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Book reviews for "Rozbicki,_Michael_J." sorted by average review score:

The Dark Tower Gift Collection, Books 1-3: The Gunslinger, The Drawing of The Three, and The Waste Lands
Published in Hardcover by Donald M. Grant Publisher, Inc. (07 December, 1998)
Authors: Stephen King, Jakobson, Donald M. Grant, Phil Hale, Michael Whelan, and Ned Dameron
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Wanting More!!!
I have fallen hard for this series! King is a master. His use of bits and pieces of "our" world provides a chilling touch. I know a lot of people did not like the "Wizard of Oz" touch, but I found it to add to the mystic that can only be Stephen King. He takes something that we are all familiar with, then twists it, gives it new dimension and makes it his own. I reread the first 3 books and then read this one all in a matter of 4 days. I can hardly wait for the next book! (although my family probably hopes it won't be out for a while yet) Please, Stephen, publish the next one! We're dying out here! Your writing is superb and makes me want to be a part of Roland's Ka-tet! Onward to the Dark Tower Mr. King! Onward! (very soon!)

This seriers was completely spell binding. I was entranced.
From the moment I opened to the first page of "The Dark Tower Series", I was hypnotized and a willing prisoner of Kings fantasy. I loved each one, up until I reached the last page of "Wastelands". At this point I said something off-color and threw the book across the room. I couldn't believe that I would have to patiently wait for the next in the series. Well, it has been several years and many many books later, and my wish is finally being granted. The next book has been completed. During this frustrating time of waiting, my main concern was the Mr. Stephen King would suffer a horrible accident and die before he could complete the series. Not only would the world have lost a great author, but I would have gone insane from not knowing the conclusion of this magical series. My family can finally breathe a sigh of relief since I wont be a nervous reck over not being able to grasp this book in my impatient hands

A modern-day classic.
Stephen King may not be the most profound writer of our time, but I believe this series of books will be the ones that he is remembered for. He takes us on a journy with the last Gunslinger, Roland of Gilead, who is in search for the Dark Tower. The Dark Tower is the center of time and space...mayber even a doorway to other worlds. Roland has plowed West across Mid-World in search for the Dark Tower, set on saving his dying land. Will Roland ever find the fabled Dark Tower? We all hope so as we journy with him and his ka-tet. Another great thing about this series is how King has started to tie in his other novels with Roland's world. This a must read for any King fan... and even the people that don't like King. JUST GET IT.


The Neverending Story
Published in Paperback by Penguin USA (Paper) (1984)
Authors: Michael Ende and Ralph Manheim
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A wonderfully imaginative book for all!!
This is a book you have to read! The story is about a boy named Bastian Balthazar Bux who runs away and steals a book titled "The Neverending Story". He reads about a land, another world, named Fantastica and it is in desperate need for a human to come from earth. A thing, a 'nothing' is spreading through Fantastica and the people of Fantastica beginning to suck into it. For once you go in, you become lies or evil beings in earth and tell humans that there is no such thing as Fantastica. There is also another problem in the land, the Childlike Empress is sick and if she dies, all of Fantastica will die. A boy is sent to find out how to cure her. The boy's name is Atreyu. The book goes on to Atreyu's journey to the Swamp of Sadness, the Desert, an horrible encounter with a huge and poisonous spider, meeting a fire-dragon named Falcor and becoming friends with it, going to Uyulaya, a scary brush with death in Spook City while trying to find the border of Fantastica, and finally, going back to the Childlike Empress. The cure is for a human child to come to Fantastica to giver the Empress a new name. Bastian goes into the book and makes lots of trouble for himself,Atreyu,and other characters in the book.
This author has lots of imagination. I like Atreyu's journey to find out what the cure for the Empress the best. It's was lots of fun to read the "Neverending Story". All people would love this action,suspense, and most of all, the imagination of the characters and the places.

