price：$16.74
Little, Brown and Company
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Excellent book leaves more to be desired) 『This is truly an excellent book from an excellent writer. However, this book is a far cry from teaching you how to can benefit from such thinking. On top of that, enough with the commentary already, where are the practical tools that can teach us effective economic thinking summarized in a one-to-ten bullet points list? The reason for it is that if you truly want to learn how to make money in this world you either need Ivy League degree, amazing business savvy or need to read the works of Toby Crabel, Linda Rasche - professional futures/stock traders that make living trading the market daily. Their books are very expensive because they do not write for a living, but trade for a living. I had to go find them on Ebay or Amazon. However, their writing is more focused on the techniques and ways to profit and trade any security, any time. Being very successful in this space myself, it takes a real book from a real trader these days to impress me. The reason i gave it 2 stars, is because the author has set the bar so high already, it would take another incredible book (like the first one he released) to give him a top ranking.』
(I'm not quite sure I saw it, though) 『What the Dog Saw (Audio) by Malcolm Gladwell Genre: Non-fiction Rating: 3/5
What the dog saw tells some interesting stories and gives details about things that you never thought about, and probably never wanted to know. It was entertaining but a little silly when you get right down to it. I mean, do I really want to know the in depth process for making the perfect tomato sauce? No, not really.
It was a bit hard to listen to this for more than 45 minutes at a time, and I would recommend listening to one "story" at a time so that you don't get overwhelmed.
The writing was clear but not flowery or over descriptive, and it was read by the author who did a great job, but read without much enthusiasm or inflection, making it difficult to listen to for too long.
Recommendation: Ages 12+. I would think that the people who would enjoy this most would be Journalists, History lovers, or anyone on a long car ride. 』
(Like a provocative comedian, Gladwell chooses familiar rocks) 『Gladwell's subject matter is intentionally, wildly far flung. In addition, one story will go micro and the next will go macro. He revels in the swing. Like a provocative comedian, Gladwell chooses familiar rocks and then breaks them open for the pay off. He exposes the human motivations and the surrounding group dynamics that contribute to any number of calamities. As a premier American Social Scientist, Gladwell is many things; part intuitive savant, part psychologist and sociologist and part investigative interrogator. Above all these gifts, Gladwell is an excellent story teller. He often tackles huge and complex topics with simple unflappable logic. Gladwell's patented "reveal" is his franchise trademark. First he presents an interesting dynamic or problem. He then presents a second, seemingly unrelated problem. Gladwell toggles between the two stories and rolls them out on two long converging lines, logically inching them forward, step-by-step. At the end of each essay, there is a single resolve with an implicit social commentary, (`... the teacher's have an NFL quarterback problem"). He often concedes that knowing the logical answer won't necessarily change the next inevitable outcome. So rest assured, due to our own human nature, curious Mr. Gladwell will never run short of flamboyant material.』
(If you don't need the actual physical book...) 『Not a review so much as a notice. If you don't need the actual book itself, you should know that all of these pieces are available on Malcolm Gladwell's website for free.』
(Enough already, Gladwell Groupies) 『As I walked into my local Borders, I cast a casual glance at the New Book section and caught a glimpse of Gladwell's new "Messianic Verses". With a copy of his penultimate book "Outliers" still fresh on my shelf, I eagerly grabbed "What the Dog Saw" and sat down to a cup of Seattles Best coffee.
As I got about halfway through the Ron Popeil chapter, I muttered, "wait a minute", had I picked a biography in error? I moved on to the Nassim Taleb chapter which was a bit more interesting, perhaps owing to my specific interest in the subject (I work in Finance).
I began flipping through the book in near frustration trying to catch anything that would excite my intellect (as the prior books had). Nothing!! I gently closed the book and quietly slipped out of the bookstore to avoid that funny "you freeloader" look form the store clerks.
I came home and went right to Amazon reviews to guage reactions on the book. I have to say on reading the reviews, every doubt I may harbor about a notional "Cult of Gladwell" has been buried. That anyone can compare this to his prior works, or offer a full-throated recommendation, is a mystery to me - unless of course this board is infested with "shills" planted by Gladwell's publisher.
As to recommendation, my position ought to be evident.
