5 comments about Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems.

1. Billy Collins is able to make a picture out of just about any combination of words. Each poem in this collection seems to begin in one place and land in another, turning corners with each line, and leaving the reader wondering where it is going until the very end. A very satisfying adventure in poetry filled with humor, compassion, and wonder. "Sailing Alone Around the Room" is also full of insight into one of America's greatest contemporary poets. I would highly recommend this to anyone who study's poetry for whatever reason, critiques it, or just enjoys a good read.
   
   David J. Gluck author "Life's Pages"



2. Perhaps, what may best describe the poetry of Billy Collins is "Thought-Provoking Subtle Humor." Throughout much of his work Collins intertwines a hint of humor with a profound message about our daily existence, dealing with everything from junk mail to our inner voices to the spirits of the dead.
   
   Collins, a teacher by day, poet by night, offers his readers visions and images from the classroom. At times, we are the student, as in "Snow Days," "First Reader" and "On Turning Ten" and at other times, we are the teacher, as in "The History Teacher."
   
   However, the vast range of themes to which Collins writes is not limited to the student - teacher perspective, but is as diverse as life itself. In "Pinup" a trip to the auto mechanic turns into a whimsical satire regarding the ever common pinup calendar found in probably every garage in America. This poem, complete with the "we're going to have to charge you more" routine so typical of the dreaded repair shop, offers the reader some comic relief as the poet becomes mesmerized by the attractive and seductive women on the pinup calendar hanging over the tool bench. Again, in "Victoria Secret" Collins pokes fun at man's lustful tendencies, as he thumbs through the catalog prior to opening his other mail. The poet's imagination runs amuck as he places the thoughts in the models' heads based on their various poses, facial expressions and intricate clothing (available in a multitude of oddly named colors).
   
   Poems dealing with an even more significant theme, such as death, are not void of humor. In "The Dead" Collins proposes that the spirits of the deceased are always watching us, hopeful that we might see them and when we, the living, lie flat and stare upwards, they think we are watching them. In "Night House" Collins addresses the many inner voices of man as if all are separate entities or spirits living captive within our bodies. His poignant observation of how, at times, we all glance off into the distance in an almost comatose fashion and at these moments, he speculates, we might actually be listening to some of these other spirits within us, this is as profound an idea as it absurd, which heightens the poems overall appeal. In "Forgetfulness" a poem about aging, here too, Collins adds humor to address the topic of the slow and gradual loss of one's mental faculties, specifically that of memory.
   
   What makes Collins work so endearing and so pleasurable is his ability to sprinkle humor into what ails us. The life experiences, both the good, the bad and the mundane, often contain some subtle humor. In stepping in as himself and then stepping back as an objective observer of himself, the poet fuses the two perspectives into verse and offers forth the quiet comical reality of life itself. Collins' collection of work in "Sailing Alone Around the Room" will leave you floating about in thought with a smile on your face.
   
   John Santoemma
   English Teacher
   Reno, Nevada



3. Billy Collins is simply the best, and I think this is some of the best of Billy Collins. I treasure my fraying copy and recently bought two more as gifts.



4. This is a nice collection of poems by a modern poet. It made the bestseller list and I suppose for readers of poetry this is a good collection of poems. Instead of critiquing style and syntax, I will instead say that I truly found these poems to be a strong emotional outpouring by the author. Billy Collins' writing is to the point and about those things that even not poetry lovers can relate with. After reading this book I was left with the sensation that I actually had just conversed with Collins and know him for who he is and not just for the images of his writings.



5. Being critical of artists is interesting territory. As an amateur poet who is learning to fall in love with the medium and all other artistic mediums late in life, I find it hard to be critical of any artist. I think they are all noble in simply pursuing a craft that so few really care about. That, to me, is bold. In a culture addicted to quick fix idiot entertainment, blessed is the man who can get across to the masses through the written word sans pulp. Collins is one of those artists and good for him.
   
