5 comments about Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones (Scary Stories).

1. This is a reallllllllllllllly good book. Especially when Addie Fitch gets voodooed (ha, ha!). Well, but is the story "The Wolf Girl" true or not? It's hard to find out, but this is a really good ending of this series (well, except the only lunatic story is "No, Thanks").



2. Why would any adult let a child aged 9-12 read a story where a wife takes the liver of the dead lady next door and feeds it to her mean husband? Why would anyone with any common sense of decency allow any child to read about killing dogs, children getting a gun to scare off a ghost, and an adult KILLING A CHILD slowly & painfully because of grudge by using a "voodoo" type spell for revenge. What is wrong with the man who wrote these books? My opinion is that Mr. Schwartz is a disturbed and depraved person and he should seek help - not write childrens books. Even more is wrong with the reviewer who decided these disgusting and morally void stories were appropriate for young children. It seems to me that Mr. Schwartz gets his thrills by taking away the innocence of a young and naive audience. I hope he's happy with the psychological damage he is responsible for. PARENTS BEWARE of this author in your home, your schools & your public library.



3. The product I ordered was in perfect condition which was exactly as they had described it.



4. My opinion of Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones is about the same as the second (and first for that matter). The pictures remain the most disturbing aspect of the book...the rest makes a fine initiation for young readers into creepy, scary, spine-tingling urban legends, tales of terror, ect... I'm glad to be done with the series and while Girl isn't ready for these yet (she's basing not wanting to read it on the pictures alone), I'll happily check them out for her (or buy a boxed set) when the time comes (and I'm sure it will). I think once she gets past the pictures, she'll have no problem with the text, there's nothing she hasn't really encountered in one for more another in her reading or TV watching over the last 9 years...and since we frequently watch shows about urban legends and ghosts, I doubt much here will shock or upset her. Three stars for this one too.



5. As other reviewers have mentioned, the stories themselves aren't really as scary, but the illustrations are nightmare-inducing. I first read these when I was an impressionable, wee lass of 8 and they scared me to death and really changed my reading tastes. I'm a horror-junkie because of these books! Harold is the most unsettling of the tales and even now, 21 years of age and heading off to professional school in fall, I'm still freaked out by it. These books aren't just for kids. Adults can read them as well and still be freaked out to death and I only have one thing to say to that: Thanks, Mr. Gammell and Schwartz. You guys rock.

5 comments about Antiques Roadshow Collectibles: The Complete Guide to Collecting 20th Century Glassware, Costume Jewelry, Memorabila, Toys and More From the Most-Watched Show on PBS.

1. The scope of the book is too broad and the depth of the topics considered is too shallow. Complex collectibles such as costume jewelry or art glass are given a few pages of attention, but the book tries to cover too many areas at the expense of giving adequate attention to any area. If you want a very, very basic overview, history, and details about popular collectibles, you may find this book of some use. However, your money would probably be more wisely spent on books that deal with your specific topics of interest. It's fun reading, but definitely not a "complete guide to collecting...".



2. If you are into collecting this is the book for you. It has lots of interesting facts and discussions about why people collect things and how to get started if you're thinking about a collection.
   
   It doesn't talk about EVERYTHING though, so if you are really into a specific collectible you would be better off with a book that addresses that collectible.



3. Most of the pages in this book are a drab black & white print, with a few (emphasis on few) pages in the middle that are glossy, full-color. I was thinking "coffee table book" when I bought it, but it's definitely not that fancy. I sent it back.



4. Nice book and provides considerable information. The author does cover alot of territory in one book. Should consider a series and provide more photos.



5. If you are just getting into collecting, this is a fun book to review. Lots of overall ideas of varieties of collectibles...for more serious colletors, I would suggest books oriented to the subject matter of interest.

5 comments about Lady Friday (The Keys To The Kingdom, Book 5) (The Keys To The Kingdom).

1. This was yet another great book in this series. I was so disappointed when I got finish with it in less than 12 hours. I cannot believe I have to wait another year for Superior Saturday and then another for Lord Sunday!



2. I am a HUGE fan of Garth Nix's works. The books, expecially in this series, capture my attention every time to where I feel like I can't put them down until I read the very last punctuation mark. Lady Friday followed along with the other books, and I cannot wait for the next two to finish out the series!



