that it's no wonder that so many authors have written their own versions of it and so many illustrators have had a go at making tiny Thumbeline come to life. This version, translated by Anthea Bell and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is brimming with charm, rustic folk sensibilities, kindness and compassion spiked with just the right amount of perilous adventure to make it interesting, and a lovely magical feel. The story is well told in satisfyingly descriptive language. The illustrations are superb! Zwerger does a wonderful job with all of the animal characters that Thumbeline encounters and manages to infuse them with emotion and intelligence as well as country charm. Little red-haired Thumbeline is delicate and sweet in several lovely costumes with a peasant feel to them. You know the tale...a woman tells a witch that she wants a "tiny child" and the magic gives her exactly what she wishes for, a tiny child no bigger than her thumb. Thumbeline is born from the heart of a tulip. She's so beautiful and sweet that every small suitor in the neighborhood wants her hand in marriage, including a toad, a mole and a June beetle. They are not interested in the fact that she does not want to marry them! She gets help from other wee folk in the woodland community and makes a good friend when she saves the life of a swallow. The story ends happily for Thumbeline. It may be desirable to point out to your young ones that not every unattached female needs to find a husband, especially very young ones like Thumbeline, and that kidnapping and force are not true ways to get a girl to marry you! Children are smart enough to know that but it's still a good idea to talk over the odd concepts that a child may be thinking about after you read this story. I love this old-fashioned story and this re-telling adds beautifully to its charm and therefore justifies its conception.

A Little Gem
The familiar Hans Christian Andersen story of Thumbelina has received the royal treatment from Susan Jeffers. Her large, lovely pictures make this seem like you are stepping into the story for the first time. Thumbelina is so dainty and sweet that it's no wonder the toad wishes to marry her but poor Thumbelina has a harrowing time escaping from her warty suitor. Share a trumpet vine blossom with Thumbelina, a pair of hummingbirds and a fat bumble bee or take a ride with her on the back of a gallant swallow. This whole story is enchanting from start to finish and the pictures are a delight!


Stone: The Controversies, Excesses, and Exploits of a Radical Filmmaker
Published in Hardcover by Hyperion (1995)
Authors: James Riordan and Michael Douglas
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Not Worth 5 Stars!
This is my first time reading up on Oliver Stone, or any other director for that matter.

I found this book very well written and an enormously entertaining read. The author not only gives a keen insight into what Oliver Stone is about and how he works, but the book also gives a good basic overview of how movies get made and the inner workings of Hollywood. After reading this book, I gained a new respect and appreciation for all the tremendously hard working people involved in getting a story onto the big screen.

I give the book a 3 star rating because the author didn't stay true to his topic. The first half of the book was much more revealing (and interesting) than the latter half. It worked really well from up to around the end of the Platoon era. After that it seems like the book tapers off. Besides, I find it hard to believe that you can find more details and insights into Stone's early life, when he was a nobody, than you can into his later life where he is among the biggest directors in Hollywood and a much revered and outspoken public figure.

A Complete Guid to Stone
This is a must for any Stone fan. It is a complete history of Oliver Stone; from his birth into a wealthy New York family, to driving a cab for $30 dollars a night, to the set of JFK. It gives us a compelling insight into what created one of America's greatest and important film makers and social critics.

The best book I read on a director yet !
This book really takes you into the mind of Oliver Stone. It really gets in their an shows how he directs ,and what the actors and his peerers think of his work.


Gulliver's Travels
Published in Paperback by Oxford Univ Pr Childrens Books (1998)
Authors: James Riordan, Jonathan Swift, and Victor G. Ambrus
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Swift's famous satire
Jonathan Swift's 18th century satire, Gulliver's Travels, is an extraordinary tale of the adventures of an English ship surgeon. The ship surgeon, Gulliver, by a series of unfortunate events on each of his four voyages at sea, receives the chance to explore the cultures of the countries of Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, Balnibarbi, Glubbdubdrib, Luggnagg and the land of the Houyhnhnms. Each land is considerably different from the others, and creates quite an entertaining read.

