I agree wholeheartedly with the comments made by habs@safari.net about this incredible novel, which was originally written as a play. I found the book by accident about fifteen years ago while browsing the bookstore shelves--the title grabbed my attention, and the front cover blurb was irresistible: "It's New Year's Eve. Your best friend died in September, you've been robbed twice, your girl friend is leaving you, you've just lost your job... and the only one left to talk to is a gay burglar you've got tied up in the kitchen."

You will definitely laugh out loud while reading this book, but it's more than just funny. It's a moving story of friendship (as well as a revealing look at the human condition), with an excellent plot, believable characters, and clever dialogue. Kirkwood says in the introduction, "I believe the common denominator of the story's appeal is, quite simply, empathetic losership." Whenever I come across a copy in a used bookstore, I always buy it to give to someone else. That way, I never risk lending out my only copy, and it's always there on the shelf when I feel the need to read it again (which seems to be about every 2-3 years).

Regrettably, I've only read one other book by James Kirkwood, which I also highly recommend: "Some Kind of Hero." It was made into a movie with Richard Pryor, but the book was much better. (Kirkwood is also the co-author of the Broadway musical "A Chorus Line".)

I honestly can't remember where I bought my first copy of this fabulous book, probably a thrift store or flea market, but I most definitely remember where I was when I read it. I was on the Blue Line in 1987, taking the train to high school. I started it on the bus and by the time I was on the train I was so entranced that I missed my stop. I missed it by 3 stops! I was laughing out loud. People were looking at me like I was insane. All I wanted to do was tell them what I had just read. I was actually crying from laughter! It was sooo invigorating! Such and extremely original story!! I couldn't wait to share with all my fellow readers. It was years before I was able to get another copy to actually give away. I now have my original copy with all its tape just barely holding the cover on and another copy that I loan out. If you are feeling down, or not, this is a book that will absolutely make you at least grin as you read. I highly recommend this book to everyone!! Young & Old, Bold & Shy!! You can't go wrong.

It's wonderful to read reviews of Kirkwood's books and know that other people felt about his stories the way that I did when I first read them. I too 'lost' my (much taped and taped and taped) copy of this book (the fourth or fifth copy I had purchased, I might add!). This incredible author and his offbeat, engaging characters pulled me through some of the most difficult moments of my life and helped me to come out laughing and or crying (sometimes, both). I would have loved to have had the pleasure of meeting him. I connected with him so much through his books and characters. Mr. Kirkwood really had insight into what makes people tick...or, in this case, get ticked off! If anyone knows where I can get a copy, please email me! If anyone knows anyone who has a copy, please do yourself a tremendous favor and borrow this hilarious book. You won't regret it!

This is one of the best books that I have ever read. I am looking forward to reading more of James Webb's books. I recently read "A Nightingale Song" and became interested in Webb and the Naval Academy. I found this book easy to read, with good characters, that told a very powerful story.

Incredible book. As a Citadel graduate, I am partial to Pat Conroy's The Lords of Discipline as the pentultimate account of life in a military college, but Webb's work is neck and neck. Where Conroy takes four years and multiple twisting plots, Webb takes only five days out of the life of the Naval Academy to make his points.

The struggle between the warriors and the technocrats that Webb writes about in the late sixties still exists today. As an member of the faculty as an active duty officer in the mid 90's, I can attest that each of Webb's characters were alive and well in the Yard during that time, only the backdrop was the tamer Gulf War, as opposed to the Vietnam conflict. The war between the "geeks" and the "grunts" rages on. The military is more apt to recruit the skinny kids with the 4.0's in computer science (Webb's John Dean) than the all-around, rough and tough, swashbuckling athletic warriors (Bill Fogarty). Cadets and midshipman are starved for the leaderhip provided by Fogarty and CAPT Leneman, yet the deck is stacked against them by the CDR Pratt's of the world.

A must read...I dare you to put it down.

