This is the place to start this series, with Nathaniel Drinkwater as one lowly midshipman (where DO these naval authors get their strange names: Hornblower? Easy? Ramage?). I'm enjoying the stories even though I've skipped about depending on what was available. Now they are all being reprinted in a very good trade edition from Sheridan House (just to prove McBooks doesn't have a lock on the genre). This is also one of the few in the series that takes place in American waters, here while that very claim was being first disputed, 1780. Drinkwater is learning his sea-faring trade in a series of episodes where he increases in maturity and responsibility, through a smashing battle, a fight for rank in the mess, and capture and mutiny. The author constructs a very authentic feel in the details of ship-board life and the cruelties of hazing the youngest members, without indulging in long feats of sailsmanship. Woodman doesn't give Drinkwater the enthusiasms (or arcane language) of O'Brian's Capt. Aubrey, nor the self-doubt of Forester's Hornblower. Drinkwater finds a dear chaste love that stands in great contrast to the amorous adventures of Alan Lewrie in the parallel books by Dewey Lambdin. The cover illustration is pretty useless but authentically captures the somber tone of the series. As ever, keep an eye on the wind, and fair sailing!

Brilliant stuff! As first novels, these are almost as subtle and enigmatic as P.O'B's later works, but just as gripping as his early stuff; similarly based on historical fact, they are definitely a cut above the rest. Excellent descriptions of below-decks and battle actions take you right inside the ship; an acquaintance with nautical terminology helps, but is not vital, to understand the gist of the action or the day- to-day management of the ship - e.g. the handling of sails is particularly well-described, far better than any other book I've read. and succinct descriptions of wind, weather and tide preface each event; the stage is already set - action soon follows.

The hard life below decks is brought horrifically home in the first few pages - the impotence of the younger gentlemen in the face of overbearing bullying is brought sharply into focus, as is the rough justice of the foremast jacks - stark reality is served up in healthy measure here, with a side salad of intrigue and a dressing of young love.
None of the incidents or fortunate strokes of luck seem contrived, rather they develop naturally as Nat matures from innocence into almost cynical youth.

Read the following books - they get better with each tale. *****

This is the first book in a wonderful series. The Nathaniel Drinkwater books are comparable in quality to those of Forester and Patrick O'Brian. Woodman's plots are typically tighter and more focused than O'Brian's (the books are shorter), and possibly less literate and a little "dark" as one reviewer described them. Although the books in some cases have less naval warfare action than Forester's and Alexander Kent's books, they do not lack for excitement or interest. Woodman's plots seem to be based on the conflict of a competent man against evil forces, which lends power to the narrative.

Here is a list of the Nathaniel Drinkwater novels in chronological order: An Eye of the Fleet, A King's Cutter, A Brig of War, The Bomb Vessel, The Corvette, 1805, Baltic Mission, In Distant Waters, A Private Revenge, Under False Colors, The Flying Squadron, Beneath the Aurora, The Shadow of the Eagle, Ebb Tide.

Few books cause me to search out those extra few minutes of reading time so that I can get on with the story, but these books fall into that catagory.

I have read the whole series and this book is not the best one. I think that the first two books- Rebel and Copperhead are better than the last two- Battle Flag and The Bloody Ground.

The battlefield scene desciptions are very good and alone make it worth reading. I just was not impressed with the character development, especially for the new ones introduced in this book.

I do hope that Mr. Cornwell continues the series, I would hate to see it end at this point.

I've followed the Starbuck series since Copperhead's publication several years back, and I've loved every page of every volume. The Bloody Ground is probably one of the installment's most riviting volumes that culminates into the second battle of Bull Run. What depresses me most is that while the series' first four volumes came out in such a short period of time, there hasn't been a page published in several years, as author Cornwell has gone back to his Sharpe series, among other things. I really hope he'll come back to Starbuck, as it's probably one of my all-time favorite series of books.