3. In this book Lady Friday abdicates her position and leaves Arthur, the Piper and Saturday to fight for her realm. Unfortunately Arthur is at a disadvantage since he falls for one of Friday's traps almost immediately. As in the other books Arthur makes his weaknesses his strength as he makes friends and achieves things in person while others use their underlings who they look down upon. Arthur also gets a better insight as to the problems of the stagnant, poorly run House and the rigid routines that the denizens have had for thousands of years leaving them starving for other's experiences. Lady Friday of course is the worst of all as she is like a vampire, draining thousands of elderly people's experiences.
   This book is a little slower than the others and gives more of Arthur's friend Leaf experiences. This book also lacks some of the direct conflict Arthur usually has with the Trustees who are the rulers of the domains. I think Mr. Nix is having a little writer's slowdown in the middle of the series but this still remains a very exciting and interesting book. I look forward to Arthur's conflict with Superior Saturday as this has been Arthur's greatest enemy throughout the series. I believe the next book is coming out in August 2008.



4. Garth Nix is one of my favorite fantasy writers. I first discovered him through his Abhorsen trilogy-a richly written set of fantasy books for a young adult audience. Those books are on the long side and are what I would consider YA if not adult literature. Nix's more recent writing endeavor, a series of seven books entitled The Keys to the Kingdom, began in 2003 with the publication Mister Monday. As you might have guessed, each book is titled for a different day of the week.
   
   Lady Friday is the fifth book in the series (first published in 2007) with the next installment due out in August 2008. Before saying anything else, I have to say that this is not a stand alone book. If anything is going to make sense, you have to read the series starting at the beginning. If you can also read them close together, even better. For my part, I had to wait over a year before I procured a copy of this book. As a result, some of the details were a bit fuzzy until I remembered what was happening in the story.
   
   This series takes place in the course of one week (one day for each title). And, for Arthur Penhaligon our twelve-year-old hero, it has been a very long week. Arthur is the Rightful Heir of the Architect (the creator of Earth and everything else). Over the course of the first four books, Arthur has worked to free parts of the will of the Architect in order to gain help while battling the treacherous Trustees who decided to imprison the Will and steal the Architect's power for themselves. Four trustees have been defeated, their keys taken, but that doesn't mean Arthur has time to rest on his laurels.
   
   Arthur's friends, Suzy and Fred, are still imprisoned by the Piper whose New Nithling army has taken over the Great Maze in the House. Superior Saturday, in an attempt to cripple Arthur's efforts to consolidate power, is cutting off phone and elevator service to and from the House. To make matters worse, Arthur still isn't sure when he'll be able to go home or if he will be able to at all. Meanwhile, Lady Friday sends Arthur an offer that he might not be able to refuse. Even if it might also be a trap.
   
   This novel moves the action from the Lower House to the new territory of the Middle House. The descriptions here are really fun. Lady Friday is in charge of all the House's record keeping and book making, so there are a lot of book references in terms of places and characters. Nix also incorporates a lot of information about Arthur's military training during Sir Thursday to good effect.
   
   As Arthur races to find the Will and Lady Friday's key, the story also follows Leaf's own difficulties with Lady Friday. This part of the story is interesting and does eventually tie in with Arthur's story, but at the same time it made for a slow start. (The books prologue begins with Leaf.) In the early chapters, Nix alternates between Leaf and Arthur which I guess integrates the stories but it also made for some really frustrating cliffhangers at chapter ends.
   
   Lady Friday had a bit of a slow start compared to earlier novels in the series, but the dramatic ending makes up for it. A fine addition to a fine series.



5. The fifth book in the Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix did not disappoint me.
   
   Leaf wakes up in a strange room in the hospital with a bunch of other sleeping people. The people are transported by Dr. Friday to somewhere in the secondary realms. Meanwhile Arthur gets a message that Lady Friday has abdicated her position as the Keeper of the Fifth Key. When he goes to touch the message he finds out it is a trap. He is immediately transported to somewhere, that he can only assume, is in the middle house.
   
   Leaf struggles to figure out a way to save all of the humans from Lady Friday, while Arthur tries desperately to find the 5th part of the Will as well as the Fifth Key. Things are getting desperate in the house and you can't help but wonder if Arthur will be able to fix things and still remain human, or will he become a Denizen and be doomed to live forever in the House?
   
   This was one of the best books in this series so far. Arthur has finally let up on his whining and seems to be maturing. He takes control of situations with only a touch of his former uncertainty. Fred and Suzie are again along for the ride and some other interesting characters are introduced.
   
