5 comments about Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters: Defending the Earth with Ultraman and Godzilla.

1. A Japanese book titled The Films of Eiji Tsuburaya has become a hard to find collectors item and for that reason I have never owned it. That indicates a level of interest which this new English language book meets very well. There are lavish illustrations and insightful text written by those who were fortunate to be able to research this topic firsthand. Pleasantly surprising is the section written by the now deceased Guy Mariner Tucker. The fact that Tsuburaya had such a hand in tokusatsu and kaiju eiga enables the writing of a book that covers multiple productions from Godzilla to Mighty Jack. Well done and well priced.



2. I been reading books on japanese monsters for many years. But I have to say this is the far by best book ever. Just seeing the never before pictues is worth the price alone. The only thing I could realy say is, if your into kaiju films. Don't be without this book.



3. Phenomenal book. Great quality, design, and content. If you have any remote appreciation for this kind of film making and monster design, this book is an absolute love letter... A must have!



4. This is a wonderful coffee-table size book that contains beautiful photos and interesting commentary. If you are a fan of Godzilla and/or Eiji Tsuburaya this is the book to get!



5. Tsuburaya Eiji was the Japanese special effects director who was behind so many monster movies that came out from Japan during the 1950s and 1960s. This is a pictorial biography of Tsuburaya Eiji that proves to be very well written and informative. I found the book to be rather insightful as the author included inserts written by men who worked with or worked under Tsuburaya Eiji during his career. The book also comes well illustrated with photographs and movie posters on almost every page as it traces the life and time of Tsuburaya Eiji's career. It was interesting to note that during World War II, he made a movie made from miniatures that showed the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was so realistic that during the initial post war period, Americans thought it was the real thing. Tsuburaya Eiji was also the man who made Godzilla what he was and creator of the Ultraman series that is still going on to this day.
   
   Overall, this book is definitely worth your time and money to read over and treasure. Tsuburaya Eiji is one of the great pioneers of motion picture industry regarding special effects and his influence help shape this industry to this day. His influence in the science fiction genre will remains pretty strong as monster movies like Cloverfield still hit our theaters and on DVD to this day. The book strongly reflects the heydays of Japanese monster movie era history and it will remind many of us, the fun and wonder these movies brought us during our younger days. And it will inform otherwise misinformed that there is more to these movies then just a "guy in the monster suit" concept.
   
   (And yes, I am writing the subject's name in Japanese style...sur name first always...Tsuburaya Eiji is the way you would address him if he was still alive today...as you would with any Japanese national.)

5 comments about Elvis and Me.

1. I first came across this book years ago at my local Library. I actually read it 2x's before I had to take it back. And I received it for a gift for Christmas one year. This has to be by far one of the best books I've read about Elvis Presley. I enjoyed it so much and I have 2 copies of it because I actually read my other one over 100x's. I'm not even kidding. Yes it's crazy but I enjoyed the book that much. If you haven't read it I recommend it highly! It's a beautiful love story it truly is. I enjoy the movie too. Although most Elvis fans don't like the movie. I like the love aspect of it and the Nostalgic clips. Check it out if you haven't watched it.
   Elvis Always!



2. Ok so I read a lot of the reviews people left when I was considering buying this book. I almost did not buy it, because of the reviews reviews. First let me say I adore Elvis, I grew up with his music, and everytime I hear his songs they put me in a good mood. So I just have to say that after reading the book I loved it!
   
   I think people are too hard on Priscilla. This book is called Elvis and me not Lets talk about me.... ggsshh come on so what if she brushed over her affairs, people want to know what Elvis was like not her. Its her side, And I really do believe they loved each other very much.
   
   Who are we to sit here and judge her or him or their bond. So yes it shows Elvis was intresting and odd..very odd but hey thats what made him him. And as for her parents... well I wouldnt agree with what they decided but I dont believe they were out to get his money!
   So go on its a good book!!!



3. Great Movie about Elvis and Pricilla. It shipped in record time and it was in terrific condition. The book shipped very fast and was also in great condition and very informative and had pictures.



4. It was definitely worth reading. But I didn't enjoy reading it. Elvis came across as a spoiled child and someone who could be cruel and heartless at times and I didn't like that at all.
   Left me with a lot of unanswered questions and doubts.



5. A piece of TRAILER TRASH WRITTEN by a piece of trailer trash. They'd laugh him right off the stage...Simon Cowell would give him a choice "review" of his "talent"....And WHY do you think a guy like Elvis would wait for someone like Priscilla? He didn't wait. He was a babe magnet. He had a whole entourage of woman drooling over him, and he's gonna "wait" for some 13 year old? Priscilla knew exactly what she needed to do to keep the guy. And it DIDN'T involve Tiddly Winks.. This book is PURE FICTION. If you expect ME or ANYONE ELSE to BELIEVE this garbage, you have some serious problems!!