The Starbuck series has been an excellent read. I am about finished with 'The Battle Flag'. I personally hope Cornwell will fire up another three or four books in this series. Reading this fictional series has piqued my interest in the Civil War. In conclusion, Cornwell is an excellent author and continue to be one of my favorites. I hope he does us all a favor and continues writing in the series. jes

I read this book because I was interested in Branden's psychology, not to change my life, so I can't attest to that aspect of it. The other reviews have mentioned that the book brought positive results, but with so many self-help books on the market, why choose this one? I recommend it, because Branden is the foremost psychologist on self-esteem. His more in-depth work, _The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem_ is a classic. In his years of professional experience, he has helped everyone from clients seeking therapy to businessmen at seminars. When Branden says self-esteem, he means the real thing, having real things in yourself to be proud of, not a false, inflated image that can burst like a bubble. For a classic and brilliant analysis of self-esteem, along with ways to raise it, I recommend his other work I mentioned above. This one is more of a self-help book, and if that's what you're looking for, I can't recommend it more highly.

There's no such thing as having TOO MUCH self-esteem; that's like having TOO MUCH health. And this book will help you achieve more of it; more self-esteem means more confidence in yourself--in your career, in your relationships, in your dreams. For anyone who is enjoying life, and is always self-confident, I recommend this book, because it will help you achieve MORE out of life--spiritually, emotionally, vocationally, and socially. For someone who is having an emotionally tough time, BUY THE BOOK NOW--EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO USE UP THE LAST $10.00 ON YOUR CREDIT CARD.

Before reading this book and doing the excercises, I was a mess. I had severe depression and didn't have a job. I couldn't cope with people and their abuse. My self esteem was so low, that I could't return something to the store that I didn't like. I tried seeing psychologists but my parents could't afford their bills. Then I found this book and started working about 10 minutes a day on the excercises. I felt stronger and increased the work load to 6 to 8 hours a day. I pulled myself out of the depression and feel very strong and confident. Thank you so much Dr. Branden for writing this book.

Moby Dick is a very long, difficult book to read with Herman Melvilles unique writing style. His descriptions of places and people are pages long, it takes alot of patience and attention toward the book. It dragged on at the beginning when he meets Queqeg and spends the night with him. He created realistic characters who brave through tough times (meeting Moby Dick.) Though it over 410 pages to finally get to Moby Dick, it was a very adventurous story of a young sailor meeting the whale who took the leg of his captain.

I really liked this book even though it was slightly boring at first. I thought it would be like that all the way through, but it soon picked up pace and got exciting. I like his writing style but at times it was hard to understand what he was saying. He used alot of Old English, which was pretty cool. Overall, I think the book earns 2 thumbs up. Its a must read!

No doubt the basic story of Moby Dick is familiar to the majority of western civilization. Whether a lack of interest or intimidation by it's size or 19th century linguistics, the majority of people leave Moby Dick off of their reading list. I never had any interest in Moby Dick until several months ago, when I passed by an attractive-looking copy of the novel in a local bookstore. Intrigued, I decided to read it. Ignoring the intimidation by it's size and my own disinterest and disgust with whaling, I decided to give it a go. After the first few pages, I was hooked. There was no putting it down for me. Melville's characters are warmly and vividly depicted. Landscapes, action sequences, and background of whaling-life are all described in the minutest detail with beautiful prose. Despite these amazing features of the novel, none surpasses the exploration of the human psyche. From the obssessed Captain Ahab to our narrator Ishmael and his harpooner companion Queequeg to the sermonizing priest who appears in one chapter only, humanity and the fragility of the human psyche- in all of it's greatness and potential evil, is explored. Moby Dick is truly a masterpiece: a captivating story, flowing prose, rich character detail, and profound insights into not only those characters, but mankind as a whole. Don't pass up the oppurtunity to read this amazing novel!

Last semester in college I had the opportunity, for the first time, to read various chapters from Herman Melville's "Moby Dick". I became so enthralled with what I had read I decided to purchase the novel as soon as possible. I just so happened to pick up Penguin's 150th Anniversary Edition. All in all I am quite pleased with this edition from the cover to the pages that are printed clearly and crisply.