   Overall this was a fast-paced book, it was fun, exciting, and easy to read. I actually listened to it on audio book and the audio book was very well done. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released.
   
   On a side note, does anyone else notice these books seem to be following the Seven Deadly Sins? Mister Monday = Sloth, Grim Tuesday = Greed, Lady Wednesday = Gluttony, Sir Thursday = Pride or maybe Wrath, Lady Friday = Envy (of human desires).
   
   That would leave Lust and either Pride or Wrath...we'll have to see how Saturday turns out.
   [...]

No comments about American Gunsmiths.

5 comments about Designing Disney.

1. This is a fascinating look into the mind of the premier Disney designers. Hench explains how every single detail of the Disney parks is designed to fit into a great whole: color, form, space, and even time must reinforce a narrative theme in every single ride or experience, as if the viewer had entered a film sequence. All detail is foreseen - with storyboards! - discussed, and built with this kind of total consistency of experience in mind. I was astounded that the parts were so much more deeply planned than I had imagined.
   
   I read this as part of my research for a writing project on Disney. For this, it was extremely useful and informative. It strikes me that the imagineering method is of great relevance to all managers.
   
   While easy to read quickly, this book will give anyone who likes Disney a fascinating new perspective on one of the great American success stories. Warmly recommended. The writing is clear and to the point, while elegant.



2. not exactly what I expected. I was hoping for a more historical perspective, but overall a good book.



3. I do like this book, but it doesn't have the great pictures that the other Imagineering book does. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Imagineers. It has a lot of text, which will help you understand many aspects of what it means to be an Imagineer. I would recommend getting the other one first, and this one second if you are still interested. They are both great.



4. Let's face it. There are hundreds of books about Disney. The movies... the stage shows... the company... the management style... recipes... fiction... even an incredible collection of Walt Disney World Trivia (currently in its second edition!). Occasionally, a book comes through that fills a unique void.
   
   John Hench was a designer with Disney for over 65 years. His designs are as identifiably Disney as anything else coming from the mouse house. In around 150 pages, Hench shares some of his design work in artist's concepts and blueprints. These are beautiful and rare, but it is his insight into the thought behind the design choices that turn this book from yet another Disney book to a text book worth much study.
   
   Many books discussing Disney magic often push the art of looking around, taking note of details. This book helps you to know "How" to look around and "What" you are looking for... Hopefully, you'll never look at it the same way ever again. Entire sections are devoted to in depth discussion on color, costumes, character, line, layout and most of all, story. With over half a century working for Disney, Hench's resume is able to back it all up with beautiful artwork.
   
   If there is one thing that is surprisingly absent from a Disney legend that spent years working directly with Walt, it is a lack of stories that bring you into Walt's presence. It lacks that emotional touch, but makes up for it in intellectual stimulation that will affect your thinking about Disney for many years to come.



5. A bit lacking in the real nuts and bolts, but this is clearly a well done overview into the minds of some of the best Disney has to offer. Easy to read, and also a pleasure to read, left me wishing that disney appoints some one to really pick John's mind in case he leaves us some day, now that would be a tragedy, if we loose 1/2 of what this man has learned over a delightful lifetime of serving his customers and guests. Reading this brought me back to the B/W days of TV waiting for Walt, but Walt couldn't have ackomplished anything if it wasn't for the love of the work these people do, and have for the work they love to do.

5 comments about The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book.

1. I love my new Ultimate Barbie Doll Book. I still have my first Barbie Dolls from the early 60's along with Ken, Midge & Skipper. I have over 100 dolls and found them all in this wonderful book. The photos are beautiful. The Barbie novice to enthusiast will truly enjoy this book.



2. This is the best Barbie identification book out there. It's useful to identify those thrift store and garage sale dolls and their outfits. Each item is also described with identifying marks, etc. I have owned this book since it came out and it's the one I go back to the most, for complete Barbie information.



3. I mainly purchased this book to remember some of my childhood toys- I wasn't expecting the detail and page after page of pictures that made me interested in collecting Barbie's as well-
   
   This thick hardcover book has colored photos of each Barbie both in the box and then a close up of the face. The Barbies are presented in chronological order by year by doll type- so i.e. Barbie from 1950s til 90s then Skipper from 50s-90s, then Ken, etc.
   
