I am a "part-time" fan of Star Trek, having always been interested in the world, but not exactly a know-every-registry-number-of-every-ship kind of fan. But, having bought this very rich and detailed book, I must say my interest in Star Trek has multiplied tremendously. As an encyclopedia, it doesn't quite bear reading page-to-page, but flipping through it makes for very interesting reading. I am grateful to the authors for additional notes made to many entries, attempting to explain side-points or discrepancies; also, the many diagrams, pictures, dates, episode references, and even the occasional off-beat entry like, well... "mashed potatoes" for one! The appendixes, including gorgeous pics of the ships of Star Trek, episode timelines, historical timelines, and so on, are absolutely wonderful.

The best way I can summarise my rating is: the dedication and love for Star Trek demonstrated by all the writers/contributors in this book is ample and obvious. Congrats.

I can't imagine being a die-had Trekker without this book: the ultimate reference to people, places, things, events in the entire Star Trek universe from the original series of 1966 through all the movies and series right up to Voyager. This updated edition is not quite as smoothly integrated as previous updates--the last couple season's worth of shows and Star Trek: Insurrection are all treated in a separate (but extensive) section at the back, but a decent cross-referencing system lessens the inconvenience. I find it the ultimate can't put-down book-start to look up a subject of interest and you'll find yourself drawn from entry to entry until you've forgotten exactly what it was you were looking for but find yourself seized with the intense desire to rewatch several episodes. Unless you're the most serious Trek fan, you probably don't need the updated edition if you have an earlier one...but for those who do, it's a wonderful guide.

As the Star Trek Universe got bigger, with more spin offs, movies, books, and alien races, so did the base for its Star Trek fans, so it is no surprise that the standard and definitive one volume work on the subject should get bigger too. The newest edition of THE STAR TREK ENCYCLOPEDIA is a monumental reference book that is as comprehensive as it is physically imposing. In its more than 700 pages of a continually snowballing phenomenon that was the birthchild of the late Gene Roddenberry, the rabid Star Trek fan (who else would read this?) can cross-reference every human, alien, planet, creature, ship or any other proper noun that was mentioned even once in any of the Star Trek series or its descendants. Michael and Denise Okuda, the married duo who did most of the writing acknowledge in the Introduction that a large cast of helpers were required to painstakingly find and correct errors from past editions. This book is loaded with hundreds of beautiful photographs and drawings, each of which illustrate one item in the Star Trek universe. As in most encyclopedias, this one is in alphabetical order, with each entry given a complete description/analysis. Bold-Faced terms indicate they are further defined under their own names elsewhere. For example, do you remember the episode from the original series about the mirror universe with an evil Kirk and bearded Spock, where unreliable crew members were put in the 'agony booth?' Well, the term 'agony booth' is listed and fully described with appropriate cross-references. Unlike other reference texts, this one has a separate supplement to include references to episodes in the various ST reincarnations after the 1996-1997 seasons. Finally, it contains additional helpful sections on historical timelines of major events, complete listing of all episodes from each spinoff, and a cast of all characters who ever appeared in any show.
Exactly, what is the purpose of such a text? I know why I use it. When I see an episode that mentions even off-handedly a minor reference to a singular event, I flip open this book to see if it is there. And it always is. Now if I could only be so motivated about the mundane details of my non-Star Trek life. And that perhaps best defines who likes Star Trek and why.

These three books are among the best books i have ever read in my entire life, granted i am only seventeen, but reading has always been one of my passions. The Dark Tower series grabs you and doesnt let go. Obsessive would be the only adequate word to describe how i feel about the books when i am reading them- and i have read each one at least twice, the first one even three times! No matter who you are and what is going on in your life each reader can feel a connection with the characters. Thats part of what makes the books so enthralling- we see ourselves as Roland pushing forward no matter what or Eddie Dean overcoming the unthinkable and finally learning to accept himself. I dont care what types of books you read- these books are for everybody and anybody. If you are looking for truely good books that will keep you yearning for more then look no further. King throws the plot around so often youll be thinking about it every waking moment of the day. My only gripe is that King doesnt come out with them often enough- i need more!

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.

