price：$14.95
Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Worth the read) 『This is a terrific story. I didn't want the book to end. I have not felt this way about other books in a very long time. Time is a valuable resource to invest and this was worth the time.』
(wonderful) 『what an outstanding first book. this book will stay with me a long time.』
(Reminds us how far we've come... but also, how far we still have to go) 『I've read this book three times. The story is so well written. Just as real life issues and emotions are never black and white, Ms. Stockett reminds readers that the civil rights struggles of the past and current day were complicated and emotional. This story made me want to continue to work toward civil rights and justice for all people. This should be required reading for all public school teenagers.』
(Loved reading this book!) 『Each character taking a turn to recall events had her own distinct voice. I loved each one. The Help is a really enjoyable, loving and learning experiencethat deserves all of its accolades and awards.』
(The Help) 『It is rare to find such a beautifully written novel. I paced myself while reading it, just to be able to enjoy it a while longer.』 『Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.
Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.
Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody’s business, but she can’t mind her tongue, so she’s lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.
Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.
In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women—mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends—view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope,The Helpis a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don’t.』
price：$4.86
Turtleback
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (I was prepared to hate it, but...) 『First off, I must give proper respect to Stephenie Meyer; anyone that can get young people excited about reading lengthy novels with complex plots (listening J.K.?) deserves all the accolades afforded them. That being said, I was prepared to hate "Twilight," simply because, as a high school English teacher, EVERY TEXT to TEXT REFERENCE I GET IS RELATED TO TWILIGHT. "Okay," I thought, "it is my professional obligation to see what the hoopla is all about." (know thy enemy and all that,) so I read the first book in a the series and I can say, with complete objectivity that the story was rich, the characters are real, and the storyline is one that I would like very much to visit again. I see now the genesis of the infatuation and, while I am far from ready to line up at midnight for the movies, I can appreciate good storytelling and engaging characters when I see it - and Twilight did not disappoint. As coming of age, adolescent angst stories go, it's as good as anything on the market today, and deserves the ardor which it has been afforded. Bravo, Ms. Meyer.』
(Not Bad) 『I have to admit, I was originally angry that this book existed. I figured that teenagers didn't need more fodder for being woebegone--and what could provide more fodder than a book about morose vampires unable to love? They live alone forever, no one understands them, etc--really, it's been done. Several times. It's no big deal, kids. Really.
And then I manned up and read it. Needless to say, Twilight was no where near as bad as I had assumed. It's a cute little story, very high school, and amusing nonetheless. I found the plot intriguing, from the awkward first love to the danger of Bella dealing with the vampires, and I happily read it in one day. I do wish that she had kept her abounding admiration of the vampires' physique to one paragraph as opposed to the twenty pages that her adoring adverbs and adjectives could have filled. Honestly, a simple mention of "Edward was fine," would suffice, and I would let my imagination run with it. All of her persistence made me feel as though she were a bit too desperate to convince me. I found myself asking, "Is he really so good looking? Does he have some huge flaw that we should be ignoring, besides the fact that he wants to eat his girlfriend?" So yes, a little less persistence would have been nice.
I liked the story and the characters, and can see why teenage girls eat this up--I certainly would have. What I don't understand is how these books became such a sensation, as this story is nothing new. Boy is vampire. Boy loves girl. Boy can't love girl--is sad. Girl is also sad. WEREWOLVES! Boy turns girl into vampire. Sunset (only usually not, as this would kill them all). The end!
How did this one particular interpretation of this story get so huge? It's certainly no more remarkable than several other versions of vampire angst that already exist. All I can say is, congrats to Stephanie Meyer for striking upon such a craze. We'll see if the second one holds up!』
(Twilight Rocks!) 『Not like a "teen book". Surprisingly delicious reading! The story of lovers who are not supposed to love each other, but cannot help their love for one another. I read all 490+ pages in a day and instantly downloaded book 2, New Moon. I think I will have read all four books in the next two days....
Yes, it is just that good! And that addicting! 』
(I loved every ounce of this book) 『This book just takes you to another place. It is so romantic. it makes you feel like a high schooler when you read it. An all consuming love. Great for any aged woman.』
(One of the Worst supernatural romances ever written) 『I can't even express into words how strong my distaste for the entire Twilight Saga truly is. In my personal opinion Twilight is prefabricated, poorly written, shallow, demographic-forcing tripe. When I was a fourteen-year-old girl I was very obsessed with the vampire anti-hero Lestat from Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles. And though Lestat had many relationship issues he was still a better defined and more well conceived character than that of Edward Cullen.
Edward and Bella are poorly thought out, two dimensional shells. This was a deliberate effort by the author so that every young reader could imagine themselves as the main characters but in the process she made them so superficial that the characters lacked any quality of definition. They did not feel like real people.
Not only is Twilight poorly written but it also hinders upon actual mythology. The notion of vampires glittering in the sun is laughable at best. It brings to mind the recollection of such toys as the My Little Pony dolls. The logic behind vampires sparkling in the sunlight is non-existent. A vampire burning in the sun has been a staple of Gothic fiction for many years. There are real diseases and disorders in the world that make sunlight harmful to certain individuals. Scientifically it's more plausible to be harmed by sunlight than to 'naturally' sparkle in it.
Another flaw in the mythos of Twilight is the definition of werewolf. I cannot tell you how many times I have come across Twilight fans who insist the characters who can turn into wolves are not werewolves. They say that these characters are shape-shifters. A shape shifter by traditional definition can take on multiple forms, not just one. Many Twilight fans also argue that within the mythos of the books a true werewolf only changes on the full moon and that's why Jacob and company are not actually werewolves. The parapsychology student in me winces at this. In many traditional werewolf folklore out of Germany and France there are werewolves that most certainly can change at will, are aware in their wolf form, and are not bound by the phase of the moon. The very word werewolf means man-wolf. It does not mean part man and part wolf. It comes from the notion of a man INTO a wolf. Most classic werewolf stories (before The Wolf-Man movie) had the werewolf changing from a person into an actual wolf.