The book of books!
"The book of books!" This quote from The Neverending Story says it all, as I've never come across another book like it! Its engrossing plot (told using two different colors of ink in hardcover editions!) follows the story of poor unwanted Bastian Balthazar Bux (printed in red) who is "found" by a copper-colored, silk-bound book, titled The Neverending Story, which he begins to read while locked up in his school's attic. As Bastian reads the story of the heroic Atreyu (printed in green) and a Great Quest to save his dying world of Fantastica and its Childlike Empress, he has no idea that he is also a character in a book! (It makes you wonder, huh?) The Neverending Story is filled with unbelievably imaginative characters such as Grograman the Fire Lion, the Old Man of Wandering Mountain, Querquobad the Silver Sage, and Ygramul, "the horror of horrors!" to name just a handful! And not only are the characters and plot creative, but the book itself is as well! It is printed entirely in colored ink as I have mentioned, plus it has 26 chapters - each one beginning with a letter of the alphabet! Each chapter begins with a magnificent illustration (also in only red and green ink in the hardcover edition) around the first letter! How did he think of that?! But perhaps the best thing about The Neverending Story is what you get out of it. You cannot read it without looking at the nature of wishes, imagination, and love differently from that point forward, no matter what your age is. The Neverending Story is, as you shall see, your story as well. And that of course (to quote the book again,) "shall be told another time!"

If you have a vivid imagination, this book is for you!
I remember seeing the Neverending Story when I was 6, and it became one of those films I watched again and again. It wasn't until I was in College that I found a copy of the original Michael Ende story. I was amazed! It was incredible to find how Ende had crafted the world of "Fantastica" (In the film, it is called "Fantasia"). The story begins with Bastian Balthazar Bux, a 10-year old boy who is bullied at school for being somewhat overweight, and for his vivid imagination. One day, he stumbles into Mr. Coreander's Book Store, where he finds the book "The NeverEnding Story." Bastian takes the book without Coreander seeing him, and runs with it to his school's attic, where he proceeds to read it. In the pages of the book, he learns that Fantastica's ruler, The Childlike Empress, has fallen ill. Even moreso, the land is being swallowed up by a blackness that can only be described as "Nothing." The Empress sends a messenger to find Atreyu, a young warrior who she deems worthy to help her. Given the Auryn (the symbol of a servant for the Empress), Atreyu begins his quest that takes him to the Southern Oracle, to the clutches of the hideous Ygremal, and more. Pretty soon, Bastian finds that the story is so engrossing, that at certain points, he seems to be becoming intertwined into it! There is so much more to tell, but I recommend this book! If you like books such as the "Harry Potter" series, with it's inventive cast of creatures, people and lands, "The NeverEnding Story" should feel right at home with you. There are such creatures as Rock-Eaters, Tinys, Luckdragons, and many too numerous to list. By the time you finish reading it, you'll want to read it again.


The Dragonlance Chronicles/Dragons of Autumn Twilight/Dragons of Winter Night/Dragons of Spring Dawning (Collectors Edition)
Published in Paperback by TSR Hobbies (1988)
Authors: Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, and Michael Williams
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Dragon Lance Chronicles
When I was in 5th grade, I picked up my first DL book, Dragons of Autum Twilight. I wasn't much of a reader, meaning I thought books were boring. Then came my friend and suggested that I read these books. Needless to say, I couldn't put them down. Now some 12 or 13 years later and after countless hours of reading, I still have to find a book that even comes close. I haven't read these three books in a long time, but now that I have found this site, you can be assured that I will read them once again and agian. I myself have turned many people on to these books and they all feel the same way that I, and many other people do. If you are reading this and have not yet read the trilogy, stop right now and go to your nearest bookstore and try to find them, or order from here. You will not regret it.

Absolutely fabulous! No other series can come close!
I started out reading Dragonlance a few years ago and with the instructions of my friend, I went to the bookstore in search of a book "with a red dragon and a bunch of people on the cover." Upon reading the first of the Chronicles, I zipped off to the bookstore, bought the 2nd two, bought Legends and pretty soon I ended up with over 50 of the Dragonlance saga novels/novellas/anthologies. I was so mesmerized, enthralled, captivated, and in love with the world and its people (and most definitely its creators) that I found a RARE edition of the compilation (Collector's Edition) of the Chronicles and that of Legends and bought them just to keep them nice and fresh looking! An absolute 10! Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman at their very best! Nothing can come even close to comparing with Dragonlance! A marvelous read - spell-binding and enthralling! A great book!