   The book also has friends of the infamous Barbie and Ken couple; many of which I have never seen or heard of!
   
   If you are looking for a nice photo array and price guide of Barbie and Friends. Truly the "Ultimate" Barbie book.



4. This book is NOT the Ultimate Barbie Doll Book. I could not find a single collectible Barbie Doll which I posses from the years it describes it covers when I purchased it. Description of the dolls covered should really be more detailed for collectors who are new to the industry. In addition, there is no option to select from Amazon if the item described does not meet your needs, you simply get a refund, minus shipping as a user error...Not too fair in my opinion.



5. Sveglia Italia! Articoli di difficilissima reperibilità sul mercato interno arrivano regolarmente in tempi ragionevoli ed a prezzi inferiori, spedizione compresa, di quelli pretesi da rivenditori nostrani. "Ahi, serva Italia, di dolore ostello, nave sanza nocchiero in gran tempesta ........" . Il libro? Ogni appassionato del genere ne conosce autorevolezza e valore.

5 comments about Just Can't Get Enough: Toys, Games, and Other Stuff from the 80s that Rocked.

1. I bought this book before Thanksgiving this year and after reading it through myself, I had to take it back home with me for the holiday. My cousins and I sat around reading out loud many of the hilarious comments about all the toys we loved growing up and laughing at all the ridiculous (or should I say redonkulous?) toys from our youths. The book jogged our memories on all the toys we couldn't remember on our own now and really made us long for the silliness of the toys of the 80s. It's a hilarious book and really fun to sit around with friends and just remember the good times with the redonkulous toys of the 80s. (and for the record, I STILL want the U.S.S. Flag!!)



2. I am a big 80's fan and this book seemed interesting so I figured that I would give it a shot. I am soo glad that I did. I love the writers sarcasm and memories about the toys mentioned in this book. The book is like a trapper keeper, with the opening on the side. There are 32 toys mentioned in this book. I think I'm a little to young to remember some of them , but I know most of them. I showed the book to my brother who just flipping through it was laughing. It was so fun to talk about the toys.



3. After buying this book for my brother for Christmas (which he loved too btw) I Got this book yesterday for myself and read it all last night:):):) it's exactly what I was looking for a great nostalgia filled trip down memory lane....I thought I was a complete 80's geek but some stuff in this book I hadn't even heard of.....even though it's written by two guys and has a lot of "boy" toys....there were still all the major "girl" toys in there too....and I loved the candid stories they shared especially the babysitters club and punky brewster doll (sorry action figure) too cute:):):)it is nicely set out and presented really well.....a great gift for 80's children everywhere:):)I hope they will do another one from the 80's tv shows/fads etc.....and even the 90's too:):):)good job guys:):)



4. There's a certain innocence about the 80's that seems very transparent by today's standards. But in the 80's... we all thought that we were living a revolution of cutting edge pop culture. Little did we know that those years would pale in comparison to the childhood trends of the 90's & 2000's. I really believed that I had dismissed from my mind most of the decade and rightly so, it seemed so 20 something years ago. But honestly this book made me really appreciate what I had forgotten. Being a kid of the Reagan Era, I lived through the 90's thumbing my nose at most of these pop culture icons (and listening to grudge rock). I bought "Just Can't Get Enough" as a passing fancy (being a follower of vintage toys), not knowing that the personal stories and memories of the authors would be the gems within.
   
   The Book Itself - It's pretty neat really. The chapters are each a certain 80's icon, divided into small subsections with titles like, "The Story" or "The Products" or "What Does It All Mean?" All of this wrapped up in a suedo-Trapper Keeper style cover with a velcro clasp. When reading the chapters, you begin to appreciate how much time and effort was put into this book. With chapters devoted to Transformers, He-Man, Madballs, Scratch N' Sniff stickers, Garbage Pail Kids, etc., the book gives equal focus, regardless of obscurity. I particularly liked the toys that I remembered fondly from childhood, but also enjoyed the great details about toys I never knew - i.e. Pogo Ball or "Pogo Bal" as the writers note humorously. The authors treat us to most of the usual suspects of the decade, but there are a few rarely honored candidates such as Crossbows And Catapults, Choose Your Own Adventure books, and Hit-Stix among others. Also, there are some obvious misses such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Gremlins, Get Along Gang, Shirt Tales, Smurfs, Pound Puppies, etc. Hopefully these oversights make way for a follow-up volume. But what you do get makes up for anything not included. First thing you will notice is the great writing style. I particularly like the sarcastic overtone that seems to permeate from every page, pure "Gen X" humor at its best. These authors go to great lengths to make each chapter witty and nostalgic. In fact, if you are unable to feel an overwhelming sense of nostalgia after reading this book, then you most likely were born after Operation Desert Shield... or during the hay days of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. Whether you relive the 80's regularly or haven't looked back since 1990 - this book is going to trigger fond memories... or at least jar something loose from the painfully hidden recesses of the mind.
   
