This is an excellent book for the intermediate learner of Chinese. As a current student I cannot recommend this book enought. The book introduces practical building blocks of vocabulary, sentence structures, grammer and new words coupled with new characters. Each chapter is enough to push the student to reach and learn, however, it is not too much to discourage the student. One section that is especially useful is a section with practice sentences. These sections have helped me speak and understand Chinese as an adult (using complex sentence structure and connectors) rather than as a child using loosely connected phrases. Having studied Chinese in Japan, Australia, Taiwan and now the U.S, based on my experiences this book has clearly helped me significantly improve my ability to speak, read, write and listen to Chinese. Don't waste money or time on other books, this is easily the best for serious students of Chinese.

This review regards to the Books/CDs version. These books cover specific grammar usage,in a very comprehensive way- with plenty of practice and exercises. Listening comprehension (CDs) work well and are compatable with the books included. In the reading exercises, the main vocabulary words are written beforehand, in Traditional (and sometimes Simplified) characters ,in pinjin, and English translation. All of those elements combined, to me, persuades me that this course (that it is) is well worth the money. The writers and contributers of this course are all professors and, are fluent and knowelegeble in the Chinese language - who teach and lecture from some of the finest universities in the US. Besides language, customs and traditions are well summarized and described. This, to me, is vital to know about when a person would like to travel to the PRC or mainland China. Note that this course is taught at the intermediate level, so just keep this in mind. A definate "dive" into the details of Chinese language and culture.

The author does an excellent job of culling not only the most interesting and exciting pieces of 19th century travel writing, but editing out the dull parts so that every line draws you in. To make the book even more readable, she writes helpful short introductions which set the scene and explain the context of each adventurer along with his/her adventures. Big names like Darwin and Shackleton are represented along with many lesser known writers who were equally captivating. I've read many exploration/adventure books in the past few years, but as far as a great collection, I've come across no more exciting reading than this one. From Polar to equatorial to nautical, every time of extreme adventure is represented and the incredible leadership of many of the explorers shines through. Even more noteworthy is the obervational detail the authors provide as naturalists and observers of the world around them, largely unexplored during much of that time period. A great read!

This is an enthralling book, filled with personal, very human stories about some of the most extraordinary expeditions ever ventured.

Remember those old maps that show sea monsters lurking at the rims of certain large, anonymous land masses? They represented the complete unknown, the places no human being had ever ventured into. However, those were the very places that incited wonder and curiosity in imaginations of nineteenth century explorers.

The decision to journey into these lands was a commitment to step into uncertainty of the most extreme kind. Just organizing a journey into an unknown land was a tremendous undertaking, requiring great sums of money, generous and sympathetic supporters, supplies that the crew could only estimate, and a great deal of patience and determination. To launch a journey of exploration was to set off knowing that there was a very good possibility that one would never return. Climate, local inhabitants, wildlife, supplies and the disposition of one's traveling companions were factors that could determine the success or failure of an expedition. But the allure of the unknown was so strong that these determined men and women could never ignore it.

DEAD RECKONING, edited by Helen Whybrow, is an adventure story unto itself. It gathers into one volume the most exciting, most challenging and most dramatic episodes from the most intrepid explorers of the Age of Discovery. Here is Mary Mummery, one of the first women explorers, making her way up slippery ice slopes in the Alps. Here is Alfred Russell Wallace clambering around in thick foliage in the South Sea Islands in an effort to spot new birds as he formulates a theory of evolution that will be eclipsed by Darwin's. Here is Mark Twain "vagabondizing" in the American West and looking at everything with his contagious sense of humor.

These men and women journeyed without the benefit of Gore-Tex or cell phones, down sleeping bags or OFF! insect repellant. They endured endured long voyages on leaking ships, frostbite and insect bites, hunger and thirst, indifference or hostility or envy. Many of them traveled arroganly, with the belief that no land truly existed until it had been visited by an educated white man. All of them, however, expderienced an inner journey that was as profound as their outer journey. All of them were dreamers and visionaries, and all of them were changed forever by the journeys they took.

This book makes you wish that there were more lands to be explored, more wild climates to be endured, and that you yourself could be the one to visit them. Since that it impossible, you can dive into this book and get lost without any of the physical or emotional discomforts these daring adventurerers had to survive.

