In 1948, Arthur C. Clarke submitted a short story, The Sentinel, to a BBC contest; which he did not win. However, the story was published in the Avon Science Fiction and Fantasy Reader in 1951, and in 1964 he returned to the story and began expanding it into a novel. He and the filmmaker Stanley Kubrick used this as the basis for a movie script which, in 1968, became 2001 : A Space Odyssey; for which both received Oscar nominations.

Especially considering the opacity for which the movie is notorious, the story is remarkably spare and straightforward. The narrator, a lunar geologist, recalls cooking sausage one morning at a research base on the Moon, when the rising sun revealed a metallic glimmer on the rock wall of Mare Crisium. He and a compatriot climbed the crater rim and found :

[A] roughly pyramidal structure, twice as high as a man, that was set in the rock like a gigantic, many-faceted jewel.

Though they initially believed it to be a relic of a lost lunar civilization (notice it is much different than the black obelisks which were eventually used in the movie), they soon realized that it must have been placed there billions of years ago by an advanced race from another planet. It took twenty years, but finally they were able to penetrate a protective shield around the crystal by using atomic upon it. Now they understand the structure to have been a kind of sentinel, waiting to alert the beings who placed it there that finally the human race has achieved a sufficient level of development to be worthy of their notice.

I particularly like the way that this tale, written by a renowned futurist at the dawn of the space age, actually resonates with age old religious concerns. The simple idea at its core is that it is by increasing our knowledge and developing our technological prowess that we will become superior beings, even gods. The geologist sagely worries, as must anyone who recalls the Fall of Man and the Tower of Babel, that the beings who left behind this early warning signal may even be jealous of our advances and may not be all that happy to find that they finally have company. Like all of the best tales of the fantastic, The Sentinel, though ostensibly about the future, illuminates the very mundane concerns we've always had about the nature of our being and our role in the order of things.

GRADE : A

This book contains some of my favourite short stories by Clarke. The book contains the following stories -

* Rescue Party - I havent read this story before, and found it a bit disappointing. Actually a bit pointless - just an ode to the human race.

* Guardian Angel - this story 'gave birth' to childhood's end. I havent read the book (yet), and have enjoyed the story a lot - especially the little surprise at the end and those parts of the story that show Clarke's scientific background.

* Breaking Strain - this story takes a known theme (which I'll not tell even in short so as not to spoil to those who havent read the story) into space, and the fact that it's somewhat predictable made it too long for my taste.

* The Sentinel - this story gave the inspiration to '2001: A Space Odyssey'. For some strange reason, I've never found a copy of this story in Israel in any stories collection or translation to Hebrew (though 2001 was translated to Hebrew). Though I allready new the plot, I enjoyed this story a lot.

* Jupiter V - I recommend this book just for this story. It's very interesting, and I just couldnt let the book out of my hand till I finished this story.

* Refugee.

* The Wind from the Sun - the idea of ships that sail by solar-wind race each other really caught me.

* A Neeting with Medusa.

* The Songs of Distant Earth - actually, I didnt like this one. I've read the 'none-original' version, and liked it a lot better.

Now that I take regular 1-hour trips by train twice a week and have returned to reading short stories, I'm glad I've found this book - it's very interesting reading, and shows all the good sides of short stories.

The most amazing thing about these stories is that they were written around the 50s, but it sure doesn't seem so. Clarke is a scientist, to be sure, but he doesn't overwhelm you with it. I think that's especially admirable since he could have easily fallen back on the science as a crutch and let this guide his stories. Instead, he spends equal time working on characterization, and the stories are better for it. His characters are supplied with quirks and attitudes which we can all relate to, even if you're not the captain of a space freighter or an envoy to a mysterious alien race.

This collection was actually released about 15 years ago, as I recall. It was definitely due for a reprint, as it was in my mind an instant classic... a perfect combination of carefully-selected stories, informative intros, and beautiful illustrations by Lebbeus Woods. Cheers to iBooks!

This is a factual book of the things the author seen and did. It explains how hard it was to fight a war of this type and the many different type of people that were involved. It tells how the FACs worked hand to hand with different branches of the service. A very good book with the history of Vietnam.