The Best Fantasy Book ever written!
The Dragonlance Chronicles is one of those rare books which has the same effect and offers the same degree of novelty on the reader no matter how many times he/she has read it before. It drags you inside the world it creates and makes you feel the wonder and excitement its characters feel. It makes you a part of its great adventure. I always tell my friends that if they haven't read The Dragonlance Chronicles, then they haven't really experienced the real essence of fantasy literature. In fact, after I read this wonderful book, all other contemporary fantasy books paled in comparison. The Dragonlance Chronicles is not just the best in the genre of fantasy books, it can definitely hold its own when compared to other books of fiction as well.


They Cage the Animals at Night
Published in Hardcover by New American Library Trade (1984)
Author: Jennings Michael Burch
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They Cage the Animals at Night
"They Cage the Animals at Night" by Jennings Michael Burch is an autobiography of an eight-year-old boy who faced the perils of an insecure childhood, in everyway possible. Jennings was placed in several children's institutions due to his mother being sick and his father a drunken bum that he'd never met. He was separated from his five other brothers, and placed in orphanages, as a part-timer instead of the orphans (a.k.a. lifers) He bounced from home, to orphanages, to abusive foster homes, to good foster homes, to living at the zoo and rummaging through the trash for food. Through all this time, Jennings was taught not to become close to people, because the ones you love, always leave you. Jennings was taught many other lessons; unfortunately he learned them all the hard way. This story will break your heart, and yet at the same time fill you with hope for him in the future as you compare him to his brothers.
I loved this book. I read it as a fifth grader, and then again in high school. With both reads I learned something. The pages of this autobiography made tears come to my eyes, because Jennings Michael Burch brings you into the story, and back to the memories of your own childhood. You can't believe that the days you were twirling around in your princess costume, Jennings was sleeping in the cold bushes of the Bronx zoo by himself.

they cage the animals at night
I enjoyed the book, They Cage the Animals at Night. This autobiographical story is about a young child who is seperated from his brothers and sent to different orphanages, becasue their mother is sick. The nuns are very strict and have no sympathy for an eight year old boy, Jennings. It is about Jennings and his struggles through a series of diffeent orphanage homes, feeling lonely, and frightened. He held on to a stuffed animal who he named Doggie. This book is, as the back cover explains, "The triumphant tale of a little boy who finally gained the courage to reach out for love- and found it waiting for him".. Jennings' unyielding spirit and hope are seemingly contagious as he brings the reader into this brave boys childhood. While reading this autobiographical you will be able to feel sympathy for the kid, wanting to help. And you will feel as if you were going through the experiences with him- the hurt and pain. It is very well written with good details. I am very glad i chose to read this book, and would recommend it to anyone.

They Cage the Animals at Night
They Cage the Animals at Night is a terrific and emotionalstory about Jennings Michael Burch, a young boy who learned to survivein a cold, frightening world. His mother was too sick to care for him and left him in a series of orphanages and institutions. Life in these orphanages was brutal, punishments were cruel, rules were strict, and Jennings was unable to do anything about it. He couldn't rely on family and friends because they all abandoned him in times that he really needed them. A tattered stuffed dog was the only friend that stayed with him through it all and the only thing he could count on in his lost childhood. This is the best book I have ever read. I couldn't put it down. When it was time to go to sleep, I would get a flashlight and sit in the dark for hours and read this book. I have never read a sadder story. The fact that this all happened to the author makes me realize just how lucky I actually am to have family, friends, home, and money. I really felt sorry for Jennings. He was a boy about my age who doesn't have all that I have. The story was based on sadness, love, survival, family, and friends. I would recommend this to anyone of any age who likes a powerful, sad story or who wants to be moved and touched. My entire family has either read it or wants to read it. Everyone I know that read it has felt the same way that I do about it.


Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana
Published in Paperback by Main Street Books (1993)
Author: Michael Azerrad
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Good read; but mostly fictional tale of Kurt Cobain
This book is a nice read if you don't mind the inaccurate stories of Kurt Cobain and the musical group Nirvana. It seems Kurt told the author - Michael Azerrad - lots of bogus stories (which Kurt was known to do with the press) and Mr. Azerrad swallowed the tales hook, line, and sinker.

