5 comments about A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Seventh Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing).

1. This seventh edition of Turabian is a vast improvement over previous versions. Not only is it easier to find and understand the documentation rules, the new editors have included an entirely new opening section on how to approach the process of writing. It's the best I've seen for those working on long papers, theses, and dissertations. Highly recommend that you upgrade to this edition.



2. The book was just what I needed at a reasonable price delivered on time. I was takijng a course and had to use this book for formatting my paper. They didn't tell me until I got the instructions for the paper that ths was the standard to use. But I got what I ordered on time and it was most helpful.



3. Came on time, in good condition. Needed it for a class, no problems. Easy enough to find help when writing a paper.



4. This manual is a lot of reading, especially if you're just looking to reference how to cite certian types of media. I think it would be more useful if it were condensed.



5. I had to buy this for my honors thesis course in college, but ended up never having to use it. You could easily find anything useful in this book for free online. This book was too long and too expensive.

5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

1. I got the Kindle version of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People book to go with my The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People workbook. Bad idea! The workbook ask that you read specific pages at the start of each lesson. The Kindle has the strange count system with no page numbers (I think it has to do with you being able to read at different text sizes.) Luckily, I found the book at my Local Library.



2. The book arrived in excellent condition and before I even expected it! Excellent service!



3. Its a good self-improvement book, has a philosophy and then practice. Only kink I found is some sections of the book are too verbose.



4. I listened to the entire series of DVDs on a recent 4-hour road trip! I listened, learned, and even laughed aloud at some of Dr. Covey's stories! I feel as if I can now move forward in my career having this insight!
   
   I highly recommend it!



5. Reviewing this product, finally... Well this book wasn't for me, I ordered it for my aunt, I have no idea how good or bad this book was/is. I will, however, rate how it took to get here. For one book, it took a lil longer than I expected and I must say I have gotten clothes offline faster than that. And that's all I have to say.

5 comments about A People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present.

1. A fantastic book! This is the history we should have had in school. It tells the story of our country from the viewpoint of the common man.



2. Peopls's History of the United States is an excellent narration of the marginal movements and peoples in the formation of the United States. If we hold that history is written (and distorted) by the winners, then the formal historical narrative of this country, starting with Columbus's discovery, the Indian wars, Manifest Destiny, Slavery, Civil War, Civil rights, and so on, requires a reading that is less involved with how these events have been traditionally presented, and more with how they were shaped and perceived by ordinary people people at the time. It is this comprehensive revision that Zinn attempts. Zinn ignores the traditional narrative of the building of America as a social experiment founded on Lockean ideas, a just and moral nation, which held the rights of man as an absolute, and which self corrected the various existential flaws with a long internal struggle, the height of which was the Civil war, ostensibly fought to end slavery. He attacks this mainstream view with a blinding zeal, focusing on the iniquities of the slave trade, the hypocrisy and deception of Manifest destiny and what it meant for the existing Mexican and Indian nations, the hypocrisy of the American political system and how the rich have always managed to usurp it for their benefits, the empty victory of Lincoln's war and how Jim Crow laws were the reality instead of the promises of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th amendment, the poverty in the cities and the cornering of the resources by the rich, abject sub-human working conditions, the struggles of the suffragette movements, the countless worker/trade union/socialist movements who fought for the ordinary worker at the turn of the last century, the shaping of political thought leading to the building of the American Empire and the popular revolt against the establishment in the 60s.
   
   This work becomes a required reading not only because of the different paradigm it uses to approach the history of an essentially revolutionary nation - chronicling incidents from the lives of ordinary people, focusing on small revolts, strikes, personal letters and memoirs, than on national leaders and their wars and treaties, but also because it fulfills a real gap that exists in the self awareness of this country. It is easy enough to be blinded by glory of the Declaration of Independence, the constitution and the myth of the American dream, and forget that the reality of this republic is not a passive system of just rights and laws, but a continuous dialectic, often with violent participation by the politically and economically oppressed. Racial and ethnic assimilation, rights for all men, and women, safety regulations at workplaces, are all privileges that were won by hard struggles, often violent revolts and strikes. The system, influenced by the strong special interests, did everything to oppose these movements, and it is in painting a realistic picture of this tussle that Zinn shines.
   
