This book is absolutely unputdownable! It has a huge amount of adrenalin and you really ought to check your heart rate as you read! I've read all of John Marsden's books except the new one which is coming out soon. They have got to be in the top five list of my favourite books. Why is this book called "A Killing Frost" in the U.S? We know it as "The Third Day, The Frost" in New Zealand and Australia. Thanks John Marsden for writing this brilliant series of books.

Tom Braden, in his book Eight Is Enough, suggests that the worst thing you can do if you have good books you want your children to read is to put these books on a shelf and then suggest to your children that they read them. Rather, what you're supposed to do is forbid the reading of the books or put them on the highest shelf and then say to your children that the books are very private and you hope they will not read them.

I'm not sure this is a comment on the waywardeness of children as much as it's a comment on the wisdom of children in wanting to preserve the element of discovery that's part of finding a really good book. In any case, I came across John Marsden's "invaded Australia" series by accident.

I'd picked up a copy of A Killing Frost, the cover caught me, and I found I was reading the third book in a series. This book is still the one in the series I would choose as best. I find this is often the case: that I like to discover I'm entering a series in the middle and that the book I enter a series with turns out to be what I would choose as best. This was certainly the case with C. J. Cherryh's Invader and Nevernever by Will Shetterly.

With his "invaded Australia" series, I think Mr. Marsden meant to quit after three books but then sacrificed excellence to a demand for more. Like Sherwood Smith with Crown Duel. What a wonderful book that could have been. It pays to know when to quit.

John Marsden's "invaded Australia" series is way to old and violent and explicit for you.

I forbid your reading of these book.

Absolutely not.

Don't read them...

This series is phenomenal up to and including the third book. I'm in Australia (where it is called "The third day, the frost") and have read the two books that follow "Frost" as well: "Darkness, be my friend" and "Burning for revenge". Numbers 1-3 really get the adrenaline pumping. You'll be addicted as soon as you pick one up. I remember walking around the house carrying my copy, finishing it at 4 am, my homework ignored. And at the end of number three... Oh man. I howled!!!! To this day the ending brings tears to my eyes. But I'm not going to tell you what happens - read it yourself, but Be Warned, you'll spend the next few weeks in mourning. 1-3 are an emotional rollercoaster, but I have to say that if you're in America and anxiously waiting for the next episode you may be disappointed. Seems to me that either "Darkness" is a spin-off of the first three, (i.e an attempt by Marsden to capitalise on his earlier success) or his publisher has been on his case to get out the next books in a hurry. At the end, the characters are left in pretty much the same situation as when this book began. None of their attempts at sabotage have any effect this time around and I was left feeling unsatisfied and cheated. Overall, boring, and fairly pathetic when compared to the earlier 3. Number 5 was slightly better, but these two have merged into one in my head. I forget what happened in which book. Yawn!!

This book is an excellent resources on equipment and techniques for nature photography. The book is detailed, in-depth, and thorough in covering the major aspects of importance to a nature photographer. Unlike most authors, John Shaw provides specific information rather than vague suggestions. For example, when discussing equipment, he advises the reader on which specific tripod to purchase and what lenses to avoid.

It should be noted, however, the books seems to be geared more toward professional photoghraphers rather than amateurs. This is probably most noticeable when he discusses equipment because he gives the impression than anything less than top-of-the-line is a waste of money and will not result in good photographers. His equipment recommendations are sometimes out of the price range of most amateur photographers. In addition, he does not waste too much time on the basics of photography and presumes that the reader has at least some grasp of concepts and techniques.

I would recommend this book for the intermediate to advanced photographer. Beginners would be better served focusing on more basic texts rather than delving into this specialist book.

John Shaw's photographs are amazing and inspiring and this book would be worth purchasing just for the images. Fortunately, however, this is book is not just a glorified portfolio but an excellent guide to every aspect of nature photography. The book is comprehensive without sacrificing detail.

John Shaw provides specific advice and detailed guidelines for photographing nature subjects. Where most books are vague, the author recommends specific equipment to purchase, when to use it and when to avoid it.