The very first werewolf legend can be traced back to the Greek myth of King Lycaon. According to legend King Lycaon served human flesh at a feast for Zeus (the king of the Gods). Zeus was so offended that he punished Lycaon by turning him into a wolf. Only his eyes remained human. This myth is where the terms Lycanthrope, Lycanthropy and the more modern Lycan come from. I guess it's safe to say Stephenie Meyer does not do her research in regard to the occult before writing these stories.
Not only is Twilight poorly written and intellectually insulting to occultists (amateur and professional alike) but it also promotes very unhealthy relationships. Edward Cullen is abusive, stalkerish and obsessive. Edward has also had moments of physically harming Bella. Bella is equally so but that does not make it okay, nor does it make the relationship healthy. At one point Edward disables Bella's mode of transportation and has her kidnapped as a means to 'protect' her. If he was not a vampire this would be viewed as highly abusive of the character. There is a fine line between being chivalrous and sexist. Edward Cullen crossed that line miles ago. This sets a very unhealthy ideal of what defines romantic relationship for the young readers of Twilight. I am not saying not to read Twilight nor am I saying to burn the books. I am simply saying that it needs to be looked at in context for what it truly is and that there are far higher quality reads out there. If you want a chivalrous character who is NOT sexist, seek The Dresden Files novels by Jim Butcher. The hero, a wizard named Harry Dresden, is very chivalrous without being sexist.
Bella is what modern writers call A Mary Sue. In fiction writing and role playing games Mary Sue characters are strongly frowned upon. A Mary Sue is a character of shallow quality who is nearly flawless. The character is so perfect that even her so-called flaws are endearing.
I have run online text based role playing games since 1999 and I can tell you there are plot points in Twilight I would not have allowed in my game. A major one would be when Bella and Edward finally had their daughter toward the end of the book series the child aged extremely fast and by age seven or so she was involved with her mother's werewolf ex-boyfriend. To me this is disgusting. I would never have allowed this in my online role playing game. She might have developed with supernatural speed but she still has only had only seven-years-life experience and I feel that is certainly not enough time to be in a romantic relationship with a grown man. That was disturbing to me. Supernatural speed aging does not give her enough life experience for that sort of relationship. That was simply not right.
In short Twilight is not what I would consider a good read even for those who truly love supernatural romances. See out the likes of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Twilight is not worth the time. There are higher quality works of fiction out there.』 『Bella knows that there is something dashing and daring about handsome Edward, but little does she dream that she has fallen in love with a vampire. A tale of terror, suspense, and romance.』 『The book that started the phenomenon is now available in a deluxe collector's edition! Featuring a ribbon bookmark, cloth cover, ragged edges, new chapter opener designs, and a beautiful protective slipcase, this edition is perfect for fans and collectors alike.
Bella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear.
Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful,Twilightcaptures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.』
price：$21.09
Listening Library (Audio)
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (still enjoying) 『Not sure I would believe a love triangle here, but still a fabulous guilty pleasure of reading. Just loved the whole series.』
(One of the Worst supernatural romances ever written) 『I can't even express into words how strong my distaste for the entire Twilight Saga truly is. In my personal opinion Twilight is prefabricated, poorly written, shallow, demographic-forcing tripe. When I was a fourteen-year-old girl I was very obsessed with the vampire anti-hero Lestat from Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles. And though Lestat had many relationship issues he was still a better defined and more well conceived character than that of Edward Cullen.
Edward and Bella are poorly thought out, two dimensional shells. This was a deliberate effort by the author so that every young reader could imagine themselves as the main characters but in the process she made them so superficial that the characters lacked any quality of definition. They did not feel like real people.
Not only is Twilight poorly written but it also hinders upon actual mythology. The notion of vampires glittering in the sun is laughable at best. It brings to mind the recollection of such toys as the My Little Pony dolls. The logic behind vampires sparkling in the sunlight is non-existent. A vampire burning in the sun has been a staple of Gothic fiction for many years. There are real diseases and disorders in the world that make sunlight harmful to certain individuals. Scientifically it's more plausible to be harmed by sunlight than to 'naturally' sparkle in it.
Another flaw in the mythos of Twilight is the definition of werewolf. I cannot tell you how many times I have come across Twilight fans who insist the characters who can turn into wolves are not werewolves. They say that these characters are shape-shifters. A shape shifter by traditional definition can take on multiple forms, not just one. Many Twilight fans also argue that within the mythos of the books a true werewolf only changes on the full moon and that's why Jacob and company are not actually werewolves. The parapsychology student in me winces at this. In many traditional werewolf folklore out of Germany and France there are werewolves that most certainly can change at will, are aware in their wolf form, and are not bound by the phase of the moon. The very word werewolf means man-wolf. It does not mean part man and part wolf. It comes from the notion of a man INTO a wolf. Most classic werewolf stories (before The Wolf-Man movie) had the werewolf changing from a person into an actual wolf.
The very first werewolf legend can be traced back to the Greek myth of King Lycaon. According to legend King Lycaon served human flesh at a feast for Zeus (the king of the Gods). Zeus was so offended that he punished Lycaon by turning him into a wolf. Only his eyes remained human. This myth is where the terms Lycanthrope, Lycanthropy and the more modern Lycan come from. I guess it's safe to say Stephenie Meyer does not do her research in regard to the occult before writing these stories.