I blame the writer since many of the inaccuracies could have easily been determined to be truth or a lie by simply going to the court house and looking up past records involving Kurt Cobain, or checking with a few 'witnesses', but it seems Mr. Azerrad just wrote whatever Kurt told him and so it's hard to really enjoy this book since it is chock full of lies and fables.

If you wish to read a more accurate portrayal of Kurt Cobain, I would suggest Heavier Than Heaven. It too contains some inaccuracies (the author writes that Dave Grohl was shirtless during his performance of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' on Saturday Night Live, which if the author actually took the time to view the performance could easily see this wasn't true). Of course these types of inaccuracies are cosmetic; whereas, Come As You Are is just a fictional tale with hints of truth sporadically thrown in.

Come As You Are: Awesome Book
I went out and bought this book hoping to find out some information on NIRVANA/Kurt Cobain, needless to say that's just what I found when I read Come As You Are:The Story Of Nirvana. This book is one of the most interesting books on NIRVANA I've ever read, I recomend this book to ALL NIRVANA FANS or to anyone interested in Kurt.
This book starts off by telling you about Kurt's life as a child and then how he formed the band, and about being on tour and everything in between. This book tells a lot of stories about NIRVANA and Kurt, and there is a huge amount of actual conversation between Kurt, Krist, and Dave. This book really made me feel like I was actually there, the book is so well-written that you can get a really clear image of what is going on. Not to mention there are a ton of pictures in this book, I would say this is one of the best NIRVANA books I've ever read. A must have for anyone who likes NIRVANA or Kurt.

Probably the best Nirvana book..
Come as You Are was written before Kurt Cobain's death in 1994, so it isn't focused on the tragedy of it, rather on his life leading up to the event. Its a very candid look at his happy beginnings and how his life at home deteriorated and the refuge he found in music. Nirvana went though many drummers and musicians before finally settling on Dave Grohl. This book portrays Kurt like he was: a pained musician who didn't want nor know how to handle his sudden fame. Come As You Are is personal, funny, and intriguing. After reading it, I started thinking more about their music and the impact they made on the industry. Any fans of the band would probably love this, or even if you're not, it has an up close look at the music world of record labels, fame, fortune, touring, and all the work that goes into the production. Definitely worth reading. It also has some good photos.


MCSE : The Core Exams in a Nutshell
Published in Paperback by O'Reilly & Associates (1998)
Author: Michael G. Moncur
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Excellent for cramming and solidifies concepts easily
This book with several other books got me the core exams out of the way in one month.I used Sybex Workstation Study Guide, SAMS MSCE Server in 14 Days, and MSPress Server in the Enterprise, and nothing but this book for Networking Essentials.With this book you can read any book on NT, then reference it to this book and pass the exam. Can't wait to use MSCE in a Nutshell the Electives for TCP/IP, and IIS. CNA, A+ and soon to be MCP+I, and MCSE.

Go get it!
I have the Microsoft Technical support book, the Sybex MCSE books and the Exam cram series and compared to the 3 this is by far the best. It tells you EXACTLY what you need to learn in order to pass the exams - kind of like a collation of braindumps - only with all the correct information. Having studied NT for over a year - this book is most definitely not geared towards the beginner - but towards experienced users or Network Adminstrators wishing to gain certification. If you're new to certifcation this book would be best used either with another MCSE study guide or as the last resource before an exam. It's very well written, clear and not full of BS - buy it now!

MCSE the core exams in a Nutshell
This book was great! Easy to follow, organized, very well put together. I found this book to be just what I needed to brush up my skills. While reading this book, I also read MCSE Study guide by from Sybex. These two books will get you the passing score! It is well worth the money and probably much more. You'll find as I did that it's no mistake buying this one.


The Power of a Praying Wife
Published in Paperback by Harvest House Publishers, Inc. (1997)
Authors: Stormie Omartian and Michael Omartian
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The Power of a Praying Wife
The book "The Power of a Praying Wife" was excellent. It showed me specific areas to pray for my husband and myself. I took Stormie's challenge, however, my 30 days are not completed yet. I began reading and praying the second weekend in January and to date, I have not seen any miraculous changes in my relationship with my husband nor in our "dead" marriage. Nothing has changed, but I will continue to pray and hope that God will answer my prayers.