I have admired Jim Webb since I first heard about him from a close friend, Mike McGarvey. Mike was in Jim Webb's platoon in Vietnam and has remained close to him. Mike lost his right arm just below the shoulder while serving with Jim. One thing about Mike best describes his feelings about his service as a Combat Marine. He has a tattoo of a dotted line around the bottom of his stump and above it the words, "cut on dotted line". Mike is a Patriot in the truist sense. I gave a copy of, "A Sense Of Honor" to a friend's daughter to read just before entering the Naval Academy. She had led a sheltered life to put it mildly. The book allowed her to go in with a "heads up" that would have otherwise been impossible. She receive many awards and honors while attending the Academy and gradutated with honors. The book is not only entertaining but very informative. This is probably the best revelation of what our Navy and Marine Officers go through just to earn the right to become the leaders of the World's finest Sailors and Marines. I wish I could have read "Fields Of Fire" before I served as a Field Radio Operator with 1/3 in the Northern I Corps in '69. Oh yes, Mike is now director of the prosthetics department at a VA hospital.

This heartwarming story of how a bitter woodcarver let a widow and her 7-year-old son into his life should be a holiday tradition for all. The boy is lovable and encouraging and he nurtures a spark of Christmas/holiday spirit in the woodcarver. This book is guaranteed to leave many eyes misty. It is truly a work of art and a gift for the heart. I love it.

The writing of this moving story shows true artistic mastery. Even with a few rhythmic, well-chosen phrases which echo in the reader's heart, the author helps us really KNOW her memorable characters. This is a beautiful, beautiful book, worthy of the season which inspired it, and of the audience of children and adults which will surely be deeply affected by it. A life-altering experience, because it makes its mark on one's soul. Susan Wojciechowski and P.J. Lynch deserve the highest honors for this exquisite work.

While reading this book to my 5 year old daughter, she asked me near the end, "Daddy, why are there drops of water coming from your eyes?" The beautiful and touching message of love and healing in this story is one even more appreciated by parents than the young audience for whom the book is designed. This is a Christmas treasure that I look forward to sharing with my children over and over again as they grow. Highly recommended.

When I think of Paradise, I envision Dinotopia. True, it is a book designed mainly to describe a Utopia. But somehow, it comes across as much more than merely some fairy-tale dream or some idealistic imagined land with strange mythology mixed in. Yes, much more.

When you read Dinotopia, the first thing you notice is how it is illustrated. A wonderfully concept art styled, somewhat sketchy looking, yet ultimately gorgeous art is displayed throughout the book. Many of it's illustrations have been "borrowed" (or stolen) as inspiration for other books and movies. Waterfall City and the Canyon City in particular continue to impress me.

But the art of Dinotopia is only half of the book. The other half is the way it is written. Dinotopia is written like it is the lost journal of a scientist who washed up on the island after a shipwreck. Much of the book is seen from his perspective as you discover and learn about the science, technology, scenery, and way of life of Dinotopia and its inhabitants. You come to care about him and his son. And you may indeed come to love Dinotopia as if it were a real place.

It's hard to say what exactly is so compeling about the reality of Dinotopia. For a book without a real source of conflict, without some sort of crisis, it is remarkably interesting. Perhaps it is the technology. Like a wanderer walking through a distant dimension, we find outselves amazed by the wonders of a civilization we never knew existed. Perhaps it is the unity of the people of Dinotopia, combined with their diversity (each region has a different culture, way of living, and style of life, but everyone believes in the same things). Perhaps there is something romantic and exciting about the Skybax riders who soar through the air, which hints at the exciting and wonderful things in life we all dream of experiencing. Perhaps it is the mysteries of the lost World Beneath, which hint at all the wonders of nature and humanity alike which we have yet to discover.

At any rate, Dinotopia touches on something wonderful about human nature and the world we live in. It is full of a scientists longing to understand, and child's sense of wonder. I love Dinotopia. I really think everyone should read this book. Maybe if they did, the world we live in could be a little more united, a little more beautiful, a little more hopeful. A little more...like Dinotopia.

I found out about the dinotopia books by chance. I am suprised at how many children and adults dont know about this book. This book and the sequel book are absolutely fantastic! I read it to my older son, who was 6 at the time in one day! He now reads it in installments to his brother and sister. A true classic that needs to be up there with Tom Sawyer, Treasure Island and such!
I can say I will still be reading this again when Im 80!
Trust Me You Will Not Be Disapointed In This Story!
Makes a great gift for any Dinosaur Lover!

This book is one of the most incredible books ever written. I thoroughly recommend it to everyone. Of all the books which deserve cult status, this book is the most breathtaking.

The artwork is amazing! The paintings simply take your breath away. Whenever I want to escape, I read this book. Whenever I want to immerse myself again in the land of Dinotopia, I just look at one of the fabulous paintings and i'm there.