Viper-7 is one of best books I've read in the last five years. I have thought about the story 100 times since finishing it a month ago. Mr. Pocock is not an accomplished author, but a real straight forward storyteller without all of the chest pounding. No Chuck Norris, just a real story about the difficulties and triumphs of a real soldier. It makes a very poignant story -- one I would recommend to anyone wanting to know what life was like for thousands of terrified, yet brave young men. The story is neither vulgar nor gratuitous, but is very well illuminated.

An essential read. This book tells it like it was. Pocock has done an excellent job of relating the conflicting emotions that surface during a war far from home. This is one of those books that you can't put down until the very last paragraph has been read, it grabs you right at the start and keeps you spell bound right to the end. Viper 7 will always have a place in my heart whenever and wherever adversity rears its' head. I was there and can attest to the honesty and accuracy with which this book has been painstakingly crafted. Well done Viper 7. Tangerine 31.

I first read this story about 12 or 13 years ago when I was entering my teens. Corgi originally released the first book in the series here in the UK at about that same time, and it took over a year for the series to be completed. However the story itself was written in 1935, first being printed in serialized form in one of Japans most famous newspapers, the Asahi Shimbun. The story is a very powerful one that keeps you within its grasp all the way throughout. As well as captivating your mind it captures your heart and your soon so entranced within the story itself that you actually feel that your there, experiencing it with Musashi. Along with a well devised plot that doesn't drift too far from the truth, there's an educational side that goes with it, that teaches you in great detail about feudal Japan, its people and its places and it does this without ever leaving the story. You will finish this book with a good knowledge and understanding of japans history and all without the need for history books. The characters are so well detailed, you can actually picture them very clearly in your head. Its a story that is so well written, so detailed and so enthralling that you actually forget that your living here in the present. Yoshikawa tells the story in such a powerfully romantic way that it might actually make you stop and think about yourself. All in all this book is a must buy. Out of the many books that I have read, this story is not only the best, but it's a story that I will hold in my heart for eternity. You may find yourself never ever wanting to lose this story but most of all, you will be so grateful that you found it.

My lord! This book, as well as the other four have changed my very way of life. This is by far the best series i've ever read. i can only recommend this to all, and i mean all. this book along with the others have gotten me into swordsmanship, and the way of the samurai. anyway, I couldn't put this thing down, so i doubt you will be able to. read it!

Probably the best book of feudal Japan that I have had the pleasure to read. Can not wait for Book II to be printed again.

Everyone knows it takes more than a good "how-to" book to get into a great school, but the specifics often remain a mystery. "What It Really Takes..." goes a long way towards eliminating that mystery. My daughters' admissions process is still a few years away, but they will both be reading this one and hopefully taking this solid advice to heart.

A gold mine of information. But the reader must mine the gold.
The author is a Harvard graduate and a former admissions officer there. His writing and organization should have been better. Some of the sections are bloated and repetitious. He should have used more illustrations and less text. And his advocacy of racial ³diversity² was unnecessary and unpersuasive. His editor should have insisted that he condense the manuscript from 254 pages to 200 pages. Nevertheless, get out your shovels and start digging. Its worth the time and money.

Of the numerous how-to books purporting to provide the key to gaining admission to a prestigious university, this one stands above the rest. It is insightful, enjoyable to read, and provides sound, straightforward advice. The author has the appropriate credentials, and his case studies are very instructive. Bottom line is that if you (or your kid) wants an Ivy education, this book is an excellent investment.

The vice president is dying of a heart attack. The President and Speaker of the House are assassinated. According to the laws of succession, Senate Pro-Tempore, Calvin Smart, an eager Black senator from Illinois catapulted into politics by a powerful mob family, is the new president. But this drama isn't a multi-million dollar film in theatres It's the lurid plot for Charles Edwards' debut novel America's First." Edwards weaves a fascinating tale of mob politics, drug trafficking and inner turmoil in "America's First." The New York native, who earned his degrees in journalism and public policy from Columbia College and Roosevelt University, once ran for ward committeeman and worked in Chicago's City Hall. But during his teen years, Edwards was immersed in the criminal lifestyle and thanks supporters for turning his life around. Although he maintains that the book has nothing to do with his upbringing (he was not raised in Little Italy like his character Smart), it does reflect his lifelong interest in the subtle links between politics and crime. "I wanted to write a book I would read," said Edwards. "There are people who don't read much, but are fascinated with the Mafia through music and movies," said Edwards. While most readers of the popular book are intrigued by Smart's transformations and the ill effects political life has on his character, Edwards says "America's First" is a criticism of the nation's wqr on drugs. "More than anything, I want this book to spur real dialogue on our war on drugs and the prospects for legalization," said Edwards. The 32-year-old says he's not a full-fledged supporter of legalization, however, he does advocate a rehauling of U.S. strategy. "It's not a subject that's explored or debated about," said Edwards. "More people are getting locked up, but more drugs are coming into the country. When are we ever going to say we are losing this war?" It took Edwards two years to develop the outline for "America's First." For another four years, he dedicated himself to completing his novel. "I didn't have a social for four years." "Good writers spur change," said Edwards. "I hope this book does that." Ytasha L. Womack