   My Personal Reaction - I found myself on several occasions laughing out loud. My girlfriend seemed frustrated with me continually interrupting her TV watching by loudly exclaiming, "listen to this" as I read aloud large passages time and time again. Finally she picked up the book, which was a big mistake for me... since it took me quite a while to get it back. She appreciated different sections (the My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, Rainbow Brite). It was like going to Toys 'R Us from your childhood; you either were in the boys section or over in the pink section if you were a girl - no matter which, it was fun. So I can say, there is something for everyone, boys and girls alike. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised by my fascination with chapters like the game Guess Who?, which I actually hated as a child. The more ridiculous the idea the funnier the commentary became as the authors put it all in perspective. And when I say perspective, I mean being a 20 something or 30 something adult. There is some crude humor in here that is not at all pointed to the young kids we once were. But honestly, do we expect any children today to even bother reading this? I can plainly put that to rest - kids today would never "get" what this book is about. Once you start reading, remember this isn't just a book about the items; it's a book about how they all relate to us - the children of the 80's. So don't get caught up expecting a long treatise on the history of everything 1980's, that's not what it's about.
   
   Final Thoughts - I read this only wanting more. The only fix for your "jonesing" would be to share this with others. If you buy this book, then don't forget to invite your other Gen X friends or siblings or whoevers to a fun filled day in the way-back machine. I highly recommend this book as a fan of humor and 80's pop culture. But, if you only want to see details of 80's toys - minus the nifty sarcasm, then check out Action Figures of the 1980s (Schiffer Book for Collectors) - it's loaded with great pictures. But be warned, that book doesn't have a one-tenth the laughs of "Just Can't Get Enough." If the authors do nothing else, then this book is still a masterpiece in its own right and worthy of a notable writing career. I hope this isn't the end though; there are plenty of unvisited pop culture products still lurking in our memories for "Just Can't Get Enough"... Volume 2.



5. great purchase for any kid at heart who grew up in th 80's. could've been more inclusive. may i suggest a part 2?

No comments about Landscape with Figures: A History of Art Dealing in the United States.

5 comments about Death Penalty (Charley Sloan Courtroom Thrillers).

1. This book is a gripping read, and does not insult a lawyer's intelligence. The central character, outside of his personal morals, is an admirable lawyer with whom one cannot help but empathize. And tho there are evil lawyers and judges portrayed, the book does not seek to demonize the profession, and at the end the lawyer hero does not go off to some tropical island so he won't have to practice law any more. A most welcome relief to the lawyer-bashing books a la Grisham. One of the best legal thrillers I have ever read.



2. This was not a good book. The main character was unlikable and the plot could be guessed at every turn. I have a chapter to go to finish this. I will read it while I stand in line somewhere. Not worth actually sitting down to finish.



3. When you read pages and pages of a book and says nothing.
   
   When a book could be written in half pages that it was.
   
   When you don't know what to do, if pick the book or watch TV.
   
   When you will know the end at the beginning, the book is worthless
   
   
   I had to work hard on this one and if you suffer while reading a book just don't worth it. I gave this book two stars because my book's qualification is from two to six.



4. Criminal attorney Charley Sloan is a very, strong, well-developed character, and Death Penalty has so many interesting goings-on that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what will happen next. My attention was held from the first to last page. Coughlin nicely ties together all of the subplots, although some are somewhat predictable. Nonetheless, Death Penalty is well-worth reading, as are each of the other books featuring Charley Sloan.



5. This is my first time to read one of Williams Coughlin's books but it won't be the last. He creates characters with substance; the storyline flows, building interest as you continue reading. Very enjoyable and a very plausible plot.

1 comments about 2007 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue including Countries of the World J-o (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 4 Countries J-O).

1. It was very informative. I like the color photographs and the descriptions of the stamps. It make it easy to identify the country and stamps.