Terrific! The Best Rehab Book ever published!

Who can ask for more?

THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN IN SIMPLE AND CONCISE LANGUAGE IS A FAVORITE OF ALL MY FELLOW OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS. IT IS DIFFICULT TO PUT DOWN AND HAS BECOME A WELL WORN REFERENCE IN MY LIBRARY. --ANNE

I thought the Agony of Alice was a great book!I could never put the book down.This bok was perfect for a 12 year old because of the things she was going through i went through at the same time also.Not only age 12 above that also ! I would defenitely recommend it!!!I read it more than once.I have read almost all of the alice series!There great!

Going through the period of time Alice and her friends are in The Grooming of Alice myself--the summer between 8th and 9th grade--I was startled by how well the book, in main theme at least, mirrored what for me is reality. As my friends and I have become increasingly self- and weight-concious, I have wrestled with a desire to be thin(ner) and a fear of anorexia or the like. The Grooming of Alice not only addressed this, it offered a sensible but not official solution as well as girls'

general fears about the normalcy of their bodies. In the same breath, it was funny as always and incorporated so many components of life, almost everyone should be able to find something to identify with. A few show-don't-tell lessons were a little too obvious, but, hey, this isn't meant to be Shakespeare. It's a good, easy, entertaining read about growing up a girl.

I have read every Alice book and this has to be one of the most important and well written ones. Changes are everywhere for Alice and her family and friends- some bad, some good, and one incredible surprise! Once again it is filled with humor and touching moments. I couldn't put it down until I reached the end. I can't wait for the next installment. Things are really getting exciting in this series and I don't want to miss a beat!

Writer Brian Michael Bendis set out to reinvent and reinvigorate Marvel's hallowed Spider-Man franchise in this landmark series. Judging from the critical acclaim and market success it's had, I'd say he met his goal.

Spider-Man was originally created in 1963 and while his origin story is a comic book classic, let's just say some of the elements within the story have become somewhat dated. Bendis' rehash of Spidey's origin sets him in modern times, with the look of a modern 15-year-old, and the characters speaking in...you guessed it...modern dialogue.

Bendis has done a fine job of updating the character and doesn't give in to the temptation to pace the story too quickly. He takes his time, building up the characters and the story of how Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider and subsequently given super powers.

Mark Bagley competently, though not spectacularly, illustrates the story. Bagley's artistic storytelling skills are excellent, but I think Marvel might have been better served had they gone with a less traditional artistic style on this book.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN: POWER AND RESPONSIBILITY is a great new beginning for Spider-Man and appeals to fans of all ages.

Hats off to Marvel for making comics accessible again. Ultimate Spider-Man is a great comic that anyone can read and relate to. It tells the story of a nerdy high school sophomore who suddenly finds himself in possession of fantastic powers. It's an old story, with a hero that will be familiar to almost anyone. After all, Spider-Man is one of the most recognizable characters in entertainment history.

But what's this "Ultimate" about? Spider-Man is a character who was created in the sixties, and since then he's been dragging forty years of continutity and backstory. Ultimate Spider-Man approaches the character from the ground up, with a contemporary voice and pop culture references that place the book squarely in the 21st century. This Peter Parker isn't married and successful yet; he's barely coming to grips with his powers. The origin is updated, the villains look different, and nothing about the hero's future is set.

Longtime Spider-Man fans may still be more comfortable with the original character that they've grown up with. (The "classic" Spider-Man is still thriving and his ongoing series is currently enjoying the excellent writing of Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski.) But for those who lost interest in comics years ago, or those who are approaching the medium for the first time, this book is absolutely perfect.

The writing, by comics wunderkind Brian Michael Bendis, is awesome. Dialogue is sharp and sparkling with very authentic voices. The art is attractive and expressive. The stories are easy to follow, even for a first time comics reader. It's a comic that anyone can enjoy, and one which I strongly recommend. I loved it, my girlfriend loved it, and I'm sure that you'll love it.

'Ultimate Spiderman' is the almost perfect retelling of Spidey for the 22nd century. I think this is a one of a kind story, because i'm pretty certain no other author has attempted such a project.

First off, let me start by saying Brian Bendis is a FANTASTIC writer, and he clearly donates some of his greatest talents to this comic-book. How? Well, the characters. Peter is somewhat nerdy, but not necessarily uncool, making him likeable. Uncle Ben is, as always, the kind uncle, but is also calm and cool, and definitely the epitome of strength and respect. Mary-Jane is definitey toned down, soft-spoken, and intelligent but hip. Flash Thompson is every bit the bully, and is complimented by new cronies.