Okey』 『What is the difference between choking and panicking? Why are there dozens of varieties of mustard-but only one variety of ketchup? What do football players teach us about how to hire teachers? What does hair dye tell us about the history of the 20thcentury?
In the past decade, Malcolm Gladwell has written three books that have radically changed how we understand our world and ourselves:The Tipping Point;Blink; andOutliers.Now, inWhat the Dog Saw, he brings together, for the first time, the best of his writing fromTheNew Yorkerover the same period.
Here is the bittersweet tale of the inventor of the birth control pill, and the dazzling inventions of the pasta sauce pioneer Howard Moscowitz. Gladwell sits with Ron Popeil, the king of the American kitchen, as he sells rotisserie ovens, and divines the secrets of Cesar Millan, the "dog whisperer" who can calm savage animals with the touch of his hand. He explores intelligence tests and ethnic profiling and "hindsight bias" and why it was that everyone in Silicon Valley once tripped over themselves to hire the same college graduate.
"Good writing," Gladwell says in his preface, "does not succeed or fail on the strength of its ability to persuade. It succeeds or fails on the strength of its ability to engage you, to make you think, to give you a glimpse into someone else's head."What the Dog Sawis yet another example of the buoyant spirit and unflagging curiosity that have made Malcolm Gladwell our most brilliant investigator of the hidden extraordinary.
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.』 『
In these twelve intriguing stories, Sherlock Homes and his trusty friend Dr. Watson solve crimes amid the sinister and foggy streets of Victorian London.
"Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dwell." -- Sherlock Holmes inThe Adventure of the Copper Beeches』
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.』 『This is an Intermediate Level story in a series of ELT readers comprising a wide range of titles - some original and some simplified - from modern and classic novels, and designed to appeal to all age-groups, tastes and cultures. The books are divided into five levels: Starter Level, with about 300 basic words; Beginner Level (600 basic words); Elementary Level (1100); Intermediate Level (1600); and Upper Level (2200). Some of the titles are also available on cassette.』 『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 (A Classic Resource for the Serious Bible Student) 『In addition to the Bible , the four basic key aids for study are a bible atlas, bible dictionary, concordance, and last but not least a good handbook. After some research, it was clear that Halley's was far and away the most revered and trusted. I found most useful the background and history of biblical people and events that which have made the scriptures come alive. I am amazed how he packed so much information in this relatively small volume. Highly Recommended.』
(Caused Kindle 2 to Freeze Up) 『A 1 star rating may not be fair as I didn't get to enjoy the handbook because it caused my Kindle 2 to freeze up.』
(Priceless!) 『I bought this handbook trough Amazon about two years ago. Ever since, it's on my desk (together with my "Old Scofield" and some other Dutch books) and i use it a lot when preparing Bible studies, articles for my online bible course and an occasional sermon.
The information in this book is sometimes really stunning, i've read about things i've never heard about before! I've been checking lots of it on the internet (always check and double check!), found new and additional information on subjects and in at least 95% of the cases the archeological information in this book is still very up to date and accurate. I've recommanded it to many people in the past two years.
Personally i believe that every student of the Bible should own a copy of this book. Even if some of the information seems to be outdated or is outdated, Halley puts you on the right track. It's a pitty books llike this are not available in our language..』
(really useful) 『I got this when I graduated from high school, and still have it on my shelf. What a fantastically useful book this is.』
(Great addition to anyone's study library) 『This is one we each should have. The depth and breadth of the information is awesome. Admittedly, everyone won't agree with all the thelogical/doctrinal assertions of the book. That said, it is well written, and does not use hidden meanings or disguise it's positions. The archeology and history are excellent and the instructions on conducting church are indispensible. You won't be disappointed with this book.』 『This CD-ROM contains Halley's Bible Handbook, the NIV and KJV Bibles, color maps, and illustrations. The CD-ROM version brings the benefits of this concise reference tool easy access.』
price：$9.54
Gallup Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Goof buy, good investment!) 『Great book! Definitely a must read for people wanting to change career or even their personal lifestyle!』
(Too generic, too vague) 『I got this book from a colleague, who really wanted me to take the online test. So I entered the code from the book and answered the 180 or so questions, only to find the results to be rather useless.
