In the literary world it is perhaps blasphemy to say a bad word against Daniel Defoe's most acclaimed novel. So here goes. The fact that the book was originally titled The Life And Strange Surprising Adventures Of Robinson Crusoe illustrates the major flaw in Defoe's literary form. Put simply, this would be a far more interesting and gripping story were it not so superfluously lengthy. The author makes a habit of repeating himself, especially when it comes to the act of dispatching kittens, which seems to be more of an obsession here than octogenarian ladies are to MatronsApron. It is difficult, you may think, to keep the subject matter fresh when describing the daily tribulations of a fellow stranded on an island for thirty years, without occasionally repeating yourself. True, but perhaps a straightforward solution to this diminutive quandary would be to simply truncate the duration of the story. There are some wonderfully intriguing and suspenseful moments, and some juicy action to boot, but sadly these are gratuitously diluted by lengthy descriptions of the unremarkable everyday goings on in Crusoe's life, and rather than serving to build up the suspense, they merely obstruct the reader's relationship with the more exciting parts of the story.
However, those with more patience than my ignorant self will find in Robinson Crusoe a delightful tale, which as well as being a fictional documentary of the most unusual thirty years of Mr. Crusoe's life, also has time to ponder upon philosophical and theological ideas, in a style that makes the reader feel as if they are involved in the conflicts between the functionalist and cynical thoughts going on in Crusoe's mind. It may not be a gripping white-knuckle adventure, being rather more leisurely and acquiescent, but it is still rather easy to see why Robinson Crusoe is regarded by some as one of the greatest novels of all time.

Robinson Crusoe is the perfect treat for the wilderness lover. The novel takes the reader on a journey through many hardships that the main character encounters in order to display just how trying nature can be. Almost every new day, Crusoe must find and develop a new survival tactic in order to stay alive. There are several reasons why one should engulf in reading this book.
Robinson Crusoe displays strength and incredible will to survive. This can be very inspiring to someone who does not have a lot of confidence in themselves. Crusoe has faith in himself and God, believing that he will be guided in the right direction. God plays a large role in his everyday life. Crusoe never was a religious man before he was stranded on the island, but he believed God had allowed him to be the sole survivor of the shipwreck for a reason and he owed it to God to be the best man that he could be.
Another reason to read this book is that it shows that one can do whatever they put their mind to. Crusoe worked long and hard to create things that will facilitate his survival and make things more convenient for himself. He creates a protective shelter, makes his own tools, baskets, and pots, and even grows and raises his own food.
This book will also get many people to realize just how good their lives actually are. Many, not all, of us have lives that are not threatened by wondering how we will get our next meal or if someone or something is out to hunt us down, but Crusoe must face these dilemmas and find ways to secure himself. The wonderful thing about this novel is that it shows how difficult these tasks can be, yet Crusoe does not give up and he pursues his goals until they are accomplished.
This novel can instigate someone to try something new that perhaps thay were uneasy about doing before. Robinson is faced with so many new surroundings at once, yet deals with them so well. If he would have panicked, he eventually would have starved to death. Instead, Crusoe thinks logically and pursues what is needed to survive.
Robinson Crusoe is an amazing adventure novel that explores the life of a very strong-willed man. The main character tells his own story and it is as if he is speaking directly to the reader, which makes it seem even more like reality. Daniel Defoe has written a great novel.

This is not a novel for those who like quick action and a lot of dialogue. Robinson Crusoe is superbly written, and tends to draw out the events, with a great deal of imagery provided in order to describe everything with minute details. Seeing as to how this is one of my favorite novels, I have read Robinson Crusoe probably about six times, in more than one language. My favorite aspect of this novel is the language in which it is written. Defoe's ability to make every word worth reading is enough to captivate and ignite the imagination. I do not think that if you like fast-paced novels that you would enjoy this masterpiece, but it is a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy well-developed character, then Robinson Crusoe's charater is one worth devoting your time to. Defoe creates a human being, with faults and flaws, as well as dignified qualities. Robinson Crusoe is truly worthy of emulation, and is one of the greatest-developed characters in a work of literature. I recommend this novel to anyone who is willing to take the time to read every sentence and who is not so impatient as to expect action to appear on every page of the novel.

Very disappointing. Costs much more than the book is worth. It is 149 pages of large print and many pictures. There is too much about the author's life and not enough about Mr. MacArthur.

The section about MacArthur's rise to wealth adds nothing to an earlier book about MacArthur called "The Stockholder". The information in both books is sketchy and incomplete.