Not only is Twilight poorly written and intellectually insulting to occultists (amateur and professional alike) but it also promotes very unhealthy relationships. Edward Cullen is abusive, stalkerish and obsessive. Edward has also had moments of physically harming Bella. Bella is equally so but that does not make it okay, nor does it make the relationship healthy. At one point Edward disables Bella's mode of transportation and has her kidnapped as a means to 'protect' her. If he was not a vampire this would be viewed as highly abusive of the character. There is a fine line between being chivalrous and sexist. Edward Cullen crossed that line miles ago. This sets a very unhealthy ideal of what defines romantic relationship for the young readers of Twilight. I am not saying not to read Twilight nor am I saying to burn the books. I am simply saying that it needs to be looked at in context for what it truly is and that there are far higher quality reads out there. If you want a chivalrous character who is NOT sexist, seek The Dresden Files novels by Jim Butcher. The hero, a wizard named Harry Dresden, is very chivalrous without being sexist.
Bella is what modern writers call A Mary Sue. In fiction writing and role playing games Mary Sue characters are strongly frowned upon. A Mary Sue is a character of shallow quality who is nearly flawless. The character is so perfect that even her so-called flaws are endearing.
I have run online text based role playing games since 1999 and I can tell you there are plot points in Twilight I would not have allowed in my game. A major one would be when Bella and Edward finally had their daughter toward the end of the book series the child aged extremely fast and by age seven or so she was involved with her mother's werewolf ex-boyfriend. To me this is disgusting. I would never have allowed this in my online role playing game. She might have developed with supernatural speed but she still has only had only seven-years-life experience and I feel that is certainly not enough time to be in a romantic relationship with a grown man. That was disturbing to me. Supernatural speed aging does not give her enough life experience for that sort of relationship. That was simply not right.
In short Twilight is not what I would consider a good read even for those who truly love supernatural romances. See out the likes of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Twilight is not worth the time. There are higher quality works of fiction out there.』
(Eclipse ( The Twilight Saga)) 『I haven't read it yet, but am really looking forward to it. I have been on vacation but I have been thinking about this book for days. I know it is a good bood and I can't wait to read it.』
(Really Good.) 『I have to say I didn't want to put any of the 1st three books down. They are all good so far. I plan on reading "Breaking Dawn". My only wish is that there were geared more towards adults rather than teens. So far so good.. They are really easy reads. In this third book she is realizing that she has serious feelings for Jacob and I don't much like that. But competition is always good. I just hope that she ends up with Edward..We will see.』
(GReat) 『If you love books that you can't put down. A series that you're dying to pre-order. This is the series for you. The vampires are just a bonus.』 『Edward’s soft voice came from behind me.
I turned to see him spring lightly up the porch steps, his hair windblown from running. He pulled me into his arms at once, just like he had in the parking lot, and kissed me again.This kiss frightened me. There was too much tension, too strong an edge to the way his lips crushed mine–like he was afraid we had only so much time left to us.
As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob–knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?』
price：$8.30
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (It's just entertaining) 『The second in the teenage vampire romance series finds Edward conflicted about the danger he and his family bring to Bella. Deciding they do her more harm than good, the Cullen family leaves Forks, and Bella sinks into a deep depression. Her only saving grace is Jacob Black, the son of her father's friend, who quickly becomes someone of great importance to her, the only safe harbor she can find. But when Jake's open and friendly demeanor changes abrubptly, Bella is left to figure out what keeps changing the boys in Forks.
What I keep waiting to find out is "why Bella?" I'm hoping that by the end of the series, I'll learn the answer to that. Don't tell me the answer, I want to find out on my own :::sticks fingers in ears and sings la lala:::.
While the Twilight saga will never be viewed as great literature, so far I'm enjoying the ride. They've been good for cold wintery weekends when I just want to stay home and get lost in someone else's drama for a while. Fortunately, Bella has a LOT of drama so it's very easy to sink into.』
(Not as yummy as twilight, but still good) 『There was a certain anguish in this book that lasted a bit to long for me. But I still really enjoyed it. Definitely read it so that you can go through the whole series.』
(A Phenomenal Romance) 『For fantasy fans of romance New Moon is the perfect book for you. New Moon is a parallel to William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. A romance between a vampire and a mortal seems nearly impossible, but when readers learn they have held a strong relationship for nearly six months we begin to believe the relationship might work. It is not until Bella's birthday party at the Cullen's that reality strikes. Bella recognizes that she is in danger of playing out the greatest romantic tragedy. The author builds the tension for the climax of the story by creating this parallel but she also adds a twist. Another lover exists; Jacob comes into Bella's life in place of Edward. During Bella's depression, she rebuilds her friendship with Jacob. The two are quite attached but not for long. Edward realizes it was a mistake to leave her beloved. Edward comes back for Bella and therefore conflict rises. A vampire vs. a werewolf who will win over her heart? The Quileute werewolves are an exciting addition to the story and it will be interesting to see how this plot line is developed in the next novel in this series. How will both men play a role in her life, is the question. The second half of the novel is where the action really begins and questions are answered. This novel is an exciting addition to the series. I found myself turning page after page wanting to know more and reading nearly half the book in just one day. It is a book full of mystery and adventure that makes an exciting read.』
(One of the Worst supernatural romances ever written) 『I can't even express into words how strong my distaste for the entire Twilight Saga truly is. In my personal opinion Twilight is prefabricated, poorly written, shallow, demographic-forcing tripe. When I was a fourteen-year-old girl I was very obsessed with the vampire anti-hero Lestat from Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles. And though Lestat had many relationship issues he was still a better defined and more well conceived character than that of Edward Cullen.
Edward and Bella are poorly thought out, two dimensional shells. This was a deliberate effort by the author so that every young reader could imagine themselves as the main characters but in the process she made them so superficial that the characters lacked any quality of definition. They did not feel like real people.