   Every poem in this book was worth reading IMHO. A range of subjects are covered and Collins is never dark and brooding. He displays sensitivity and uses evocative yet accessible imagery to elucidate common evreyday themes.
   
   As to his detractors I believe Collins would respond like this:
   
   I want the scissors to be sharp
   and the table to be perfectly level
   when you cut me out of my life
   and paste me in that book you always carry.

5 comments about Sailing For Dummies.

1. This book has been a great help for someone who knows nothing about sailing but always wanted to learn. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to start out.



2. I bought this for my non-sailing wife after I unsuccessfully tried to explain the effects of wind on the sails. She found it to be vastly better than my explanations. She also told me some things I didn't know, that she learned from the book.



3. Great book for the beginning sailor. I received the book from Amazon at a good price in a timely manner..



4. Only consider purchasing this book if you are THINKING about buying a first sailboat. If you already own one, if you have ever sailed, it you know anything more than NOTHING about sailing...this book is not for you.
   
   The "....for Dummies" has been an ok series of books for other topics, such as computer programs, but when it came to sailing....it would be better named "Sailng for Dummies, for those who have NEVER set foot on a sailboat"
   
   Some sailing books make the reader feel they are reading a book in another language, because they are SO technical with so many new words. Not this book, but you will 'outgrow' the book after your first weekend on your new sailboat.



5. Sailing for Dummies is another fact-packed book in the "Dummies" series. This book is very good for the anyone interested in sailing or just trying to pick up some nautical jargon. I purchased the book to learn about "Tall Ships" from the 1700-1900's, but quickly learned this was not the book for me. But, if I ever purchase a sailboat...............

5 comments about Navigation Rules.

1. My son needed this book for his college class. It came quickly and is just what he needed!



2. Increase you on the water knowledge by learning the "Rules of the Road". It's amazing to see how many "boaters" have no clue how to operate a vessel according to the rules.



3. Since the USCG last published the Navigation Rules in 1999 there have been a few NTM additions that have been released which affect COLREGS. The Paradise Cay Publications Inc. version does an outstanding job integrating these NTM into the COLREGS with a gray background box which brings the readers attention immediately to the changes. Additionally, they have provided a slightly more useful table of contents which they refer to as an "Annotated Contents". Most importantly, they provide you with their website, which lists all the NTM which affect your navigation rules, so that you can keep your book updated in the decades to come. Their website also lets you put in your e-mail address which then e-mails you if there are any new NTM that affect your navigation rules.
   
   Finally, when comparing the Paradise Cay Publications Inc. version to the Lighthouse Press, ProStar version, there is a clear difference in quality with respect to the diagrams. The Paradise Cay Publications Inc. version has clear diagrams with legible explanations. With the ProStar version it is like you are looking at a blurry copy of a blurry copy; the diagrams are just not as legible, especially the font within the diagrams.
   
   If you want a handy to use, up-to-date (and easy to keep that way), and legible copy of the Navigation Rules, go with the Paradise Cay Publications Inc. version.



4. This book was a gift and arrived in plenty of time. It was in excellent condition. The price was good. Excellent customer service all around.



5. Item was deleivered before the estimated delivery time, without any damage. The cost-including shipping- was less than the purchase price of the book directly from the government printing office, and shipping time was almost half of the the time estimated by the government printing office.

4 comments about Melville's Moby Dick (typeset for the Kindle).

1. No distinction is made between hyphens and dashes, and there are plenty of both in the book. Buy a different edition.



2. Wow! Who would think that reading Moby Dick on an iPhone would be such a pleasure? I've never been a fan of digital reading, but this experience has changed my tune. OK, truth be told, I haven't finished it yet, but hey, it's a big book! The only drawback to reading in this format might be that one can't easily see their progress through this weighty tome. I have, at times, felt lost at sea and picked up a paper copy to see how far along I was. Has anybody else read this book on a mobile phone?



3. I had been many years since I read Moby Dick.
   I had forgotten the tedious style it is written in.
   It's worth reading, a real classic.



4. This was the worst book. The discriptions of everything in the book were so extensive that he forgot to tell the story of moby dick.....