The book is accessible to everyone - there are characters which connect with every person on this earth. The story is magical and deserves greater praise than I could ever give it.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! PLEASE BUY IT!!!!!

PLEASE!

After reading "The Nightingale Song", which covers Webb's career at Annapolis and Washington, I was compelled to read this book. A conservative person who fought valiantly but underwent a metamorphis after the war and became more liberal, this book was clearly a method to exorcise the pain of the war for Webb.

Unfortunately, I was traveling when I read this and read in many short periods. I became extremely engrossed in the battle tales but failed to connect with the characters as well as I would have liked. Irrespective, I would agree that this sounds like the most realistic book describing what it was like to be in the field in Vietnam. But Webb covered much more than just a platoon that suffers heavy casualties. A brief part of the book covers a young officer in Okinawaw who develops a love interest with a young Japanese girl with the relevant cultural issues that arise when he proposes.

The battle scenes are mezmerizing like the three men sent outside the perimeter stupidly by command who are terribly overrun and must lay wounded in the midst of the enemy all night. In many respects this book seemed to closely parallel the movie Platoon.

But the most unexpected part of the book was the dialog from the Vietnamese scout who was a former Viet Cong who defects only to have his family killed. This was great perspective on what was going on in the minds of the Vietnamese people who generally hated the Americans for their brutal treatment.

In summary, I think this is a very important book by a very decorated and brave individual that shows the mental conflicts and pain of war. I encourage you to read this if you want to learn of the brutality of war. But this is not a light read and will challenge your feelings of the war.

I bought this book because it was recommended by Tom Wolfe in 'Hooking up' as 'In my opinion the finest of the Vietnam novels'. I have not read many Vietnam novels, but I agree that this is a very good one. Looking through the eyes of several different players, you get an insight in some of the viewpoints of the insanity called war. Snake, who got his Marine tattoo before boot camp, born to fight, never fitting in, until this war came along and gave him friends to die for. Hodges, who raised himself as a Marine, modelling himself after his dead father. Bagger, father of a little baby, scared of [messing] up, overwhelmed by the calamities of adulthood. Goodrich, a shameful coward, spending more time battling his conscience, than his enemies. All are heroes, but not the easy 'save some lives and get a medal' kind, but more of a stubborn, helpless, accepting gritty kind with an aura of uselessness around it. Maybe heroes isn't even the right word. Human. With all the fears and cravings and feelings of hope and friendship we come with. James Webb gave some of those who died their face back and I am grateful for it.

In my opinion this is 'the' best novel to come out of the Vietnam War. Webb's book does a great job of illustrating life in a line company. "Fields of Fire" is the "All Quiet on the Western Front" for a generation of Americans who lost everything for an irresponsible and ungrateful nation. Thank the Lord for the Marine Corps and thank you Secretary Webb, we miss having you at the helm. Semper Fi...

As a firefighter, I read this book with some apprehension. Other firefighting books have not shown the true realism of the job. THIS BOOK IS THE EXCEPTION. A fantastic view of one of the busiest firehouses in New York City, from the firefighter's perspective. What's it like to go to hell and back? The author has been there and is here to talk about it.

This book is absolutely amazing. I started reading it because I was down to the deadline on choosing a book for a school report and now I'm sure I had the best book in the class. Smith takes you into the depths of a huge fire where you can actually feel the heat and choke on the smoke and then the next moment makes you feel his frustration when he takes you to his tenth malicious false alarm of the night. I have a whole new respect for the firefighters in my community and thank God that I have them. Not untill I read this book did I fully understand exactly what firefighters do. I am totally and compleatly amazed!

This book, when I first read it in the 70's as a kid, cemented my desire to be a firefighter. It went past the gleaming paint and chrome and really showed me the grit of the job; that it wasn't always the glorious one I had envisioned but more of a thankless one. Dennis Smith's vivid imagery makes you feel like you're in the battle right there with his company. It also shows the toll that firefighting takes on it's participants, the physical as well as the emotional scars the job leaves. Smith takes you through his personal life, discussing his humble childhood and the effect his career has on his adult life.

All in all, a wonderful story that grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the last page.