Not only is Twilight poorly written but it also hinders upon actual mythology. The notion of vampires glittering in the sun is laughable at best. It brings to mind the recollection of such toys as the My Little Pony dolls. The logic behind vampires sparkling in the sunlight is non-existent. A vampire burning in the sun has been a staple of Gothic fiction for many years. There are real diseases and disorders in the world that make sunlight harmful to certain individuals. Scientifically it's more plausible to be harmed by sunlight than to 'naturally' sparkle in it.
Another flaw in the mythos of Twilight is the definition of werewolf. I cannot tell you how many times I have come across Twilight fans who insist the characters who can turn into wolves are not werewolves. They say that these characters are shape-shifters. A shape shifter by traditional definition can take on multiple forms, not just one. Many Twilight fans also argue that within the mythos of the books a true werewolf only changes on the full moon and that's why Jacob and company are not actually werewolves. The parapsychology student in me winces at this. In many traditional werewolf folklore out of Germany and France there are werewolves that most certainly can change at will, are aware in their wolf form, and are not bound by the phase of the moon. The very word werewolf means man-wolf. It does not mean part man and part wolf. It comes from the notion of a man INTO a wolf. Most classic werewolf stories (before The Wolf-Man movie) had the werewolf changing from a person into an actual wolf.
The very first werewolf legend can be traced back to the Greek myth of King Lycaon. According to legend King Lycaon served human flesh at a feast for Zeus (the king of the Gods). Zeus was so offended that he punished Lycaon by turning him into a wolf. Only his eyes remained human. This myth is where the terms Lycanthrope, Lycanthropy and the more modern Lycan come from. I guess it's safe to say Stephenie Meyer does not do her research in regard to the occult before writing these stories.
Not only is Twilight poorly written and intellectually insulting to occultists (amateur and professional alike) but it also promotes very unhealthy relationships. Edward Cullen is abusive, stalkerish and obsessive. Edward has also had moments of physically harming Bella. Bella is equally so but that does not make it okay, nor does it make the relationship healthy. At one point Edward disables Bella's mode of transportation and has her kidnapped as a means to 'protect' her. If he was not a vampire this would be viewed as highly abusive of the character. There is a fine line between being chivalrous and sexist. Edward Cullen crossed that line miles ago. This sets a very unhealthy ideal of what defines romantic relationship for the young readers of Twilight. I am not saying not to read Twilight nor am I saying to burn the books. I am simply saying that it needs to be looked at in context for what it truly is and that there are far higher quality reads out there. If you want a chivalrous character who is NOT sexist, seek The Dresden Files novels by Jim Butcher. The hero, a wizard named Harry Dresden, is very chivalrous without being sexist.
Bella is what modern writers call A Mary Sue. In fiction writing and role playing games Mary Sue characters are strongly frowned upon. A Mary Sue is a character of shallow quality who is nearly flawless. The character is so perfect that even her so-called flaws are endearing.
I have run online text based role playing games since 1999 and I can tell you there are plot points in Twilight I would not have allowed in my game. A major one would be when Bella and Edward finally had their daughter toward the end of the book series the child aged extremely fast and by age seven or so she was involved with her mother's werewolf ex-boyfriend. To me this is disgusting. I would never have allowed this in my online role playing game. She might have developed with supernatural speed but she still has only had only seven-years-life experience and I feel that is certainly not enough time to be in a romantic relationship with a grown man. That was disturbing to me. Supernatural speed aging does not give her enough life experience for that sort of relationship. That was simply not right.
In short Twilight is not what I would consider a good read even for those who truly love supernatural romances. See out the likes of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Twilight is not worth the time. There are higher quality works of fiction out there.』
(Absolutely wonderful) 『I had already read this book when I bought it but I wanted it in hardcover because I tend to be a little rough on books and the one I borrowed from a friend was softcover. The day I recieved it in the mail I couldn't help but read it again and it was just as good as the first time (the movie comming out this month probably helped my enthusiasm somewhat as well). The whole twilight series is wonderful and I would highly recommed any one of the them to everyone regardless of age or preference. I will say though that book 2 begins to get a little racy towards the end so I would recommed parents read the book first before passing it along to younger children (but be warned they are going to want to keep reading and in book 3 and 4 the sexuality esculates).』 『"Shoot," I muttered when the paper sliced my finger; I pulled it out to examine the damage. A single drop of blood oozed from the tiny cut. It all happened very quickly then. Edward threw himself at me, flinging me back across the table... I tumbled down to the floor by the piano, with my arms thrown out instinctively to catch my fall, into the jagged shards of glass. I felt the searing, stinging pain that ran from my wrist to the crease inside my elbow. Dazed and disoriented, I looked up from the bright red blood pulsing out of my arm-into the fevered eyes of the six suddenly ravenous vampires. Legions of readers entranced by Twilight are hungry for more and they won't be disappointed. In New Moon, Stephenie Meyer delivers another irresistible combination of romance and suspense with a supernatural twist. The "star-crossed" lovers theme continues as Bella and Edward find themselves facing new obstacles, including a devastating separation, the mysterious appearance of dangerous wolves roaming the forest in Forks, a terrifying threat of revenge from a female vampire and a deliciously sinister encounter with Italy's reigning royal family of vampires, the Volturi. Passionate, riveting, and full of surprising twists and turns, this vampire love saga is well on its way to literary immortality.』
price：$47.50
Little, Brown Young Readers
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Attention Kindle Users) 『If you're planning on getting these books on the kindle, I advise you to buy them separate rather than in this set. It will end up being about $5 cheaper.』