Be advised, however, that though this book has excellent information for any level of photographer, it is most useful for the advanced amateur or professional. Some of his recommendations are beyond the capabilities of a beginner -- technically and financially. For example, his recommendations of the type of equipment to buy for high quality images would probably bankrupt a hobbyist.

Again, the information is priceless and the images without equal.

With the release of this updated Field Guide, Shaw presents his incredible photography, along with his personal opinions regarding gear, lighting, lenses, accessories. His discussions delve into all aspects of the each topic. For instance, under the chapter "Teleconverters," he not only explains the theory behind them, but he elaborates as to when and under what circumstances to consider using them--and when to avoid them. There are specific gear references and opinions throughout the book, for anyone looking to build or expand an equipment base (with a heavy Nikon emphasis). The photography, as expected, is absolutely amazing and inspiring. His photographs serve to illustrate any nature photography topic you could name--filters/ film speed/ depth of field/ telephotos/ macro photography/ composition, etc., and each topic is explained in concise, yet conversational language. He writes as though he's been asked to share his wealth of nature photography knowledge with a friend--very readable and yet technically detailed. This book deserves a place on any photographer's bookshelf--you won't be disappointed!

But Congressman Lewis does not reveal it in his autobiography about participation in the civil rights movement. What we get instead is a brave highly motivated young man who put his belief into a free and equal society into action.;

Lewis, who is currently one of the few southern democrats in congress has a record of defending the civil rights of all groups. Although I had always admired his voting record, reading about the seeds of activisim was very moving and touching.

Braving arrests, poliice brutality, political apathy and confusion, Lewis and his friends were early disciples of Martin Luther King. Also interesting is the uncanny habit of rubbing shoulders with John and Robert Kennedy. Although revisionist history has cast some doubt on the actual motives of the civil rights position, Lewis fondly remembers both as American heroes.

According to Lewis, both men were genuinely anti-racist, but were unpreppared to deal with dixiecrat resistance to intergration or the actual sight of segregation. Indeed,many readers such as myself still find the conditions under which Affrican Americans were expected to exist horifying.

Although many books and memoirs have been written about the civil rights movement, Lewis attaches unparralleled grace. One can almost hear the representative personally narrating the epic journey himself.

John Lewis was seemingly everywhere during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. From the Nashville Sit-Ins, to the Freedom Rides to the famous march from Selma and more. It is akin to someone having been at the Boston Tea Party, Lexington and Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Not only was Lewis there but he was an active participant, one of the many brave souls who risked injury, even death to bring down segregation. Lewis knew all the key figures in the Movement, such as Dr. King, and was a leader himself. Today, of course, Lewis serves his country in the House of Representatives.
It's hard to go wrong with such a compelling story to tell and Lewis doesn't dissapoint. With the help of co-author Michael D'Orso, we learn not only of one person's participation in the Civil Rights' Movement, but gain insight into the Movement as a whole.
Lewis is vastly under appreciated by Americans today. Hopefully Waking With the Wind will help future generations appreciate John Lewis, an American hero.

This work is a well written account of one of the most tumultous times America has seen this century. Its vivid descriptions of the many facets of the Civil Rights Movement take you through the mundane and the monumental, and make you feel as though you are there. Through the touching recollections of his family, and the friendships that he made during the Movement, this compelling book gives insight to what makes John Lewis one of America's living legends.

Yes, this is an odd book. Some of the entries were very funny, some very odd, and some were really quite disturbing. However, despite being put off by some of the stories, I did thoroughly enjoy the way Lennon wrote. The play on words were especially humurous if very hard to interpret at times.

This book may not be for those who enjoy traditional comedy, but it's certainly worth a read if you're looking for something new. The complete randomness and, well, weirdness of Lennon's style (and, perhaps, mind) are very intriguing, whether you find it funny or not.

The introduction by Yoko Ono is also worth a look at (it's a little suprising, but oddly thought-provoking).