Bendis also shows off his ability of unique storytelling by taking a slower, more relaxed approach to the spiderman legacy. New characters are intoduced slowly, and the story unfolds slowly, easily, and never misses a beat. And these reasons make Ultimate Spiderman a must buy.

'Power And Responsibility' tells the origin of Spiderman, and introduces Mary-Jane, Uncle Ben, Kong, Flash Thompson and Liz allen (breifly).

Being a 12-year-old Spidey fan, I know quite a bit about him. Not as much as those around when Peter Parker emerged from the brilliant mind of Stan Lee, mind you, but a fan nonetheless. I even had a Spiderman action figure and was an avid reader of Spiderman and the Fantastic Four/Spiderman team up. I was also a dedicated watcher of the remade version of the animated Spiderman (my parents still sing the older theme song). But, with the starting of elementary school, Spiderman kind of sank into the back of my mind.Then came 8th grade, and I rediscovered Spiderman in the local library. Of course, it was this book. And Behold! Spiderman lives 4-ever!!!! This has got to be THE BEST book about Spidey. And after all, it IS geared towards my generation. Now, thanks to this book, I am HOOKED on Ultimate Spidey!

I'm not usually into writing any sort of reviews on things but I felt I needed to do so on this series!
I'm a 42 year old Spidey fan starting for me back in the very early 1970's and I know so much about him I almost swear sometimes he's a "real person" if you get my drift!
Anyway, I had always felt that Spidey's beginnings etc. should not be revamped for the present and that it should be enough for readers that the present-day stories are kept in line with current-happenings to keep readers happy.
That was till I (somewhat reluctantly) bought the 1st of the 3 tpb's on this series!!!
What can I say ? It really surprised me, so much so that I'm now collecting all the "Ultimates".
Although its a young Spidey, the stories, characters and artwork are just great and don't cause me any sort of confusion whilst still keeping up with the other current run of Spider-man titles, its just like having a 'parallel' Spiderman on-the-go !
The stories are oft-times very humorous and I often find myself laughing out very loud, much to my wifes bewilderment sometimes.

All I can say is that if there are any of you readers out there having reservations about trying out the "Ultimate's" then don't.
Go right ahead and I think you may be surprised just how good and refreshing a read they are.

I loved this update of Spider-Man. I haven't read a Spidey comic in years - and when I picked this up I wasn't expecting a lot. But Bendis takes the old "origin" story and expands upon it. He slows it down a bit and lets the characters evolve more. The new Green Goblin isn't just a crackpot - he's a scary, menacing creature who also happens to know Spider-Man's identity. This is just great story-telling. And the second volume of this series was great, too. Issue 13 - which takes place entirely in Peter Parker's bedroom - is a classic. It's good to see Marvel experimenting with their characters and leaving a good writer/artist team free to create.

I really enjoy Ms. Nesbit's written works. It is quite a shame that she can't write anymore. Although I liked this one a lot, I was a little disappointed by it because it lacked the charming fairy tale sort of feel that many of her children's books have. However, the story was quite wonderful, and I particularly loved the realistic scene of the children that the reader is given. I highly recommend this book to Edith Nesbit's fans, as well as people that enjoy a touch of mystery, mixed with a child's view of life.

This sentimental favorite children's book has the moral values of E. Nesbitt, who was a famous liberal activist in England. She creates a household utopian vision of a world where people are naturally good and where parents raise their children to be helpful and honest and brave.

This provides the background charm for a really lovely tale about a family in distress who sticks together bravely and provides a shining example to all around them, while being aided by equally high-minded and kind folks around them.

A knock on the door at the idyllic middle class town home of the children ends with a tragedy that they can scarcely understand. But Mother is brave and despite rumors of terrible things, they make their way to a more modest home in the country, next to a railway line. The children become friends with the trains and the regular commuters who wave at them. Their fascination with the train results in a heroic rescue. Meanwhile, their situation is sometimes difficult, and they develop some remarkable strategies for getting aid. There is a happy ending.

The morals taught to the children are particularly British (helpful, kind, brave) but certainly apply to us as well. The goodness that the children spread is really a lovely message and contributes to the charm and longevity of this great favorite. Good for reading aloud.

I like the Railway Children a lot,especially how the author told the story. I liked Bobbie because there is something different about her,she was helpful and sweet at the same time. I am wondering where the dog James went? Other than that, the story was great!

Engrossing, densely textured read.
Could claim greatness on the basis of the Wragges and Madame alone, but also contains one of the most original heroines in Victorian fiction,and draws a fascinating portrait of venality, social corruption and hypocrisy -- at times, it reminded me of both 'Pere Goriot' and 'Les Miserables'.
And it's full of those little concrete details that make nineteenth century fiction so deliciously materialistic. Don't miss out on the Oriental Cashmere Robe!