A Phenominal Book!!!!
God gifted me with a "Dream" husband, and so I struggle with feeling inadequate as a wife. Certainly I wasn't praying for him like I knew I should. Of course he has struggles and problems, but I was unsure how to pray for him. I have read many books on prayer and as many on marriage, but have never found a book that is challenging, encouraging, and PRACTICAL like this one is. I have seen it transform women and marriages. This is a book I will be giving to friends, both married and engaged, for years to come. PLEASE, if you don't read anything else, read this book.

Excellent for anyone desiring to be a good wife today.
This book changed my life as a christian desiring to build a happy and peaceful home as well as my perception of marriage and my roles and responsibilities as a christian wife. It thought me to understand the scriptural setting and expectations of a wife and it brought such tremendous inward transformation in my life first and I am beginning to reap the fruits of my prayers now in my marriage. It is a good guide and I have been recommending it to all my friends who are married. It does not matter how long you have been married, if you desire a happy home, this book is a must. Everyday, that I pray for my husband, I love him the more and nothing could be better. It helps go throught he diffiicult moments and helps me handle the usual marriage crisis. I just thank God for using Stormie and this age when marriages are so shaky to bring God's truth amd healing to the home.


Flags of Our Fathers
Published in Paperback by Delacorte Press (13 May, 2003)
Authors: James Bradley, Michael French, and Ron Powers
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Beneath The Flag
I was only 5 when the attack on Iwo Jima took place. My own father, by virtue of age, good luck and a naval officer's commission escaped conscription into this particular hell. My personal wartime experience is a vague one of watching free movie musicals at the Ottumwa Iowa Naval Air Station, squashing and saving tin cans for the war effort and finally weaving red white and blue crepe paper into the spokes of my junior bike in celebration of VJ day. Thanks to a new book about World War II, I am discovering what it was really like back then to feel true patriotism. It is a bittersweet revelation, but a very valid one.

"Flags of Our Fathers" is a book which appeals not only to the die-hard WWII buff but to any person, male or female, with an interest in a teeth clenching, powerful and poignant story. It describes a horrible battle, the incredible selfless sacrifices of young men and the angst of their families.

James Bradley & Ron Powers have brought to vivid life the real people behind the famous flag-raising mythos, the surreal war in which they so valiantly fought and the survivors' eventual reentry into civilian life. This is an adventure story of true horrific experiences. On the surface it is a "good guy-bad guy" saga in which our good guys finally triumph. The good guys lucky enough to come home are quiet, self effacing and seemingly forever linked to the ghosts of those who did not survive. In an age before psychologists had discovered and mined "survivor's guilt" and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the luckiest of these largely teenaged boys trained, fought, were wounded, came back and resumed living to the best of their ability. I defy any woman not to bleed for the mothers and fathers who waited and any man not to cry for the "uncommon valor" of these very young sons. Bradley's personal experiences with his own hero father, his intimate interviews with families of these sons and his own quiet faith are melded with the poetic prose of Ron Powers into a seamless whole.

This is a meticulously researched, lovingly crafted and stunning battle book, written by exceptional men about exceptional men. It is sure to become a classic.

Ordinary people doing their duty in extraordinary times
This book is easily one of the best books I ever read. I especially recommend it to anyone who is interested in wars and the men who fight them. Bradley's personal and passionate account of arguably the toughest, bloodiest, and most highly decorated battle our nation ever fought is simply remarkable.

By the end of the book you will long remember and appreciate the sacrifice and significance of the U.S. Marines' WWII Battle of Iwo Jima and the lives and deaths of the six flag raisers (Harlon Block, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, and Mike Strank) forever immortalized in Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal's prize-winning photo atop Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, and in the world's largest bronze statue, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial.

Shortly after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, an e-mail I will never forget arrived at my work computer. Attached to the e-mail was an image, actually two images side-by-side. No words were needed. On one side was the Rosenthal Iwo Jima flag-raising picture, and next to it was the New York City firemen flag-raising at "Ground Zero" picture. Reading this book helped me to fully understand the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Unforgettable Truth and Consequences of Iwo Jima
Seriously, five stars are just too few for a monumental book like this one. This book is an instant classic that should live for all time! If you are like me, you have a whole story built up in your mind around one of the most famous photographs in American history -- the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. If you are also like me, there is little reality behind that story in your mind.

