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Book reviews for "Sumichrast,_Michael_M." sorted by average review score:

The Locklear Letters
Published in Hardcover by MacAdam/Cage Publishing (2003)
Author: Michael Kun
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Do yourself a favor -- buy this book!
The only disappointment one experiences from Kun's The Locklear Letters is when you realize you just finished reading the last page of this terrific novel. Funny, clever, nuanced, and brilliantly written, this is a book you will enjoy a lot. It's a quick read, with a quick, canny, and elegant evolving plot and laugh-out-loud humor throughout. Through his letters, which is what this book consists of (and there's a fancy word for such books), the main character Sid Straw is revealed in full dimension -- an emotional, thoughtful, sensitive, funny, sometimes devious guy who misses nothing. You root for him, agonize with him, laugh at his predicaments, and wonder how can such things happen over and over and over to a person. The book takes you on a wonderful journey. It's an escape from everyday life, and the reader is taken on a fast and funny trip that is so thoroughly enjoyable that you just wish the ride would never end. Luckily, that's why they invented...what's that fancy word?...oh yes, sequels....

Quick read that's funny and unique
The Locklear Letters is an easy read that might have you laughing out loud at the correspondence written by Sid Straw, a guy who is very persistent in trying to keep in touch with actress Heather Locklear. Sid Straw's ... and demented ways endear you to him. He is lovable, irritating, yet you have compassion for him when his life spirals out of control. My favorite line in the book is Eat Wheaties! I can't help but laugh when reading this book and hopefully you'll also pick it up and get a chuckle out of the Sid Straw shenanigans.

The Locklear Letters is highly recommended. It's a book that lets you inside the mind of someone who is delusion but hysterical at the same time.

Very clever and funny every time you read it
This story, told entirely through letters, memos, etc. written by the main character, Sid Straw, works so well that it would be easy to take for granted the brilliance of Kun's writing and use of the epistolary device. But it is that brilliance that makes a mere collection of letters tell a cohesive, multi-layered, HILARIOUS tale. You will indeed laugh out loud every time you read it (which should be more than once!). And just when you have reached the limit of your frustration with Straw's haplessness, he rises from the ashes and gives you some hope that he will get in control of his life (or maybe not . . .). It is a page-turner that you will finish in one or two sittings ("just one more letter . . . ok, one more").


Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Published in Hardcover by Longman Group United Kingdom (1987)
Authors: Michael Rundell, Longman, and Della Summers
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Definetly, the best dictionary...
I'm still trying to find any defect to this dictionary, but I couldn't yet... If you are a non-native english speaker, you have to get this one... does phrasal verbs drives you crazy??? All phr verbs are there... Usage notes of frequently used words are great as well as the illustrations!!!... the samples following the definition of the words are great to understand them... although I'm still learning, I know this book has improved my english...

songkyu kim (a korean living in the u.s.)
THIS IS NOT JUST AN ENGLISH DICTIONARY. THIS IS AN ARTWORK ON LINGUISTIC SCIENCE! YOU WILL BE AMAZED TO SEE EACH AND EVERY WORDS WITH NATURALLY,SCIENTIFICALLY STRUCTURED EXAMPLES WITH VERY SPECIAL CARE. IT'S WELL WORTH CHECKING IT OUT AS SOON AS YOU CAN,ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER! ONCE YOU'VE FOUND WHAT'S INSIDE IT, MAN, YOU WILL LOVE IT! I BET YOU WILL PROUDLY CALL IT THE BEST ENGLISH DICTIONARY IN THE WORLD YOU'VE EVER FOUND!

State of the Art Dictionary for ESL (and other) students
This is not a "junior dictionary." This dictionary is a 100% up-to-date state of the art dictionary with a comprehensive listing of any word you might encounter as well as a key for how to use it in a sentence. With that key, students can figure out how to use the word properly in speech and composition. The dictionary itself is a learning tool because the definitions of the 60,000+ words included are limited to a 2000-word vocabulary, giving the student practice while learning new words. Additionally, the dictionary has many illustrations and diagrams which list thematic vocabulary (for example everything that is under the hood of a car or everything that is in a fully-equipped kitchen). The definitions are clear and precise: look at the definition for the word "piece." In that definition you will find a flow-chart with questions like, "Is it solid?" "Is it thin?" and so on, leading the learner to words like "drop, dash, squirt, wisp, chunk, slice, slab, segment, grain, speck...." My reading students, whose first language is English, love this book also, because the defining vocabulary is within their range. It is comprehensive enough that even teachers will find definitions of unfamiliar words (for example, I just learned that "chock" is a block of wood used to wedge under a tire). This book is the best investment a student can make. It is also an investment that every teacher should make in service to his/her students