One of the best books I read in a while. John lennon puts all his wit/humor that is his whole aura of his famous personality. I also enjoyed his little pictures though out the book. So even if your not a fan of his music you'll be a fan of his writing and maybe get to appreciate a little more by venturing in his mind a bit.

I love The Beatles and I love nonsense so this was a perfect match. When you feel you've been thinking too much for one day this is the book to read it is just pure fun. The little short stories just make you giggle even if you're one of those people who never laughs when reading. This book also makes John Lennon seem more human since he has become this legend you get to see this silly but still genius side to him. Just a warning don't try making sense of this book it will just give you a headache just read it for kicks. To quote dear Mr.Lennon "this correction of short writty is the most wonderfoul larf I've ever ready."

In Jon Kabat-Zinn's first book, Full Catastrophe Living, he details the relationship between stress and health and outlines his program for reclaiming your life. True to his style of revealing the extraordinary aspects of the otherwise ordinary, this book shows the reader how to enrich many day-to-day activities through mindful living.

I particularly enjoyed the format. The book first introduces the reader to the concept of mindfulness and then it provides short chapters about how mindfulness can be applied to various aspects of life. Making the chapters short and focused on a particular facet allows the reader to quickly read and apply the techniques in a step-wise fashion, incrementally applying mindfulness to different aspects of life.

This has long been a best seller and justifiably so. Kabat-Zinn works clinically with people who are stressed and his earlier book, Full Catastrophe Living, was written for people who are almost pathologically stressed, to bring them the beneficial effects of meditation. The present book is written for average people on the street, who may not need so urgently the therapeutic effects of meditation, but in the belief that we can all of us use a healthy dose of it. It is written with no religious strings attached, and even avoiding the word "spiritual," and yet it has the ability to open up the spiritual realm for us, no matter what we wish to call it. It is an introduction for the beginner and a source of good advice for the practitioner of meditation. It's written in bite-sized chapters, in clear, easy and very readable prose. It is a delight to read. The book's three parts explore the why and how of meditation and its many applications in daily life. Many chapters conclude with suggestions for reflection or meditation. It is concentrated wisdom that deserves much rereading and a permanent place on your library shelf.

This book definitely has a lot to offer. Whether you currently meditate, used to, or never even considered trying, there's something useful to be found here. As another reviewer noted, if you've avoided meditation because of its religious or mystical associations, this is an interesting, secular introduction to the practice.

Kabat-Zinn's writing style is clear, polite, compassionate, and perhaps most importantly, accessible. You don't need vast sums of cash, your own Zen rock garden, a year's supply of incense, or even necessarily this book (although the latter is definitely helpful) to do this. Can be read cover-to-cover, or piecemeal, depending on your preference/lifestyle/interest; each chapter is brief and to the point, with a nice humorous touch that suggests that life is far too much fun to get so worked up over.

Once the reader remembers that this work and its sequel, After Worlds Collide, were written in the 1930s prior to WWII the imagination of Balmer and Wylie regarding space and rocket development, as well as the psychology of the "hate cultures" was brillant. As a young man my imagination soared while reading these novels. The screen play discarded too much of the character development available in the the book. I strongly urge any lover of good science fiction to get a copy for a great read. I only scored the original as 4 stars, but if you are fortunate to have "When" and "After" to read concurrently, then you will have a 5 star experience.

It must seem repetitious when looking at all these five star reviews, but it deserves it, as does its brilliant sequel, After Worlds Collide. Even when the book is so clearly dated -- it was, after all, written in the 1930s -- it is nevertheless riveting. I can only concur with the many other reviewers in calling for a reissue of this book -- preferable in an omnibus edition with its sequel (as in fact has been done in the past). And if only Steven Spielberg would work on doing a remake, not only of When Worlds Collide itself, but its remarkable sequel, perhaps updating it and correcting the (remarkably few!) scientific flaws. If you've never read these books, find them!