I'd give this series 10 stars if I could. The Dark Tower story line is incredibly complex. The characters, Roland, Eddie, Jake, etc. are so complex and brilliantly described that they feel like people you know. Stephen King is the ultimate master at creating and molding characters. The Dark Tower books change the way that I look at the universe. The Dark Tower and what it holds is incredibly complex and simple at the same time. Life. Imagine this, that we took a trip out into space, passing the planets of our solar system and eventually emerging out of the Milky way. eventually we come to a boundary where our universe ends. We break throught this boundary and realize that our universe is nothing but an atom in a single blade of grass, which belongs to another universe entirely. And when things start going wrong, it is simply because the blade of grass is drying up.

This explains what the universe is like in "The Dark Tower." Read these books. You will be amazed.

"Go then, There are other worlds than these."

When I asked one of my German friends about their classical literature, she pointed me to "Die unendliche Geschichte" by Michael Ende. First of all, I would recommend anyone fluent in German to read "The Neverending Story" in its original German version. The story revolves around a young boy, Bastian, who feels himself an outcast of the real world. He steals a book -- surprise, surprise -- called "The Neverending Story." What Bastian discovers is a land created through the power of imagination and fantasy. To save Fantasia from destruction by the Nothing, Bastian must enter the world of his own fantasy. The price of creation, however, is high. For each wish grants Fantasia new life and takes from Bastian his memories of reality. Bastian is reluctant to seek a way back home but must travel through Fantasia in search of the Child Empress. Along the way, Bastian must learn to bridge the gap between reality and Fantasia or risk losing all of his memories forever. Only by bridging this gap is Bastian able to make reality and Fantasia fit for human compassion, dreams, and hope. Humanity is indeed defined by man's ability to perceive with idealism and practicality.

Join Bastian Balthazar Bux as he experiences The Neverending Story. After finding himself in Mr. Koreander's bookshop, Bastian "borrows" a book that caught his eye as soon as he went inside the shop, "The Neverending Story." When he begins reading the book, he finds himself becoming part of the story, until finally he enters the world of Phantasien (Fantastica in the translation) where it is his responsibility to save the world of imagination from destruction. Follow him as he visits places like the Silver City, the Seeing Hand, the Cave of Dreams, the Changing House, the Ivory Tower, and so many more amazing places.

Ende's The Neverending Story is a book full of fantasy, magic and hope. It is a marvelous read for people of all ages. I have never read the English translation, but the original German just has so much power! The message of this book is very poignant. If you liked the movies, you will absolutely love the book! The first movie follows the first part of the book almost exactly. The other two movies (which I was very disappointed with) deviate tremendously from the book. If your exposure to The Neverending Story has only been through the three movies, you must read this book. Find out what you missed in the second two movies.

This book is full of many amazing characters that you will remember for the rest of your life. You will want to read this book over and over again just to meet all the unique characters again. This will be a book that you treasure for life. Recently, I lost my copy of the book, and I am just devastated. I don't know where I will find another copy of it in German because it is out of print. Hold onto your copy of the book, English or German (but especially German)! You'll love it!

When I got my copy of the "Neverending Story" in last week, I dove for it right away. I had been dying to read it forever. But it's not what was in it that first grabbed my attention. The print is in two different colors: a beautiful maroon for stories relating to the Human world, and a vivid emerald for anything relating to Fantasia. Furthermore, each chapter begins with a full-page with a single letter on it. (The first chapter "A", the last chapter "Z," you get the idea). Add that to the beautiful cover and simple, yet detailed illustrations, and you have one of the best put-together books ever written.

Now, on to the actual story. "The NeverEnding Story" tells the story of Bastian Balthaazar Bux, an outcast trying to get over the shock of losing his mother. One morning, while running from the local bullies, he ducks into a bookstore. He finds a book there that literally calls out to him. Even though his conscience tries to dissuede him, he steals the book and has the urge to read it right away! What he finds in the book is an adventure most unlike any of the others he is used to finding in books. Things seem SO real! He can practically SEE each character, SMELL the earth, TASTE the seedcakes, HEAR the wind, and FEEL the cold. As things go along, he knows it is silly, but he somehow feels a part of the NeverEnding story....