5 comments about Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther than the Eye Can See: My Story.

1. Erik spoke at the American Dental Assoc. conference in Denver where my husband got the
   chance to meet him. He autographed a copy of the book "To Gray, Reach!".
   
   I happened upon it while cleaning last week and was immediately intrigued. I
   used to rock climb but have not been actively involved in the sport for a
   couple years. Anyway, I have never written to any author before but was so
   impressed with Erik's gift of story telling that I had to write. He is one
   funny dude. I laughed out loud at his adventures and dialog with his
   climibing partners. It brought back fond memories of previous climbing trips
   and the fun times I shared with my climbing buddies. I will probably never
   climb any of the seven summits but was able to enjoy expericing these climbs
   through his words.
   
   I am an Occupational Therapist and meet people everyday in my work that
   exhibit self-limiting behavior that prevents them from living full,
   enriched, healthy lives. I am going to recommend Erik's book to encourage
   others to REACH! Thanks for a great book! What a refreshing way to look at
   life...



2. This was definately an interesting book, and it kept my interest. In the midst of so many mountaineering books that are often similar, this offers a substantially different perspective. Few of us would have the skill or determination to climb even one of the seven summits. The author, however, summits four...blind. That being said, I didn't particularly care for his writing style. It seemed fragmented and did not have a lot of continuity, at times I had to reread sections to determine what he was talking about. Also, as someone else mentioned, it would have been more impressive if he had waited until he completed all seven summits before he wrote the book. Most of all, I thought the repeated sexual references did nothing to enhance the story. Whether it was referring to the computer game they played at the camp for the blind, his exchanges with the various guides, or whatever, they were really unnecessary. Repeating middle and high school dirty phrases was not impressive either. If his intention was to inspire and impress us with his mountaineering feats, then those references did not help his cause.



3. I saw Erik speak last year and received a copy of this book. It sat on my bookshelf for a long time until I had a chance to read it! I loved hearing his stories when I saw him speak, but the book goes much further and provides a treasure trove of great anecdotes of how he has refused to sit back and be led through life. Erik's tales weave a tapestry of courageous and compassionate acts that are an inspiration to anyone who's ever climbed a mountain or reached for a goal "because it was there". I highly recommend it!



4. I was disappointed in this book. I love to read about Everest and those who climb it, but this book was dry and too much about the authors whole life and not much about his Everest adventure.



5. About eight months ago (from the time of writing this review) my wife lost her eyesight. Knowing about Erik Weihenmayer from a Travel Channel special that included a segment about his leading the Global Explorers annual trek to Machu Picchu, I actually wrote his website in the hopes of getting someone there to give me ideas about how to help my wife enjoy the outdoors again. Little did I know I'd be hearing from Mr. Weihenmayer himself. He was truly gracious and helpful, and both he and some other folks from his site and Global Explorers suggested I give this book a look.
   
   I purchased this along with Sabriye Tenberken's "My Path Leads to Tibet." What I was hoping for was not so much the usual "inspirational" stories that make soccer moms cry when Oprah tells them to read this book but the day-to-day details that would give me insights into what my wife was experiencing and what I could do to help. "Tibet" provided some details, but didn't really cover a lot about how a person deals with losing their eyesight or what they learn about to adapt.
   
   Mr. Weihenmayer's book, however, provides a LOT of details about how he felt as he lost his sight and some decent information about how he learned t adapt. In fact, I used several of the things he mentions in his book to help my wife start adjusting. For example, he describes how his mother would make him put away the groceries that he liked (fruit, cereal, cookies, etc.) so he knew exactly where they were. On our next grocery trip, I laid out all of the foods that were mostly hers, or that she used a lot, and let her put them away. Those of us that have family and friends that have lost their eyesight, there can be a line to walk between wanting to limit their challenges as they adapt and thrusting challenges upon them so that they CAN adapt. This book provides enough insight into some of the challenges that can be helpful that it can give the reader ideas about how to help their blind friends and/or family.
   
   Likewise, Mr. Weihenmayer describes his adjustment to losing his eyesight with a combination of humor and bluntness that people who have lost their eyesight can sympathize one moment and laugh the next. I tracked down a copy on tape for my wife, and we actually listened to it while driving back and forth from the school for the blind she will be attending to learn the adaptive skills and technologies needed to get back into her career. It helped provide her with the understanding that her feelings, frustration, anger, and such were normal - that she was not the only one that had had these thoughts or moments. We're so inundated with mental pablum from the Lifetime and Hallmark channels' made-for-TV-movies about such things that many think they're supposed to face loosing their eyesight with the quiet, southern-belleesque dignity of Scarlet O'Hara or some garbage. No. There's times you want to bawl your eyes out and yell, "This sucks!!!! Why me!!?!?!!?!?" And that's okay.
   