Just would like to say that this story is wonderful in its portrayal of a boys being boys, a mother who has time, a brother who loves, plays with, and helps his little sister, and a Dad who indulges the eager interest of his young son (even if it costs him 10 minutes on the lawn job). My children love this story and don't think "mom" and "dad" are doing anything unusual--as has been suggested in some reviews. (too old fashioned in its view) The only exception is that Dad is using a funny looking lawn mower which only opens the door for some interesting conversation when the story is over. I highly recommend it!

The theme at our literary group's last gathering was kiddie lit, and someone brought this in, having fond memories of using the Real Band-Aids[tm] that came with the book.

The evening grew late, we had just read _Everyone Poops_, still rather silly, so I read this to the crowd.

See, the plot is about this kid named Dan, and his coordination-impaired family. The first time he trips, his mommy (who is, of course, at home) cleans it and puts a bandage on the skinned knee, and proclaims it "better than new!" Bad move, mom.

He falls again, gets another bandage. His little sister's doll falls, gets a *bump* on her head, so dolly gets a bandage, too. (I expected a dent, not a bump, since that would involve blood coming to the point of the injury, but who am I to question Doctor Dan?) Dolly is better-than-new! Sis looks and finds an old scratch on her leg, so she gets a bandage, and is better than new. The dog holds up his paw...bandage...better....

The scary thing is DAD is with a LAWNMOWER! Apparently he just nicks his finger, so Danny-boy can fix it, but I was anticipating an amputation, with the severed body part taped on with LOTS of band-aids[tm].

I think Mom survives this freakish, accident-prone day unscathed, but I'm not sure. Buy it and check it out for me!

This is a exceptional well put together book of dog quotes. This is a book of praise for man's "BEST FRIEND." Beautifully illustrated and well thought out. A collection of dog paintings through out the book. A wonderful book for my collection of dog quotations.

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This is a small book in size, but a very large book in heart. Anyone who has ever owned a pet will enjoy this book and it belongs in every dog lovers library. Great things come in small packages.

This is a great book with excellent and little or not cost games and toys for cats. I have tried 4 games already and I just recieved the book. Pita Puss had a great time! and I did too. He really enjoyed the shoe box ride and he already plays in water so the bobbing for vegi's was a big hit. If you have a cat this is a must for you. Know anyone with a cat they will really enjoy this book as a gift. The illustrations are great and the writing is witty and fun to read. Try it you will like it!

GREAT BOOK ESPECIALLY IF YOU'VE GOT CATS!

The Double Image is MacInnes's best novel. The romantic plot and the thriller plot are not just tied together -- they drive each other at just the right moments. As with her other best work, the point of view of the story mainly lies with amateurs who have been sucked up into the world of espionage. The difference between this and some of her lesser works is mainly just perfection of style and execution. In any collection of anything, one member of the collection has to be the best. For MacInnes, this one is it.

Helen Mac Innes (1907-1984), an American writer born in Scotland has been described as "queen of spy-story writers" by Time, is a favorite of mine. She has been a favorite writer of Alistair MacLean too.

Helen MacInnes specialising in spy/espionage stories, mostly on WW-II sceneario,has written over 20 books, each one being a gem .

Her very first book,Above Suspicion(1941) was a bestseller followed by many other best sellers including;Decision at Delphi, Message from Malaga, Venetian Affair, and Salzburg Connection which was also made into a 1972 movie.

Helen MacInnes writes most credible stories, and creates most credible,humane characters...no outlandish Ludlum type scenarios, no superhuman characters like James Bond. Reading Helen, one can feel that any one of us can be in similar situation. The Hero's only qualifications are; he is an intelligent and resourceful person with a presence of mind, and has a sense of duty to the country/society. Most of her stories are spy stories in which a common man, accidentally/inadvertently gets caught in a tangle of international espionage and intrigue. Using his own wits and common sense the Hero gets himself out of the situations and in the process thwarts the enemy plans too. The stories have an under current of a subtle romance and love too, which not only embellishes the story but also provides much needed relief to the reader from the tension which readers feel while reading mystery-suspense books.

Helen writes beautifully,her description of people,places,and situations is so lucid and picturesque that a reader feels like being in a movie hall watching it all.