Written by the son of one flag-raising Marine, this amazing story should be read by everyone. It tells a tale of heroism, horrible circumstances, and the lasting consequences of an unexpected event in a compelling, unforgettable way. This book rivals All Quiet on the Western Front for its revealing insights into the nature of war, comradeship, and courage.

To set the stage, Iwo Jima was the first Japanese soil the Marines invaded. The Emperor had issued orders that the ground was to be defended to the last man. Iwo Jima was filled with tunnels that harbored over 20,000 Japanese troops who could shoot from relative safety while Americans were out in the open. The tunnel system was so extensive that Marines would literally be kidnapped while standing next to their buddies, and no one would know where they had gone. Rocks would suddenly open up to reveal mortars.

Tough fighting went on for days. The Marines lost 7,000 dead and had another 15,000 or more wounded out of 70,000 men. Ironically, the worst of the fighting came after the flag photograph, and three of the six Marines in the photograph died in this later action.

As tough as Iwo Jima was, living with the aftermath of the photograph was even harder in many ways. Two of the three survivors had their lives deeply affected in negative ways. The story of all three riveted me more than anything I have read in years.

I read fairly few books about war, but I cannot recommend this book enough to you. As Americans we owe it to those who fought in this battle to remember what actually happened and what the repercussions are. You will be moved at a deeper level than you can possibly imagine by this outstanding book.

Remember Iwo Jima!


The Lost Years of Merlin
Published in Audio Cassette by Bantam Books-Audio (2000)
Authors: T. A. Barron and Michael Cumpsty
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Merlin's Beginnings
The book The Lost Years Of Merlin, by T.A. Barron, is the story of a seven year old boy who is thrown onto shore by a storm and, in the process, hits his head resulting in amnesia. A woman named Branwen, who claims to be his mother, takes him in and lives with the boy, Emerys, for six years. During this time, he discovers he has mystical powers. Since Branwen won't explain his past, Emerys finds he must travel to a world named Fincayra, a place Branwen claims to be from, to find out. Emerys sets out on a raft and reaches the coast of Fincayra. Emerys discovers that this land is in grave danger and he may be the only one who can save this world. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure, fantasy, mystical powers, and the possiblility of other worlds. You also get the chance to watch a boy's life unfold and discover his past along with the character himsself. It's wonderfully suspenseful as you meet new characters and discover the effect each one has on Emerys, who risks his life every step of the way. It is a very well written book that creates a perfectly woven image of a mystical world.

There is a reason T.A. Barron is my favorite author...
I would just like to say that I have been hooked on T.A. Barron's books since I was in the eighth grade (I am a freshman in college now)...I started with The Merlin Effect, and didn't stop there....The Lost Years of Merlin series is purely magical. It's a shame there aren't more books out there by T.A. Barron...Boy, can he weave a story!! Each book in the series seems to fit perfectly with the rest--something you don't often find in a lot of series (once so many books are written, the quality often wavers...however in these books that is not the case). When I was younger, I vividly remember anxiously awaiting each new volume to appear at the library, and after reading them I wasn't disappointed. The part where Rhia dies in The Seven Songs of Merlin was the first time I had ever cried because of a book...Rhia is the ultimate character--brave, smart, totally in-tune with nature, and kind...I eventually plan to name my daughter Rhia someday.
Anyway, I just want to say that if you read these books, I know you won't be disappointed. Look out Harry Potter: Here comes Merlin!

A Famous Wizard's First Feat
The Lost Years of Merlin is a fantastic fantasy put together by combining adventure and magic. T.A. Barron has written it exceptionally well. It takes you into the story with Emrys, a boy hidden from his past, Rhea, a forest girl who can speak to trees, and all the other mystical magical characters. Emrys starts to have signs of magical powers. When he uses them for evil he must make a sacrifice. He sets off on a journey to find out who he really is and stumbles onto the magical island of Fincayra where he must save it from an evil king.