   Mr. Weihenmayer's book helps show that such moments are perfectly normal. But he also shows how people eventually move on and learn to reclaim their lives. It should be noted, however, that the American Foundation for the Blind's credo mentions in part that, while there are exceptional people like Mr. Weihenmayer, the accomplishments of "normal" blind people are no less extraordinary. You don't have to climb Mt. Everest to be exceptional or inspirational as a blind person. Simply reclaiming your life as a human being in a world that is still rather unfriendly to blind people (seriously... you're set for life if your 400lbs and need a scooter, but you're still pretty much on your own if your blind) is no less awe-inspiring than climbing a mountain.
   
   If you know someone that has gone blind, or if you yourself have gone blind, pick up this book. Honestly I found the day-to-day details more interesting and helpful than the latter one-third that focused mostly on his climbing. But, that's because the first half to two-thirds focused more on the stuff I was actually reading it for.

5 comments about Let's Spend the Night Together: Backstage Secrets of Rock Muses and Supergroupies.

1. This book is so godawful that I'm returning it, and I rarely, if ever, return books. I ordered it hoping for a salacious, guilty-pleasure read and instead have found Ms. Des Barres' writing to be hopelessly juvenile. The carnality that made her first book so compelling and charming appears highly gratuitous and forced in this volume. The characters she "interviews' are as transparent as gauze, and about as interesting; I have serious doubts about the credibility of 90% of them. Save yourself the money and if you still absolutely must read it, borrow it from the library.



2. Pamela's book "Let's Spend the Night Together," is an engaging perspective from numerous women (and one man) of their time with rock music icons. As someone who has gone on a spiritual journey with a well-known classic rock band, but never met them, I was curious what these women would share about their experiences with rock stars.
   
   Yes, some encounters were purely physical, but many were far more involved and personal. I was surprised that several women, such as Lexa Vonn, talked about a spiritual connection with the musicians. Many commented that it was the music which they were drawn to, and that offering themselves to the guys was their way of giving back to those who had given them so much aural pleasure.
   
   Though their stories are all unique, some universal themes arose. I wanted to know what drives some girls or women to do practically anything to be with musicians? One thing came across very plainly. Many of the women had very difficult childhoods, and grew up with a strong lack of self-worth. For some, being attractive enough to be with a well-known musician gave them a sense of power and identity. It was encouraging to read about the women who eventually overcame their low self-esteem, and made positive changes in their lives.
   
   Overall, Ms. Des Barres shows the not only the erotic, but human side of being a groupie. The book is a bit long at 400 pages, and some of the stories could have been edited down somewhat, but it's a good read if you're interested in the fascinating world of supergroupies.



3. Highly recommended reading for those of us with rock and roll hearts. Pamela Des Barres takes you behind the scenes... onto the tour bus and into the hotel room... with rock superstars. Her insightful exclusive interviews are a joy to read with a guaranteed adventure on every page. Miss Pamela's selected rock muses and super groupies are truly delightful, intelligent women with beautiful spirits. The perfect follow up to her autobiography 'I'm With The Band', this book is a fascinating collection of stories for like minded, musically kindred souls. Enjoy.



4. "Let's Spend the Night Together" is like a virtual trip through the decades in rock 'n' roll. The story is told by the ladies who loved, admired and inspired some of the most celebrated and famous musicians of our time. The stories go from heartbreaking, to shocking, to truly aweinspiring. But all are honest, smart and bravely candid. I applaud all these fine ladies who were good enough to entertain us with their dazzling tales. And, thank you Miss Pamela for getting it all together for the masses to enjoy. A wonderful read, and tons of fun. Five stars!!!



5. I love Pamela Des Barres and I hate to write a negative review of anything she does, but I found this book to be mostly a dull rehash of slutty one night stand chicks who had/have no goals in life except hooking up for an hour with the bass player.
   
   I enjoyed the Q & A with Bebe Buell.
   
   Classy, groovy ladies like Patti D'Arbanville and Gail Zappa notwithstanding, sick, sick women like Sweet Connie disgusted me--sounds as if she'd blow the guy a McDonald's if he gave her a free Happy Meal. I guess we know how she'll afford her nursing home, although she looks as if she's on her way to Slut Heaven due to anorexia. I think Pamela has pretty much exhausted this topic. Move on doll!!!

5 comments about Peter, Paul and Mary Magdalene: The Followers of Jesus in History and Legend.