Although this book was written in the 1980's, it has definitely stood the test of time. Michael Ende proves himself as one of the top fantasy writers. Like Bastian, you can almost imagine you are there. If you love books like "Chronicles of Narnia," "Harry Potter," and "The Princess Bride," PLEASE do yourself a favor and read this book!

I bought the 1st novel in the Dragonlance Chronicles. I read it. I became the biggest fan of Dragonlance and now I try to keep up with every new book Weis & Hickman writes. They're just GREAT!!! I never enjoyed so much reading a book! I LOVE this series! You start reading and get into a so magical and exciting world... you'll never want to stop reading! It has what every book should have: beautiful descriptions of places, characters.. it is EXCITING... it is funny... I just wish Maragaret & Tracy will keep writing great books as the Dragonlance Chronicles. By the way: if you play AD&D and haven't read the Chronicles yet - be ashamed!!! It's the mother of all fantasy books! Tolkien has some serious competition here! I TRUELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. Email me if you have doubts..

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.

Dragonlance is by far the most obsessively wonderous and complex series I've seen. It was (and still is) a great honor (saluris?) to experience the environment of Krynn. I found myself reading the entire histories of all the characters (just finished tying Theros in with Chronicle I) and staring at the atlas, making minor additions such as Mudhole in the East Warrens of Thorbardin. My compliments to Fonstad, by the way. This series, in its entirety, is a must read for anyone who has imagination enough to dream. I can never type the words to do this story justice, however, I will say that the words flow like thought, the depth of characters is unbelievably accute, and in the books that branch off from the Chronicles, so far, I have only found one singular disparity in the entire series. Chronicle I, page 317, lines 9-11. (refer to Kindred Spirits, Meetings Vol.1.) That's probably sad to be able to spot that, but that is how this compelling story grips and doesn't let go. Thank you Weis and Hickman.

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.

"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 is a terrific and emotional story about Jennings Michael Burch, a young boy who learned to survive in 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 the orphanages was brutal, punishments were cruel, rules were strict, and Jennings was unable to do anything about it. Through all this time, Jennings was taught not to become close to people, because the ones you love, always leave you. At these times in the book I wanted to jump in, lead Jennings on the right track, and tell him what he believed was wrong.
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. He could not rely on family and friends because they all abandoned him in times when he really needed them. Four of his five other brothers were going through similar times so they had no way to help Jennings.
A tattered stuffed dog named Doggie, which Jennings stole from his first foster home, was the only friend that stayed with him through the harsh times. He was the only friend he could count on through his lost and broken childhood. The story was based on sadness, love, survival, family, and friends that left me with a new look on a life I could not even imagine existed.

Nirvana was a great band. This book is almost as good as the band itself. It is literally perfect when it comes to Nirvana.

Now, recently, another Kurt Cobain biography was released, "Heavier Than Heaven", by Charles R. Cross. While the book is good, it was written after Kurt's death, and most of the people paint a negative portrait of him, which is unfair, since Kurt cannot speak for himself. Also, most of that book seems to be the "Courtney Love is a wonderful person" story, as the author time and time again paints a wonderful picture of her. Is it any coincidence that Courtney was one of the main people interviewed for the book? Hmmmm......

With that aside, here is why, if you seek information on Kurt and Nirvana, that you should read this book and not "Heavier Than Heaven." It's real simple. It was written with Kurt. Whereas HTH was written with people who knew Kurt (who could make him any type of person they wanted to) CAYA is written with interviews with the man himself. That alone makes this the Ultimate Nirvana/Cobain book.

Aside from that, the book is very thorough and leaves few details out. It's probably the best bio on a musical group I've ever read. Intimate, up front, and candid. You can't ask for much more than that.

So, to sum it all up, if you're looking for a biography on Kurt Cobain, this is the book. If you're looking for information on Nirvana, this is the book. If you're simply looking for a good book to read, THIS IS THE BOOK!

I don't think I can recommend it any more than I have already.