Computer Applications in Hydraulic Engineering, Fifth Edition (CAIHE)
Published in Hardcover by Haestad Press (15 August, 2002)
Authors: Haestad Methods Engineering Staff, Michael E. Meadows, Thomas M. Walski, Thomas E. Barnard, and S. Rocky Durrans
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A Must for Hydraulic Engineers
This book is the best. Covers A to Z for water resources engineers and even lets you get familiar with some powerful software too.

Excellent book for comp. appl. in hydraulics
The book is fantastic. It develops the concept and demonstrates a much broader application. Very well written and compiled. It is probably one of the best books I have read in the field of computer applications in hydraulic engineering. The bundled software is fantastic.

A Must Have for Hydraulic Engineers
This book covers everything from A to Z for water resource engineers and lets you also take some state-of-the-art software for a nice test drive too.


Zac Attack!: Hanson's Little Brother
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (1998)
Authors: Tracey West and Michael-Ann Johns
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Caution: Dangerously Cool!
Hey there Hanson fanz! This book rocked! I'm surprised that the author didn't even interview Zac herself! I love the pix and the quiz in it to see if you're the type for Zac. Very well written! There may be a tinie tiny bit of false info, but still cool!

As Zac once Said: "'Peace, Love, Happiness, and Bullet-Proof Marshmellows!!"

Zac fans, this is the book for you!!!
This book gave me tons of info on Zac. There were even 16 pages of great color pictures. It was the best Hanson book I ever read! READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!

This book will satisfy your Zac Fact Needs!!
Well, all I have to say to fellow Hanson fans is; if you haven't read this already...you better go out and buy it as soon as you can (if your local bookstore hasn't run out of copies yet!!) It has great behind-the scenes photos, cool tid-bit facts, and anything you wanna know about Hanson's drummer boy!!! (Beware of a little false info here and there)


All the Places to Love
Published in Library Binding by HarperCollins Children's Books (1994)
Authors: Patricia MacLachlan and Michael Wimmer
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We bought this story for EACH of our childrens' families!
Adults and children both will identify with this story. It is especially powerful for any 5 - 9 yr. old boy who is adjusting to the idea of having a new baby sister.

His big-brother role is defined in a delightful way which enhances his esteem and belongingness to the basic family. He becomes "protector" and "teacher" for his new sibling just as he has been protected and taught since his own birth.

The beautiful paintings, which must be "read" along with the words, are masterpieces.

LOVE this book!
My 5 year-old daughter has hundreds of books, but only a select few sit on the "special shelf" in her room, and this is one of them. I bought it for her a couple of years ago, and it has been my favorite ever since. Everything about this book is beautiful.... the illustrations, the story, and the message. I simply cannot read through this book without crying...........the second to the last page does me in every time!! This book is a lovely reminder to enjoy and appreciate the simple things that surround all of us. If you are looking for a special book that your children will love and you will treasure, this is the one.........BUY THIS BOOK! If I had to pick only one of my daughter's books to save forever, this would be it.

A breathtaking tribute to simplicity, and the joy of birth!
"All the Places to Love" is a beautiful story of down-to-earth magic and miracles smudged with tiny handprints. It is the kind of book you want to read slowly and quietly, so that you can hear the heart-whispers inside of you recognize the dreams printed on the pages behind each word and each exquisite picture. When I first read the book, I was 19 and babysitting, and I was fascinated with the way the story mirrored my own heart. I now own a copy, a gift from my best friend in anticipation of the births of our first children. The story of young Eli and all the places his growing family loves is a rare amd refreshing view of how glimpses of the face of God really aren't so uncommon or so fragile after all: miracles are born every single day, and play-worn, work-worn, year-worn, love-worn legacies are the best kind.


