When I was forced to take a break from reading this book, right after Chapter Two, I had no idea how wonderfully bizarre it was going to be from Chapter Three onwards. Now I know; that which is being established with a bit of lurking creepiness in the early chapters, explodes and scatters throughout the book for the rest of what is a captivating read.

In the "near future", a Dr Panofsky has perfected a matter-transmitter. Goods and people can be shunted instantly to anywhere...anywhere a receiver has been placed. This, coupled with nuclear disarmament on Earth, would suggest a grand era ahead for humanity. But, things are often too good to be true--in this case, on both fronts. The United States simply moves its nuclear might to a new headquarters on Mars, while Russia performs the countermove of making Earth's moon a nuclear Base of Operations. And as far as the matter transmitter goes, no one knows that it is creating duplicates of each person or thing transported--duplicates that can interact solidly with anything else previously transported, but are cut off from all important contact with true existence. So, a man like our hero, Captain Nathan Hansard, who is transported to Mars to assist in preparation for ultimate war in less than five weeks, is, unknown to the first "version" of himself, duplicated and left behind in the transmitter to fend for himself, as a sort of ghost. But Captain Hansard #2 is not a ghost to any other inhabitants of this intangible Earth (well, semi-permeable Earth, let's say; see the movie Ghost for some of the rules concerning concentrating on not slipping through matter, walking on floors without sinking through, etc.), people who have preceded him through the matter transmitter, sometimes more than once! Hansard, then, must start his run for survival by evading at least three versions of his greatest enemy, Sergeant Warsaw. And that's just in Chapter Three.

The rest is in the form of Hansard's perilous adventure in a world he can see, and move around in, but not touch or hear. He can see food and water, but not consume it--and this is a ghost that does need to eat! With only a small quantity of food being duplicated by matter-transmission (the main transport of food to Mars is done in a different domed city), cannabalism among the "ghosts" has emerged in a horrible way. Hansard must avoid being shot and eaten, while looking for answers, or allies.

This book is short, daring, and great fun. I hope fans of Stephen King's 'The Mist', fans of the film Ghost, fans of early Philip K. Dick, and even The Twilight Zone, will seek it out. The plot becomes especially clever once Hansard acquires incorporeal allies, in the form of several shadow-versions of the creator of the transmitter, Dr Panofsky, and all the duplicates of his plucky wife, Bridgetta (more Bridgettas than Panofskys, it seems, and one falls for our hero...). Meanwhile, the first, and solid Panofsky, back in the touchable world, has worked his matter-transmitter theories through to their conclusion, knows of the shadow-population he has accidently spawned, and is desperately trying to help from the other side.

A crazy but delightful romp that I highly recommend. An early, fast-moving Disch. Currently hard to acquire...but not totally intangible. Maybe when you read this it will be back from the ghostly existence to which it has been relegated.

i've read a good amount of self-help books in my life, and this has got to be one of the best ones. EFFORTLESS BEAUTY emphasizes the use of ayurveda and incorporates yoga into a daily regimen tailored to your body type.

following this book will mean a dramatic change to your lifestyle, but it would definitely be worth it. the authors have information on everything everyone's concerned about. they even have seasonal beauty regimens (weekly, monthly, etc).

a lot of it involves making your own beauty products; this is a very holistic and naturopathic way to become beautiful. the only effort you'd have to exert, is the willpower to change your lifestyle. it's almost religious - and it definitely works. buy it, or at least read it! missing this book would be a tremendous loss.

I just recieved and read the EKG pocket survial guide. Working in a cardiology office we do a lot of EKG's. This book is the best. It fits great in your lab coat pocket and easy to use. All subjects in the book are labeled so you may quickly flip the pages until you find the answer to your question. I was very suprised to know that all basic and ADVANCED knowledge was in this pocket book. I really like it and would suggest all medical professionals who question their EKG knowledge to buy it!

A wonderful, calming book that uncovers the true depth and meaning of love achieved through time and experience.

a very readable text...interesting, well written, and full of colorful diagrams. a good introduction to a discipline i had taken for granted.

This book describes the development of a business, from the qualities of an entrepreneur to the market research to the business plan to selling your business or going global. Many real world examples provide the reader with ideas from other Entrepreneurs. It is structured for the classroom, but can be easily read for the person studying alone for the benefit of knowledge. It promotes a customer focus, something necessary to today's business world. An easy to read and well rounded book.

This is the premier book on the topic of erisa subrogation. lawyers and benefits persons have been waiting for a book to provide a summary of the relevant principles and law in this area. the book will provide great help for practitioners in this complicated and often confusing area of law.

For those who have the need to determine erosion factors and soil loss this is an excellent book. I have used it to check the results of computer modeling programs for terrace and water impound srtuctures; the programs will only see what is placed in. Using the formulas longhand the flaws in the imputes can be found. I like the book very well.

Is a very good guide in interesting writing style an practical aproach in small business management today.

I received this book as a present from some friends of mine, since I like to read such books. I'm not a lawyer but a historian. As we already know, history can be studied after the laws that ruled peoples. I liked this book because of the clear way the author deals with a very difficult subject. As a historian I can't judge how Prof. Franck sees these problems.... but I can say the way he explains this difficult subject is extremely clear. This is definetly a manual whose qualities will last long. A true University text that's useful to everyone interested into international affairs. I hope sincerely that many Ministers for foreign affairs would like to read this extremely interesting work.