Come As You Are: The Story Of Nirvana, by Michael Azzerad is the most comprehensive and honest book that I have ever read regarding Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. Compared to others such as Kurt Cobain,Who Killed kurt Cobain,etc. CAYA, is by far the best. It shows Kurt in a way that the other books different it portrays him like he really was I think, and given that Kurt helped Azzerad with the writing of the book just makes it better. I never put the book down, i read it in the duration of about two days every time and loved every single page. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who wishes to accumulate more knowledge regarding the band or to someone who already knows a lot and simply just wants an excellent read.

Here's what I would do if I was a new Nirvana fan wanting to know more about the band. First, pick up all the essential albums. Second, buy the "Live, Tonight! Sold Out!" video on Nirvana. And finally, the third thing, buy this awesome book on Nirvana!

Unlike most of the books or reviews on Nirvana, this one doesn't have the foreboding sense of Kurt's death hanging it's weight all over the pages. That's because it was written before his death, with the exception of the final chapter. Inside are interviews with all the bandmembers, including Kurt himself.

The number one thing I like about this book, is that it starts off from when Kurt was just a young boy. It shows how he was influenced and pushed into the lifestyle responsible for him becoming a reluctant rock star. You see how Kurt struggled with school, with work, with family life. And you see how Krist eventually became friends with Kurt, and interestingly how they didn't start a band right away.

With Nirvana's early incarnations you see how Kurt struggled with incompetent drummers, and the difficulty of becoming an original band in podunk town. Through this book you see how Nirvana was born, rather crudely, but excitingly. I still remember Nirvana's first show on Halloween where they played a small house party. The whole band was in the kitchen with the party-goers in the living room cowering from their crazy antics.

As the book progresses it maintains the pace at which Nirvana blew up in our faces. Bleach became a cult hit and then with Nevermind, the band was launched a little to fast for their liking. All the stories in the book are vivid, full of character, and life. For the duration of the book you feel close to Kurt and the band, unfortunately at the end you know that you really didn't know them at all, especially Kurt. As he one way or another, he found a shotgun blast to the roof of his mouth at the height of his popularity. Where did Kurt go wrong? Is it in this book? Maybe... you just can't be too sure, as Kurt is a master of contradictions.

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.

What a book!! The prayers of this lady melted my old hard heart! I would read and read her prayers over and over! How does this woman know MY desires? She, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, understands the needs of husbands and wives. It is so evident how much the marriage as well as the husband, depends upon the praying wife. She saw miraclous changes in her marriage,through the power of prayers, and as she states, she is no more special to God than I am, and I can have the same kind of marriage, which is my heart's desire! God Bless Stormie Omartain for putting her heart to words and being open enough to share her experiences with us! I will read and re-read this book many times. I bought a copy for my three married daughters and some other friends.

I ordered the Afrikaans version of this book in the latter half of last year. Before even having received the book my husband told me he was moving out. I received the book two weeks later and even though we had started divorce proceedings, I started reading the book as I loved my husband dearly. Every chapter was very moving, inspiring and so focused on the real issues. It translates into words so many feelings which I so often found difficult to put into words. My husband came to me six weeks later and said we must try again. I truly believe that the "Power of a Praying Wife" is what gave me the hope to focus on what I believed in (that God meant for us to be together). I believe the book showed me a new way of 'living' my belief to the extent that my husband's eyes and heart were opened! Thank you Stormie for your courage to express what your heart knows to be true. I am buying each of my best friends a copy for Christmas.

Every American should read this book.

Iwo Jima's flag raising is etched in the memory of war veterans as well as baby boomers, at least the staged version of the event. And the film version showed the story, even if it was the Hollywood version. "Flags" is a compelling story of one of the men who won the battle of Iowa Jima and then went home -- very quietly -- to live out his life. Only his death allowed his children to read and understand the magnitude of what he and other war veterans achieved, the many veterans who did their job against horrendous odds and then moved on with their lives, with only their nightmares and private, silent, secrets to haunt them for the rest of their lives. They would not, or could not, speak about their experiences. And for good reason.

James Bradley delves into the story his father never told while he was alive, the story of unimagined terror on a tiny island, fighting a most savage, unforgiving and unsurrendering enemy. His father saw atrocities no one deserves to see. And, after all this, he led a quiet, unassuming life in Wisconsin after the war, returning to his roots and putting the war behind him as best he could. The son's pursuit of the full story results in perhaps the greatest tribute a son can offer, a glowing, sobering, startling story honoring a deceased father and his comrades. James Bradley's dad was a hero who knew that the real heroes didn't come off Iwo alive. He honored the dead comrades with a deep, unspoken respect.

Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" is the more popular and publicized version of these war veterans and their unrewarded heroics but his casual treatment of these great men can't come anywhere close to "Flags". I read it, cried, and passed the book to others who would appreciate it. Read it. And do the same.

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!

FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS is a brilliant work for so many reasons: it pays homage to the six men who raised the flag on Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima during WWII; it is a tribute to a father who felt strongly that the real heroes at Iwo were the boys who didn't come back; it is a testimonial to the USMC and its fighting men; it portrays a graphic and at times unimaginable description of the horrors of war; and, it depicts not only the indignities that we humans can suffer upon one another, but also the moments when common men (indeed, boys) are moved to perform acts of uncommon valor and courage. When reading this book, you will feel pride, grief, anger, sadness, and dismay. Its words will make you laugh, cry, mourn, and think hard. FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS is a good book---no, a great book---about a moment in our history and the ordinary men who performed extraordinary deeds and left their mark upon the annals of war. Read it...for the sake of the six flagraisers, the families left behind in all wars, and the whole human race.

Many people have heard of the magical and wise Merlin but his childhood is a mystery. "The Lost Years of Merlin", written by T.A Barron, fills in most of the gaps. This enchanting tale is about a young man named Emrys who loses his memory and finds his way to Fincayra, where he searches for his future though many adventures wait for him. Fincayra is a place of wonder and mystery because it contains many good and bad creatures. Along the way he meets many people (or things) who help him find the secrets of Fincayra. T.A Barron did an extremely good job of describing Merlin's dangerous yet magical life. One of the many tings he gets in Fincayra is his new name, Merlin. Kids tend to like books about things they don't usually see or hear about but some kids don't. If so, they would not like "The Lost Years of Merlin" because you don't see a young wizard learning magic in a place called Fincayra and being pursued by another evil wizard. Another reason this book might not be liked is the large variety characters and setting. There is a wide range of new characters in every new book in the series that are fun to read about yet some might become confused. Even so, I don't think any of these reasons is good enough to stop someone from reading this book. Others might like books that move slowly or books that are realistic but if not this book is perfect. One can tell that the author took a long time to think out this book so that it is understandable and simple. I am, myself, a really slow reader but I read this book with ease. It is mostly a calm book. This is one of the best series I have read and I am confident you will think so too.

"The Lost Years of Merlin" was a wonderful book filled with tons of excitement around every corner. Although Emrys, young Merlin, does not know that he is destined to become one of the best wizards of all time he discovers his powers at the tender age of 10. At first he is perplexed with them, but soon he comes to dispize them after an incident with a local bully. He decides to leave home and find what he believes to be his true home with his true parents. His journey takes him to the mist-shrouded isle of Fincayra, an anchanted land between earth and sky that is being destroyed by blight. With this land's inhabitants to guide him, the boy will learn that Fincayra's fate and his own quest are strangely intertwined. This is a wonderful epic about a young boy who is at first entoiled with himself but learns to respect and love others.

I loved this book and I would definetly read it again and again. T.A. Barron has definetly won me over with his tales of this young hero and wizard. If you like semi-sci-fi books that always keeps you asking for more this is the book for you. He combines the wellsprings of mythical imagination with his own deepest artistic powers. I thought it was an intense and profoundly spiritual adventure.

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.

This review will not only uphold the dignity of a man that has exposed himself so completely to the world but, in a strange twist of irony, I would like to share a personal 'chance' happenstance that made my reading of this book very serendipitous. I began reading this book in a local bookstore while I sipped a coffee. I had not been on vacation but, I had gone to Gainesville, Fl., for a medical procedure that was to begin a very real change in my life. As I began to read the first few pages I was awe-struck to find that as my own personal "fight" with illness was scheduled to end in Gainesville, Fl., Michael's journey with Parkinsons had begun in the same city. I was immediately hooked and bought the book to read while I was in the hospital. I read the book in the matter of 3 sittings. I can say this, I now care more for the person of Michael A Fox, than I ever did for Alex Keaton or Marty Mcfly. I have become a true fan of the man Michael A. Fox. In case your wondering I am not mental Michaels real name is Michael A Fox. I recommed this book to anyone who hase faced a "life controlling problem". My own problem is daily meeting its demise, while Michael daily meets the challenges of Parkinsons. He is more than a Lucky Man, as this book will show he is a true artisian to his craft, a man of character, and finaly a role model for the rest of us, who fail, get up and try again. Thanks Michael. Your Nana would be proud!