1. Professor Bart Ehrman has written another engaging and insightful book on early Christianity. He examines three of Jesus's most influential followers through the lens of historical perspective, the bible, and early external writings. He shows great insight in the influence each of these figures had on the history of the Western world. Did you ever think about the fact that the historical Peter had to have been an illiterate peasant who spoke Aramaic and it is impossible that he wrote perfect Greek Epistles that applied more to the later church than the 1st century? We must understand that Paul never met the historical Jesus and barely mentions any history of the real man, instead evidence points to the fact that he was the one who began the "Christ" myth. All the gospels and outside sources agree that Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the empty tomb or the risen Jesus, that makes her the first Christian and the pivot point that began the Christian religion. Buy this book for an education on these three figures and what we can really know about them and their impact on Christianity and Western Civilization. Curious minds will not be disappointed.



2. Whether one agrees with Erhman or not this is a fascinating read. He is a scholar who knows the Fundamentalist mind (with Moody Bible Institute in his background), and he takes the biblical text very seriously. He's a great writer and this book is easily accessible to the one who is not a professional.
   
   From the Introduction: "Historians do their best to reconstruct past events based on surviving evidence, but history is not an empirical science that can establish high levels of probability based on assured results obtained by repeated experimentation. History is as much art as science" (xiv).
   
   From Chapter 7: "Has there ever been a Christian figure as controversial as the apostle Paul? It was a new understanding of Paul's letters that led Martin Luther to split from the Catholic Church, leading to the Protestant Reformation and a division within Christendom that continues down to our own day. Churches of all description continue to wrangle over Paul's teaching: some insist that his writings oppose women in the ordained ministry, while others argue just the opposite. . . . Debates over Paul--and over who can claim him--are not, however, a product of the modern age: they go all the way back to New Testament times. . . " (89).
   
   Seminary students are not educated until they're read stuff like this--and not just to laugh and snicker and poke holes. Calvin Theological Seminary, where I was given the boot ("My Calvin Seminary Story") sends students out without seriously interacting with such literature. Here is a good book to seriously explore.



3. Yep we get it, its hard to figure out exactly what happened 2000 years ago. So why write a book about it?
   
   Sorry Prof., I've got to think your classes are snoozers not shockers. (but then I don't live in the bible belt.}



4. His use of the legendary counter-cultural rock group aside, there are
   very few new ideas in this book for those who have already read other Bart
   Ehrman books. He opens this work taking familiar passages from the New
   Testament, standing them next to passages from extra-biblical documents and asking, "Does the historian accept what is found in the Scripture as being historically accurate and what is found outside of it as inaccurate? On what grounds?" (Introduction, p.xiv) He rightly reminds the reader that every writer, both ancient and modern, has an agenda that must be understood if you are to correctly understand the document, "This is especially true of the early Christian Gospels." (p.10)
   
   Let me state from the outset, I like Bart Ehrman. He is an accomplished scholar; he is a good writer (I enjoy reading his work and typically read every word); and he is a charismatic lecturer (I have sat in on one of his lectures). I agree with many of Ehrman's thoughts and I especially applaud the fact that he is forcing us to think more critically about the New Testament. *sigh* Glad I got that out of the way.
   
   Ehrman challenges you to read the NT gospels "horizontally," meaning to compare stories from Mark's gospel to the same story in Matthew or Luke. His purpose is to make you see the various differences and to question which version is trustworthy. He cites a few examples to get the discussion rolling, something he does in his other books, but his objective is not just to "help" you understand better. I would recommend that a reader have some other materials in front of him when reading Ehrman, thus reading him more horizontally. He has a tendency to present data with only his desired emphasis. Yes, Bart Ehrman has an agenda.
   
   He begins with Peter. The discussion on Peter is not as potent as that on Paul and Mary Magdalene, but he does bring out the various extra-biblical documents regarding Peter which is good for anyone interested in this subject matter. Ehrman always does a good job of introducing extra-biblical works and these are the texts he uses in his study of Peter: the Gospel of Peter, the Acts of Peter, the Apocalypse of Peter, the Letter of Peter to Philip, and the Pseudo-Clementine writings. He gives a good overview of why scholars have doubted the Petrine authorship of the NT documents 1 and 2 Peter. He also does a nice job of illustrating from the early church writings why Peter should not be called the first pope, or even the first bishop of Rome. There is not much else in the section on Peter that demands comment. It is here, however, that I must offer my first scholarly critique - Ehrman consistently points to his other works in footnotes without any explanation. I realize these works are meant for a popular audience and not to be academic writings, but he could do a better job here. For example, Ehrman makes it clear that he believes the sermons of Peter contained in NT Acts are basically nothing more than the author of Acts putting forth his own views in the mouth of Peter. (pp.66-67) This is a text-critical statement, highly relevant in the overall thesis of this book. Yet rather than give the reader some explanation, some supporting data for this extremely important point, Ehrman points you to another of his books on the New Testament in the first footnote.
   