The questions are of the "strongly agree-disagree" type, which is fine as long as you have a real choice. But frequently the opposites were no true opposites at all; a lot of them were rewordings of the same answer, defeating their purpose.
After filling in the test I received a top-5 of my strengths, which lean heavily on the "Barnum-effect", i.e. most people with vastly differing backgrounds will still be able to recognize themselves in the statements. This is heightened by the extremely optimistic wording; who wouldn't like to be told they are smart, critical, hard-working or creative? In that it highly resembles other personality-assessment methods, such as Myers-Briggs or Enneagrams, which are similarly vague and unhelpful.
I read some of the other descriptions in the book and found that a lot of them fit me even better than the five I got. I especially wonder why "analytical" is not in my top-5, since I am well-known for my tendency to debunk arguments, always trying to find the truth behind statements--much as I am doing right now.
The worst part, of course, is that you have to cough up $550 to get the results of the other 29 strengths, which labels this whole operation as a scheme to lift your purse.
In short: don't waste your time and money.
』
(Strengthfinder is excellent) 『Over 120 people in our church have used this. It has been an eye opener for so many. Really really helpful for people to discover, name and work with their talents. Very simple to use.』
(Great for Self Awareness) 『This book is fantastic if you have been wondering about where to focus attention in your life. If you have ever wondered what your real strengths are, this will get you there and show you steps on how to improve and focus on those things.』
(Strengths Finder 2.0) 『The book was fine.........the problem was there was an access code needed to use the book. It was not included....not a very good way to do business.........Dan Smith 206 322-0617』 『
DO YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT YOU DO BEST EVERY DAY?
Chances are, you don't. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.
To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in the 2001 management book Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book spent more than five years on the bestseller lists and ignited a global conversation, while StrengthsFinder helped millions to discover their top five talents.
In its latest national bestseller, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup unveils the new and improved version of its popular assessment, language of 34 themes, and much more (see below for details). While you can read this book in one sitting, you'll use it as a reference for decades.
Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book and accompanying website will change the way you look at yourself -- and the world around you -- forever.
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN THE NEW&UPGRADED EDITION OF STRENGTHSFINDER 2.0 (using the unique access code included with each book)
* A new and upgraded edition of the StrengthsFinder assessment
* A personalized Strengths Discovery and Action-Planning Guide for applying your strengths in the next week, month, and year
* A more customized version of your top five theme report
* 50 Ideas for Action (10 strategies for building on each of your top five themes)
* The more user-friendly StrengthsFinder 2.0 companion website, with a strengths community area, library of downloadable discussion guides and activities, a strengths screensaver, and a program for creating display cards of your top five themes--
price：$5.99
Bantam Classics
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A true visionary) 『I found this book interesting and wonder why I never read it before now. As an adult, I find found Jules Verne to be an amazing author - way ahead of his time. This book made me want to read more of Verne.』
(don't buy it) 『It's just a remake-get at the library, the real thing or support a current author...』
(Great aid to the real story.) 『We are reading the unabridged version to the kids and this is an indespensible aid for understanding the descriptive story. The pictures are great and very accurate to the descriptions. Historical notes put the story in context of when it was written (i.e. marvels at an electric engine, extant knowledge of sea life, predictions about underwater scuba gear). The kids can follow along in this while I read and the text is very close. I heartily recommend it as a reading aid.』
(Volume changes, two tapes not understandable) 『I was hoping to introduce my teens to Jules Verne while traveling; so, I ordered the audio cassettes. However, on most of the tapes, the volume would suddenly go down to be almost inaudible. The quality of two of the cassettes was so bad that only about 1/4 of the tape could be understood.』
(A wonderful sea story.) 『What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said? There's a reason why it's a classic and why Jules Verne is still relevant after over one hundred years, he wrote some darn good stories! Every school child should read this book.』 『Three survivors of a shipwreck live to see the incredible submarine of Captain Nemo take revenge on all society.』
price：$9.95
Ags Classic Short Stories
Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Muscular fiction at its best!) 『When a foul-tempered old sailor, takes up residence at his parents' inn, young Jim Hawkins little realizes that the man is on the run. But, when the Captain dies with a group of pirates closing in, Jim ends up with a map to a huge pirate treasure in his hands. Now, together with Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, the three find themselves a ship, and set out to find this marvelous treasure island. But there's dirty work afoot, and it will take all of Jim pluck and daring if he is going to win through to the treasure...or even just to stay alive!