This guy just 'gets' it. Michael J. Fox understands the meaning of life, and I think he always has - even since he was Michael A. (Eh?) Fox.

My Grandmother has often been quoted by her children as having said throughout their childhoods, "You'll thank me when you're 40" (which they all did on their 40th birthdays). The precocious MJF, however, appreciated the wisdom of his Nana above all others from his first memory; the two of them then knew that they were amongst a special few (if not a special 2) that seemed to share an understanding of life's 'big picture'.

When MJF was pushing all limits in living the life of the Prince of Hollywood, he never fully felt entitlement to the wild and fun, albeit shallow, excesses of daily life. Also, MJF didn't really understand it, as best seen in the example of his being secretly disappointed and scared when his tough, disciplinarian-Dad seemed to be impressed by MJF's stardom. (Luckily, his brother Steve and later his wife Tracy gave him the reality-checks that he was craving). By no means did this silence the party at the time; rather, in all likelihood, this raised the decibels tenfold. Yet, MJF went to bed most nights confused and uncertain about his entire identity and existence.

In his book, MJF takes us through amazing character growth as he brings us through his wonderfully positive family experience of a working class background, his introduction to death, his being an object of mockery for his height (we all have something, eh?), his struggling to make a career against the odds, his rise in Hollywood, his falling in love, his discovery of a disease, his hiding that disease.... and throughout each stage, he shares with us his fears, joys & understanding from the perspective of an average person just trying to figure out this world and pick through the good and the bad served out on one's plate.

The best part about the book is that my opinion and reaction are derived from MJF's stories, but he does not try to spell out a moral of his story, pontificate as to the meaning of life, or even feign being remotely profound. In the same ironic vane as the book's title, however, the Reader walks away from the book sensing just how beautifully profound the Author is. After many hearty laughs and a few heartfelt tears, I put down the book feeling a certainty of my own humility as well as life's true priorities.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Lucky Man", didn't want it to end, was spiritually moved by MJF, and walked away full of inspiration (OK, admittedly, also with a renewed crush continued from my childhood days of watching 'Family Ties'), adoration for his son Sam for his touching innocence, and admiration for his wife Tracy Pollan for her epitomizing unconditional love.

To top it off, the book is a well-written one and a pleasure to read from the literary angle. This is accomplished without it losing its voice to a ghostwriter / editor.

My recommendation for Michael J. Fox's "Lucky Man" is a: 'Please, please read!'

Best of luck and all our prayers go out to Mike & family. xo

I read this book only because I saw Michael J Fox on Charlie Rose. During the show, parts of the book were read out loud, and I just had to read the rest. Still, I really didn't know what to expect. Generally, I hate books written by celebrities, with or without ghost-writing help. I hate the "look at me" aspects of most of these books, the superficiality, the gloss.

This book has none of those features. This is a book written by a man who has gone (and continues to go) through a series of wildly implausible adventures. From his early, almost accidental, startdom, through his marriage which has somehow defied all the odds for a Hollywood marriage, through his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson's disease, nothing in this man's life could have been predicted.

Michael J Fox has dived deep into his own psyche and come back to tell us what he found there. With compassion for himself and for the other people he has known in his life, he describes what it was like to be so successful, to experience fame as a drug (almost) that distanced him from some levels of reality, and then to have it all taken away. And he did it himself. This book was not ghostwritten, and the beauty of some passages makes it hard to believe that the author is not a professional writer. The fact that the prose was not mediated by a ghost-writer also makes the book more immediate and accessible.

I do not have words to do justice to the honesty, the compassion, and the courage that I found in this book. All I can say is what I have been saying to people ever since I read it: "I know, I know, it's a celebrity autobiography. Read it anyway."