There is almost nothing about MacArthur's wives or children.

I think that the information about MacArthur's cause of death is incorrect. The author cites pancreatic cancer but I think it was lung cancer which killed MacArthur.

No one to-date has written a thorough biography of the life of this fascinating man.

This is NOT a biography of "Mr. Mac" but a glimpse of a way of life of a powerful man. I've read much of the background material that the author, Bob Sanford used to create his memoir and it is totally accurate. Since I am a new-comer to Palm Beach Gardens it was great to read something about how this "garden" was created. Since I own the bookstore (the Book Rack) where Bob had his first book signing, I have a special interest and pride in that book. It is obvious that Bob admired John D MacArthur, and so the stories about this billionaire are (for the most part) flattering and entertaining.

I loved this book. I had often wondered about John D. MacArthur when I read of the MacArthur Foundations' remarkably generous "genius" awards in newspapers. Here was a glimpse of him that might never have been recorded had it not been for Mr. Sanford. The photos are remarkable, I suspect, since I imagine that only Mr. Sanford could have obtained them. What's more, it's an absolutely fun book to read, since it obviously captures the "inside story". Thanks, Mr. Sanford for this well-written and informative book.

I noticed that at least two reviews have comments about the 1949 Mr. USAContest which was awarded to JohnGrimek with Clarence Ross 2nd andSteve Reeves 3rd.Although I wasn't there and thiscompetition occurred before I waseven born, what's the point ofarguing over a competition that tookplace over 50 years ago?So what if the fans booed Grimek offthe stage...bodybuilding contests area matter of taste and personalpreference.As for the book, it was interestinto get the facts about York Barbelland Bob Hoffman and based on thisbook and in talking to some oldtimers in the sport, Hoffman did doit for "his own ego".Good book if you are into thehistorical aspects of the Iron game.

Comparing what York Barbell controlled to what the Iron game is all about today is like comparing a small Mom n Pop store owner to the Ceo of Wal Mart. The Iron game was in it's infancy and unfortunately, Hoffman did little to promote the sport to the general public. It was for his own ego and to sell his magazines, barbells, weights and food supplements.Comparing what Hoffman had control over back in the old days to where the Iron game is today is totally irrelevant.

I just finished reading John D. Fair's recently released Muscletown USA: Bob Hoffman and the Manly Culture of York Barbell. If you want to know everything about the old York Barbell phenomenon and the iron game in general get this book It's so good. You may feel like you've been dragged through a repository for used razor blades but at the end your perceptions will be striped of all those idealistic notions you may once have had about what motivates people. And, lest you give up all hope, there are real heroes who come shining through. Fair interviewed all the right people and lays out the Hoffman phenomenon beginning with his great grandfather and ending with his death. From it, you can draw a number of conclusions but probably not that Bob was a healthy man (infected gastric intestinal system, vascular circulation problems), not a strongman (used aluminum weights for his exhibitions), and not a model of post Victorian moral virtue (considered a sexual pariah by York society).

Fair depicts Bob as a man who is singularly focused, surrounding himself with mostly good people but concocting a fictional self-image that he himself came to believe. Believing that he was the world's healthiest man simply by repeatedly saying it, he worked incessantly with very little sleep, though he taught the importance of sufficient rest. Although promoting the benefits of exercise was his life's mission, he exercised little. And, despite his strong interest in nutrition, his diet was poor. There's the ironic incident where Bob's doctor lectures him on his need to exercise more. It's a story full of paradox. As one begins to doubt all of Bob's claims about himself, it turns out that he really was a decorated World War I soldier. Fair makes a case that Bob was sloppy in running his business, yet he was capable of making lots of money and during the depression, when many companies were failing, his York Oil Burner prospered. Though promotion of himself may have been his primary objective, he had linked his ego so tightly to weightlifting that it was impossible for him to promote the one without the other. The result was a financial and promotional boon for the sport. The revelation that encapsulates the book's theme for me is that Hoffman's Hi-Proteen wasn't quite as high in protein as we thought.

The first Batman vs Predator was very good with cool artwork. The sequel was surprisingly even better and I anticipated this final part in the 'trilogy' with great excitement. But I'm afraid this is campy and even more campy Batman and Robin than dark and brooding and gothic Batman Returns.

This time round the color scheme is much brighter and varied and it seriously causes the whole story to lose the dirty, hard-edged look of the the first 2. And Robin is in this one. That alone is a reason to stay away. Plus Mr Freeze is in here too. Oh, man, what a bad mistake.