Rituals Of Power & Rebellion by noted historian and calypsonian, Dr. Hollis "Chalkdust" Liverpool, is a masterpiece of scholarship, insight and impressive research. An in-depth study of the evolution of Carnival in the Caribbean and in Trinidad and Tobago in particular, "Rituals of Power and Rebellion" is that history lesson, which needed to be told and which now needs to be read by all people of the African Diaspora. Dr. Liverpool uses his wonderful skills as a storyteller to keep his readers enthralled as he unravels the many layers of social, anthropological, cultural and musical history, which have contributed to the survival and evolution of Carnival. As a history of Carnival, "Rituals of Power & Rebellion" is unparalleled. It covers all aspect of Carnival's growth and evolution. The book takes the reader beyond the shores of Trinidad and Tobago as it examines the strong cultural and social ties, which kept the displaced and enslaved African closely connected to his African traditions, as evidenced by the nature and characteristics of the Caribbean masquerade. "Enslavement, then, did not cut the cultural rope linking Africa to the New World. Rather, there was always continuity and change. The Carnival in Trinidad then, was filled with African traditions of mask, masking, masquerading, singing, and dancing." Dr. Liverpool shows how European and other ethnic traditions also influenced the manner in which Carnival evolved. "The tradition of Carnival, it will be seen, was utilized by the people as part of their organized cultural resistance, to check the imposition of European values and customs on Africans generally. "Rituals of Power & Rebellion" is a wealth of information. It brings together many of the elements - positive and negative - which have contributed to the social and cultural evolution of the displaced and enslaved African. It gives the reader an in-depth look at the traditions and customs of Africa which survived the Middle Passage - those African myths, customs and rituals, which are so important to the heritage of the displaced African wherever he happens to be. That the Carnival tradition survived from 1783 to 196 was due in no small measure to the resilience of the Africans in Trinidad and their determination to carry out their West African traditions despite the attempts of the dominant elites and the Colonial Government to rob them of their memories and legacies. Calypso is traditional Carnival and Dr. Liverpool gives his readers a master's course on this subject as he shows the direct relationship of calypso to the music of Africa in technique, rhythm and style. "The roots of music and dance as contained in the Carnival of Trinidad go back therefore to Africa, where all aspects of community life." The book gives a detailed look at the various musical instruments and the patterns of music, which have influenced the development of calypso, as well as other forms of Caribbean music. It is a fascinating account, which gives in great details, evidence of the strong connection, which the music of the Caribbean still has with the African continent. We are told that, "Singing in the Caribbean followed the African impromptu style and call-and-response patter," Dr. Liverpool gives such an in-depth analysis of the subject that this book becomes a most useful reference for students of Caribbean/African musicology. Rituals of Power & Rebellion educates the reader on the evolution of Carnival, the music and the masking and, in so doing, gives a remarkably in-depth historical review of the period in question. Not only does it provide scholarly instruction on the political and cultural aspects of the celebration of Carnival from 1763 to 1962, but it also gives an insightful account of Trinidad's history during that period. It shows the adaptability of the masses to the forces of the times and clearly demonstrates the indubitable spirit of the displaced and enslaved African in the struggle to survive the harshest of conditions in a place far removed from the land of his forefathers. On reading Rituals of Power & Rebellion one becomes acutely conscious of the important role of a people's heritage on their cultural and social evolution, often in ways not usually considered. Dr. Liverpool has written an exceptional book. To his credit as a storyteller, this remarkable historical account flows beautifully and becomes an easy read. It will, no doubt, become an important part of scholarship for students of Afro/Caribbean studies. It should also become a much-used reference on bookshelves in the homes of anyone interested in the evolution of Carnival in the Caribbean and in the cultural history of people of the African Diaspora. Hats off to Dr. Hollis "Chalkdust" Liverpool fro such an impressive tour de force. Kanchan Gilfillian & Anthony County