   One can't be neutral on a moving train, Zinn is reputed to have said. And it's important to keep this in mind while reading this text. Zinn has an obvious and unabashed left of center ideological slant, and one is left with a work that shouldn't be read in isolation, but as a counterweight to the eulogies of flag and freedom that abound not only on the right, but in a simpler form, comprise the bulwark of American nationalism. Zinn's complaints are mostly moral, and they express a yearning for a Political idealism that has never existed. To the extent that this is interpreted as the progressive's dissatisfaction with the amoral realpolitik, it's understandable. But Zinn seems to hit at the fundamentals of a participatory system itself. He consistently accuses the democratic system of sapping the exuberant energy of mass movements, by chaneling it into the party system, though this can be seen as an act of incorporating the movement's goals, with a compromise, and making them mainstream. Anyone who has lived through major legislative changes, like the recent passage of universal Health care, is privy to the pangs of democracy, and how inducing changes in such a setup is no easy task, especially when the changes are ambitious and people's fears are easily exploitable. Zinn does not spend much time on such fundamentals, and how this might reflect a beautifully crafted system, that checks itself from leaning towards a tyranny of the right or the left. Zinn appears to be a leaning towards a dictatorship of the people, boldly implementing his progressive morality. This is probably the weakest point of Zinn's political expression, and his critique of the Americal electoral system.



3. Howard Zinn lays it on the line, and tells us the history that our teachers did not (would not, or could not) teach us. Its a long read, but its not meant to be entertaining. This is NOT WRITTEN FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE WINNERS, so be prepared. What else can I say? Buy it and keep it on your shelf.



4. Howard Zinn writes from a left liberal view. He comes from a fading generation of workers, educated after WW2 via the GI bill.He is also the son of immigrants.
   His writing is not the best,nor is it impeccably researched.
   US history has a dark side. Benefits always come with some hidden costs.
   Do the good points outweigh the bad? That is a judgment for the individual to make. I think this book does make one question some of the common mantras about our country.
   I guess communism as an alternative to capitalism has been disproved. Global capitalism ,as we know, will have some tremendous costs to our nation. Will the average American benefit in the long run? Judging by the unemployment rate and dicky finances of today,I doubt it.



5. Howard Zinn captures the history of America that is left out of classrooms. A People's History of the United States could be used as a textbook or a "start to finish", either way it is very informative and entertaining.

5 comments about Things Fall Apart: A Novel.

1. This book came in excellent condition and shipped asap (unlike the order from another vendor on amazon who never sent the item). This store was prompt and courteous.



2. this book represents how easy it is to "loose our customs" and cause conflicts and breakdowns...it could be in the pre colonization of aftrica or in modern day families/communities. achebe is able to introduce the reader to the characters as if we were members of the community. very good read



3. Things Fall Apart is aptly titled. The world is a changing place, and the ingrained customs of today may fade with your children even though they seem strong as you yourself carry them out.
   
   To be honest, I find the Ibo culture distasteful in many ways. These are perhaps modern sentimentalities, if not liberal or Christian ones. I am not going to commend this work as a scathing indictment of colonialism or as an exaltation of diversity. This story has deep roots in other ways for me. It reminds me a little of The Mists of Avalon, although a shorter and more Hemingway-esque version of it. Clearly this same story can be told in many ways across many cultures, and surely Christianity will suffer the same fate as Okonkwo and Morgaine's Gods.
   
   It all falls apart, eventually.



4. I enjoyed the author's portrayal of the characters' everyday lives. Achebe's description of the strengths and weaknesses of the human being are exciting, realistic, and heartfelt. Although it seemed as though the ending was abrupt, the novel was truly good from beginning to end.



5. There are certain books that cannot be topped. I can think of five IMO. This is one of them. I also highly HIGHLY recommend that people read "Flesh and the Devil" by Kola Boof, a true unsung African classic that is equal to this book IMO. Loved Achebe!

5 comments about Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia.

1. I will preface this review with the fact that I didn't actually finish the book. I couldn't. I stopped somewhere in Italy. I think I am supposed to like the main character - and apparently many people did - but by page 2 I knew I didn't. She comes across extremely smug and self-righeous. The problems are two-fold: 1) she doesn't explain at all why she's so unhappy. And she actually says she's too enlightened now to hurt anyone so won't provide any details. Well, if I don't understand who she is and why she started her crazy journey, how can I possibly empathize and so like her? The bottom line is that I absolutely cannot relate to this woman. And because we are only provided surface glimpses she comes across extremely smug, self-absorbed and generally unlikeable. 2) This book I believe was written so others could appreciate and perhaps take lessons from her spiritual and self-discovery journey. The fact that she does this by getting a huge book advance and runs away for a year traveling the world is absurd. I almost want to say, "how dare you?" If you write a book about spiritual self-discovery and do not provide any real insight into who you are and do so in a manner in which no one else could do this - you are going to come across narcissistic and self-righteous - most certainly not enlightened. Skip this self-absorbed tale.



2. I am trying to get through this "book" because it is an assignment. It is slow, boring and depressing. She quits her job and dashes around the globe to find herself. Rich family and friends meet her in distant countries as she travels. Can you say spoiled brat with rich rich rich friends and family. She had no worries she just wanted to get out of her marriage and flit around with no responsibilities and no boundries. She is shallow and lacks any admirable characteristics.
   I am glad I was able to get this book on Amazon.com for pennies. It will not be too much of a loss when I throw it in the trash.