(Enough w/ the Shakespeare and Bronte comparison!) 『This series sucks for all the obvious reason, but I just want to add that I hate the "star-crossed lovers" comparison that Stephanie Meyer promotes in the story. Twilight is not Romeo and Juliet, nor is it Wuthering Heights. Romeo and Juliet were rash&impatient (but atleast they are sexually active), and ended up DEAD. Catherine and Heathcliff were cruel&selfish, and ended up DEAD&ALONE. Edward is controlling&Bella is boring and they spend forever happily ever after (and baby make 3)! They get to have their cake and eat it too. Gag me with a spoon. What is so star crossed about that? It makes me angry that Stephanie Meyer puts her pathetic fantasy in the same literary category as William Shakespeare and Emily Bronte. Has she even read Wuthering Heights? I doubt it.』
(Couldn't put them down) 『Loved them-beginning to end. I was a skeptic thinking it was solely a teeny bopper thing-but I really enjoyed the series! Loving the movies too!』
(katherine) 『Bought these books for our granddaughter who was thrilled with them. My end of the transaction- the purchasing, the shipping, the receiving-all went well. Very pleased, thank you.』
(alicia m.) 『best purchase I have made in a long time. I have read the books already but now they can all travel with me. I am happy with the collection so all the books are kept together. If you are debating with buying them I recommend it. and you sure can't beat the price.』 『This stunning set, complete with all four hardcover books as well as four collectible prints, makes the perfect gift for fans of the bestselling vampire love story.』
price：$13.49
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (does it really have to end?) 『Loved the whole series. This book was again a great easy guilty pleasure read. Was sad that the series ended. Can't wait for the films to come!』
(Awesome) 『Breaking Dawn ends the saga in a big way...I cried, I laughed, I was scared, I was happy... she hit it all! Go Stephanie. Can't wait for the movie. Lynn 』
(One of the Worst supernatural romances ever written) 『I can't even express into words how strong my distaste for the entire Twilight Saga truly is. In my personal opinion Twilight is prefabricated, poorly written, shallow, demographic-forcing tripe. When I was a fourteen-year-old girl I was very obsessed with the vampire anti-hero Lestat from Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles. And though Lestat had many relationship issues he was still a better defined and more well conceived character than that of Edward Cullen.
Edward and Bella are poorly thought out, two dimensional shells. This was a deliberate effort by the author so that every young reader could imagine themselves as the main characters but in the process she made them so superficial that the characters lacked any quality of definition. They did not feel like real people.
Not only is Twilight poorly written but it also hinders upon actual mythology. The notion of vampires glittering in the sun is laughable at best. It brings to mind the recollection of such toys as the My Little Pony dolls. The logic behind vampires sparkling in the sunlight is non-existent. A vampire burning in the sun has been a staple of Gothic fiction for many years. There are real diseases and disorders in the world that make sunlight harmful to certain individuals. Scientifically it's more plausible to be harmed by sunlight than to 'naturally' sparkle in it.
Another flaw in the mythos of Twilight is the definition of werewolf. I cannot tell you how many times I have come across Twilight fans who insist the characters who can turn into wolves are not werewolves. They say that these characters are shape-shifters. A shape shifter by traditional definition can take on multiple forms, not just one. Many Twilight fans also argue that within the mythos of the books a true werewolf only changes on the full moon and that's why Jacob and company are not actually werewolves. The parapsychology student in me winces at this. In many traditional werewolf folklore out of Germany and France there are werewolves that most certainly can change at will, are aware in their wolf form, and are not bound by the phase of the moon. The very word werewolf means man-wolf. It does not mean part man and part wolf. It comes from the notion of a man INTO a wolf. Most classic werewolf stories (before The Wolf-Man movie) had the werewolf changing from a person into an actual wolf.
The very first werewolf legend can be traced back to the Greek myth of King Lycaon. According to legend King Lycaon served human flesh at a feast for Zeus (the king of the Gods). Zeus was so offended that he punished Lycaon by turning him into a wolf. Only his eyes remained human. This myth is where the terms Lycanthrope, Lycanthropy and the more modern Lycan come from. I guess it's safe to say Stephenie Meyer does not do her research in regard to the occult before writing these stories.
Not only is Twilight poorly written and intellectually insulting to occultists (amateur and professional alike) but it also promotes very unhealthy relationships. Edward Cullen is abusive, stalkerish and obsessive. Edward has also had moments of physically harming Bella. Bella is equally so but that does not make it okay, nor does it make the relationship healthy. At one point Edward disables Bella's mode of transportation and has her kidnapped as a means to 'protect' her. If he was not a vampire this would be viewed as highly abusive of the character. There is a fine line between being chivalrous and sexist. Edward Cullen crossed that line miles ago. This sets a very unhealthy ideal of what defines romantic relationship for the young readers of Twilight. I am not saying not to read Twilight nor am I saying to burn the books. I am simply saying that it needs to be looked at in context for what it truly is and that there are far higher quality reads out there. If you want a chivalrous character who is NOT sexist, seek The Dresden Files novels by Jim Butcher. The hero, a wizard named Harry Dresden, is very chivalrous without being sexist.
Bella is what modern writers call A Mary Sue. In fiction writing and role playing games Mary Sue characters are strongly frowned upon. A Mary Sue is a character of shallow quality who is nearly flawless. The character is so perfect that even her so-called flaws are endearing.
I have run online text based role playing games since 1999 and I can tell you there are plot points in Twilight I would not have allowed in my game. A major one would be when Bella and Edward finally had their daughter toward the end of the book series the child aged extremely fast and by age seven or so she was involved with her mother's werewolf ex-boyfriend. To me this is disgusting. I would never have allowed this in my online role playing game. She might have developed with supernatural speed but she still has only had only seven-years-life experience and I feel that is certainly not enough time to be in a romantic relationship with a grown man. That was disturbing to me. Supernatural speed aging does not give her enough life experience for that sort of relationship. That was simply not right.