   [If you follow that footnote (I do not yet own that particular Ehrman text) you will likely find that he is referring to a famous passage of the fourth century Greek historian, Thucydides, in his "History of the Peloponnesian War," where he states that he will do his best in the lengthy speeches he records to give the reader the gist of what was said, but that he obviously cannot remember every detail word for word. Most biblical scholars believe that the author of NT Acts does this in the sermons recorded. Fine. But if Luke is the author he would not have been present for Peter's early sermons. It would do the reader good to know that the Greek in the early portions of NT Acts, especially the sermons, is quite different from the Greek in the latter part of Acts where the author is supposedly giving an eye witness account. The early sermons contain Aramaisms, phrases in Greek that are obviously translations of Aramaic. Luke's presentation in the early chapters of Acts most likely comes from early Aramaic sources. Ehrman knows this, or least is familiar with the theory, but has decided not to acknowledge it. As he argues, Peter is supposedly illiterate and it is likely that he
   only spoke Aramaic - any writing attributed to Peter (all we have is in Greek) is likely to have been written by someone else, maybe Peter's personal scribe. Ehrman gives a good account of this in chapter one, then does an excellent job in chapter six, showing that it is highly unlikely for Peter to have written any document with his own hand. I laughed out loud in my study while reading his humorous sarcasm on page 76 - good stuff.]
   
   The section on Paul opens in typical Ehrman style, showing how the three accounts of Paul's conversion in NT Acts have differences. Similar to the empty tomb accounts there are differences, yet the basic thrust of the story is the same: Paul is on the road and has a phenomenal (supernatural) encounter with the risen Jesus, and somehow this is witnessed by his traveling companions. Ehrman points out several items to illustrate that "Luke doesn't have the details right." (p.97) Ehrman cites examples that are disputed by other scholars, but he fails to mention this even in a footnote.
   
   On page 98 he points to the sermon recorded in Acts 17 - Paul is speaking to philosophers and says that God has overlooked their ignorance. Ehrman says that Paul would have never said this, pointing to Romans 1: "Would he preach the opposite of what he believed?" Ehrman knows that in Romans 1 Paul is referring to those who "oppose" or "suppress" the truth and in Romans 2 Paul sounds very much like the "Lukan" message in Acts 17. He knows this - he just ignores it.
   
   Another example is his treatment of the death of Jesus (pp.143-144). According to Ehrman, Luke portrays Jesus as wrongly put to death, a miscarriage of justice that leads men to feel guilty, which should then lead them to repentance and forgiveness. Paul, on the other hand, views the death of Jesus as necessary, as an atonement. While I basically agree with this argument, Paul makes statements very similar to those made in the Acts sermons about the death of Jesus (1 Thess. 2:14; 1 Cor. 2:8). My point here is that Ehrman finds problems where there might NOT be any problem.
   
   Having pointed out a few places of disagreement, let me say that Ehrman's discussion on Paul is very good. There are many places where he sounds much like N.T. Wright, but many of these ideas are not new. He never references Wright, but then again, I have never seen Wright reference Ehrman (I have not read more than a couple works of either author).
   
   The section on Mary Magdalene, in my opinion, is the best part of this
   book. Ehrman shines brightest not when offering his take on New Testament passages, but when he discusses Gnostic writings. He reminds (or informs) the reader that "not much is said" about Mary in the earliest source documents. (pp.185-187) Mary Magdalene appears more frequently, and with more fantastic flare, as we move further away from the first century - Ehrman's presentation of this is excellent. (pp.248-249) What Ehrman succeeds in doing with this examination of the various Gnostic writings, contrasted with the NT documents, is to illustrate the struggle the early church had with the questions of gender, sexual relationships, and leadership.
   
   Indeed, the early church leaders struggled with many issues as this new understanding of spirituality challenged old ideas of race, class, gender, and nationality. How difficult it must have been during the first century to understand (and apply) Paul's radical statement, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal.3:28) There were bound to be disagreements and struggles!
   