This is a true science-fiction classic. The reason is simple: it is plausible. I first read this story almost forty years ago when I was in junior high school, and in the intervening years, it has lost none of its' fascination for me. I especially was taken by the sequel. The basic story is this: an astronomer discovers two planets from outside the solar system that are on a collision course with earth. One of them is a gas giant the size of Uranus, the other is a planet similar to earth, which will be destroyed. The other planet will assume the approximate orbit that the earth had. The scientists of earth build space vehicles in an attempt to save the human race. When I heard it was back in print, I orderd a copy and was very happy to find that the sequel was included. After Worlds Collide deals with the adventures of the people who land on the new planet.Some of the criticisms of these books are somewhat understandable. For example, the dialogue is sometimes--to be charitable--unrealistic. And the absence of diversity will offend some. There were only whites and Asians mentioned, and the "Asiatics" were, for the most part,the villains. Ignoring these relatively minor flaws however, still leaves a story that fascinates.One disappointment in the Bison reprints is that they do not have the maps of the new planet in it, but I am still glad it is back in print.If your local bookstore does not have it, order it. I doubt that you will be disappointed.

I basicly taught myself how to juggle, and it would have been much eisier to learn if I had this book. but the book also lacks any more advanced tricks. I also didn't like the way they made juggling 5 balls sound Imposible, It isn't that hard it just takes pretty long time. If you just want to learn how to juggle than this is a great book, but if you already can I'd recomend "Beyond the Cascade" by Georg Gillson, it has step by step instructions to 88 3 ball tricks.

My husband and I bought this book (maybe an earlier revision) nearly 20 years ago and both learned to juggle. Since then, for curiousity's sake, I've compared other juggling books to this, and this would remain my recommendation for learning to juggle. You're taught step-by-step which is better for really learning. The juggling beanbags are a great size and feel, too. Juggling is a fun skill and is good for encouraging persistance, coordination, and concentration in kids (and adults!)

I was given this book the week before my first set of finals as a college freshman (quite some time ago). As a break I picked the book up and then spent the rest of my free time trying to perfect my juggling. The book really can teach any able bodied person to juggle. The techniques are clear and concise and the humor is, well, really cony, but it does add to the overall feel of the book. Pictures would have probably been nicer than the drawings that Klutz decided to use, but again the drawings are part of the "feel" of the book. The book takes you a little past basic juggling but not much. It's goal is to quickly teach you how to juggle and it does this very effectively. In my case I learned how to juggle and still passed my finals.

I really loved this book. I wish I could read the rest of the series, but all I can find is the first 2! The characters are so real. My favorite character is Lee. The characters have matured a great deal since the first book, yet are just as likeable. I liked how they put in some of Chris's poems, like ELlie I couldn't make much sense of it, but they were beeautiful sounding. It's interesting how the author works in drunk driving in a survival book. I also thought the book had a good romance. I'm glad Ellie's with Lee and not with her original crush, Homer. I like the character FIona, she's great. One good part of the book was Harvey's Heroes! It made laugh until I read the twist at the end! (If you read it, you know what I Mean.) I urge you to read it1 I'm not into action stories, but Marsden's characters won a place in my heart.

I've read 2 of these books and disappointed that I can't get more of them..however this weekend I am picking up one I managed to order. The Dead of Night was just as good as Tomorrow, When the War Began; actually I preferred it although they were both awesome. It's not "medicore" in the slightest, it was beautifully done, and really makes you care about the characters. It's really refreshing just to sit down and read a truly good book instead of sitting in front of the TV and being sickened by commercials. I loved how in the Dead of Night they have Chris's poems in it. I couldn't make sense of them, neither could Ellie, but like her I thought the poems were beautiful and had a wonderful sound. The romance with Lee was good. I like Lee's character. The series has inspired me in my own writing. I love how they mix deep, serious thinking and analyzation of death, hot and cold blood, with action packed scenes, as well as romance. I definitely recommend you read this, if you don't read this, you're missing out on a treat from Marsden. Great job!