Well, I have seen a number of movies based on this true classic of Western literature, but I have finally read the original story. As for me, I found it to be quite entertaining - filled with lots of danger and daring-do. I have read a lot of late 19th/early 20th century boy's book, and this one is the king of the genre. No yucky romance, indeed, little in the way of females at all. It's muscular fiction, of the sort that boys have read for many generations.
I must say that I really liked Mr. Stevenson's portrayal of the pirate life - trying to maintain order and discipline amongst a violent and highly-individualized crew, and so forth. I found the book to be very realistic, and all the more entertaining for that.
This is a great book, one that has stood the test of time and truly deserves to be called a classic. I highly recommend this book to all boys, and all men who are boys at heart! (And, to all girls who like muscular fiction!)』
(Great pirate yarn) 『I've actually never read this before, but since I could get it for free on my Kindle, I thought it was worth a try. So right! It deserves its reputation. A swashbuckling tale of intrigue and fun. Truly worth the time it took to read it.』
(Booty Isle...Arrrgh!) 『Avast, me hearties!
Capt Flint, th' most feared buccanneer on th' high sea be dead, an' Billy Bones, his first mate knows 'ere Flint buried his booty. Bones be a buccanneer who loves his rum an' when he drinks hisself t' Davy Jones' locker, 12-year-old Jim Hawkins comes upon Flint's map. Jim an' his shipmates Doctor Livsey an' Mr. Trelawny, set sail fer riches an' adventure. But shi'er me timbers, thar's treachery afoot. Long John Silver, th' one legged buccanneer wi' a heart as black as a bilge rat's belly, be plottin' a mutiny. Jim an' his shipmates must look sharp an' fight t' stay alive on Booty Isle, arrr!
[...]』
(Avast Me Hearties) 『The pirate theme has always been one of my favorite. I'm a big fan of the Goonies and Peter Pan may be my favorite Disney animation. I even enjoyed the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, the other two... not so much. The pirate genre didn't start with Robert Lewis Stevenson's classic novel but his is probably the most influential. Treasure Island was written in the later half of the 1800's before `Shiver Me Timbers' and `Pieces of Eight' became overused pirate phrases and `Dead Man's Chest' became the traditional anthem of movie pirates.
It isn't a deep engaging story that makes Treasure Island such a classic. Quite frankly it's a pretty straight forward tale involving a treasure hunt and a mutineering crew of pirates. What makes this story a classic is in the storytelling and Mr. Stevenson makes it seem effortless. When I read books of lesser quality I can sense the author chiseling out the words rather than letting them flow. Books shouldn't feel crafted they should immerse the reader to the point where you forget there's even an author behind the story. Movie scripts are particularly egregious in trying to pound out a catch phrase to stick in the audiences mind but I see it in books also. Without even trying Stevenson created or popularized half a dozen or more sayings that have survived for over a century. With Long John Silver he essentially created the pirate template that has been used endlessly from Captain Barbossa to Spongebob Squarepants', Patchy the Pirate. Just don't blame Stevenson for the fact that John Stevens has become a cliché.
Young Bill Hawkins is the main protagonist in the story but Long John Silver steals the show. Silver is a wonderful multi-faceted anti-hero that you can't help but root for by the end of the book. This is the kind of book anyone can read but the target audience is probably teen and preteen boys. In fact it is probably the quintessential example of a book that targets young males, a genre that has essentially withered away from its hay day in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Perhaps books like this could inspire younger male audiences to read more than just comic books and video games cheat codes (not that there is anything at all wrong with either pastime). Let me reiterate that if you are not young or male I still recommend this fantastic book. Treasure Island is definitely a story that exceeded my expectations and lives up to the title of classic.』
(treasure island is treasure!) 『I really liked treasure island but their is one thing: it's not a book for four year olds. it has a lot of people dieing an d getting injured in that book. I would say you could give treasure island to a 6-13 year olds. enjoy!』 『When former pirate Billy Bones leaves an old sea chest and an ancient treasure map at the Admiral Benbow Inn, young Jim Hawkins embarks on a treasure-hunting adventure that takes him to the South Seas.』 『Climb aboard for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime.Treasure Islandhas enthralled (and caused slight seasickness) for decades. The names Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins are destined to remain pieces of folklore for as long as children want to read Robert Louis Stevenson's most famous book. With it's dastardly plot and motley crew of rogues and villains, it seems unlikely that children will ever say no to this timeless classic.--Naomi Gesinger』
price：$15.45
Guinness World Records
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Another entry in this fascinating annual series!) 『Each year, I eagerly await the arrival of the updated "Guinness World Records." Indeed, it seems to get a bit wilder each year, as new (and sometimes wacky) records are reported. The rules as to what qualifies as a record are laid out (as they are each year). The fun begins even just by randomly leafing through pages (my favorite way of perusing these volumes).