   But let's not invent problems. Ehrman is obviously a proponent of gender equality - he makes equality statements throughout the book. Fine, but he basically accuses Gregory the Great of misogyny (pp.190-192) when he comments on Gregory's homily regarding the anointing of Jesus by the sinful woman. Gregory assumes this woman to be Mary Magdalene. Ehrman finds fault with Gregory's application of this text and states, "The only redeeming feature of her body is when it turns from its dangerous acts (dangerous, that is, to the men concerned) and falls to the feet of the man Jesus in repentance and sorrow. It is the sorrowful penitent who is acceptable; that is the kind of woman these texts seek." (p.192) Yes, Gregory is encouraging his hearers to be sorrowful in penitence, even to the point of falling on their knees...but not just women! In Luke 5:8 Peter does the same thing, falling at the feet of Jesus and saying, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" I am sure Gregory would have the same view of Peter's response.
   
   In the end, I do like Ehrman's challenge to bible-believing Christians to re-examine biblical texts. Faith does not rest on the text, but on the resurrection of Jesus. It is also good to consider the message of various Gnostic writings. There were indeed reasons for many of the ancient documents to be rejected by the early church. Ehrman's examination of some of these extra-biblical documents helps to shed light on why many of these did not garner a significant following and were rejected.
   
   R.A. Baker
   Ph.D., Ecclesiastical History



5. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the apostles and the New Testament will find this very interesting and an easy read.

5 comments about Runnin' Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

1. If you want to know more about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, buy this book. Great pictures and JUST GREAT STUFF ABOUT HIM.



2. i really enjoyed this book. it's a great companion to the dvd set. i think it's a must have for any Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fan. well worth it.



3. Runnin' down a dream, 30 career years of one of the rock stars that have changed the american rock business compiled in a complete book full of photographs, history and many many personal tales. A must-have for any rock fan.



4. Book is great(I knew it would be), What amazed me was how quickly I got it!!!



5. I had the Runnin' Down A Dream DVD so when I purchased the book I was concerned that they would both have the same information. The book has different information and is not the same as the DVD at all. For all of you Tom Petty fans out there this is a must buy!

5 comments about Diary of an Anorexic Girl.

1. I bought this book as a recovering anorexic and I must say it really hit a part in me that hasnt been touched in awhile.
   It really shows what anorexics go through, how triggers can become something that leads a person back into a disordered eating pattern and what can lead to recovery.
   Short book, but I definatly reccomend reading it.



2. This book was probably the best book that I ever read. I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down. When Blythe would be so close in getting a boyfriend and then fly off the handle it would get me worked up, and it made me want to tell her "Calm down. Do you know what you doing?" I would get happy for her when she was so close to a boyfriend and something to bring happiness into her life, and then she would do something crazy and destroy all my hopes of her being happy. I couldn't believe that Becca was so stupid and didn't realize that she wasn't getting better. I can't believe that she just believed the food charts that Blythe did, even though she hadn't gained any weight or looked any diifferent. I was like "How stupid can you be lady!" This book really gets you involed and it made me wonder how people can be anorexic, but the problem is not their eating it is caused by something else. Once you figure out that problem and get it solved it will be easier to get yourself back on track and keep you regular.



3. Morgan Menzie's book was the first diary of an eating disorder I read, and is the reason why I continue to read more ED books. She unlike many ED authors talked about things other that just her eating disorder, such as relationships with friends, family and boyfriends. It's not a book that's all about anorexia but does emphasize more so than other subjects in her diary.
   
   In her book, I believe she cover about mmm... three or four years, I really can't remember. Anyway it's a long period of time. One thing that she does that annoys the heck out of me is that she'll skip a whole month of entries but I guess that's the author's way of cutting out insignificant things.
   
   Basically a girl named Blythe, which I think maybe be her middle name, becomes anorexic in middle school because of a friend. On of her friends begins to loose weight and Blythe decides she wants to loose to. But it goes beyond loosing weight it becomes a desire for thinness, and a fear of food.
   
   Another thing I love about this book is Morgan keeps it so real. She said one of the- the truest thing EVER published about our human ways. It's on page 49 and is the...um... 4th paragraph I believe since the book is copy written I don't want to post it without permission. But what she says in that paragraph is so overwhelmingly true that I had to put down the book and think about my life. Although what she says is completely irrelevant to her eating disorder I couldn't write this review without reference to that paragraph.
   
   Would I recommend it? Heck yeah! To anyone, even if you're not anorexic or never have been, even if you think the disease is stupid, anyone should get this book. Recoverees, havebeens, thinking about its and neverwillbees, get the book. You'll understand what it's like to have the disease for this one girl and may have a whole new outlook on anorexia.



4. Morgan Menzie's Diary of an anorexic girl is truly amazing and heartfelt. It is by far one of the best diaries that i have ever read. It goes deep into Blythes descent into Anorexia and to her recovery. I used to anorexic, so this truly touched me. Though it may be triggering to someone who is still battling an ED it is worth the Read.