Fleming adds the detail and the smashing debonaire of oo7 together and comes up with the incredible novel: On Her Majestey's Secret Service. The high adventure, the beautiful Bond girls, and James Bond's "save the day" attitude make On Her Majestey's Secret Service a must read! I've written several books myself but none compare to this. I stayed up late until one in the morning reading the wonderful descriptions of the exploits of Bond, James Bond. It, along with Casino Royale, The man with the Golden Gun, Goldfinger, and You Only live Twice, are ranked high on my favorite novels list and should be yours. The head of SPECTRE and his Number Two man torment the spy but as always, Bond defeats the evil plans of Ernst Stravo Blofeld but for him to only fight another day!This book is so good it should come with popcorn!

Without a doubt, Ian Fleming's finest James Bond Novel. Mr. Fleming neatly round out the character of James Bond as the reader sees the complete person behind our favorite government operator. The book begins with Bond begining to becomed bored with his assignment and meeting the love of his life. Due to the nature of his work and the emotional scars from previous relationships, Bond is always reluctant to engage in a serious romance with a woman. However, this time, Bond is willing to take his chances to find someone to fill the void in his life. Aside from the romance, Bond also has a job to do. Reinvigorated by progress in his once moribund assignment, Bond tackles his arch enemy Ernst Stavro Blofled through Fleming's engaing narrative. References to Bond's childhood memories, past assignments, and his dreams are particularly effective. Fleming's rich imagination transports the reader from Bond's old haunts on the Northern French coast to the Swiss Alps, where 007 once again takes his licks for "Queen and Country." Hats off to Fleming for his gutsy ending, which unfortunately for Bond, underlines the fact that 007 will always belong to "Her Majesty's Secret Service."

Years ago a friend had told me that "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was one of his favorite movies, not because he preferred George Lazenby over Sean Connery, but rather because the movie was so much like the book! I read the book and I'm inclined to agree with him.

It's the second novel by Fleming to feature arch villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld of the Special Executive for Counter Intelligence, Espionage, Revenge, Terror, and Extortion (SPECTRE). Just like "THUNDERBALL", Blofeld's got a clandestine scheme in the works that could ruin Great Britain and make him a rich, rich man. The British secret service has their best man on the case and 007 is going to have to rely on his sharp wits and resourcefulness if he's going to foil SPECTRE's plans.

Of all the James Bond novels I've read, this one ranks as the best of the best! Nobody does it better than Ian Fleming. 5 STARS!

Living in the Florida Keys we have dealt extensively with discarded Iguanas - perhaps 15 or more. People buy them, and get rid of them constantly - and down here, in the semi-tropics, they can survive (with difficulty)in the wild.
Hatfield's book is good, but [costs more]. For about the same price you can get the excellent "Iguanas for Dummies" by Melissa Kaplan (she has long term, extensive personal experience with the animals, & maintains a website that is designed to help pet owners and potential iguana buyers - not just for selling books. You can also add "What's Wrong with My Iguana" by John Rossi M.A., D.V.M. and "Understanding Reptile Parasites" by Roger Klingenberg D.V.M. -it depends where you shop, and how detailed you want to get. You will have far more information...for the money. If money is no object, get them all.
We liked Hatfield's book, but he has apparently raised only one iguana - extremely well - and the rest is research. Kaplan's book is based on research & a lot of personal experience. The experience shows through - there are tidbits of information that have been useful to us that we have not found elsewhere.
If you get Kaplan's book or Hatfield's before you buy an iguana you will definately be doing yourself and your animal a favor. Hopefully, the book will talk you out of getting an iguana if you are somebody who is looking for an easy, inexpensive pet. We love the animals, but based on the rejections we've seen down here, and the complexity of raising the animals correctly, we would never recommend them for pets.
Whatever book you get, you will still need to find a good vet., and that is not easy. Things go wrong with iguanas that are not covered with specificity in any of these books. We have been unfortunate enough to encounter them.

The best book about iguana care ever! Mr. Hatfield has made this book easy to read and loaded with information on the care requirements of green iguanas in great detail...from diet, housing, training and so much more! Not only,can you refer to this book, but also, Mr. Hatfield has extended an offer for a free anual news letter that he will be sending to everyone who has purchased his book...including up to date new info. on specific care, his travels and observation of iguanas in the wild, veterinary info. and more! He truly cares a great deal for these creatures as does everyone who purchases this book. The Ultimate Owner's Manual has more than twice as much information in it as the 3 iguana care books I already own! It is a MUST HAVE for anyone that is even considering owning a green iguana!