You should read this book for many reasons. One is that it flows well and is not confusing. Some books just skip from subject to subject, but this one, however, does not and continues through the story. Another reason is that even though it is a fantasy it is somehow believable. All the creatures could never actually exist but with the wonderful description used, the author has brought them to life. That would be enough to make me read a book.

Some people might not enjoy this book because of the amount of fantasy incorporated. But if you don't like fantasy you should still read this book because the fantasy isn't extreme and it might even make you like fantasy because it is so well written. Overall this is an excellent book that is both inspiring and imaginative. You should read it a.s.a.p.


Lucky Man : A Memoir
Published in Audio CD by Simon & Schuster Audio (02 April, 2002)
Author: Michael Fox
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INCREDIBLE
I have always had an affinity for Michael J. Fox and was completely awestruck with his bravery and candor when a "came-out" (as he put it) and told the world about his problem. "Lucky MAN" is an increadibly well written and touching story about a truly extraordinary man. I didn't know that he wrote a book until January 20th of this year, when I stumbled onto the Parkinson's Research Foundation Website ... I read an excerpt and had "Time after Time" by Cyndi Lauper playing the background. The writing was so emotionally pure and well done that I nearly began to cry ... seeing the inside story about a person I'd only seen on screen. I went out and bought the book the next day and I have not been able to put it down. Many celebrities are elevated (by themselves, the press, their fans, etc.) and placed on platforms that the "normal" person simply can't comprehend, not so with Fox - he is still as human as you and me and, apparently, thinks of his many fans as extended family. I truly appreciate that he stopped his career and began the foundation. The one thing I can definetely say, is that the cure to this and many other horrible diseases lies in the continued study of stem cells. Becuase stem cells are "blank" they can become any type of cell in the body - and scientists know how to make them become what they want them to become. Hopefully, within the next 10 years, I believe that the FDA and other individuals and organization will accept that Stem Cells are the only chance such individuals as Fox have as they can, essentially, stop the progression of and reverse the damage caused by these ravishing diseases. This book is simply a wonderful read. Buy it, Read it, Enjoy it, Love it, Treasure it. Pray for Michael, and all of those afflicted with such travesties of nature.

Alex, You've Come A Long Way, Baby!!!
This book shows you the inside story of what it's like to be Michael J. Fox. How he learned of his devastating illness with Parkinson's Disease, and how he's struggled to overcome it. It is a very interesting look into the life of a man who basically was just a starving artist from Canada trying to make it in show business and how a lucky break with Gary David Goldberg and a little known series called Family Ties literally changed his life overnight! It takes a look at how Michael took on the herculean task of starring in both Family Ties And Back To The Future at the same time!!! and how he had to make the two grueling sequels back to back. It also talks about a stunt that went terribly wrong during the shooting of the third film and how Michael nearly hung himself.(by accident of course.) How his relationship with actress Tracy Pollan blossomed and became a real life romance on and off the set. And how Michael's devastating drinking problem almost ruined his life and relationship with Tracey and his son Sam. His shocking revelation to the world that he had Parkinson's Disease in 1998, and how he had hidden the fact that he had had it for eight years prior to working on Spin City and his decision to retire from the show in May of 2000 to help find a cure for parkinson's disease and participate in parkinson's related research. He says in the book that he is happier than he has ever been in a long time since he was diagnosed with the illness so many years ago. He is indeed a very, lucky man!!!

A whole new reason to be a fan...
I happened to pick up "Lucky Man" in Best Buy, while waiting for my family to purchase a washing machine and dryer........anyway, I digress.

After flipping through the book, I found myself 10 minutes later so engrossed in it, I continued to read as I walked to the cashier to purchase the book.

I can't praise this book enough. I have a new found respect for Michael J. Fox. His life and his story are truly an inspiration. When I finished it I immediately returned to page one and started over. Nuts? Don't knock it 'til you read it.

About the book: It's basically Michael J. Fox, unplugged. It will make you laugh and it may make you a little teary-eyed, but most of all, it will inspire you and make you appreciate the power of the human spirit.

I can't end this review without mentioning his wife, Tracy Pollan. She is an inspiration as well. I now find myself wanting to be more like her - strong, supportive, funny and smart. I'm sure she is one of the primary reasons MJF feels like a "Lucky Man".


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