This is the best-plotted book I have ever read. The intricacies of the ingenious cat-and-mouse game kept me unable to put the book down (despite its length, and my general impatience as a slow reader). Unlike other books I've read by Collins, this one is also extremely funny, largely because of one character who is an incredible rascal and scoundrel. This is really one of the most enjoyable novels I've ever found.

It is to Wilkie Collins' credit that more than a century after he wrote his novels, they still engage the reader and make sense in social terms. In "No Name," two sisters by the last name of Vanstone find out that they are illegitimate. Their formerly comfortable lives are disrupted to the core as their lose their places in society, their friends, their inheritances, and even, literally, their names. Collins makes their predicament alive and vital despite the fact that today this sort of news would barely stir a social ripple.

Grant Morrison, who? Now Mark Waid is a man who knows how to write comics! After over 40 issues under the helm of Grant Morrison, this book collects the first issues written by Mark Waid. With the talents of Mark Waid, the stories are more personal and smaller in scope. Gone are the masses of JLA members. (No Zauriel, no Steel, no Huntress, etc.) Mark Waid uses the main members, and we get to know them a bit better. (Wonder Woman is finally put to good use again!) The stories are not wild nonsense. They don't ramble on just to sell more issues. Each incident is there for a purpose. This tightly told story tells of Batman's fall from grace from the JLA. It also includes a few one-off issues, the best of which features only Aquaman and Wonder Woman. My favorite line is by Aquaman to Wonder Woman while he's holding her lasso, "Actually, I think you're a little vapid and boring -- and often more than a little Pollyanna-ish. I hate it that people keep assuming we have anything in common simply because we're both royalty. And for the life of me, I can't find any rational reason why I want you so badly."

First, the weapons Batman designed that were used against the other heroes were incredibly complex. There is no way he would have had the time, expertise, and facilities to build all those intricate weapons. I know it is science fiction, but each of the super-heroes are defined by their own limitations, that's why you have a story. Otherwise Superman could just fly around and save everybody and Bruce Wayne could just finance reparations and they would live in a perfect world. This one pushed even comic book credibility a little too far. Also, the Lazarus Pits are used to regenerate Ras Al Ghul when he is nearly dead or recently dead, they should not have been much of a threat to Bruce Wayne's parents bodies. Other than that, the concepts of trust and betrayal made a thought provoking story. I do like stories that show Batman as the preeminent member of the JLA.

Not since Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns do we get such an in depth look at exactly how far Batman is willing to go in his pursuit of justice. When his greatest enemy gets hold of his personal files on his Justice League teammates, the consequences spell catastrophe for the JLA. While not quite as good as some of Waid's best stuff, this story gives vital insight into the uncomfortable relationship that Batman has with the JLA. Tower of Babel is a vital story for anyone following DC universe continuity, with repercussions throughout the other mainstream superhero titles.

Mark Twain, the most globally recognised of the greatest American writers, comes closest to autobiography in this odd and fascinating book. This is the story of part of his life at least, and lays out much of his unique moral and political philosophy.

As a book, Life on the Mississippi lacks a truly coherent story line after the half-way point; it tells the story of Twain's training as a Mississippi steamboat pilot, then, when he returns to the river years later as a successful writer, it drops off into anecdotes as Twain travels down the great river, and can be a deadly bore for some readers.

But, oh, what a picture of Twain it draws! There are great tales of characters he meets along the river, told in his inimitably funny style, wonderful bits of his childhood - like the tale of his insomniac guilt and terror when the match he loans a drunk ends up causing the jail to burn down, killing the drunk - and insightful portraits of the towns and villages along the river.

This is a characteristically American book, about progress and independence as well as the greatest American river, written by this most characteristically American writer. It is a true classic (a thing Twain despised! He said, "Classics are books that everybody praises, but nobody reads."), a book that will remain a delight for the foreseeable future.

Was Twain the greatest writer America ever produced? Certainly no other author has written so many genres so well. Life on the Mississippi is one of my favorites by Twain. What a storyteller! From his own personal experiences to explorers, psychics, the Civil War, slavery, geography, steamboat history etc. Twain gives us a glimpse into himself and his country.

Twain is of course humorous in this book, but his lesser known quality--insight--is very keen in this book. Twain's style is at once sophisticated and simple. It is pure mastery.

While this may not be up there with some of other Twain's writings, it is certainly worth the time and money. Definitely recommended.