Moby Dick may not be everyone's cup of tea, it can be rather long and tedious to get through as Melville likes to lecture almost as much as tell a story. But from the first line "Call me Ishmael" it's hard not to be sucked into the story as we follow Ishmael on his journey across the sea with the nefarious Captain Ahab. The story centers around Ahab's quest to find and destroy the White Whale. Of course Ishmael plays just as important of a part.

Melville's use of language is spectacular and he truly did write a classic novel. This is a fascinating tale of adventure that shouldn't be missed.

This bible is for those who want the original word (KJV) but want to be able to understand it (NLT). I would recommend this bible to anyone because we are all sinners and we all need help from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Study this bible so we can all become more in tune with GOD

The comaprison of the two texts on the page is wonderful. I believe the King James Version is the best for intensive bible study and The Living Bible is more readable and up-to-date in the language of our day.Check out the Love chapter I Corinthians 13:4-6 Living Bible "Love is vry patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices when truth wins out." I usually notice when others do me wrong....how about you?

Having lived overseas as a missionary for a good part of the past 20 years and having realized that God speaks in other languages besides English, it is a real treat to find an English version of the Bible that is written in the language that we use every day. The only cautions I have are: 1]- This Bible speaks real plain. It will probably touch some ares of your life that you have kept your conscience quiet on. You may need to make some changes! So if you are comfortable with your knowledge of God and your relationship with Him ... and don't want to be disturbed - this is not for you. 2]- Keep your King James Bible to compare.

God Bless, James Yoder

Largely unknown during his brief lifetime, Nathanael West is now regarded as one of the finest authors of the 1930s--a writer whose slashing satires of American decay are so dead-on accurate that they are often painful to read. This is particularly true of his two best works, MISS LONELYHEARTS and THE DAY OF THE LOCUST. Both novels are short and intense, and both present horrific visions of American society choking to death on its own mass-media fantasies.

Probably West's most powerful work, MISS LONELYHEARTS concerns a nameless man assigned to produce a newspaper advice column--but as time passes he begins to break under the endless misery of those who write to him for advice. Unable to find answers, and with his shaky Christianity ridiculed into destruction by his poisonous editor, he tumbles into a madness fueled by his own spiritual emptiness. First published in 1933, MISS LONELYHEARTS remains one of the most shocking works of 20th Century American literature, as unnerving as a glob of black bile vomited up at a church social, empty, blasphemous, and horrific.

THE DAY OF THE LOCUST is the best known of West's works, and presents the story of a Hollywood art designer as he drifts through the California dream factory--a place in which reality exists only as something to subvert into a saleable commodity: an addictive series of dreams that won't come true for the increasing numbers of malcontents that crowd Los Angeles in search of the fantasies seen on the movie screen. And their seething disillusionment proves more deadly than even Hollywood could ever imagine. First published in 1939, THE DAY OF THE LOCUST is still considered the single most scathing novel ever written about Hollywood.

Like much of West's work, these two novels are written in a comic style that the author deliberately and quickly sours: laughter quickly gives way to despair, despair to surreal horror, and all of it condensed into tightly written, noir-ish, and double-gritty prose that has the impact of a wrecking ball. West is not a writer for every one, not by a long shot, but his power is undeniable, and these two works are his best, essentials in American literature. But brace yourself: they offer one-way tickets going straight down all the way.

This conveniently thrifty Nathanael West collection sat on my bookshelf for a few weeks, and I kept taking peeks at it. It just kept looking at me. I gave in to this seduction eventually and read Miss Lonelyhearts (this was a few weeks ago, and I still haven't read Day of the Locust). Most New Directions paperbacks are pretty ugly (sue me, I'm a jacket admirer), and this one is too, but in a very compelling way. But the novel is a million times more so. I'd read a bit about it before, and knew that both Flannery O'Connor and F. Scott Fitzgerald were admirers of West's, and the premise sounded like my kind of book, so I couldn't help working myself into a fit about it. This was a rare instance for me -- generally when I'm excited about reading a book beforehand, it's a let down, usually not because it's a poor book, but because my expectations were too high. But nope, not with Miss Lonelyhearts. Yes, okay, so it's a black comedy, yes it's an "absurdist" work of art, but not in a juvenile or self-conscious way (ahem, ahem, Salvador Dali). It works better than others because it doesn't occur to you that it's dead serious until you're thinking about it later in the middle of the night fighting insomnia. While reading, you're too busy snortin' and guffawin' to give a good god damn about its "relevance" or its "theme". But it is a novel to be taken seriously, even if it is laugh-out-loud hilarious and if it's as accessible as a glass of milk. I'm tempted to give away some of the more dreadful or ridiculous parts, but I won't, just anticipate reading some over the top Dear Abby letters and a brilliant and horrifying book wrapped around them.