The Burning Plain
Published in Hardcover by Berkley Pub Group (1900)
Author: Michael Nava
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Not My Cup of Tea
I had no idea who this author was before I pick up this book off the sale rack. Although this book was ok, I do not think I will read another of his works. I am not a big fan of this type of neither mystery nor reading books with a focus of social issue ground breaking.

I've got to get to sleep! I have work tomorrow!!!
Needless to say this book was exemplary. I've read all of Michael's books and seen Michael develop as a writer and Henry Rios develop as a detective of sorts. There were several nights while I was reading this book where I didn't get to sleep until 1:30 A.M., eventhough I had to get up at 6:30A.M. "Burning Plain" was SO well written and gripping that I literally had to FORCE myself to put it away and get to sleep. There are few books, even from the so-called "bestselling writers," that write with such style and finesse. Every little detail is important and Michael fits them all together like a well constructed puzzle. I had my suspicions about the perpetrator but it really got me! There are many mystery writers and some famous ones that are highly overrated. Michael Nava is highly UNDERRATED and is not getting the following he deserves. If you want an excellent mystery, buy "The Burning Plain." You'll hunger for more of Michael Nava when you're done!

another positive review
This is the 3rd Nava book that I've so far read (Goldenboy and How Town being the others). I have to say that, over time, Nava's writing has improved considerably, as has control of his storylines. I now consider Nava to be one of the better mystery writers of our times. Needless to say, I highly recommend Burning Plain, especially if this is your first book by Nava or you are looking for an engaging mystery to read. Strong characters, complex plotlines, many memorable episodes, and on-going doses of humor and gay camp without being offensive or over the top. Interesting glimpses into Latino and gay culture. Not everything turns out positive in the end, but chalk it up to the gritty reality of life in Los Angeles (where the story is set). I read this over a 24-hour period--it was impossible to put down!


Dancing the Dream: Poems and Reflections
Published in Hardcover by Doubleday (1992)
Author: Michael Jackson
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great book!!!!
This is a great book!!! really toching and personal. you get to see the real Michael Jackson when you read it. My favorite poem is TWO BIRDS, but all the poems are great, and all the reflections are really smart, well-thought, and they'll put you in a thinking-phylosophical mood as well. the book also has great paintings and photos...is great!!!! recomended for fans and non-fans as well.

A MUST-READ! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
This is truly a wonderful book. For those of you who think Michael Jackson is crazy, or others who may think his only talents lie in singing and dancing, you gotta read this book! It's basically a collection of poems and stories written by Michael, and each one has a moral (No, it's not a kiddie book). I used to think he had no talent for writing before I read it, but after I read some of the reflections, I felt like I had experienced and learned more than I ever had from a single book. For those Christians, there's a good number of poems and reflections about God in there, too! My favorite poems in there are "So the Elephants March," "I You We," "Berlin 1989," and "But the Heart Said No."

In A Word: Breathtaking.
This is Michael Jackson at his prime. It is a living proof that the man is not only the greatest pop star that ever lived, he's the greatest artist that ever lived.

The book is printed 100% on glossy paper and has tons of pictures. It contains Jackson's observation on life, humanity, god, the world and children. It takes you places only Michael Jackson can.

So, in a word? Breathtaking. Get it right now!!!


Kabbalah for Beginners
Published in Paperback by Laitman Kabbalah Publishers (10 January, 2001)
Author: Michael Laitman
Amazon base price: $7.50
Average review score:

Was Disappointed
Bought this book because I was interested in learning about Kaballah. However, after reading the book I only have learned a brief history of Kabbalah. Still have no clue exactly on what Kabbalah is or the principles. This book had a high rating by previous readers so I am disappointed I didn't seem to "learn" what they must of learned about Kabbalah. Almost like this is a book to read before you want to know or understand what Kabbalah is.

I learned how to enjoy my life
The question of receiving maximum enjoyment while still living in this world is the central question of our existence; all other questions are just little pieces of it. The science of Kabbalah answers this question in a systematic and practical way. However, these great pleasures will be avalable to you only after some serious spiritual improvements. The book "Kabbalah for Beginners" by Michael Laitman is the best place to start your spiritual growth in the right direction. Once you start reading this book (and the rest in the series) your eyes will literally open and you will see the TRUTH about the structure of the world. D.K.