The first page begins with "Firsts," such as the first cloned animal (Remember her name? Dolly!); the first in-flight movie (in 1925); the first e-mail; and so on. Some random entries. . . Pages 36-37: the most productive copper mine; the highest active volcano; the longest column of ants (a 328 foot long procession of army ants); the narrowest country. Pages 52-53: the newest Iguana; the most endangered reptile; the largest snake of all time.
But it's really the human achievements, I think, that intrigue most people. Among these (pages 76 and following): the farthest washing machine throw by an individual (a hair over 11 feet); heaviest vehicle pulled by hair (count me out in trying to match this feat!); longest waterfall descent in a canoe; greatest distance covered in a pedal-powered boat; circumnavigation of the globe on a bicycle).
The volume is organized by a number of overarching categories--Space, Planet Earth, Animal Planet, The Body, Human Achievements, Travelers' Tales, Gazetteer, Modern World, Engineering&Technology, Art&Media, and Sports.
A couple examples from a few of these categories to add some flavor. Engineering&Technology: tallest structure, first manned hydrogen-powered aircraft, largest machine ever built, highest capacity chicken manure station (on page 185; this isn't a joke!). Art&Media: fastest-selling download single; most effects shots in a movie; first film with digital water ("Antz"). Sports: Highest pole vault (female), most beach handball championships (female), most centuries in a test series (cricket; I'm clueless), fastest shot in NHL history (hockey), fastest 100 meter dash (male), and so on.
So, the preceding examples give a sense of the book for those who have never looked at it. For those who have? You'll know what you're getting. This won't be for everyone, but for those who like real records and quirky records alike, this is hours of amusement (and amazement). 』
(Delighted Grandson) 『Fun reading for my ten year old grandson and as you know reading is fundamental so sparking a child's interest is very important. Thank you for offering this at such a reasonable price with free shipping.』
(Guinness World Records Book) 『My Grandson is so happy with his book. He requested it for his birthday and he loves it!』
(Guinness record) 『I bought several copies of this book because I was in it. I had a very small section w/ my group of people but I was there. I wanted to give copies to all my relatives. I've always loved the Guinness World Record book and this one was just as "Super" as ever. It is so much fun to look thru and the pictures are really awesome. There are little surprises here&there also, like what record was made on each day of the year&what year at the bottom. There is something for everyone to be interested in. As soon as I showed everyone my picture, they were flipping thru it to see other things.』
(REVIEW: GUNINESS WORLD RECORDS 2010) 『GREAT BOOK THAT ARRIVED RIGHT ON TIME. THIS WAS A GIFT FOR AN 10 YEAR OLD WHO HAS NOW BECOME THE "FAMILY QUIZ-MASTER".
THE PHOTOS ARE BEAUTIFUL, AND, THERE IS SOMETHING IN THERE FOR ANYONE OR ANY AGE.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS A GIFT, OR FOR YOURSELF.』 『Guinness World Records 2010 continues to build on the intriguing, informative, inspiring and instructional records and superlatives that have made Guinness World Records one of the most famous brands and an annual best-seller around the world. Over 100 million copies have sold since the first edition was published in 1955. Nearly 4 million copies are sold every year in more than 100 countries and in 25 languages.
What's new in GWR10?...