...I found the story captivating, and I was really impressedwith the way the president handled himself under the circumstances. I guess the love for mafia stories has always interest me even if they're fictional. For Charles to touch on an issue like the war on drugs and the role the CIA plays in it could make anyone who reads it, do a reality check. I really enjoyed reading it, and I'm proud to grace the cover as America's First Black President.....JD Mosley

Ok amazing is kinda a strong word, but as far as understanding goes, this book is awesome. I mean it has everything that you would think to ask and I have read alot of books, but I HIGHLY recommend this one to be your first and I am a pretty tough critic.

This is an excellent introduction to the psychic dimension and metaphysics in general.
In part one, the author explores some universal concepts that serve to explain the nature of reality and how psychic awareness is a natural part of that reality. The work of Fritjof Capra, Gary Zukav, Lawrence LeShan, Rupert Sheldrake and Carl Jung is referred to in these chapters and it makes interesting reading.
Part two discusses some of the more common psychic experiences and how to evoke them - through intuition, dreams, meditation and hypnosis. I found the chapters on dreams and dreaming the most interesting. When we dream, our vibrational pattern shifts and we tune to a different spectrum of reality. And if you want to become psychic in a graceful manner, you must allow it to grow out of the practice of meditation.
Part three probes the role of the body, mind and soul in psychic awareness. It discusses the hologram, morphogenetic fields, the conscious, subconscious, superconscious and infinite mind. It also includes a "second verse" to the children's bedtime prayer "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the lord my soul to keep" in these words received in trance:
"I thy child forever play, about thy knees at close of day, within thy arms I now shall creep, and learn thy wisdom while I sleep."
Part four provides some experiments for the reader that wishes to venture into this exciting realm, and discusses the ultimate purpose of psychic awareness. It includes planning, dream recording, using a pendulum, mental telepathy, open channelling and cultivating one's spirituality. The book concludes with a discussion of psychic awareness as harbinger of global changes, followed by a bibliography and index.
This is a highly impressive text, dealing with all the relevant aspects of the psychic realm and how to cultivate one's psychic powers. The style is engaging throughout and easy to understand. I highly recommend it as a sensible guide to those who are interested in metaphysics but confused by the large number of disciplines and books available.

This is really a good book. It gives a very lucid explanation on how amazing intelligence and psychic abilities can be. It covers a lot of material and is written with an holographic overtone. Learn how to awake from hypnosis - as it were a sugar cube in your hands.

In the age of computer games and 3-D animation, the simple imagination of a child to envision himself learning to be a jazz musician is refreshing. Unlike previous reviews, I feel the dramatic black and white drawings set off some of the cultural issues the illustrations portray. Obviously, young Ben does not live an idealized childhood at home. Yet, he finds that his passion for music can only be fulfilled outside of jazz clubs (which usually perform late in the evening and he is too young to enter). The point of the book is how he acts out THIS reality. He is looking "outside of the box" (hence the illustrations of his home life) and finds the attention from the father-figure (the trumpeter) who Ben wants to imitate. The book vividly illustrates the importance of role models in a child's life.

As an international music teacher we need to give all theencouragement we can give to keep the music programs alive in ourschools. Not just in the states but in the world. This short story relates to the young hopeful musican who hopes to be a contributor to the music world - Keep the dream.

This one little picture book is among the most beautiful and powerful books I've ever read. In fact I don't feel as if I've simply read this book; I feel as though I've experienced it. It was fast and dizzy, yet calm and peaceful. I could almost feel myself sitting outside on a warm night, listening to the wail of jazz music floating on the air. With its simple, easy charm this book taps into the hopes of a small boy, and gives the reader hope that the goodness of the human spirit can triumph over its evils. This book has some of the most amazing illustrations that I've seen in a children's book, and it uses them very effectively. So, whether you are a parent looking for a book that will stimulate your child's imagination, a jazz enthusiast, an admirer of fine illustration, or just a person looking for a heart-warming experience, this book is a fabulous selection.