In short Twilight is not what I would consider a good read even for those who truly love supernatural romances. See out the likes of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Twilight is not worth the time. There are higher quality works of fiction out there.』
(Best book of the Saga) 『I read all 4 books within a month. Breaking Dawn was my favorite of all four books in the saga. If you have seen the first two movies, with or without reading the books, I would recommend reading Eclipse and Breaking Dawn as well! It is a must read!』
(Beyond terrible) 『The first two reviews summed it up for me. Truly terrible and disappointing. But something good did come from reading this book - it killed my Twilight buzz and I'm no longer unhealthily obsessed with the series.』 『When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?
To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.
Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life--first discovered inTwilight, then scattered and torn inNew MoonandEclipse--seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?
The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga,Breaking Dawnilluminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.』
『Great love stories thrive on sacrifice. Throughout The Twilight Saga (Twilight,New Moon, andEclipse), Stephenie Meyer has emulated great love stories--Romeo and Juliet,Wuthering Heights--with the fated, yet perpetually doomed love of Bella (the human girl) and Edward (the vampire who feeds on animals instead of humans). InBreaking Dawn, the fourth and final installment in the series, Bella’s story plays out in some unexpected ways. The ongoing conflicts that made this series so compelling--a human girl in love with a vampire, a werewolf in love with a human girl, the generations-long feud between werewolves and vampires--resolve pretty quickly, apparently so that Meyer could focuson Bella’s latest opportunity for self-sacrifice: giving her life for someone she loves even more than Edward. How close she comes to actually making that sacrifice is questionable, which is a big shift from the earlier books. Even though you knew Bella would make it through somehow, the threatsto her life, and to her relationship with Edward, had previously always felt real. It’s as if Meyer was afraid of hurting her characters too much, which is unfortunate, because the pain Bella suffered at losing Edward inNew Moon, and the pain Jacob suffered at losing Bella again and again, are the fire and the heart that drive the whole series. Diehard fans will stick with Bella, Edward, and Jacob for as many twists and turns as possible, but after most of the characters get what they want with little sacrifice, some readers may have a harder time caring what happens next. (Ages 12 and up) --Heidi Broadhead』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Sherlock Holmes - The Detective Guru) 『Sherlock Holmes has long been a favorite of mine. Nothing's changed. He still is. Excellent book, both in contents and appearance.』
(I love this stuff!) 『Classic! I'm very glad to own this book in it's Kindle edition and for a very reasonable price too, $0.00! There is not anything that I could write that hasn't been written before about Mr. Holmes and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These stories are timeless, they are indeed short stories and may be read quickly in one sitting, and, for me, be read again and again. While reading these stories I can't help but see and hear Jeremy Brett, the ultimate and best Holmes of any visual media. Ever! The mannerisms of Holmes as written by Doyle, as well as much of the dialog, are transferred accurately and brilliantly to the small screen by Brett, the BBC, and PBS. I also recommend this series on DVD for any and all Holmes fans. Not to forget "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," also priced reasonably on Kindle at $0.00.』
(Holes) 『Super when I am on an airplane and have forgotten to turn on the wireless to pick up new books. Doyle never ceases to amaze and provide entertainment. I think I started reading Holmes in the 60s (early 60s) and have yet to stop. Good emergency book to have if you have a Kindle and enjoy deductive reasoning. easons to get it are elementary my dear reader!』
(Technical glitches in this Kindle edition) 『All of the numeric entries in the text are garbled, so if you don't care whether they're referring to 20 pounds or 3000, you'll be fine. of course it's a free download, so I'm not complaining.』
(Great Britian's Nineteenth Century History) 『English history is served up along with the amazing mystery stories. I enjoy the pictures of daily life...the maid bringing in lunch to Holmes on a pre-arranged schedule, passing the street vendors and beggars, imagining the opium den frequented by addicts, vivid descriptions of period clothing, transportation and commerce slipped seamlessly into the tales. I read this often to refresh the imagery in my mind.』 『
A colonel receives five seeds in the mail--and dies within weeks. A young bride disappears immediately after her wedding. An old hat and a Christmas goose are the only clues to a stolen jewel. A son is accused of his father's murder. These mysteries--and many more--are brought to the house on Baker Street where detective Sherlock Holmes resides. No case is too tricky for the world's most famous sleuth and his incredible powers of deduction.
price：$5.99
Book Sales, Inc.
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A shorter version of a classic!) 『This particular edition is a children's version of Pride and Prejudice, not the true book: it is geared for readers age 9-12 and is only 48 pages long.A good way to intruduce youger kids to a classic and more loved by girls then boys in my opinion. P.J. Duval Author of the Novels The Adventures of Nicki in Wolf Creek& The Secret Clubhouse (Adventures of Nicki) 』
(great book bad digital edition) 『great book of course for any jane austin fan. this review is more for this kindle edition. i decided to buy the one dollar version after a few chapters because i do not like the repetitive use of dialog in all caps. it makes me imagine too much yelling. granted i do not know whether miss austin wrote it that way or the scribes of this digital book did. i just know i do not like it. if you are like me or unsure just get the sample first.』
(It is a truth universally acknowledged...) 『"Pride and Prejudice" is undoubtedly one of the most beloved classic novels in history -- it's had countless adaptations, sequels and homages lavished on it over the years.
And Jane Austen's grand opus is still beloved for a good reason. While it's rather stuffily written much of the time, it has a vibrant core of witty dialogue and strong characters that shine like lanterns in the night -- and the best part of it is the interplay between the two strong-willed main characters, whose initial dislike of one another blossoms into love once they learn how to overcome his pride and her prejudice.
The Bennett family is in an uproar when wealthy Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood, and Mrs. Bennett is especially happy when he takes a liking to the eldest Bennett daughter Jane -- since their estate is entailed and there is no Mr. Bennett Jr., a good marriage is considered essential for at least one of the girls. But her forthright, independent sister Lizzie immediately butts heads with wealthy, aloof Mr. Darcy, who scorns the rural village and seems haughty about everything.