3. I wanted to like this book. Everyone I knew loved it and said I had to read this book. I didn't make it past Italy. I was disappointed that she was paid to take this trip (book advance) and wondered how much of it was manufactured for the book. Also, to me, her tone seemed haughty and self-important.



4. I cannot understand why people like this boooooooring book. I painfully made it through Italy and started India...that's when I couldn't take it anymore and felt that stapling my hand to the wall would be far more interesting than continuing with this woman who never stops talking about the damn bathroom floor...save yourself and save your money! I hope I can get a few bucks for it at the used bookstore especially since I only read a portion. Seriously this woman quit her marriage for some reason that she won't share....umm ok isn't that part of what sent her out on this journey that resulted in an overly hyped up, waste of paper, diary of a cry baby? She roamed around Italy eating and talking a bunch of nonsense meanwhile not having to worry about money thanks to her book advance. What idiot publisher did that! I agree with many of the other reviews.....she is a spoiled lame. I will not even bother seeing the movie ugg!



5. Great - the book is what I thought it would be. Shipping was on time and got here in perfect shape. Thanks - A+

5 comments about Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time.

1. I don't normally read nonfiction, but this work is not to be missed. It is an absolutely fantastic demonstration about how one person can truly make a difference.



2. This well written documentary about the Muslim world helps to dispell the anxiety, suspicion and fear we may have toward Islam. It warmed my heart and I couldn't put it down.



3. Amazing story of one man's mission to bring peace to the world, starting with one of the most difficult areas on the planet. I've never felt so inspired by a true story. He is so right, this is the way out of all the hatred and fear in the middle East. I think this is a MUST READ for every human being.



4. Amazing Story. As inspiring and adventurous as this book is, it also leaves a lasting impression of the determination of human spirit. The concept of pluralism is well captured by the deeds and words of people involved....My personal connection to story came when I realized that I was hiking around Skardu in August 1995 while Greg Mortenson was planting the initial seeds of his good deeds by building a bridge several miles north. From my personal experience I can validate Mortenson journey and it remained real from start till end.



5. Greg Mortenson's love for the people surrounding K2 mountain is what drove him to the depth of care and concern that he could muster up to keep going back to a country at war, to provide schools for children who didn't have anything left but this. How sweet the story is of Greg's determination to reach out to a people, who from no fault of their own, at war with the world since the dawn of time, to enable their girls to feel a part of the human race and not subserviants to it. Thanks to the great people working with Greg to keep the fires burning and for luck on his side. If it weren't for luck, sometimes I wonder if Greg wouldn't have had the success he did. Or maybe it was the sheer fact of dumb luck that got him going. Sometimes you just have to believe that the stars aline, that something larger than yourself is listening in and guiding the way. And so you, too, can read this book and feel the intensity of the trip Greg took to make this happen. I highly recommend you to read Three Cups of Tea, one sip at a time.

5 comments about The Great Gatsby.

1. Fitzgerald's insight in this book cuts through the blinding American optimism of the time. Though at the time he wrote The Great Gatsby he could not have foreseen the economic and cultural crisis approaching in 1929, he is clearly suspicious and wary of the culture surrounding him, and the tone of this book expresses that he expects evil will come of it. His characters put their faith and their trust in unstable things- wealth, social superiority, commercialism, the power of culture- and their typical american idealism and ambition makes them reach too far for things they don't have, and they end up losing what they did have. Fitzgerald's narrator, Nick Carraway, is ambitious, but is not blinded by the glamour and excess of the society surrounding him. Nick is the only character who is actually grieved by the tragedies which befall the other characters, because he alone values human compassion above society and ambition. From a Christian perspective, this book shows what happens to culture and the individuals who make up that culture when Christian ambition and even basic humanity are sacrificed for social greed.



2. I remember reading The Great Gatsby in my high school English class and thinking it was boring. In retrospect, I think I was an idiot. Reading it ten years later was a truly amazing experience. Fitzgerald lays down some stunning prose and brings a lavish era of American history to life. I was struck with how that culture of excess in the 1920s seemed eerily similar to the mid 2000s. . . and right before another crash, nonetheless. Great book. If you tried to read it once and failed, try again. You won't regret it.



3. I'm not sure if it's possible to not like this book. It's eloquently written and interesting. A classic love story, that will remain timeless. If you were forced to read it in high school and didn't like it I suggest a quick revisit to the timeless tale. It was wonderful. I'd recommend it to anyone and since it's a short book it only takes a weekend to get through.



4. I always wanted to read The Great Gatsby but for some reason or another it always eluded me. Back in college, almost everyone had read this "great" masterpiece of literature. I'm glad I finally had the opportunity to sink my teeth into this novel and see once and for all what it was all about.
   