This book made a hole new difference to me, I had so many questions before I bought it. How does the skeleton look like? How does the heart and lungs function? These are just two of many questions I had and I got almost all of them answered when I bought the book. The book really fills you up with so much information about the Iguanas that you never knew of. The book is very easy to read and understand and with the stories from other Iguana owners makes it fun to read. Buy it, if you you're thinking of being an Iguana owner or if you already are and don't have it.

Peter Pan is a good adventure/fantasy that kids and adults can enjoy alike. With much exaggeration, it is something kids can enjoy and read into. It's a page-turning book that once you started you can't stop.

This isn't like the Disney movie! I loved this book but at the same time I was shocked by the violence of the fighting between Hook and the Lost Boys and the Indians. I don't think I'll be reading this one to my nephews and neices, not until I have edited out the violent bits. It wasn't that In-Your-Face violence of the Hollywood movies, it was more insinuated and there was definetly a menacing atmosphere surrounding Wendy's, Peter's and Michael's adventures in Never Never Land. I do recommend it though, just not for easily frightened youngsters. This is definetly in need of a PG rating on the cover. PARENTS: This is no Disney Peter Pan!

My 10 year old daughter found this book in the school library. She read it one weekend and has checked it out several times. The classic story along with the beautiful illustrations by Eric Kincaid have made this one of her favorite books. When I surprised her with her own copy that I had found on Amazon she was thrilled and commented on it's excellent condition.

This is the most wonderful Bible I've ever owned, and I have tried many over the past 20 years, including a variety of study Bibles.

Although study Bibles do offer value, I think that sometimes there is too much of man's option for me to use these as my every day primary usage Bible. The New Thompson-Chain offers something truly different from other study Bibles... it fully uses God's Word to explain itself without the help of man's opinions. It is an incredible tool to dig deep into the Word of God easily - it can be used by beginners or "road scholars" of God's Word alike. Top of mind benefits are easy to read text, incredibly thorough reference system, the pages just the right thickness, extensive maps, great archeological section, many blank pages in the front and back of the book to write your own notes. But what I like best of all is the unique index system where you can look up a topic and see all the scriptures on that topic printed out together, not just the scriptural references to look up on your own. That way, you can read 10+ scriptures on the topic, all on one page viewing, rather than flipping through 10 or more scriptures.

New King James Version + Thompson Chain Reference = AWESOME BIBLE!

For many years, I searched for the "ultimate" Bible. Being an avid New King James Version reader, we don't always have as many resources available as the King James or NIV people. My most useful Bible study tool is many, many cross-references, which I always looked for in NKJV Bibles that had the most. The Thompson Chain has much more than the standard cross-references. The chain references are just that: you go to the alphabetical index to find your subject, (which there are listed around 4,400 different topics) and you go to the first reference, and simply chain through the scripture references. In other words, they are cross-referenced in sequence order! The topics are as detailed as "blue" and as extensive as "God"; these more extensive subjects are then broken down into various sub- topics. Also, in the back of the Bible, the subjects are listed by title, then all the references are given, and the more main ones are chained throughout the scriptures, and some topics' scriptures are written out in the back also! There are also absolutely no commentaries, nor any conclusions drawn in this Bible! I would 100% recommend this Bible (in any version you use) for those of us who love many, many cross references, and believe first and foremost to compare scripture with scripture (1Cor. 2:13) in Bible studies. For those who like this, this Bible has everything!

I purchased my first Thompson Chain Reference Bible as a new believer back in the 70's. It was and continues to be the best study Bible for those who desire to search out the Word for themselves and compare scripture with scripture. And, the extensive Bible study helps in the back of the Bible do add a rich dimension in addition to the topical chain references.

I was a little concerned about the "new" TCR's as several reviewers mentioned degradations in quality and I certainly didn't like the thin glossy paper I saw in the hardbacks in the bookstore. I was delighted today when I received my large print deluxe leather edition Bible.

The Bible I received has excellent flat, opaque Bible paper perfect for note-taking. And, the binding appears to have stitching in addition to the glue, so I'd say the quality of the binding is fine and should serve one well for years.

One caveat in regard to the large print edition--It is LARGE! Not the print (it's 9 point instead of the regular 8), but the Bible itself. It's not so unwieldy that I would think twice about using it, but if size is an issue for you, check the dimensions and choose accordingly.

I can't say enough good things about this Bible. It has my highest recommendation; you won't be sorry in choosing this Bible.