Life on the Mississippi is by far one of the most wonderful books ever written about the post Civil War era in America. Mark Twain takes the reader on a melancholy look at this period of time in history as you journey into the Mississippi of his youth, adulthood, and the people and the communities he knew so well. He conveys a miraculous picture of this lively river giving it the grandeur and prominence it deserves. He defines the river very much like a living organism with a power and personality all its own. As the book unfolds, he begins in his days when he grew up along the river and became a steam boat pilot, ending that career with the advent of the Civil War. Later he returns to the river after some twenty years and takes a journey as a writer from around St. Louis to New Orleans and back up the river into what is present day Minnesota. You learn about the different cultures along the river, its tributaries, as well as the remarkable people who become part of the forgotten history of our nation. Twain's anecdotes are sheer brilliance, and he has an incredible way of choosing just the right story to illustrate a particular point transporting the reader back into time as if it was the present day and you are standing beside Twain observing what he is seeing. His reflections of his times along the river and his descriptions of the people and places make this a true masterpiece of literature and I highly recommend it. I found myself only able to read short portions at a time, as I personally found the sheer beauty of the entire book was a work to be savored and digested rather than rapidly consumed as you would with any other book. As I poured through the book, I felt often as if I was traveling with Mark Twain as a companion along his charming and magnificent journey during a wonderful period of history.

After countless attempts at creating a new universe, or continuum, the folks at Marvel finally hit on the right approach: recast their franchise characters as younger and more in tune with the issues of the day. Add top-notch writers and artists and voila! we have a hit. Though the story arcs are so far quite familiar to those with any sense of Marvel's history, the fresh approach to characters and the nifty art contribute to an overall great reading experience.

I would recommend this compilation to anyone who can't get enough of the Marvel universe or those who would like to start their trip into said universe. In short, recommended for any Marvel fan!

There are some noted examples of a writer coming in and revitalizing a comic book by tinkering with the fundamental nature of the character, as Alan Moore did with "The Swamp Thing" and Frank Miller accomplished with "Daredevil." But starting from scratch, as Marvel is attempting with "Ultimate Spider-Man" is a much rarer attempt (e.g., John Byrne starting over with Superman). However, writer Brian Michael Bendis is well aware of the high stakes game he is playing and through this second trade paperback collection of comic book stories ("Ultimate Spider-Man" issues 8-13) the results are quite admirable.

At first glance the obvious intent here is to condense the story of Spider-Man. In what we know consider Volume 1 of "The Amazing Spider-Man" Wilson Fisk, a.k.a. the Kingpin, does not show up until issue #50 (and really did not become the monolithic New York City crime boss until Miller worked the character into "Daredevil"). Here he catches Peter Parker's attention in issue #8 and it is Spider-Man's attempt to bring down the secretive crime lord that creates the story arc of this collection. This means that we get to avoid the Terrible Tinkerer and other abominations from the early years of Spider-Man under Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. On the Peter Parker side of the equation we pass Betty Bryant and Gwen Stacy and go immediately to Mary Jane Watson.

The theme of these stories is that Spider-Man, who is in point of fact almost sixteen years old, is in way over his head as a superhero. The Kingpin proves this by taking about a half dozen pages to defeat Spider-Man and toss his unconscious body out the window. Spider-Man's early attempts at crime fighter are so inept that he actually contributes to the idea that Spider-Man is a criminal, making it easy for J. Jonah Jameson to trash the hero in "The Daily Bugle." In the end it is as much Peter Parker as his alter-ego that scores an initial, tentative victory over the Kingpin; plus Spider-Man's verbal battle with the Kingpin is a minor comic (as in comedic not as in book) gem.

But Bendis is interested in doing more than creating a more streamlined version of the story of Spider-Man. In the final issue of this collection he unveils a radical change in the whole secret identity part of the character's dynamic. It will be interesting to see how this plays out (especially since it kills one of the my all-time favorite scenes from the original "Amazing Spider-Man"), but I have to admit I appreciate the character's motivation for doing so. The Spider-Man story is enough of a soap opera without resorting to the more inane traditional elements of the genre. All in all, this is a first rate retelling of the tale, enjoyable both by those who are well versed in the character and those who come to this series in the wake of the blockbuster film.

The pencils of Mark Bagley and inks of Art Thibert create a unique artistic interpretation of Spider-Man (think Titian inked by Todd McFarlane) and Peter Parker (whose can match Mary Jane strand for strand for hair in the face). I am not sure if the credit goes to the writer or the artists, but bonus points for having the saved new and improved Electro from having to wear one of the worst costumes in the history of comic books.