- Free downloadable content, including videos, photographs, screensavers and interviews - 100% new photographs and fully updated records - Brilliant new "steampunk" graphic novel design - New sections and record threads celebrating the first decade of the 21st century - Top 50 Records of the Decade - Record of the Day - one for every day of the year - Unbreakable Records (those that will seemingly never be broken) - Lasts (records such as the last living survivor of the Titanic disaster, or the last known dodo) - The Name's Bond (celebrating the James Bond phenomenon) - Culture Shock (unusual rituals and festivals around the globe) - Gold (the commodity that never loses its luster) - Updated gazetteer sections covering records in all major regions of the world - Fully updated regular sections, including Space, Planet Earth, The Animal Planet, The Body, Human Achievements, Engineering and Technology, The Modern World, Arts and the Media and, of course, Sports.』
price：$10.79
Pantheon
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Read Tokyo Vice!) 『This is an amazing book. Read it. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Part memoir, part thriller, part detective story, Jake writes about his journey as a crime reporter for Japan's biggest newspaper with incredible honesty and insight. He shed light on aspects of Japan that I knew nothing about even though I have lived here for more than seven years -- the life of a Japanese reporter on the police beat, the sex industry, human trafficking, yakuza, cops, drugs and the relationships that tie them all together.
It may sound sensationalistic, but Jake does not fall into this trap. He is a gifted writer who knows Japan as few other foreigners (or Japanese for that matter) do. I am grateful that he is now sharing his powerful story with the world.』
(Gaijin with perspective) 『This is what a memoir about Japan should be: educational, entertaining, and rife with valuable, real life experience that just happened to be gained far from home. Any mention of cultural comparison is couched in humor or insight rather than the typical, self-indulgent, isolated whining one usually finds in memoirs of westerners living in Asia. Adelstein's story is a rare glimpse into a subculture most people -- Japanese or otherwise -- will never see. A great read and very highly recommended! 』
(Good despite flaws) 『I bought this book because I was drawn to the curiosity of an American becoming a newspaper reporter in Japan and in this respect the book did not disappoint. I read avidly through the first half of the book, fascinated by the details of Mr. Adelstein's experiences with the Yomiuri Shimbun, like the oddity of nightly visits to police detectives' homes and the ethical dilemma of having a Japanese police officer pay for a visit to a massage parlor.
I thought the later chapters of the book lacked clarity of purpose. Much of the author's conflict with the yakuza isn't adequately explained and casts a hysterical shadow over his credibility. That's not to say I think he's making up the loss of his junkie prostitute friend: only that he doesn't really give enough evidence to show that the Goto-gumi hate his guts as much as he claims they do. I almost feel that there's a lot of personal turmoil that the author chose not to reveal that obscured the later chapters of the book.
I think this would have been a better book if it had focused on his time at the Yomiuri Shimbun and left the Goto-gumi for another, more honest, book. However, it's still worth reading.』
(Couldn't put it down!) 『I downloaded Tokyo Vice on my Kindle on a Friday and I'm done with the book on Monday. I highly recommend the book. There are a lot of people mentioned in the book but the author does a good job of providing them with nicknames or descriptions that made it easy to keep them all straight and remember their roles and positions.
At first I thoguht it would just be another "mob book" and I'd be turned-off by the violence and bravado within a hundred pages. Instead, I found myself getting attached to the heroes of the book, especially Sekiguchi-san and Hamaya-san and realizing this isn't really a mob book but a story about honor, self-realization and that the good people of the world aren't necessarily the most successful, or respected.』
(Entertaining and informative read) 『Jake Adelstein has a very special story to tell. He worked for Japan's biggest daily newspaper as a crime reporter, which is some feat in a country where the idea of cultural and racial essentialism thrives. The book is written in a slightly hardboiled reporter style, and there are lots of small and amusing details just waiting to be noticed. Adelstein avoids the usual trappings of gaijin writing about Japan, and includes a lot of the things that every ex-pat living in Japan moans about, but in a good way. Really good book, and very recommended if you have interest in real crime stories, journalism or Japanese society.』 『From the only American journalist ever to have been admitted to the insular Tokyo Metropolitan Police press club: a unique, firsthand, revelatory look at Japanese culture from the underbelly up.