West offers a slanted few of reality in these two novellas. It is a few that helps bring into focus the problems plauguing the soul of society. Through the eyes of the main characters we are taken through reality room by room, through the exposed characters in the novel. Everday Miss Lonelyhearts must find something positive to say to those who have suffered and will suffer. In The Day of the Locust, one begins to wonder if anyone's dream ever comes true. These two stories give the reader a break from the monotony of conventional narrative.

The Midwich Cuckoos is a very interesting, if somewhat dated, story. We have a quaint English village with all its women of child-bearing age suddenly (..spontaneously!) becoming pregnant, including virgins. Divine intervention? Well, let us say there was some intervention from something beyond this world. Curiously, the folks of Midwich carry on with the births of these children. However these children soon exhibit rather sinister traits, and Midwich soon finds itself overwhelmed.

While certainly a fascinating read, The Midwich Cuckoos has a somewhat dated feel. Certainly alien invasions and the raising of alien beings wouldn't go down well with most folks nowadays. And unlike other Wyndham novels I fail to see any underlying social message here (..other than don't raise kids that aren't humans?). Still, Wyndham is a clever writer. And The Midwich Cuckoos is one of his better efforts.

Bottom lines: strange, disturbing, and not terribly believable. But certainly an interesting read.

Midwich was an ordinary village. Until the Dayout. Everyone in the village was sleeping. Anyone who ventured into the outskirts of the village would mysteriously black out. The next day things were back to normal. But every woman of suitable age was pregnant...

"The Midwich Cuckoos" is a metaphorical title for a book about collective intelligence. The alien children born in the village are identical. Golden eyed, unemotional, endowed with mental powers and superior intelligence. Over the years the Children become a bigger problem. They commit a murder and contol the minds of others. They are cold, ruthless and calculating.

This book has been described as disturbing. When it was first published the idea of children committing murderer was probably quite shocking. These days it seems normal. This is an interesting book but I prefer the apocalyptic scenarios in "The Day of the Triffids" and "The Chrysalids".

Wydham takes a look at a very interesting question: what happens with the entire human race is threatened, but our social conventions, politics, and institutions prevent us from saving ourselves? The odd title is a reference to the way cuckoo birds place their eggs in the nests of other birds who mistake the eggs for their own - but even after they hatch the surrogate mothers are compelled by their natures to take care of the babies. In Midwich, at a time when England regarded itself as the most civilized political community the world had ever known (hey, it probably still thinks that way!), the locals find themselves unable to mistreat a brood of alien, mind-controlling children, even though the fate of the world is at steak. Lot's of good narrative and entertaining philosophical conversations among the characters made this a truly great book, in the tradition of Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" or Orwell's "1984".

I read this book and did a project on it in fifth grade and I have read in numerous times since then.(6 years) I've bought many copies to read and I love it, I love all of John Saul's books. I can picture the barn and graveyard in my mind. This book really grabs at your attention and doesn't let go. I could sit up for hours and read John Saul's books.

Nathaniel is, so far, is the only book I've read by Saul. And I intend to read more. The mystery of Prairie Bend, the setting, is enough to get you going by itself. The hidden secrets of the Halls will shock you till the very end. This novel is very gripping and you will find yourself not wanting to put the book down.

Another great book by Mr. Saul. The end caught me off gaurd... I found myself hoping that nothing would happen to little Micheal Hall which made me read even faster to see what would happen next. That is one of my requirements for a "good read" and Nathaniel was exactly that!