I was first introduced to this serioes at school, we were assigned to read it for English, before this book all books assigned to us in school were all garbage and I expected the same, as did most the other students in my class, most wouldnt bother to read it, so the teacher read it aloud in class, for most of it upuntil the half way mark I ignored most of it, until it dawned on me that this book was actualy sounding o.k. When I got home i got my copy from the bookshelf and actualy started to read it, and I read at any chance I had, and when I finished I read the second and third and then had to wait while the rest were written and released
The amazing story starts off with a group of teenagers going camping, and when they return the find the Australia has been taken over by another country, they go to the bush again to hide, but can't just sit back and do nothing and decide to fight back in what ever way they can, although unconventional, when all is said and done and the series is over they made a huge impact on the war, sometimes planned, sometimes fluked, of coarse not all survive and with every loss you can not help but feel the emotional pain of the others, it is the best comming of age story I have read, and although it is listed as a young adult series, it will be unforgetable to all ages and you will develop a bond with Ellie, Homer, Kevin and the rest of the gang, I have never fell in love with any fictional charactors the way I did with these guys, not even in T.V series
A story like this comes along once in a life time, do not, and I mean do not missss this book

Once a child knows the basic letter sounds, he or she is ready for Bob books! I have 6 kids, and we homeschool. I used other books for my 2 oldest, but my son Alex began reading with Bob Books. He loves them!

They are written at a perfect gradient, beginning with 3-letter, short vowel sound words. They are written just as I would have written them!

I do wish the books were larger in size (not more pages, just bigger pages) and the pictures are just drawings - no color. An improvement of better, more colorful pictures and larger pages would get a 5-star vote from me.

These are great tools, and I recommend them for every beginning reader.

These are great books! My son quickly learned to read using the Bob Books. We actually only used the first 2 sets and by then he was on a roll and reading all sorts of things. The books are in black and white with simple drawings and easy for the kids to follow along. My son enjoyed the stories in each book and the drawings. I highly recommend this series to anyone wanting to teach their child to read.

My son learned to read using these books when he was 4 years old.
We started sounding the words out and then reading the words. By the time he was 5 he was reading the Harry Potter books by himself and now that he is 7 he is read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy independently.
I have recommended these books to others for their children to learn to read as well. My son liked the line drawings and the characters in the books, I liked the way the books were structured with pictures to help sound words in the beginning and that the books progressively expanded using more words over the course of the series.
We Really loved them!!!

The third book ive read in the Prey series, and i loved it. None of them have disappointed me. Love the way Villian John Mail and Lucas Davenport kind of play games with eachother and have a battle of wits with eachother. Davenport using witty ideas to find where he is, lure him into traps, while Mail, mentally ill but very intelligent, uses his brain to dodge Davenports traps and tricks, but to send Davenport and his men into booby-traps of his own. The suspense was thrilling. I loved the irony of Davenport having fun with Mail, claustrophobic, in the end, after Mail got to have all the fun leading Davenport around through most of the book. I finished in three days only because school wasted my time, but every chance i could get my nose was buried in it. For a good thrill i would recommend this or any Sanford book in the Prey series.

Lucas Davenport faces a new challenge in Mind Prey. He is not hunting a killer through clues left at a murder scene, but instead is trying to find a kidnapped family, who may still be alive.

Davenport's fame helps him out because the killer cannot help but call him and challenge him to a duel of wits. Lucas and his team must unravel clues given by the kidnapper, as well as decide who would profit the most from the families death.

If you have read the other Prey books, you will be happy to know that Lucas' love life is still cruising along in one-woman gear. I would also add a warning that, although Sandford does not describe the attacks in detail, the woman who is kidnapped is repeatedly raped and beaten. If that sort of thing disturbs you, you may want to skip this book.

Read this book, and keep reading the Prey series.

Started with book no. 1 in the Prey series, and have enjoyed every one! I feel like Lucas Davenport is a close family member. I thought Winter Prey was the best so far til I read the next one, Mind Prey. Each Prey book has a totally different scenario of circumstances and bad guy/girl. This makes for a new and exciting read with each book even though Lucas appears in every one. I love following the same hero/heroin in a series. They become familiar to you and you don't want anything to happen to them. Very similar to Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta. Am now reading Sudden Prey and it's great too! Keep them coming Mr. Sandford!