   The story was wonderful to read and its subject matter was appealing for the most part. The industrial age must of been a sight to behold. The author does an adequate job of detailing the age and the times of West Egg. Although the lavishness and splendor of the many parties that took place in West Egg were nicely detailed, I found the imagery somewhat sparse and lacking detail at times. The author does a great job of portraying his characters and their morals but for some reason I didn't find this in itself to capture my attention. The story line was so-so in my opinion and could of been better. But in the end, this novel was worth the read. I'm happy I had the opportunity to finally have read this book and eventhough slightly disappointed, say that I experienced what it must of been like living in West Egg during the Golden Age.



5. Great book! I read it once and would love to read it again. I like Fitzgeralds style very much. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Biology with MasteringBiology (8th Edition).

1. From a student's standpoint, this book provides thorough information without overburdening vocabulary or thick, poorly-written grammar. You can read it quickly, efficiently and absorb as much information as quickly as possible.
   
   Its page-by-page layout is thoughtfully constructed to allow smooth reading. Diagrams and pictures are vibrant and informative. Side-bars help fill in gaps and answer questions you may have.
   
   For a professor (I am not one, but I know some who chose to use this book), this book is great for a variety of reasons.
   
   1) It is kept up to date quite regularly.
   2) It has top-notch info
   3) Its well-labeled and logically placed chapters allow you to customize your student's reading to specialize in biomedical engineering, biology, nursing, genetics and other majors.



2. This person is scamming buyors. She advertised a "USA" book, then
   contacted me and told me they "flew off the shelves" and all she has left
   is an internation version, which she would be happy to send to me.
   
   The international version sells for half the price of the US version,
   for which I paid, and contrary to her claims is not exactly the same.



3. The textbook came right on time, properly packed, in brand new condition, with the Mastering Biology online resources that I find very helpful!



4. Great service! Got exactly what I asked for and more! Just in time for my class! :)



5. The book was never shipped nor can I get in touch with the seller. The email address is undeliverable.

5 comments about A Dog's Purpose.

1. This book was wonderful...stayed up until 1am last night because I couldn't go to sleep without finishing it! Any dog owner who likes to read will love it....funny, sweet, sad....it's got everything!
   
   My favorite read in quite some time!!



2. I can't recall a book that I've enjoyed more. It was funny, it was sad, it was enlightening, it was spiritual. I just loved it. There were moments when I couldn't read fast enough.



3. wonderful! i thought of all the dogs who have shared their lives with me. read and be prepared to sit right where you are til you finish it.



4. I have already recommended this book to many people. Have your dog nearby as you read so you can share your love with your own dog.



5. After reading the terrific reviews, I was excited to order/read this book. It is one of the most silly, insipid books I've ever read - and, I am a total dog lover.

5 comments about The Hunger Games.

1. I LOOVED this book. I could not put it down. I definitely recommend it to anyone. It's a great quick read and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Well done!



2. I'm a big fan of "Survivor" so I hardly had to read any of the back flap of THE HUNGER GAMES before I was hooked. 24 kids in a fight to the death on live TV sounds gruesome, and it was, but it was also intriguing. I was in Katniss Everdeen's head from the beginning; I felt her desperation and I understood the misery of her life in a future North America that requires adolescent participation in these annual games. Yet I enjoyed her clever survivor skills, her strategies and the little self-discoveries she made along the way. This is a YA book that adults will be just as keen for as kids, though some of the shocking and dreadful parts may be too much for some. My only criticism is that the editor dropped the ball on catching typos, poor sentence structure and fragments. I can take a few fragments now and then when they fit the flow of the story, but sometimes the author, Suzanne Collins, pulled me right out of the action and slapped me with grammatical flotsam and jetsam. Still, it was an excellent read.



3. The book was received in great condition and before the estimated delivery time.
   A breathtaking novel indeed.



4. Very good book, well written. One of those that you just can't put down until your done. My suggestion, go ahead and buy the others in the series. You won't wanna wait to finish it.



5. I finished reading The Hunger Games and immediately reread it. I didn't want it to end. I really enjoyed the author's imaginative series, Gregor the Overlander, but this story is aimed at slightly older readers and is just a step beyond Gregor. The premise is not so new- young people from different areas are set up in a gladiator style sacrifice/fight to the death that is reminiscent of Logan's Run and The Running Man. A poverty stricken sixteen year old girl is sent off to the capital city of the country that arose from the ashes of North America, along with a male counterpart. Katniss doesn't think she stands much of a chance against the "career" competitors who have trained many years for the glory and honor of battle. Her skill at foraging and hunting small prey may keep her from starving, but she has no experience with fighting and cannot allow herself to become attached to other players when only one is permitted to exit the arena alive. The entire event is filmed and all citizens are expected to watch the games.
   
   The writing is superb and the details of the challenges she faces are exquisitely presented. I can hardly wait to read the other books in the trilogy.