While the story itself is particularly unusual, the satirical element which Swift applied to it adds another level of comprehension. If understood, one could have a nice chuckle at the way Swift mockingly portrays ideas and people through the various cultures which Gulliver encounters. Some similes, however, are intended to get a more serious meaning across. For example, in his first journey of the book, Gulliver finds himself in the country of Lilliput where the people are only six inches tall, save the king who is seven. In this land there are two groups which were distinguished by which side a person breaks their eggs on. One king published an edict commanding all his subjects to break their eggs on the small side, but many would've picked death over breaking their eggs on the 'wrong' side, so many did. By this, Swift meant to throw contempt on the exaggerated importance that people place on their differences, as on which side one breaks an egg is a very trivial thing. The two groups mentioned represent the Catholic and Protestant religions, between which were many wars and massacres during the 1500's when the Protestants first appeared.

Gulliver's Travels takes the reader to many lands, all different and unique ' each adding another perspective on traditional beliefs and ways of thinking. Gulliver changes as much as the scenery around him, and after each voyage he has changed dramatically. At the end he has transformed so much that I feel really sorry for his family ' although it's only love that could allow them to put up with his strange behaviors.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an appetite for literature, as Gulliver's Travels is an excellent satire of the ways of the thinking in the early 1700's. Also, the author does a good job in describing the lands which Gulliver visits in great detail. Although Swift may not have written this book with intense action scenes and steamy romance, it is definitely a work worthy of the people of today.

A delightfully humorous satire
Lemuel Gulliver is a surgeon/ship¨ˆs captain who embarks on several intriguing adventures. His first endeavor takes him to Lilliput, where all inhabitants are six inches tall, but resemble normal humans in every other respect. His next voyage lands him on Brobdingnag, where a grown man is sixty feet tall, and even the shortest dwarf stands thirty feet tall. On his third trip, he travels to several locations, including a floating island. During Gulliver¨ˆs final voyage, he is abandoned by his mutinous crew on the island of the Houyhnhnms, which are extremely intelligent horses. No evil or concept of lying exists among these creatures. The island is also inhabited by Yahoos, savage, irrational human-like creatures who are kept as pets by the Houyhnhnms. Gulliver wishes to spend the rest of his life on this peaceful island, but he is banished and forced to return to England.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to people 14 or older. Since the novel was written in the 1700¡¯s, the words, grammar and usage are a little confusing. The reader also must have prior knowledge of 18th-century politics to get a full image of what Swift is trying to convey. At some points, the author goes into detail about nautical terms and happenings, and that tends to drag. Overall, the book is well-written, slightly humorous, if not a little confusing.

A classic, but still a good read.
I have trouble reading classic literature. I am an avid reader and I want to enjoy the classics, but just find it difficult to understand the meaning in some of the writing.

This, however, was a pleasant surprise. Although written in the early 1700s, the story itself was fairly easy to follow. Even towards the end, I began to see the underlying theme of the satire that Swift has been praised for in this work.

Being someone who reads primarily science fiction and fantasy novels, I thought this might be an opportunity to culture myself while also enjoying a good story. I was correct in my thinking. Even if you can't pick up on the satire, there is still a good classic fantasy story.

Essentially, the book details the travels of Lemuel Gulliver, who by several misfortunes, visits remote and unheard of lands. In each, Gulliver spends enough time to understand the language and culture of each of these land's inhabitants. He also details the difference in culture of his native England to the highest rulers of the visted nations. In his writing of these differences, he is able to show his dislike with the system of government of England. He does this by simply stating how things are in England and then uses the reaction of the strangers as outsiders looking in, showing their lack of respect for what Gulliver describes.

I found it very interesting to see that even as early as the 1700s there was a general dislike of government as well as lawyers.

I would recommend this book to anyone who reads the fantasy genre. Obviously, it's not an epic saga like so many most fantasy readers enjoy, but it's a nice break. I would also recommend this to high school students who are asked to pick a classic piece for a book report. It reads relatively quick and isn't as difficult to read as some of the others that I've tried to read.


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