At nineteen, Jake Adelstein went to Japan in search of peace and tranquility. What he got was a life of crime . . . crime reporting, that is, at the prestigiousYomiuri Shinbun. For twelve years of eighty-hour workweeks, he covered the seedy side of Japan, where extortion, murder, human trafficking, and corruption are as familiar as ramen noodles and sake. But when his final scoop brought him face to face with Japan’s most infamousyakuzaboss—and the threat of death for him and his family—Adelstein decided to step down . . . momentarily. Then, he fought back.
InTokyo Vice, Adelstein tells the riveting, often humorous tale of his journey from an inexperienced cub reporter—who made rookie mistakes like getting into a martial-arts battle with a senior editor—to a daring, investigative journalist with a price on his head. With its vivid, visceral descriptions of crime in Japan and an exploration of the world of modern-dayyakuzathat even few Japanese ever see,Tokyo Viceis a fascination, and an education, from first to last.』 『A Q&A with Jake Adelstein
Question:What drew you to Japan in the first place, and how did you wind up going to university there?
Jake Adelstein:In high school I had many problems with anger and self-control. I had been studying Zen Buddhism and karate, and I thought Japan would be the perfect place to reinvent myself. It could be that my pointy right ear draws me toward neo-Vulcan pursuits--I don’t know.
When I got to Japan, I managed to find lodgings in a Soto Zen Buddhist temple where I lived for three years, attending zazen meditation at least once a week. I didn’t become enlightened, but I did get a better hold on myself.
Question:How did you become a journalist for the most popular Japanese-language newspaper?
Jake Adelstein:TheYomiuri Shinbunruns a standardized test, open to all college students. Many Japanese firms hire young grads this way. My friends thought that the idea of a white guy trying to pass a Japanese journalist’s exam was so impossibly quixotic that I wanted to prove them wrong. I spent an entire year eating instant ramen and studying. I managed to find the time to do it by quitting my job as an English teacher and working as a Swedish-massage therapist for three overworked Japanese women two days a week. It turned out to be a slightly sleazy gig, but it paid the bills.
There was a point when I was ready to give up studying and the application process. Then, when I was in Kabukicho on June 22, 1992, I asked a tarot fortune-telling machine for advice on my career path, and it said that with my overpowering morbid curiosity I was destined to become a journalist, a job at which I would flourish, and that fate would be on my side. I took that as a good sign. I still have the printout.
I did well enough on the initial exam to get to the interviews, and managed to stumble my way through that process and get hired. I think I was an experimental case that turned out reasonably well.
Question:How did you succeed in uncovering the underworld in a country that is famously "closed" or restricted to foreigners? Do you think people talked more openly to you because you were American?
Jake Adelstein:I think Japan is actually more open than people give it credit for. However, to get the door open, you really need to become fluent in the spoken and written language. The written language was a nightmare for me.
You’re right, though; it was mostly an advantage to be a foreigner--it made me memorable. Theyakuzaare outsiders in Japanese society, and perhaps being a fellow outsider gave us a weird kind of bond. The cops investigating theyakuzaalso tend to be oddballs. I was mentored into an early understanding and appreciation of the code of both theyakuzaand the cops. Reciprocity and honor are essential components for both.
I also think the fact that I’m too stupid to be afraid when I should be, and annoyingly persistent as well--these things didn’t help me in long-term romance, but they helped me as a crime reporter.
Question:Do you feel that investigative journalism is being threatened or aided by the expansion of the Internet and news blogs, and the closing down of many printed newspapers?
Jake Adelstein:In one sense it is being threatened because investigative journalism is rarely a solo project. It requires huge amounts of resources, capital, and time to really do one story correctly. Legal costs and FOIA documents are expensive things. The bigger the target, the greater the risk and the more money is required. The second-biggest threat to investigative journalism is crooked lawyers and corporate shills who sue as a harassment tactic. In general, it’s rather hard and time-consuming to be an army of one. It took me almost three years to break the story aboutyakuzareceiving liver transplants at UCLA on my own. The costs in financial terms were immense, and so were the losses along the way. A team of reporters could have done the work much faster, probably.