A flurry of proposals, road trips and friendships happen over the course of the following months, with Lizzie fending off her slimy cousin Mr. Collins, and befriending the flirty, hunky Wickham, who claims to have been wronged by Darcy. Lizzie believes Wickham's account -- and she's in for a shock when Darcy unexpectedly proposes, and reveals what Wickham won't tell her about both of their past lives, and what Wickham did to offend Darcy.
And finally things take a scandalous turn when Lizzie's idiotic younger sister Lydia elopes with Wickham, while staying with a friend in Brighton. The family is plunged into disgrace, which also wrecks any chances of a halfway decent marriage for the other daughters. The only one who can set things right is Darcy, who will do whatever he must to make amends to Lizzie -- and unwittingly establish himself as the man she loves as well...
Reading "Pride and Prejudice" is a bit like watching someone embroider a piece of cloth with subtle, intricate designs. Lots of balls, dances, visits and drawing room banter between Lizzie and virtually everyone else, and interwoven with some rather opinions from Jane Austen about haughty aristocrats, marriages of security, entailment, and the whole idea of what an ideal woman has (intellect and strength).
The only real problem: Jane Austen writes very much in the style of her literary era -- it's rather formal and stuffy much of the time, and the narrative is kept distant from the characters. So, not for casual readers.
But despite that formality, Austen's brilliance as a writer is evident -- she slowly unfolds the plot one act at a time, with several intricate subplots that tie together and play off each other. She also wrote some unbelievably sharp-edged dialogue with plenty of witty banter between Lizzie and Darcy ("I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine"). But Austen also weaves in startlingly romantic moments between them ("No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you, can think anything wanting").
It's hard to imagine a better fictional couple than Lizzie and Darcy, despite their rocky start (a major-league snub at a dance). Both are witty, smart, and a bit snotty in their own ways, with quick minds and even quicker tongues. Darcy is a selfish, rather haughty man man who gradually becomes warm and kind, while Lizzie is strong, independent, and Darcy's equal in every way. And neither will marry for anything but true love.
It also has a solid supporting cast: the painfully practical Charlotte Lucas, slimy clerics, virtuous-looking rakes, sisters ranging from saintly to snobby, and the lovable Mr. Bingley and perpetually optimistic Jane. Lizzie's family also adds plenty of color to the story, including the screechy and hilariously mercurial Mrs. Bennett and the barb-tongued Mr. Bennett ("Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do").
Despite its mildly stuffy style, "Pride and Prejudice" is the ultimate Jane Austen novel -- a powerful and romantic story about two people who grow and change because of love. An absolute must-read.』
(Very disappointed in the recording) 『I purchased this recording (read by Lindsay Duncan) through the iTunes store (something I will not be doing again), on the understanding that it was an unabridged recording. This is one of my favorite books, and I know it well enough to realize when sentences are being left out, which happened in several places (I did double-check with my print edition). At least one of the omitted sentences was important for understanding the characters.
The other quibble I have is that the recording I purchased consisted of two SIX HOUR tracks. Heaven help you if you lose your place while using an mp3 player.
I cannot dis-recommend this recording enough.』
(PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen) 『It is beneficial at times to step away from our classics of literature from time to time, to take them down from their high pedestals and look at them without pretension. No novel, no matter how well-regarded, is universally esteemed - Twain, Emerson, and Charlotte Bronte all savaged Pride and Prejudice in print - so let us, for a few moments, stop treating it as holy writ and just look at it as a novel, at how it holds up to a modern casual reader.
Pride and Prejudice (1813) is Jane Austen's novel of manners - it thoroughly explores the ins, outs and economics of nineteenth-century courtship. The novel's central character is Elizabeth Bennet, one of five daughters, whose family lives in a country village. Two wealthy, eligible bachelors move to town, and romance, confusion and animosity ensue.
Austen populates her novel with all manner of flawed characters. Many of them are annoying - that is, they behave badly and are antagonistic toward the main characters - but they all show at least some depth. No one here is without flaw, but no one here is without virtue, either (except Mr. Collins, the most ludicrous of them all). And this is why the novel works: because Austen treats her characters and their social milieu gently, delicately (well, except Mr. Collins). If she had done otherwise, if she had been more cutting, she would have lost the sympathy in the reader that many of these characters engender.
To the modern audience, Austen's plotting is rather sluggish, although it must be recalled that novels moved at a rather more leisurely pace then. At any rate it often seems that there is one too many side plots, or perhaps one too many visits to relatives, and there are patches that can be quite hard to get through. But you don't go to Austen for plot - you go to her for clever dialogue, for a delightful turn of phrase. That is what she thrives at, and that is what she is best remembered for. And in spite of the novel's overlength, Austen delivers a full and completely satisfying payoff. Rarely is a happy ending so fulfilling, and it may not be until the last few pages of the book that it becomes evident to the reader how masterfully Austen has set it up. And this is a large reason why the novel has such enduring appeal.
Much of the nuance in Pride and Prejudice may be lost on casual modern readers. For example, the character of Mrs. Bennet is the object of great scorn from many readers, and this has only been exacerbated by the film adaptations of the novel. But while marrying for love is the norm today, then, it was not; Mrs. Bennet is the only one looking out for the Bennet family's financial future.