5 comments about The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, 3rd Edition Revised.

1. Very informative, well organized and simple to understand for the inexperienced sailor as well as those who have a basic understanding of sailing. Very helpful.



2. A whole lot of info. I agree, that it could use an Addendum of modern navigation.



3. I am a relatively new sailor, so I don't have a lot of experience in much more than reference books and study at this point. But, from my vantage point I can attest that this book is one of the best written and illustrated book on the market. I believe it contains just about every aspect of the art of sailing. Aside from Sailing Fundamentals, by Gary Jobson, the Annapolis Book of Seamanship is a absolute must for any sailors library.



4. A nice updated edition from the prior one I had. General information for the novice and experienced sailor. Ready for another update based on outdated technology and navigational information but a great read.



5. This book isnt just eductational but really enjoyable if you like sailing and are interested in learning more about it. I always find myself distracted with other interesting topics. It is a book for any sailor to keep out on their coffee table. We were introduced to sailing from my aunt. She let me borrow their copy of this book. When they purchased a different boat we finally realized it was time to get one for ourselves. We have found it to be an invaluable reference tool, but not so "encyclopediac" that you can't enjoy reading on. In fact, when I refer to it.

5 comments about The Red Wolf Conspiracy.

1. After reading many glowing reviews of this book and noticing the second book in the series (The Ruling Sea) was released in Hardcover not too long ago I decided to give this first book a read. While I'm normally not excited to read fantasy stories that predominantly involve sailing, The Red Wolf Conspiracy (Chathrand Voyage series - Book 1) proved to be an exception. I picked up a used Hardcover copy of this book at a local bookstore and immediately started into it, not sure what to expect. The main character of the story is Pazel Pathkendle, a young boy who is a deckhand on a trading ship. After an unfortunate mishap Pazel finds himself aboard the immensely large and legendary ship, Chathrand. Constructed long ago from stout wood now practically extinct and woven together by magic, the Chathrand is truly a sight to behold. In addition to being a ship of great renown it also ferries some of the most influential and powerful people in the realm. Pazel quickly learns that not everyone or everything aboard the Chathrand is what it seems. Here are my thoughts on Robert V.S. Redick's - The Red Wolf Conspiracy;
   
   
   Pros
   
   + World building has a lot of potential.
   
   + Several interesting characters.
   
   + Adult fantasy theme.
   
   + Has a decent world map.
   
   
   Cons
   
   - Large majority of the book takes place aboard a ship. This may not be appealing to all readers.
   
   - Author's writing style is a bit vague and disjointed in the beginning of the book. He uses names of things and places that are not described and often not on the map. This does change however as the book progresses.
   
   - Middle section of the map is obscured/cut off due to the binding of the book. Unfortunately a decent portion of the story takes place in that area.
   
   - Over abundance of characters which can make it somewhat difficult to invest in and or keep track of them.
   
   - Several key action sequences are skipped in the book and instead recounted either from journals or after the fact like a Scooby Do ending.
   
   - Main characters are mostly children and seem too young to be grasping the grand and malicious conspiracy that's unfolding. Also, having children as the main protagonists in an adult style story caused me to lose some interest. I didn't want to see the story turn into Narnia.
   
   - Could have used an extended glossary with so many characters and the abundance of history.
   
   
   Red Wolf Conspiracy starts off a bit slow and confusing but rights itself like a ship towards the middle of the book. My biggest gripe with the novel was that the author seemed like he couldn't decide whether he wanted the story to appeal to an older audience or aim the book at children. While there are clearly many adult situations and scenes in the book he chose to make the main protagonists children. Toss in some talking animals, faerie style creatures and teenage crushes and you're heading in the opposite direction of main theme of the story. While it wasn't the best fantasy book I've ever read it was an interesting read and I look forward to eventually reading The Ruling Sea and any books that may follow.