The story seems to be over in the blink of an eye too. The first 2 had decent plots that were carried on long enough to build up suspense and a briliant climax. This one just seems like it ends without much ever happening.

Read 1 and 2 but stay away from 3. It's definitely a stinker and a weak ending to an intriguing idea. After such a strong start it's upsetting to see Batman Versus Predator reduced to this!

Writer Chuck Dixon has always been very adept at using the pre-existing characters of a comic book universe in clever, creative ways, and this book is no exception. He manages to weave a compelling, character-driven story.

An excellent Batman story and an excellen predator story.

This one greatly improves over the second in the tales of Batman vs Predator. This time it's two vs two action as the PRedators are using Batman and Robin as the targets of being Blooded as a full blown hunter.

Once the Predators arrive Batman tries to keep Robin out of it, unaware that not only are there two of them, but that they are already picked as the target according to skill. However with Mr. Freeze in the vacinity Batman needs to for the time keep Robin by his side. The action continues until Batman faces his challenger and Robin faces his.

This is a good story. but in the end is for fans only. Still worth checking into.

Similar to Europe through the Back Door, this is Rick's attempt for Asia. The book gives general advice for those who want to backpack through Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Japan, etc... The advice is very similar to those found in Rick's other books: wear a money belt, mix with the locals, don't expect 5 star cleanliness in a cheap hotel etc... The book is not bad, but it's main flaw is that it is dated material. I do like/trust Rick's opinions so I use it, along with other guidebooks, for travel ideas through Asia.

This book, while useful, is not a guidebook to Asia. Rather, it is a place to begin to explore before planning any trip. I found it useful when I planned my first bacpacking trip in Asia. Some useful tips on overseas travel, particularly in developing countries, and dealing with different cultures. This is a good place to start if you are considering backpacking abroad.

Woodward's book is, of course, flawed like Judy Belushi's "Samurai Widow"; but other than these two books there is nothing more of Belushi to refer back to, in the written form. There will always be the SNL videos, the Blues Brothers CDs, or the handful of movies John did, but where does one interested enough start from when they want to make some chronological order of Belushi's life; to learn more about his exhuberent ascent, his tumultuous descent and his final dark months, weeks and days? Bob Woodward gives the reader a dry and thorough, if not somewhat-slanted, take on John Belushi's 33 years on planet Earth. The reader simply cannot help but get the feeling that the author is emphasizing the downward spiral and the end of a manically funny man, which is why this book wasn't received very well when it was first released, back in 1984.. Still, from JB's days in Wheaton, Illinois, Second City Chicago and National Lampoon, to Saturday Night Live, Hollywood and the Chateau Maramont Bungalow #3, Woodward's book is worth 3 1/2 starts and, at the very least, one good read-through.

John Belushi was a funny man but his story was not very funny. Bob Woodward does an incredible job of dredging up Belushi's life from a scared high school kid trying out for a play in Chicago to his coughing fit right before he died. It seems Woodward only focuses on the negatives in the book, but John Belushi's life was too short to have too many ultimite highs. SNL was a huge hit, so was Animal House, and so were the Blues Brothers. Belushi barely made 5 million dollars in his life and he spent that quickly on cocaine. He loved life so much, he never wanted to sleep. Woodward details all of it, in gut-wrenching detail. At times, Belushi's behavior gets redundant and Woodward's journalistic style gets a tad boring, but it is a good, quick read. If you can find the book and you were ever mesmerized by one of Belushi's characters, this book is a great read.

Hailing from the high school of both John (Class of 1967) and Jim Belushi (Class of 1972), as well as Bob Woodward (Class of 1961), I find this book by Bob Woodward to show the true power and inspirations sides of Belushi. Bob Woodward does an excellent job with his style of writing about John's career from his days at Wheaton Central to his final days after his short career as an actor. This book is a must read for Chicagoans, Blues fans, and fans of Belushi.

What a joke that a misleading impression of this book has to be left on visitors to this site based on the ridiculous "reviews" of the first two "reviewers."

This book is a wonderful, comprehensive overview of one of baseball's best teams of the 1970s (ranking only with the Charley Finley A's dynasty) that succeeds because it is willing to go into each season from 1970-78 in depth and provide more than just a skimped over rehash of events. You get the full picture of how the "Big Red Machine" was put together on the field and off, and also get candid insights into how the dynasty ultimately declined as the free agent revolution hit baseball in the late 70s.

