General Books - Page 12

The Best and the Brightest

David Halberstam

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Subjects -> History -> Americas -> United States -> 20th Century -> 1945 - Present
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Subjects -> History -> Asia -> Vietnam -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 59 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

History repeating itself 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I read this book for the first time over ten years ago and returned to it for the bitter relevancy it has as I reflect on our situation in Iraq today.

Editorial Review:

"A rich, entertaining, and profound reading experience." -- The New York Times
"[The] most comprehensive saga of how America became involved in Vietnam. It is also the Iliad of the American empire and the Odyssey of this nation's search for its idealistic soul. THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST is almost like watching an Alfred Hitchcock thriller." -- The Boston Globe
"Deeply moving . . . We cannot help but feel the compelling power of this narrative . . . . Dramatic and tragic, a chain of events overwhelming in their force, a distant war embodying illusions and myths, terror and violence, confusions and courage, blindness, pride, and arrogance." -- Los Angeles Times
"Most impressive, superb -- perceptive, literary, multidimensional." -- The New York Times Book Review
"A story which every American should read." -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Angela's Ashes

Frank McCourt

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Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Ethnic & National -> Irish
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Ethnic & National -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1832 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"When I look back on my childhood I wonder how I managed to survive at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood."

So begins the luminous memoir of Frank McCourt, born in Depression-era Brooklyn to recent Irish immigrants and raised in the slums of Limerick, Ireland. Frank's mother, Angela, has no money to feed the children since Frank's father, Malachy, rarely works, and when he does he drinks his wages. Yet Malachy-- exasperating, irresponsible and beguiling-- does nurture in Frank an appetite for the one thing he can provide: a story. Frank lives for his father's tales of Cuchulain, who saved Ireland, and of the Angel on the Seventh Step, who brings his mother babies.

Perhaps it is story that accounts for Frank's survival. Wearing rags for diapers, begging a pig's head for Christmas dinner and gathering coal from the roadside to light a fire, Frank endures poverty, near-starvation and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors--yet lives to tell his tale with eloquence, exuberance and remarkable forgiveness.

Angela's Ashes, imbued on every page with Frank McCourt's astounding humor and compassion, is a glorious book that bears all the marks of a classic.

Discipline & Punish: The Birth of the Prison

Michel Foucault

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Well researched, controversial book 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is one of Michel Foucault's most accessible books (though still pretty heavy going). If in Madness and Civilization, Foucault analyzed the birth of insane asylums and in The Birth of the Clinic the birth of the hospital, in Discipline and Punish, it's the turn of the prisons. The book starts with a gruesome description of the public drawing and quartering of failed regicide Damiens in 1757. Then he goes on to quote a benign prison system of the 1830s. What changed between the two dates? While other authors would consider the birth of modern imprisonment as a triumph of progressive ideals (in comparison with what went on before), Foucault saw this instead as one aspect of increasing social and political control. While greatly researched, one immediately asks itself what Foucault wanted? Did he care about any improvement in the social conditions of prisoners? Or did he believed we should do with prisons altogether? And in which case, what about dangerous criminals? I think Foucault never wanted to answer these questions. I think it's telling that towards the end of his life (after this book was written) Foucault was a fan of the repressive and theocratic regime of Khomeini in Iran. In this, he was similar to those communist intellectuals in the West who criticized failings in their own countries but overlook much worse abuses (and crimes) in the Soviet Union. Another quibble is that the book is so French-centric (with some analysis of developments in England): he takes the evolution of imprisonment in France as an indication of the whole world.

Editorial Review:

In this brilliant work, the most influential philosopher since Sartre suggests that such vaunted reforms as the abolition of torture and the emergence of the modern penitentiary have merely shifted the focus of punishment from the prisoner's body to his soul.

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art

Don Thompson

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Popular Culture

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark delves into the economics and psychology of the contemporary art world – artists, dealers, auction houses, and wealthy collectors. If it’s true – as so often said – that 85 percent of new contemporary art is bad, why were record prices achieved at auction for works by 131 contemporary artists in 2006 alone, with astonishing new heights reached in 2007? The $12 Million Stuffed Shark explores money, lust, and the self-aggrandizement of possession in an attempt to determine what makes a particular work of art valuable while others are ignored.