In the early seventies just after the publication of The Psychology of Self-Esteem, I went to the library looking for other books on the subject. I found only one other book with self-esteem in its title. Over the years, I've watched closely as the word self-esteem has exploded into American culture, and has become as American as the proverbial apple pie, often with undercurrents of confusion and ignorance. Yet, with Nathaniel Branden, the innovator of the whole movement, the definition has always been the same; what has changed is his ever-increasing knowledge and awareness of the subject, much of which he shares In The Art Of Living Consciously. For those interested in the role of consciousness in improving one's life and one's self esteem -- that one is competent to know one's world, and worthy of happiness -- this will be the book for you. Once again, Nathaniel offers up a treasure chest of personal examples, as well as the examples of his clients. Also, offered is a facinating look into the world of ¨spirituality¨ as seen through the eyes of Mr. Rationality. Here, again, is another powerful and entertaining book from the man who launched the term into public discussion.

Nathaniel Branden has finally written the One Book I Would Take With Me to a Desert Island If I Could Have Only One Book. I must consider this book his absolute masterpiece. It was only on my second reading that the power of the book really hit home. I wasn't prepared for the truth and beauty of it the first time I read it. I just wasn't prepared. I'd so clouded up my own intellectual history with spirituality and escapist self-help (a true contradiction in intentions). I dip into any page now and come out cleaned and bright and ready to use the power of my mind. I do the sentence completions and feel my center grow stronger every day. This one book may be the greatest single gift psychology has ever given to humanity.

Okay,so I have a bit of hero worship and father figure identification with Dr. Branden so maybe my review is not the most objective but I want to express a great deal of gratitude to him.This is a fine book and I am in my first rereading of it.I think it is one of those kind of books where there is more to reflect on with each reading and more to learn.I still think "The Six Pillars of Self Esteem" is his masterwork but well maybe it's "The Disowned Self", no wait maybe it's "The Psychology of Self Esteem". The point is, buy this book and all the others if you would like to illuminate your path.(and do the sentence stems, they make a difference)

"The Child in Time" is my first Ian McEwan work, although I was aware that he studied at Malcolm Bradbury's creative writing program at the University of East Anglia, as did Kazuo Ishiguro, of "The Remains of the Day" fame.

McEwan is a subtly brilliant writer with amazing psychological understanding and insight. With equal ease, he navigates the political landscapes of family; personal life; commercial London, and Thatcher's 1980's Whitehall.

The tribulations of his friend, publisher Charles Darke in the treehouse in rural Suffolk is altogether telling and allegorical in itself. The stark tragedy of losing his child Kate, brings the neccesary focus needed to capture the reader's attention for the duration of the novel.

Heartfelt, and very well worth the read.

When Kate, daughter of Stephen and Julie is taken from a supermarket(don`t worry, I haven`t spoiled anything!)there is no way for Stephen`s life to go but down.The book centres on his struggle to find his daughter,meeting people from his time and even travelling to the past to discover aspects of his parent`s lives. The time element in this book is uncomfortable to the reader, yet McEwan`s writing takes you fluidly through the plot,with the difficult subject of time beautifully interwoven. I really enjoyed reading this novel and studying it for English Literature A-Level as it is written so provocatively that one cannot fail to relish the piece. The characters are fully rounded and fit into the plot with the greatest of ease. The plot itself is extremely well thought out and expertly written by a great English writer. McEwan is able to draw upon the innocence which the plot desires, Whilst also creating a clillingly spooky atmosphere. This book is no easy read, it`s wonderfully moving ending is reached only after a disturbingly beautiful and sometimes horrific plot. This has to be counted amongst McEwan`s greatest works,and all in all, "The Child In Time" is a wonderfully written journey through the darkest elements of time, which leaves the reader with the radiating glow of hope.

The Child in Time has it all. Ian Mcewan has witten a profoundly moving, deeply personal work that rings true on every page.
It is a novel about loss and the effort to find meaning despite of it. It probes issues of family, marriage, and personal growth.
I found The Child in Time to be one of the most satisfying novels I have read in years. The rewards in reading it are many.