2. Pazel Pathkendle was a bonded servant and a foreigner from a conquered land. Separated from his family (it is unknown if they are dead or alive). He is tarboy (lowest of the low) on a ship. Pazel finds himself in the center of a huge conspiracy that could effect the lives of people on several continents, perhaps his entire world. Using his talent (being able to speak any language he is exposed to whether written or spoken) and his intelligence, plus a whole lot of luck, Pazel must save the girl, trick the evil doers, and escape from near death several times over.
   
   I thought the story was good if a bit long. Book length doesn't normally bother me, but there was a lot of narration in this one. Making the story a bit dull at times. I liked the characters. My favorites were the woken rat and Diadrelu. Unfortunately, they had some of the smallest parts.



3. I got called in for jury duty, so I picked up a new paperback to pass the time. Thankfully I didn't get chosen and was able to tear through the first 200 pages before I was dismissed. I haven't gotten hooked on a book so fast since I read my first Myth book by Aspirin when I was 12. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to tear into the rest of the series.



4. I took a chance and was rewarded.
   
   I don't usually give new authors a try--especially new authors launching a series of books--but the premise of a fantasy that takes place almost exclusively at sea was just too promising to pass up.
   
   [SPOILER FREE]
   
   Although the back of the book hints that a noble girl named Thasha is the main character, most of the plot actually revolves around the adventures of a simple tarboy named Pazel.
   
   Very quickly it becomes apparent that the author knows a good deal about seamanship, naming all the parts of the boat, typical provisions they would have and even down to the slang of the sailors. Such display of knowledge made the sea adventures in this story a great deal more "real" than in most fantasy novels.
   
   In addition, there is quite a bit of politics and, as the title implies, conspiracy. Elements like these are why I think some compare this book to George RR Martin, but I'd stop at that--this book is rated G compared to what goes on in the works of GRRM. There are no sex scenes, no bad language and even the violence never goes into the gory details. Some might see that as a negative, but I find it reassuring to know that an author can have enough self-confidence to sell a good story without having to resort to gratuitous scenes and swear-words.
   
   The book generally gets more satisfying as you go along, mostly due to the fact that there are several unexpected plot twists and revelations that make you go "Ah-Ha!" Character-wise, some of them are quite interactive, meaning that you may find yourself cheering for some or yelling at others for their actions.
   
   The very end, however, is a bit of a cliffhanger and leaves much unresolved. The only other negative I have is that the MOTIVE for the warring factions is not very clear, in terms of what got all this hatred started to begin with. In general though I find that most fantasy novels are lacking in the MOTIVE department.
   
   While all the praise reports try their best to compare this book to other authors, I feel they overlooked one: Frank Herbert's DUNE.
   Thasha's trainer, Hercol, reminded me of Duncan Idaho and the Mother Prohibitor reminded me of the Reverend Mother of the Bene Gesserit, even down to the use of a needle/gom jabbar.
   
   It's not a perfect novel, but the characters are interesting, the plot is complex and entertaining, it's different and even better . . . there's more to come.



5. To a certain degree, this book's plot is a hodge-podge of ideas -- many of them novel, some of them compelling, and only a few that feel like they're more than just thrown in to make things interesting (instead of actually being important to the goings-on). Overall, I think the author has constructed a world with too many characters who are each too idiosyncratic, and he loses grip of how to weave them into a story that has sustained direction, suspense, and believability. Then again, there is some entertainment value in spending some time being exposed to the fanciful characteristics of this book's world. So, overall, I enjoyed it, but I also had to repeatedly suspend my annoyance at those times that the book's shortcomings flared up, and I expect to look elsewhere for entertainment rather than read the sequel.

5 comments about The Great Wide Sea.

1. Ben was supposed to get a car when he turned 15. Instead, he finds himself on a sailboat in the Bahamas with his two younger brothers and his father. For a year, their father promises, they will sail from island to island, enjoying the high seas. What Ben's father doesn't say is that he is running away from the memory of their mother--recently deceased.
   