In the style of the bestselling Freakonomics, Thompson uses economic concepts to explain the unique practices employed, to great success, in the international contemporary art market. He discusses branding and marketing and how various strategies are tailored to a wealthy clientele, driving a "must-have" culture. Drawing on exclusive interviews with both past and present executives of auction houses and art dealerships, artists, and the buyers who move the market, Thompson launches the reader on a surprising journey of discovery.

A Smart Girls Guide To Sticky Situations: How To Tackle Tricky, Icky Problems And Tough Times (American Girl (Hardcover Unnumbered))

Nancy Holyoke

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Social Science -> Sociology

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good sense! Don't leave home without it! 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

A Smart Girl's Guide to Sticky Situations is an absolutely wonderful book for preteens about some of the weird situations that people of any age can find themselves in. With very appealingly silly illustrations, the book covers the expected items like flunking a test, not getting picked for a team, looking goofy in photos, etc.

However, there are some serious situations that are beautifully handled. For example, information about what to do if you are separated from your family in the city could save a child's life. Knowing how to handle false accusations could save a child's sanity!

Little sidebars called "Disaster Blasters" provide information to prevent all manner of inconvenience, embarrassment and grief! While some reviewers have stated that this is merely a compilation of common sense, keep in mind that maturity comes with age and experience, and this book is aimed at a very young audience.

I really do wish that I had this book, myself, many years ago, and I highly recommend it for any young lady in your family circle.

Wise Women: A Celebration of Their Insights, Courage, and Beauty

Joyce Tenneson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

truely beautiful! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book tells you that aging is not losing but evolving. The beauty of youth will fade and the center of being reveals as we age. "At a certain point, one gets the face one deserves" is so true. Great gift for your friends.

Editorial Review:

In ancient times older women were the keepers of primal mysteries and were revered for their special wisdom. Today our culture is reawakening to the power of our elders and there is a new interest in this important part of the life cycle. For this book, Joyce Tenneson travelled throughout America to photograph and interview women aged 65 to 100. She found women who were vital, energetic and beautiful inside and out. Many confided in her that they had never been happier or as in touch with their inner self. The 80 portraits presented in the book are of women from all walks of life, from the famous, such as Sandra Day O'Connor, Julie Harris, Lily Tomlin, Jessica Tandy, Lauren Bacall and Angela Lansbury, to the familiar - mothers and grandmothers. Tenneson's portraits are each accompanied by short, poignant statements by these women about their experience of ageing.

Five Love Languages for Singles

Gary D. Chapman

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Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Christian Living -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Insightful 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I enjoyed the book. It was light, easy to read, apply, and understand. I plan to use it for all relationships in the future

Tiffiney R. Bradley
Author of Shine and Inspirations

A must read! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I learned about "The Five Love Languages" from a former coworker who found it incredibly helpful in his marriage. Not being married myself, I purchased this version for singles.

I have recommed this book (or the original) to just about everyone I know and a many I don't!

The concepts are so simple but yet profound. Understanding the primary love languages of my friends, family and even coworkers has been very helpful and has strengthened our relationships.

The only negative feedback I would give is in regards to the Physical Touch chapter... it isn't until then that you truly realize this is a Christian book! I deeply respect Mr. Chapman but think he should know that people have pre-marital sex and it is not a sin! Aside from that, this (or the original) is a MUST READ!!!

Editorial Review:

Gary Chapman first penned the best-selling The Five Love Languages more than ten years ago. The core message has hit home with over 3 million people as it focuses on humanity's deepest emotional need: the need to 'feel' loved. This need is felt by married and singles alike. Dr. Chapman now tackles the unique circumstances that singles face, and integrates how the same five love languages apply in their relationships. For example, in a business environment, when and how is physical touch appropriate? Take the love language test included.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Studio Book) (Studio Book)

Walt Disney

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Snow White by Don Williams 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

-Good book. Very original. I loved all 7 dwarfs. An emotional children book. Recommend for first readers, especially young girls.