Pride and Prejudice is, on the whole, a satisfactory and clever novel, and, at present, one whose merits are diminished mostly by readers too far removed to understand it in its fullness, or whose tastes have diverged too far.』 『
Next to the exhortation at the beginning of Moby-Dick, "Call me Ishmael," the first sentence of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice must be among the most quoted in literature. And certainly what Melville did for whaling Austen does for marriage--tracing the intricacies (not to mention the economics) of 19th-century British mating rituals with a sure hand and an unblinking eye. As usual, Austen trains her sights on a country village and a few families--in this case, the Bennets, the Philips, and the Lucases. Into their midst comes Mr. Bingley, a single man of good fortune, and his friend, Mr. Darcy, who is even richer. Mrs. Bennet, who married above her station, sees their arrival as an opportunity to marry off at least one of her five daughters.
』 『In a remote Hertfordshire village, far off the good coach roads of George III's England, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet -- a country squire of no great means and his scatterbrained wife -- must marry off their five vivacious daughters. At the heart of this all-consuming enterprise are the headstrong second daughter Elizabeth and her aristocratic suitor Fitzwilliam Darcy, two lovers in whom pride and prejudice must be overcome before love can bring the novel to its magnificent conclusion.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Disjointed) 『The plot was so disjointed, I wouldn't even call it a story. Everything happens for no reason and at random.』
(strange and creepy but great!by: kait ; ]) 『i love this book and it made me feel really creeped out by everything. this is a great book for me since i always have my nose in a story. i srongly recommend it to others because it is super great and the author did put a lot into it. let me just say this is a great book for anyone and everyone.』
(great use of technology) 『My 3rd grader enjoys these books occasionally, they're a little young for him (he prefers longer more complex stories like the Eragon trilogy), but he likes them when he's relaxing sometimes. I really just wanted to put out there that reading the kindle version of this book on an iPod touch or iPhone is fabulous, because of the touch-screen capability and hypertext links to the chosen section at each point where you make a decision.
I'd also like to point out to the powers that be that the sample is stupid and idiotic. If the sample is ONLY going to include the title page and the "about the author" page, don't even have a sample, because it is just an annoying waste of time!』
(great books for pre-teens and younger teens) 『I grew up enjoying these books, now my nephew is enjoying them. Too bad they quit publishing this line of books, they were worth reading and re-reading since you decided the story line by making decisions along the way. I highly recommend these books.』
(great book!) 『my son loves these books! he likes that you can choose how the story ends and then read it again and choose a different ending. nice to have a book that can be read more than once and still be fun.』 『
Is there evil in a modern glass house built on the site of a terrible Civil War prison? You think there is. This is one case that maybe you shouldn't take. Despite your successes as a young detective, the house and its missing owner have haunted you more than any other case. Maybe this is a sign you shouldn't continue? Are there spirits and resurrected soldiers in the basement seeking revenge on their wartime enemies? Will they mistake you for the general who landed them in prison in the first place? No knowledge of American history could prepare you for what you're about to encounter now! Unimaginable dangers, including alternate worlds and half-human baboons, await you!』
Usually ships in 9 to 14 days Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (The Last Straw) 『This series of books are one of the best I've ever read in children books....My kids love them also』
(excellent for children) 『I bought this book for my 10 year old niece, who loved the book and is anxiously awaiting mor wimpy kid stories to follow.』
(Greg hits on the REAL feelings of boys and it's funny!) 『The author Jeff Kinney hits on the REAL feelings of boys! And every reader will remember many of these normal and awkward situations and laugh. This series is hysterical and satirical but in no way mean spirited. It's a great way to get boys to love reading! P.J. Duval Author of the Novels The Adventures of Nicki in Wolf Creek& The Secret Clubhouse (Adventures of Nicki) [...] The Secret Clubhouse: The Adventures of Nicki 』
(Funny Account on the Perils of Middle School) 『After reading about the Wimpy Kid series in an article on NPR's website, I decided to pick up a copy to see what it was all about. The story follows the adventures of Greg and his thoughts on day to day middle school life. His two brothers primarily offer annoyance to his daily existence. He and his main man Rolley stick together through various trials and experiences. A running theme once Greg's mother passes laundry responsibilities to him is his refusal to wash laundry and instead increasingly wear the least dirty cloths and least undesirable clothing options. Each adventure leads the reader want to find out what the next will be. The illustrations add humor and context as well. The book is entertaining, humorous, and a quick read.』
(Another Excellent Addition to the Series!) 『I picked up the first book just after the fourth had been released and I was pleasantly surprised! I went back and purchased the second, then the third...and each time the book has been funnier than the last!
I would recommend these books to anyone who remembers middle school.』 『
The highly anticipated third book in the critically acclaimed and bestselling series takes the art of being wimpy to a whole new level.
Let’s face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg’s father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other “manly” endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father’s efforts to change him. But when Greg’s dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up . . . or get shipped out.
Greg and his family and friends, who make theDiary of a Wimpy Kidbooks a must-read for middle school readers, are back and at their best in this hilarious new installment of the series, which is sure to please current fans while attracting new ones.
Publishers Weekly-1/19/2009:
The third book in this genre-busting series is certain to enlarge Kinney’s presence on the bestseller lists, where the previous titles have taken up residence for the past two years. Kinney’s spot-on humor and winning formula of deadpan text set against cartoons are back in full force. This time, Greg starts off on New Year’s Day (he resolves to “helpotherpeople improve,” telling his mother, “I think you should work on chewing your potato chips more quietly”) and ends with summer vacation. As he fends off his father’s attempts to make him more of a man (the threat of military school looms), Greg’s hapless adventures include handing out anonymous valentines expressing his true feelings (“Dear James, You smell”), attempting to impress his classmate Holly and single-handedly wrecking his soccer team’s perfect season. Kinney allows himself some insider humor as well, with Greg noting the “racket” children’s book authors have going. “All you have to do is make up a character with a snappy name, and then make sure the character learns a lesson at the end of the book.” Greg, self-centered as ever, may be the exception proving that rule. Ages 8–12.(Jan.)
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