This tpb shows peters mission to find his uncles killer leads him to the kingpin and his electric thug electro( who has atendencey to use food puns... smoke you like a salmon etc.)
But it shows peter joining the bugle to take pictures and work on computers. this is a must have for ultimate fans.

Pete Tyler can't make up his mind whether he wants to grow up and get married (But to whom) or try to continue to live the adolescence life he dropped out of eight years ago when he was a member of a Seattle grunge band. Now a deputy prosecutor he likes his new life but still longs for the days when he was free to hang out at the clubs, and date all the girls he wants. Will Pete settle down and find the right girl to marry or will he continue to wander in the clubs aimlessly?

A well-written story if you are into the alternative rock scene in Seattle or if you can relate or identify with these characters and their lives. There are endless quotes of different songs and alternative bands. I enjoyed this story although at the end I couldn't relate to its conclusion. The story sounds almost autobiographical. If you loved "Nirvana" you love this book. Enjoy.

You have to give author Mark Lindquist credit here for writing about subject matter that is familiar to him, since he is obviously immersed in Seattle's music scene, and as a special prosecutor he knows what he is talking about when discussing the prosecution of a rape case as well. I think if one approaches this book with an understanding of what it is, and what it is not, it may be a worthwhile read to many readers.

First, although the comparisons to Nick Hornby's High Fidelity are inevitable, this book doesn't quite measure up. Hornby's book was full of meaningful musical references most of us could get - when Rob was ripping U2, or putting some Motown R&B artists on his turntable, the reader could relate. Here, in Never Mind Nirvana, readers might get a little overwhelmed with the attention to detail given Seattle's 1990's grunge scene, since most of us don't know Temple of the Dog from Mother Love Bone.

Plus, in Hornby's book, the other characters have a lot more depth to them, especially the female ones. Here, women are seen more as targets for pick-up efforts by protagonist Pete Tyler and his prosecuting sidekick Scott Foss. Accordingly this book really strikes me as a guy book, that I would recommend to male friends but not females. Some reviewers have complained that the date rape trial which sets the plot in motion is given short thrift, and I must say the courtroom scenes were some of my favorite in the novel, but I don't think Lindquist set out to write a courtroom thriller about that subject. He set out to write a book about a 37 year old former rocker who is forced, by this case, to reassess his lifestyle and attitudes toward women.

As for the ending, which some have called unsatisfying, I thought the book ended perfectly. Hollywood might tie things up a little more neatly if they ever adapted this to the screen, but I found the end of the novel dead on and consistent with the preceding chapters.

A couple of final trivial complaints. Lindquist uses smoking and drinking a little too much, like a writer's crutch, having Pete and his companions constantly reaching for a Camel or a scotch every two pages to give them something to do. I was getting headaches just imagining the smell of stale smoke and scotch whiskey. Also, while every character he meets seems to remember Pete and his band Morph, at one point several people in a club confuse a band member from Alice in Chains for a guy from Pearl Jam. In Seattle, we are to believe fans recognize a bassist from Morph and yet mistake a member of Pearl Jam? Finally, I found the present tense narrative style a little unsettling at the start, but once the novel got going I quickly settled into the author's pace and forgot about it.

In summary, I enjoyed Mark's book and read it very quickly (perfect airplane reading I might add). Had Lindquist concentrated a little more on the other characters, and a little less on obscure Seattle nightclubs and artists foreign to most of us, he'd be basking in more 5 star reviews.

I really liked this book. It's funny, it's interesting, and its enjoyable. I'ts not a great work of literature, but it doesn't pretend to be. It is the story of Pete, a 36 yeard old prosecutor who can't seem to let go of his misspent (and possibly more fun) youth as part of a Seattle grunge band, yet he feels the strong pull of adulthood and responsiblity. He thinks he may (gasp!) even want to get married, he just doesn't know which of his current or former girlfriends should be the one. His personal conflict becomes a professional conflict, of sorts, when he takes on a date rape case which pits his past life--the Seattle rock scene--against his future--life as a responsible member of society.

That description sounds a lot more serious than the book actually is. The characters in this book are really amusing. Pete's commitmentphobia and his fear/dread of aging, being alone, selling out will ring true to anyone in their thirties. This book reminded me a lot of Nic!k Hornby's High Fidelity (although it doesn't rise to the cult classic-ness of that book) and at times I think it was intentional (i.e., certain breakups make his top ten regrets of all time)

For a quick read, there is alot to chew on in this novel--regret, responsibility, aging, loneliness, commitment. All these serious topics, however, arise in a funny, not so serious novel that is a pleasure to read. It's the perfect book to take to the beach and then lend to all of your friends.