5. Aside from a minor time inaccuracy (within the first couple pages) the author's diary approach seemed a bit unauthentic. Perhaps I am too far removed from being so young, but even as the book moves on I wonder if I teen would really write so... young-like? Rather than wanting to cry "Eat! Eat!" by the end, I wanted to cry "Mature! Mature!" Getting past these things I did enjoy reading the book. As with many of these books she just seems to fall into her disorder, and it is obvious here.
   
   I liked it.

5 comments about Youth in Revolt.

1. I enjoyed this book (both times) for the pure joy of its entertaining absurdity. Something about it was undeniably fresh, and though it does need rampant forward propulsion to suspend disbelief- that is also its value. Thank goodness it didn't take itself so seriously as to try and be realistic. I actually found Nick very sympathetic, and so in touch with the aspiration and fears of that age that I gawked when I found out the authors age. I definitely recommend the sequel. Though it might not have the same bite as the first book- it does bring it all to a satisfying conclusion: something I missed with the first book.



2. Embarrassingly, I hadn't read more than two books since grade school when a good friend of mine picked up this book for me. I gave him the "this book is more than a quarter-inch thick and I'll never have time to read it" look, but once I gave the first chapter a chance, I found it impossible to put down.
   
   Five hundred pages have never been so easy to read for this non-speed-reader. What I had previously failed realize is that if a book is FUN, it can be very easy to read.
   
   The insight Youth in Revolt gave me into the male teenage mind is priceless, and the laughs were continuous. I finished the book over a 5-day family vacation. And I became the annoying airplane passenger who snickers and snorts every five minutes while engrossed in a book.
   
   You can read what the book's about in other reviews; all I have to say about the content is that this is definitely NOT a book for people who whole-heartedly believe that teenagers don't need birth control, nor for people who can't say the word "sex" out loud. If Grandma knew how to make an Amazon Wishlist, this book would not be on it.
   
   I'm sure most people who read these reviews actually READ books on a regular basis, but this review is meant to inform those of us boneheads who prefer movies and comic books that YES, this book is one you will read and enjoy, and possibly even buy all your friends for Christmas. Which is what I will have done about two minutes from now...



3. 1. Teens:
   
   I read Twisp AND then I read a hundred Amazon reviews of this book afterwards. Did anyone notice that the ADULTS said teens don't talk like these characters while the 14 year old TEENS said "a teen can't find a better book?" I tend to trust the teen perspective.
   
   As a young-adult writer, I've heard other published YA writers say that if your reader is 14, make your protagonist act and talk like a 16 year old. Payne may have just followed that rule a little excessively. I think the reason the dialogue rings true with 14 year-olds is not the choice of big words, but the shortness of sentences when people are talking. Listen to how Fantasy characters and adults in two-bit novels talk to each other and you'll see why so many books read like a bore.
   
   2. Worthwhile reading for writers:
   
   I found the brisk pace, sparse description, and almost-nilhistic absence of deeper message liberating. You won't find a block of scene-setting description anywhere in this book after page 50. Description is slipped in between dialogue, paper-thin, often as single words. Payne proves a good book just has to be entertaining; it need not wear a tie and spit out deep nuggets wisdom.
   
   I can't wait for my niece (age 11) to turn 14 so I can send her my copy!



4. This book is fantastic. However I recommend that parents read before they give this book to anyone under 16. It has lots of sex, profanity and a little drugs. It tells the story of Nick Twisp, a hormonal 14 year old that meets the love of his life and his quest to be with her no matter what. This is the first in the series and well worth the read.



5. I read this a couple years ago, and I've read it over twice. I adore this book because it's so interesting. Some of the themes of the novel aren't suitable for minors. I think it's fine for anyone after 15. Anyhow, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a funny read that lasts a couple weeks. The book's easy to soak up, and get in to. I'm giving it five stars because there's no other book like this, nor a book I have enjoyed so much.
   
   
   The sequels on the other hand, are dissapointing. The first is truly the best.

5 comments about A Fighter's Heart: One Man's Journey Through the World of Fighting.

1. This book is great! I really couldn't put it down for a few days. Sam's pov is eloquent and straight to the point. He offers beautiful descriptions of everything from his feelings on various taboo aspects of Combat Sports, to insightful observations about other fighters. He gets behind their eyes and in their heads and illustrates his and their stories with stunning clarity and captivating story telling. Even if fight culture has no bearing on your life or interests, the story of his journeys and various experiences is worth the read.



2. I don't read many books all the way through because I feel most of them are over-written, non-fiction in particular. This book was so much different. I thought the book ended too soon. Sheridan gets into the lives of individual fighters while he journeys around the world in an effort to tune his own fighting skills. But the author finds a gracious way to write about his own journey while still taking a back seat to other, more accomplished, fighters. His humility seems genuine. Most important, the characters he writes about are interesting. He invites the reader into the early days of MMA and the purity and passion that propelled it before big money came into the picture. Even if you are not a fighter this book is worth the read. Enjoy!