   Ben doesn't want to be on the boat where he, his brothers and his father are crammed tightly together. Ben doesn't want to take orders from his father-captain who has uprooted the whole family, selling Ben's childhood home and family sailboat, to live on the ocean. Ben is angry, furious, and sad--understandably so. But life goes on, and for a while it seems everything is going as well as it can go.
   
   Until Ben's father disappears. There's no way to tell if he jumped or fell, and there's no time to think about it because Ben and his brothers must survive a massive storm without their father, without a radio, and without a GPS.
   
   As Ben slips into his father's role, struggling to keep himself and his brothers alive, he learns something about love, family, devotion, and courage.
   
   M. H. Herlong's debut novel is at turns a thrilling, contemplative, and sad adventure story about a family dealing with the wounds of loss. Ben is a compelling and sympathetic narrator with a clear voice, while the rest of the characters are well-developed. Ben is never preachy and his love for his brothers palpable. The final scene might even bring some readers to tears.
   
   The Great Wide Sea will especially appeal to fans of survival stories as well as readers who enjoy sailing. However, I think anyone who reads this book will be drawn into the well-written adventure and quiet family drama.
   
   Although the sailing and nautical terms can get somewhat technical, M. H. Herlong has a wonderful companion site that provides lots of information about sailing, navigation, and the boys' adventure. Teachers who wish to teach this book will find it an excellent resource.



2. A grieving father who has just lost his wife sells everything, buys a sailboat, and leaves with his three sons to sail the Caribbean for a year. Readers would expect that this might be a journey that gives them back their life as a family unit. And it is, but it is much more than that. The oldest son, Ben, is fifteen--old enough to feel some responsibility for his younger brothers, old enough to be thinking of his life as separate from that with his family, and of the age to question the character of his own father. So the journey does become a test for each family member's strength as well as the bonds with each other. But the other journey, the journey of Ben's perception of his father from failure to fallible is an equally perilous journey.
   
   There are similarities between The Great Wide Sea and Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Paulsen captures the fear and desparation of a young boy alone in the wilderness with nothing to help him survive but a good knife. Herlong's story doesn't deliver as much of the urgency of surviving the ferocity of nature, but it delivers much more in the interior workings of a teen-age boy and the ferocity of coming of age.
   
   Kids who like to sail from age nine on up should enjoy this book. While there is plenty of suspense, this is not an action packed story. It is more of a tale that rings true. I am no sailor and well past nine-years-old and I loved it.



3. A great engaging read in dealing with survival issues associated with a family dealing with the death of a loved one, with the struggles between adolescence and parent, and with those struggles associated with the survival of the fittest.



4. This book was apalling from the very beginning. The characters involved in this book are so unimaginable and unrealistic. I have never been so bored with a book...the climax at best was uninteresting and full of yawns. The scenario was pretty much stupid and a horrendous example for anyone dealing with a dilemna alike to this. Save your money and read something more exciting - perhaps The Hunger Games or The Mortal Instruments Series, both quite advantageous reads.



5. A 30 foot sailboat out on the ocean. A father and three sons. What happens when the boys wake up one morning and their father is missing? The oldest boy, Ben, is only fifteen, and now he's in charge of Dylan, ten, and Gerry, who's only five. This adventure book for middle school readers had me in its grip from the first page.
   
   The story begins in sadness. The mother of the boys recently died in a car accident and since then their father has barely been able to cope. One day he decides they'll sell the house, buy a boat, and sail for a year. The boys are still grieving and they don't want to go, but their father doesn't give them a choice.
   
   At first they spend leisurely weeks at one or another of the Bahama islands. The older two boys are expected to learn how to repair the engine, navigate, and work the radio. They don't mind, even if it isn't exactly what they want to be doing. But then their father decides that they will sail to Bermuda, 900 miles out into the ocean...and after that cross the Atlantic to Spain. Ben argues but his dad is adamant.
   
   Soon after, their father disappears one night while on watch. Is the note he left a suicide note? Before the boys can decide what to do next, a storm looms on the horizon. Now their very survival is at stake.
   