However, these things said, blogging is also a great source of news that might go unreported, or be overlooked, by the mainstream media. Twitter, too, has had an interesting impact, actually helping a journalist get out of jail in the case of James Karl Buck. We’re beginning to see kind of a public option in investigative journalism, too--such as things like ProPublica. They do an awesome job at investigative journalism, partly through donations, and they have a great web site. So the Internet is not all bad for investigative journalism, as long as we proceed with caution and forethought. At the same time, real intelligence-gathering work actually requires you to put down your cell phone and your computer and get off your ass and meet people in the real world. As odious as it may be, we have to sift through garbage, pound the pavement, and visit the scene of the crime. Not all answers can be found in front of a keyboard, or on Google, and the “it’s all in the database” mentality is the bane of reporting and often generates shoddy reporting.
The individual journalist can do great investigative work--it’s just a lot harder, and usually financially difficult to do unless you’re independently wealthy, like Bruce Wayne. Most of us don’t have the time or the resources or the luxury of holding down a day job and doing investigative journalism on the side, as a hobby.
Question:What do you hope your American audience can learn from your book?
Jake Adelstein:I think everyone will take away something different from the book. I suppose you can learn a lot about how journalism works in Japan, how the police work, and how theyakuzawork. I would also hope that people take away from the book an understanding of some of the things I really like about Japan and the Japanese, things like reciprocity, honor, loyalty, and stoic suffering. I think in Japan, I learned how important it is to keep your word, to never forget your debts--and not just the financial ones--and to make repayment in due course. Perhaps that’s what honor is all about.
There’s a word in Japanese,hanmen kyoshi, which means, more or less,“the teacher who teaches by his bad example.” At times, I’m an excellenthanmen kyoshiin the book.
Everything I’ve learned that’s important to me is in the book somewhere. I hope there’s something universal in the contents beyond just making people aware of cultural differences between the United States and Japan, or reiterating the importance and value of investigative journalism. Like a book I wouldchoose to read to my children, I hope there’s some kind of moral to it all. Maybe the real lesson is to be kind and helpful to the people you care about whenever you can, because it’s good for them, and good for you, and your time with them may be much shorter than you imagined.
price：$7.99
Pocket
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Greatest book ever for personal advancement) 『This book will help you understand how people think and how you should be dealing with people in order to live a fulfilling and successful in life.』
(a penny for my thoughts) 『paid 1 penny for this book.
best 1 penny i've spent in my entire life.
this book is amazing and completely relevant to this day.』
(Incredible Book!) 『This book is so incredible! It's a very easy read and putting these practices to work I know will change my relationships and interactions with others. I am almost done reading through the book for the first time, but then need to read each chapter again carefully, like Carnegie states to do. It is also a book that you must read every other month or so to keep the practices fresh in your mind.
I would recommend this book for all ages 16 and up....GREAT STUFF!』
(Good book) 『Good book, I would recommend it for anyone looking to make a good first impression.』
(Great classic!) 『This book stresses mainly on the psychology of people and how to interact and respond to each other. This will give you the knowledge how to improve in business relationships, improve yourself as a whole person or to manage people in general.』 『
You can go after the job you want...and get it! You can take the job you have...and improve it! You can take any situation you're in...and make it work foryou!
For over 50 years the rock-solid, time-tested advice in this book has carried thousands of now famous people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives.
Now this phenomenal book has been revised and updated to help readers achieve their maximum potential in the complex and competitive 90s!
Learn:
The six ways to make people like you
The twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking
The nine ways to change people without arousing resentment
and much, much more!』
『This grandfather of all people-skills books was first published in 1937. It was an overnight hit, eventually selling 15 million copies.How to Win Friends and Influence Peopleis just as useful today as it was when it was first published, because Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated. Financial success, Carnegie believed, is due 15 percent to professional knowledge and 85 percent to "the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people." He teaches these skills through underlying principles of dealing with people so that they feel important and appreciated. He also emphasizes fundamental techniques for handling people without making them feel manipulated. Carnegie says you can make someone want to do what you want them to by seeing the situation from the other person's point of view and "arousing in the other person an eager want." You learn how to make people like you, win people over to your way of thinking, and change people without causing offense or arousing resentment. For instance, "let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers," and "talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person." Carnegie illustrates his points with anecdotes of historical figures, leaders of the business world, and everyday folks.--Joan Price』
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Question:What drew you to Japan in the first place, and how did you wind up going to university there?