Snow White done right.. 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Since this is a book taken from Disney's film version, I can see where much change was made. The illustrations are beautiful, more colorful, brighter than the original film. Everything seems to be in order: from the Evil Queen sending the huntsman to kill Snow White (he was unsuccessful) to the Queen transforming into the old witch, handing the apple to Snow White and the dwarves taking care of her until the Prince comes and kisses her awake. Lovely little tale. We read it on a nightly basis at our home. My two year old fancies himself a dwarf..Happy.

A Tradition Continued 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I read this to our son, sadly, after he "out grew" these books, they were passed on. Happily, after searching all over I found these treasures on Amazon and now have a new collection for our beautiful grand daughter to enjoy.

Editorial Review:

The classic fairy tale is illustrated with more than 400 original drawings, sketches, and paintings, used in preparing the 1937 film. Also included is a history of the creation of this, Disney's first full-length animated feature.

Boundaries in Dating: Making Dating Work

Henry Cloud, John Townsend

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 48 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

For those dating or not, great book to learn from... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book definitely keeps things in perspective. As a twentysomething, we get caught up in emotions and the physical not really seeing the whole picture. Boundaries in Dating is a great tool and reference when determining if the potential mate is someone to move forward with or run far from! A "Must Read" for you and/or great info to share with others.

Incredible Book--Don't let the religion scare you off! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is the most amazing book. These guys combine so much practical wisdom, so much insight into relationships. The idea that I should be sharing my opinions, preferences, likes--whether in music, politics, clothing, whatever ... the idea that I should be sharing this directly with someone as part of defining my boundaries is simply revolutionary to me.


Somewhere along the way, I started holding back on my opinions and preferences when meeting new people. That creates two problems: one, people do not get to see or get to know who I am, what I really like, what I don't like. So I am stifling myself, keeping folks at a distance. Two, others who want to find me (who like my preferences, etc. or who simply want to know me better) can get this information more quickly when I share it early on. There's so many other insights here about wisely choosing partners, about assuming responsibility for your relationships.

I'm going to read more of these guys' books.

One note--I delayed reading this book because of the Christianity. When I finally picked it up and gave it fair reading, I saw that the Christianity is extremely ecumenical and open. The authors quote passages from the Bible in ways that reinforce common sense and common insights from psychology and psychotherapy and relationships. No guilt or judgmental thing going on ... If you're not Christian, I think you still might like this book.

I am eager to begin to practice some of this stuff.

Editorial Review:

Boundaries in Dating provides a way to think, solve problems, and enjoy the benefits of dating in the fullest way, including increasing the ability to find and commit to a marriage partner. Read by the authors.

Orientalism

Edward W. Said

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 70 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Said too much..? 2 out of 5 stars.
9 of 16 people found this review helpful.

Drawing upon the work of Michel Foucault, Edward Said claims that Western ideas of the `Orient' are not based upon objective facts but are created through academic and cultural `discourses' which serve to promote Western imperialism - often despite `liberal' intentions.

This mythical `East' is the antithesis of the West, a negative or inversion of the 'Occident' which is used to define *both* in binary opposition to each other, and to facilitate the political and domination of the East.

However in order to demonstrate the existence of this `Orientalism' Said falls back on an equally stereotypical and monolithic `West' which he constructs entirely from the carefully selected writings of a handful of 19th Century middle-class, white, male English and French authors.

This tactic not only ignores or misrepresents a large body of Western authors sympathetic to the East and sensitive to differences within it, but also glosses over Western heterogenities of class, race, sex, religion and generation in order to manufacture a homogenous `Occident' devoid of differences.

Said is as guilty of *Occidentalism* as those he criticises are of *Orientalism*.

Said fails to provide any evidence that the `West' defines itself in binary opposition to a mythical `East' that Western scholars have created for just this purpose; he simply *manufactures* the kind of `West' necessary to explain the myths about the `East' that he himself has constructed from a very limited number of Western sources.

He has created his own mythical `East' *and* `West' from a small number of literary texts which he then projects onto others and thinks he has *discovered* rather than *invented*.

Editorial Review:

The noted critic and a Palestinian now teaching at Columbia University,examines the way in which the West observes the Arabs.