3. This book is some of the best literature on a fighters mentality. It's a great insight into the world that if you are not a fighter very few people who do not fight can't understand. Guys give it to your mom and girlfriends who ask why we want to do it. And it has a ton of great quotes.



4. Sam Sheridan had the type of early adulthood that someone who it seems is building a life in preparation for a memoir. After graduating from high school, he worked at a merchant marine. He left the merchant marines for Harvard and after graduating from Harvard crewed on an antique yacht as it crossed the globe. Getting off in Australia, he got deeply into Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) and that is where this memoir/meditation on fighting begins.
   
   Sheridan takes us from a training camp in Thailand, where he is one of a few crazy foreigners, through the mixed martial arts gyms of the Midwest, then to Brazil for Brazilian Jui Jitsu, on to Oakland for traditional boxing, then a detour into the world of dog fighting until we end up back where we started, in Thailand where the world of Muay Thai has changed, and foreigners are everywhere.
   
   This is a remarkably smart book and we see Sheridan's understanding of the nature of fighting change as he ages and becomes more aware of not only the glamour, but the price paid for physical combat. The early sections on Thailand and the MMA gyms in the Midwest have the sort of gallant devil may care attitude that only the young can afford. But latter scenes, including a haunting interview with a fighter who killed someone in the ring and has never gotten over it show you the dark side to all that violence.
   
   I found the chapter on dog fighting out of place and a little too detached in a professional journalism way. Dog fighting is disgusting, and Sheridan should have said so in a more straightforward way. That said, the rest of the book is really top notch with honest portrayals of Sheridan and the fighters he meets. If you're interested in the world of fighting, and what it means to be a fighter, either professionally or in the amateur arena, I highly recommend checking this one out.



5. I've been reading a few reviews and while some are nice the rest just don't understand what this book is about. This book is a book for fighters from a fighter. Sam actually lived the dream that most of us who practice Martial Arts and or fight have always had. To go to different parts of the world and train with the best. It reminds me of a quote I love when I hear some of the bad comments on this book:
   It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." -Teddy Roosevelt
   
   And as far as the dogfighting goes, nobody hates dogfighting more than I do, I guarantee it. But Sam isn't saying that dogfighting is good. Sam explains how the dogs are seen in the fights. And he does this so he can understand why fighters have so much love and admiration for dogs.
   I absolutely loved this book, and if there is someone I would love to sit down and drink a cup of coffee with it would be this man, a Fighter.
   Another thing, fighting isn't about fluffy bunnies or happily ever after. It's a fighter thing you probably wouldn't understand. Also, if you liked the book don't forget to check out Fighting Fear an article written by Sam Sheridan, it's on his myspace page.

5 comments about Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Started Sailing.

1. This book contained lots of helpful hints for the new sailor in a humorous way. Easy and fun to read!



2. This book is such a complete hoot; also it's full of helpful insights into all the things I wanted to know but was too stupid to ask! It's such a fun to read book that I even read the sections about the stuff I (thought) I already knew - and I'll do it again too. Mr Vigor's writing style is just so friendly and understandable, that it's a pleasure to read and learn from.
   
   In short, you won't regret having purchased this book - it's affordable and fun.



3. This is a great, easy-to-read book of sailors' "lessons learned," written by a man with much more experience at sea than most of us will ever have. It is not a book intended to teach you how to sail, but one with the intent of telling you how to avoid problems, both on and off the water. It is organized alphabetically, by subject, and the end of the book includes many useful tables, formulas, etc., that you might not easily find anywhere else. It covers various preventive techniques, ways to correct problems if they do occur, and things that merchants and repairmen might never tell you unless you know to ask. I also like that this book includes a fair amount of humor, and that the subjects covered are not all purely technical. Vigor goes so far as to address the phenomenon of "hearing voices" at sea, various superstitions, and even how to rename a boat in a way that doesn't cause it to become unlucky. This is a great little book and is well worth the price



4. This is a fun book. The cover does it justice. If you've ever had the misfortune to get wrapped up in the expensive world of boating, this will bring both knowedge and laughter. John Vigor does an excellent job of conveying both his love of this pasttime, and the lessons he's learned over the years.



5. This book would've been indispensable had it contained simple sketches and photos to illustrate author's point. It would've been nice for a novice to actually see an illustration of different keel designs or pictures of commonly used knots or sail types. As for tips and advice, they are indeed common sense. Will look forward for an updated / revised addition.