Double Image is one of her best books. John Craig, an American, economic historian while vacationing in Paris,bumps into his old college professor of Archaeology, Mr.Sussman. Sussman , a survivor of Auschwiz, is in a shock having been accosted by an ex-Nazi official,( who has since been declared as a war criminal )on streets of Paris whereas officially has been declared dead over 10 years ago! Craig teels about the experience to his sister, who blurts it out at a party. Next day Sussman is dead, and Police start questioning Craig, French Intelligence Suerete steps in,...the nightmare starts!.

Soon French,Italian,British and American intelligence step in because the man who accosted Sussman is not just an ex-nazi, but much more than that!

The scene shifts to Greek Islands, more people get killed, intelligence agents and the enemy agents try outwit each other, intense struggles and interesting chases.

The story is very interesting and well written, taut, racy and fast paced. I cant reveal Revealing anything more will take away the pleasure of reading. I want all the readers interested in spy thrillers to read this book. In my opinion, its one of best books of this genre, and highly recommended for a dull weekend.

Since April is National Poetry Month, this would be a nice gift for a child who loves poetry. Langston Hughes died the year I was born, 1967 but his writing will live on through this book of poetry.

Hughes poems express the feelings and experiences of us all. He is well known for the poetry showing the joys and pain of African-American people. His love of writing began with his love of reading. As a lonely child, he was comforted by reading. His first poem was published in Cleveland. He continued to write over 800 poems.

The Dream Keeper is a collection of poems just for kids. I love the poem entitled: The Kids in School with Me. In this poem he describes American kids from many races (Polish, Spanish, Russian, Grecian, Chinese) and how America is made up of "Every race beneath the sun, But our motto for graduation was: One for All and All for One!"

I enjoyed this poem because it shows so well that there is room for everyone, no matter what race. I think this poem promotes social harmony and has a wonderful "sing-song" type rhyme to it.

"And the kid across from me-Just American kids together-The kids in school with me."

Another book I love is called: Tides of Memory. It is a wonderful book of poems for adults which truly will make you realize how human we all are. It explores all aspects of life.

The Dream Keeper and Other Poems is essential for anybody trying to share the beauty of Langston Hughes with children. The poems in this collection rank among Hughes' finest. Pinkney's illustrations compliment the imagery of the poetry wonderfully. Children and adults will become true Langston Hughes fans after reading this introductory book.

All the books in the series are perfect for small children, both boys and girls. These basic books with simple illistrations and rhymes are sure to be a favorite of any 1-2 year old. A multi-racial book.

This book is perfect for children just learning to label the world. Ms. Oxenbury uses one word desciptions to label items involved with getting dressed. The graphic is merely a baby. Something a child can easily identify with! On the first page, for example, is the word diaper, with a diaper under it. On the facing page, a baby sits dressed only in a diaper. The book continues until the baby is dressed from the hat to the shoes. The illustrations are delightful - even to an adult!

I have never read a Christian book like it where God speaks to you in a uplifting way, yet pulls no punches of being soft to soothe the reader when sin is the issue of contention, but is dealt with in a gentle and loving way. As an author of the Christian devotional book, "Walking With The Lord" I eagerly recommend you to read this wonderful book and the companion book volume II. I am certain you will be rewarded reading these books as I have! James Russell - Author.

This little book helps you to listen to God and his words of encouragement to you. Each day there is a short but powerful word of encouragement or counsel written as if God is speaking directly to you. You will be uplifted and renewed in your awareness of God's love for you. Just finished it last year and am starting all over again, its that good. Enjoy!

I remember going to "The Landing" for Sunday suppers while in college just up the hill in Elsah. I can't put into words how good the food was! Imagine how excited I was to be able to bring the desserts, breads and meals home to California with this cookbook. I make the desserts and breads constantly, both for home and gifts. People can never get enough of the Banana Chocolate Chip Bread or the California Strawberry Pie. Sometimes the ingredients are hard to find, but the results are worth any effort you have to make. This is a staple for any good cook's kitchen.

If you've ever wanted to have fail-safe recipes for home-made soup, bread, and pies, this is the cookbook to own. The banana chocolate chip bread is requested by my daughter in college for care packages as "the taste I can never forget." It makes a wonderful wedding present or gift to a cook who thinks she already has everything