My only complaint with the book is the authors decision to stop their study after the 1978 season with the departure of Pete Rose and the dismissal of Sparky Anderson. The Reds won a division title in 1979 with most of the "Big Red Machine" still intact (Morgan, Bench, Foster, Concepcion) and also put together baseball's best record in 1981 and this final phase of Reds quality baseball merited analysis as well, and not just the quick, casual dismissal the authors give it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Big Red Machine of the 70's dominated my childhood. They are my all-time favorite team and I found this compilation entertaining, enlightening and well-researched. This is my #1 reference book for the Reds of the 70's. Great going guys!

There are great photos and anecdotes that I'd never read before. It's an entertaining and easy to read book.

I find it challenging to review this book, because it has some outstanding points in it. At the same time, the author's philosophy is one that I strongly diagree with based on many years of consulting experience and research. Whenever Mr. Dunlap is talking about the procrastination, wishful thinking, and "do nothing" approach of the managements he followed, Mr. Dunlap is superb. I have met some of these people, and also found their management styles to be deficient. Management has responsiblity to look, listen, and sense how well it is serving its customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers, and the communities the company services. Having diagnosed what needs to be done, good management then does something effective to make a change. Then management monitors the results and keeps making changes, until the correct outcomes follow. The people who preceded Mr. Dunlap seemed to have lived in a fairy tale world of reorganizing the internal perceptions and jobs, but doing little to affect the world external to the corporation. To anyone who wants to see how management can delude itself, Mr. Dunlap has given us valuable case histories. On the other hand, I think he is totally wrong in putting shareholders first (even if we assume that shareholders deserve a greater reward than any other stakeholder group). My experience has been that shareholders make much more money (near-term and long-term) when all stakeholder groups prosper. For example, you can make more money for shareholders by creating better products and services than you can by just reducing costs in the near-term. Our research has shown that the vast majority of companies that do large cost reductions like those Mr. Dunlap has done underperform the stock market compared to industry peers (and the market averages) after 18 months has passed. I think Mr. Dunlap was wise to sell his businesses as soon as possible after the cost reductions were over. A different management style was then needed to create longer-term and larger prosperity for shareholders. I, too, have worked in the paper industry (as a consultant) and I find the same principles apply in paper as elsewhere: There are ways to create more for everyone. But first, you have to look for them. In his haste, I fear that Mr. Dunlap has missed seeing the larger opportunity for his investors. For example, the best reason to achieve a higher stock price is to then use that stock price to create even more advantages for the shareholders (such as buying new resources less expensively, having more financial flexibility to pursue opportunities, and growing earnings and cash flow faster). If you would like to know more about this point, read my article in the Fall 1998 issue of DIRECTORS & BOARDS called "The Benefits of Having a Higher Stock Price."

Coporate America is filled with non-leaders who can't make decisions. Al Dunlap's common sense direct approach to solving problems is refreshing. If you look at many new successful companies today (i.e Mindspring, Amazon) you will find that they are practicing "Mean Business". They keep costs low, tie employee compensation to company stock, make lightning fast decisions and keep their operations streamlined. They attach less value to a college degree than to ability and work ethic. They don't lay-off people because they don't bloat themselves up to begin with. They also don't build unnecessary opulent corporate headquarters. By following "Mean Business", they kick the crap out of the competition. If you want to succeed, read this book. These principles can be applied at any level.

Having read many reviews of the book, I began it thinking it would be everything that I do not believe in. I was wrong. Al Dunlop's style is not one I admire, approve of or emulate. However, as a straight cost cutter there is probably no one better. The problem is that after cuttiing costs, most businesses want to stay alive and grow. When Mr. Dunlop is finished, there is only a business to sell. Through Share Price Growth 100, we now know that there are ways to significantly grow stock price, have very happy shareholders and manage costs as a core competency. We can now have very happy shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which our businesses operate. There are now real 2,000 percent solutions to most business stalls.

Thats what this book should have been titled! I disagree. It's not just the same as make the connection. I found Make the connection just plain ole' diet info. Great info, but nothing new. This book's section on motivation was astounding! What an eye opener for someone who has struggled with the mental part of making the decision to finally change my life. This book is definately something to pick up for anyone who has had it with diets. There's so much more to it! Life changing!

It is true that the steps towards weight loss are no different than in "Make the connection". But I think this book complements the first one perfectly. For the chapters on motivation alone, this book is worth buying. It explains the motivation issues of certain typres of people and why it can be damaging to your self-esteem to attempt dieting when you are not ready in your mind. This book also helped me to stay motivated whenever I had a low, and to keep going. I haven't regretted for one second that I bought this book.