A fabulous introduction to the study of Kabbalah.
What is the meaning of my life ? Is a question that has tormented man for centuries and has caused great philosophers the world over to seek an answer to a question that seemingly can't be answered. Kabbalah is a science which provides the answer to that question and this book will introduce the reader to that science.

I strongly reccommend this book to anyone wishing to get a genuine introduction to the wisdom of Kabbalah.


March's Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure, 5th Edition
Published in Hardcover by Wiley-Interscience (15 January, 2001)
Authors: Michael B. Smith and Jerry March
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One of the Most Comprehensive Works
Updated for the continuing growth of the field, Jerry March had simply written one of the most comprehensive works in organic chemistry. The huge, thick volume might not serve as a text but rather a desktop reference. It was chosen as a course bible for my organic synthesis class.

The first part of the book deals with strcutures in organic chemistry. It serves as a prerequisite to understanding of reactions and mechanisms. This section contains information about some of the most ambiguous organic intermediates (species) such as nitrenes, carbenes, carbocations, and tautomers. One can also find detailed discussion on cis-trans isomerism and structural reactivity relations.

Part II of the volume discusses organic reactions and types of reactions in depth. Representative reactions include nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic substitution, rearrangements and radical reactions. Though March's work is self-containing as a sole reference, it is also meant to serve as a companion to major texts such as Miller's "Advanced Organic Chemistry", the double volumes of "Advanced Organic Chemistry" by Carey and Sundberg and any undergraduate introductory texts.

March's book distinguishes itself in discussion of organic named reaction such as Susuki reaction, Wolf-Kishner reduction, Swern oxidation, etc. One might often encounter difficulty in looking up named reactions. Jerry March's book will ease much of the trouble. Organic chemists and students should not miss this treasured work. Highly recommended.

the most authoritative and comprehensive work of its kind
I agree with the other reviewers. I'd like to add that this book is also phenomenally useful as a reference for all chemists, not just organic chemists. It is undoubtedly the most complete work in terms of useful organization of cited references going back nearly a century. Its usefulness has led me to dedicate a recent article to Jerry March. Since Jerry's death in 1997, it will be up to Wiley to find a suitable coauthor to update this volume. I can only hope for a choice as good as Jerry. Along with Cotton & Wilkinson's Adv. Inorg. Chem., Jerry's book is a must for every chemist's ready-reference library.

A must have for any serious chemist
I ordered this book based on a recommendation of a fellow chemist in my organic chemistry classes. Once I got it, it blew my mind. I ordered it for my advanced organic chemistry class, and it's been extremely helpful. I've taken it to entry-level organic chemistry classes and read it while the professor lectured. Not only did I find everything he was talking about, but it was explained better. If anyone seeks to better themselves in chemistry, or just have it as a reference guide, this book covers both.


Principles of Biochemistry
Published in Hardcover by Worth Publishing (1994)
Authors: Albert L. Lehninger, David L. Nelson, and Michael M. Cox
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It is the clearest Biochemistry book and it is a must
I found the 2e of "Principles of Biochemistry" by A. Lehninger, one of the most exciting books written in the field of Biochemistry. The book should be a treasure, especially, for undergradute students who have interest in the field. I have already adopted it as the main text book for the Biochemistry, a 300 level, course that I teach. Concepts are clearly and cleverly presented.

It is the clearest Biochemistry book and it is a must for ev
I found the 2e of "Principles of Biochemistry" by A. Lehninger, one of the most exciting books written in the field of Biochemistry. The book should be a treasure, especially, for undergradute students who have interest in the field. I have already adopted it as the main text book for the Biochemistry, a 300 level, course that I teach. Concepts are clearly and cleverly presented.

a book to use, and a book to keep
Lehninger's book remains the best single text in biochemistry, at least in English. A fine book for undergraduates, it is also the one volume that you may keep on your shelf for years to come, and the best biochem text for those whose primary specialty is not biochemistry (e.g. medicine, p-chem, microbio). No text is ever a substitute for the journals if you work in the field, but this book gives a sense of the whole discipline that is beneficial for anyone who may become too narrowly fixed on one topic. Its clear writing is also a blessing, both for those using English as a second language, and for native speakers with some affection for their own language


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