This book presented 12 powerful talkes about slavery that impacted me in a way were i could not believe what people when through back when slavery began. It showed the terrors and the savagery of slavery that no one can forget. It hit me with the realism of what effects and causes of slavery and i am glad that it has come to a point where slavery is abolished.

For a class in contemporary literature, I read Charles Johnson's novel, Middle Passage. The novel provoked a big response in me, big enough that I contacted the author to discuss the book. The book and the discussion piqued an interest in me to read more novels that reflect my ancestors' painful time in history.

When I purchased Soulcatcher, I was excited to find a collection of stories that bring many voices together to tell of the horrible tales of slavery. Each story was poignant and painful to read, but each enlightened me on the realism of an era where my ancestors were treated like the basic of animals.

Each of the 12 stories in this stellar collection provokes attention to a time in history that tends to get swept under the rug; however Johnson, with his tight, and at times, tongue-in-cheek, literary style, painfully brings it out with stories like, "The Transmission," a story about a boy's despairing journey on a slaveship and "Martha's Dilemma," a story told by Martha Washington about the care of her slaves after the death of her husband to a boy chained in a slaveship.

This collection is a must to everyone. These stories are testaments to a reality that won't be forgotten, and Johnson vividly portrays the horrific within beautiful prose.

Shon Bacon

"Soulcatcher and Other Stories," by Charles Johnson, is a contemporary collection of stories that brings to life the era of African-American slavery. Johnson uses various techniques throughout the book: dialogue, monologue, third person narration, diary entries, a letter. This variety of form helps keep the book interesting throughout.

Johnson deals, either directly or indirectly, with a number of important names from U.S. and Caribbean history: Frederick Douglass, Martha Washington, Toussaint L'Ouverture, and others. The topics of the individual stories are varied; they include passage on a slave transport ship, black soldiers fighting for the British during the Revolutionary War, the pursuit of a fugitive slave, and more. My favorite story, "Poetry and Politics," is an intriguing fictional dialogue between groundbreaking African-American poet Phillis Wheatley and her mistress.

Overall, this is a solid collection which would, in my opinion, be good both for classroom use (high school and college) and for individual reading. My recommendation: read it alongside relevant works by such 18th and 19th century authors as Douglass, Wheatley, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry David Thoreau, and others.

I just spent the past two days reading this book and its sequel, Souls of a Feather. I cannot possibly express how stunned I am by Mr Shirriff's work. The books will leave a lasting impression, and I cannot help but to feel that after reading them that I am somehow a better person.

Despite an abrupt ending, I enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the sequel. Shirriff finds people in the worst situations, or just in situations that would make most readers uncomfortable, then treats them with dignity and tenderness. What would have been a tawdry, bleak, hopeless narrative in other hands becomes a journey of discovery and hope in Shirriff's hands. The character of Jay matures in unexpected but believable ways as he encounters gays, a Shaman, a drug dealer, the rave scene, and many other surprises. Even with Jay's prejudices and sometimes shady dealings, I kept liking him and wanting him to improve his life.

I am really happy that you wrote this book. People are always "shocked" because they don't want to know the truth. It kinda shows how out of touch they really are and that life is not always a "white picket fence, or 2.5 children!"

Your interpretation of the "gay" scene in Winnipeg and in San Francisco was very amazing.

I'm a beginner to bread baking and for whatever reason, decided to try sourdough. This book has been perfect for me as a beginner. The first part of the book, clearly outlines the chemistry involved in bread baking and getting a starter going. It then details the various steps in making the "primary batter" as well as bread baking, even outlining how to knead dough for french bread. This is such a great reference for anyone at a beginner level and the recipes are easy to follow and produce a great end result (although some may be a bit odd; Cranberry Sourdough Bread wasn't quite up to par). I highly recommend this book if you're trying to learn about sourdough baking.

You must get this cookbook. Great recipes. Tasty recipes.

Just looking at the cover makes me smile.

I love this book and I use a couple of the recipes all the time. I especially like his method of using batter "A" and batter "B". It's wonderful because I never waste any of my starter in order to feed it. The batter bread is my favorite. With my particular starter strain, the bread comes out about the same consistency as a regular dough bread. It's delicious. The recipes are amazingly easy and delicious.

I highly recommend this book to people who are learning about sourdough. It's the only book you'll ever need.