Like the others, I read MTC several times. Yes, if you just want instruction on the 10 steps, you don't need this book. However, if you've tried to follow them but just can seem to stick to the program, this book is for you.

His 'exercises' on self-awareness was written for me and was only hinted in the first book. It literally changed my life. For once, I have been able to stick to the 10 steps for 7 months now, have lost 30 pounds and am a much happier person in general. Oprah's story was nice, but I often wish I had Bob around to talk about ME for a change. This book does that.

Like I said, if you just want instruction and already have MTC, don't bother. But if you can't seem to stick to the program and can't figure out why, buy this book! You may learn something about yourself!

I was very disappointed by this book. The title is misleading. It should have ben called JFK Jr.: His Life because that is what the book is. One chapter is devoted to the day/week he died. The rest of the book is information that has been printed hundreds of times. The author should have interviewed more people like coast guard etc. Also, Carolyn and the Bessettes were almost totally ignored. There was nothing about her childhood or any quotes from her family. This book contains too many assumptions about their marriage and last days together. I mean, how does the author know that John came home from the hotel and took a shower? He doesn't and neither do we, but books like this give a false reading of people lives. I do not believe this book. Maybe I would if the author had better sources.

The new 384 page book, written by Christopher Anderson who authored "The Day Diana Died", makes for easy and interesting reading, but places emphasis on his whole life, not the day he died, as the book is titled. Most readers will have already read much of this in the press or have heard it on the air. In spite of this, I enjoyed looking at the 50 photos included, and found the text and writing-style pleasant and interesting. There are detailed accounts of his early days and later family life, with some particularly interesting insights into his family relationships. His romances and political aspirations are examined. The book tends to give the reader a closer look at the life of John. The very detailed picture of what could have occurred as he flew on the fatal flight does create some vivid images of what happened, but the details, of course, are only guesses. There are some clear views of what his last days were like, and his concerns about his "George Magazine" and its future. Not a lot of new information, but nicely and concisely packaged making it a desirable read.

Christopher Andersen, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller "The Day Diana Died" tells the story of American's son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. It's the bittersweet tale of the American Icon and sadly the unfulfilled fate of his tragic death.

If anyone would hear the name of John Kennedy, Jr. knew he was destined for greatness. He once quoted of himself saying: "People keep telling me I can be a great man. I'd rather be a good one." On the day John died that July 16, 1999 it seemed known only to God of his father's assassination and the death of Princess Diana was the most distinct moment to affect our lives. The world would never be the same. On the day President John Kennedy died, I was a little girl of 5 years. On the morning of Nov. 22, 1963, I walked into the living room. My mom sat on the couch motionless in front of the TV in tears. I asked her what was the matter. She said, "They assassinated President Kennedy." From that day, thirty some years later since little John, Jr. saluted his father's casket in that famous snapshot to the present time in 1999. It is something that we all live with for the rest of our lives. Where were you on July 16, 1999? When a nation's grief would be buried in the ocean along with John, Jr., his wife, Carolyn Bessette and her sister Lauren where they died and where they are at rest.

Andersen writes in detailed form the beginnings of the Kennedy legacy and the legend that John, Jr. would live with. It was a time not far in the past that two lives paralleled between Britain's Princess Di and America's John Kennedy, Jr.. Both of their persona of power and elegance inspired the dreams of their generation. Whatever these two did in their lives whether it was weaknesses and failures they were more loved by the public. The public follows John's life as he failed his bar exam twice, his romances with Christina Haag, Madonna and long time love Daryl Hannah, dodging the paparazzi, the famous fight in the park with his future wife, his struggle to find his own career path in the shadow of his legendary parents and the unveiling of his magazine, GEORGE.

In the coming few years up to the time of his fated future. John enjoyed time flying. It was the only chance he could get away from the demands of his busy life and the paparazzi. It was such a shame that on the day of his tragic end. It had to go so quickly. As one would put it 'Gone Too Soon.' The lives John, Jr. touched while he was here with his remarkable legacy of a family that endured both triumph and heartbreaking tragedy. His sister Caroline stands alone. The only sole survivor of America's American family. Everyone took solace along with her in her sorrow. In this life that John Kennedy, Jr. lived he never follow in the footsteps of his father's career. Never did he write a book, do any great heroics or discover anything. Just because simply he existed. Everyone knew him. He belonged to all of us. From that beginning John Kennedy, Jr. was America's son. You'll have to read the book to know what I mean.

NOTE: The book includes photographs that chronographs his life from his youth to his death with sources, chapter notes and selected bibliography.