   The Great Wide Sea had me enthralled and the characters held my attention all the way through. The father is believable, if not likable, as a man who feels lost and uses sailing as a way to keep going. Middle school readers will empathize with Ben's anger when his father turns their lives upside-down. And when the boys are on their own out in the ocean and Ben must take charge, they'll applaud his resourcefulness. Ten year old Dylan, a budding astronomer, has his head up in the stars, but later shows down-to-earth skills that the other two rely on. Even Gerry, age five, shows courage beyond his years.
   
   Herlong's writing style entertained and moved me. As the best writers do, she finds the surprising turn of phrase that perfectly captures the moment.
   
   Reading level: 10 and up. This book will grab both middle school and teen readers.

5 comments about Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 66th Edition (Chapman Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling).

1. This is an excellent reference book to have. Explains navigating very well. BTW, West Marine is selling the 66th edition for $29.95.



2. I was very pleasd with the quality of the book and the timely manner that it arrived.



3. This has to be one of the most comprehensive books I have ever read. It has everything one needs to make in the boating world. It even prepares you for the Captains test. Good no Excellent book.



4. Still the Gold Standard, well edited and written. Full of excellent information every skipper needs to know.



5. Chapmans is one of the most comprehensive books on small craft boating on the market. Your price is the most competative.

5 comments about The Letter Sweater.

1. What a beautiful book. A really lovely book about love. I'd highly recommend picking this up. You won't be sorry. (Just have a few tissues handy)



2. I couldn't put this book down! Crayton gifts the reader with a story of hope, forgiveness and reconciliation. This mature adult love portrayed here is a treasure, and I'm so glad I found it.



3. I love a good romance novel with true to life people who live in the real world. I love characters with depth. I love genuine plots that keep you turning the pages. Sadly I am usually disappointed. Not so this time! Skip Crayton has just jumped to the top of my list of authors who can deliver exactly what I want. Well done!



4. Overall, this was a nice story. It seemed to drag a bit for me, and I was very frustrated at the main female character for quite a while, not understanding where she was coming from, but it did come together nicely with even some excitement in the latter part. Still a good read.



5. I'm not usually into this sort of book, but when I read the description of the book, I decided, what the heck? I got the book, started reading it, and after a slow start, I got into the book. I could picture the surroundings, picture the conversations, smell the ocean and feel the wind on my face. I thought it was a nice, clean, well written romance with a Christian undertone. I would recommend it to a friend.

5 comments about Sailing Alone Around the World.

1. Joshua Slocum was the first person to sail around the world. In this book he tells about his voyage. Joshua Slocums story is very entertaining to read. He writes about the practical and technical challenges of long distance sailing in the 19th century and about his encounters with the peoples and tribes on his route. The writing style is short and factual, but that almost makes the impression even stronger given that more often than not Joshua Slocum had to face death and only escaped with the narrowest of margins. They don't make'em like that any more... I highly recommend this book. it's a great read!



2. Sailing alone around the world is the book most mentioned by sailors when telling their own story. It is a 19th century tale of courage, determination and adventure in a world much simpler and more mysterious than our own. Captain Slocum also has a great knack for spinning a great yarn and his other books are also well worth reading. This is THE classic solo sailing book by which all others are measured.



3. Written from a man and during a time before cruising was something "average income" people could / would do. Inspires one to not just sit wasting life go by on a tv, but to go out into the world and experience life!
   Rachel Derlatka



4. Let me say that I've never been on a sailing vessel of any type. I've never even been on the ocean. But I found this book quite interesting and entertaining. Joshua Slocum's narrative style makes it almost impossible not to read it without imagining a bit of a sailor's accent. His kind heart and happy disposition make me wish I could have met him.
   A great read!



5. This should be required reading for all Americans. An incredible tale of Yankee ingenuity, hard work and adventure like none other I've ever read. This was a normal guy without significant education or experience, written before modern education advances (sarcasm intended) who commands a clarity of thought and expression that rivals most people with advanced education today. Even if a sailing tale is of no interest to you, read this solely to learn to write!