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2035 | Consistently reliable for good quality feel and precise tuning. My go-to for Uke strings. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
2036 | This strap is authentic and comfortable. It can be easily attached to any style of Mandolin. Mine happens to be an F Style and with the strap already set up with multiple holes for adjusting length, I was able to use it right away. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
2037 | D'Addario & Co. Inc makes some of the best products for stringed instruments I've come across. I was given one of these capos as a complimentary gift at a music festival. I tried it and liked it so much, I ditched my big Kyserr Clamp in favor of the small, unobtrusive elegance of D'Addario's Planet Waves capo. I bought another from Amazon so that I have one for each of my banjos. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
2038 | This leather strap makes my traditional bluegrass banjo look fantastic. For the money, this is a great strap. It is functional, comfortable, and attractive. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
2039 | For me these are the best. Price and quality meet all expectations. One of the problems I've had with looped banjo strings from other manufactures happens when I install them on my banjos. Sometimes when I need to bend the loop slightly to lock into the tail piece, the string breaks...but not with these. D'Addario strings are made for musicians and never let me down. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20310 | Fits discretely/unobtrusively on my prized instrument. It is accurate and easy to use. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20311 | I've been a big fan of the smaller D'Addario banjo/mandolin capo and use them exclusively. I decided I needed the larger radius curved model for my new banjo with a slightly wider and radius shaped fretboard. This model is just as nice as the other. It is unobtrusive - doesn't look like the borg has taken a gnarly hunk of my banjo and stays out of the way when playing in the lower registers. I also like the ability to have full control of the tension/pressure applied to the strings at the fretted location. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20312 | I bought this bridge to lower the action and improve the intonation up the neck of my Tranjo travel banjo. It made all the difference and is easier to adjust than a standard bridge. For the money, you can't beat it. One note of caution or advice is that nearly all banjo bridges are installed with the manufacturer's label or logo facing the neck. However, the compensated design of this Grover bridge wouldn't allow stamping the logo on the traditional side, so when you install this bridge, you'll want the Grover logo to face the tailpiece of your banjo. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20313 | Didn't fit my disposal - neck wouldn't seal around the top without distorting. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20314 | This is the third one of these I purchased to augment the system I use for front, back and side yards. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20315 | High quality and best for hard cheeses. Feels solid and easy to use. Makes a great Christmas gift. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20316 | It is "old school," which is why I bought it for my wife. She loves stuff like this. I was happy at the thought of her pulling it out of her Christmas Stocking. She liked it right away, wound it up and set it. Within two hours it stopped. She re-wound and set the alarm for the next hour...nothing. Stopped ticking. Now I've got to hassle around with returning it.
This one had a bunch of negative reviews - I should have paid closer attention and saved myself the trouble. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20317 | You simply cannot beat the price for the performance of this simple and elegant peeler. It is easy to use, easy to clean and works better than the others I have that I spent more money on. I like the comfy handle too. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20318 | Exactly what I was looking for knowing the Zyliss makes excellent quality kitchen products for a great price. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20319 | This opener is state of the art - I love the way it performs. The only slight drawback is that it takes some getting used to. Hopefully it will last and last. No comment yet on what happens with substandard or dented cans, but traditional openers have issues with those too, so we'll see. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20320 | An excellent fridge magnet - it is hard to screw these things up, but it has been done. This one didn't disappoint. In fact, the literature that was included indicated that proceeds from my purchase go toward rescue pets. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20321 | This item is typical for a corkscrew style opener with a cool addition - the integrated foil cutter is awesome! | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20322 | Fridge mags - these are small, so they don't really hold a picture or flyer well unless you use 3-4 at a time. If you're a Frenchy parent, having a set of these is another way to brag about your pet...like you'd need help, right? French Bulldogs are so freakin cute, nobody really needs help in the bragging department. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20323 | These are trouble free lights - They work much better than old school bulbs, don't use much electricity, and bath the spaces on our back deck with lots of mood light. I'll be getting more. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20324 | This stereo microphone is tiny and easily plugs into my digital voice recorder. It came with a clip and extension cord so that it can also be clipped to a shirt collar. The stereo feature is precise and right/left is easily distinguishable during playback.
I haven't tried this microphone on other devices, just the digital voice recorder. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20325 | I needed a digital voice recorder for some projects at work. This one was on sale and has more than enough memory to satisfy my requirements. It is very light and easily fits in a breast pocket. The integrated USB conveniently plugs into my laptop and allows an instant ability to transfer files for editing. It also comes with a rechargeable AAA Nickle Metal Hydride battery.
My only complaint is that the menu is not entirely intuitive and the screen is pretty small. It took some getting used to, but for the price I can confidently recommend to others that it is a great deal. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20326 | I couldn't believe the price. My Olympus TG1iHS came with the original Olympus Lithium, which recharges reliably. When I bought the camera, the telemarketer coaxed me into buying an additional battery, only it was an after market copy that wouldn't take a charge via the camera's patch cord. I thought, $16.95 might be wasted on this pair of aftermarket batteries but I had to try them anyway. I'm pleased. They charge and hold the charge and for a price that allowed me to buy two instead of just one spare. Now I don't have to worry about bringing a charger with me for the overseas travel I've got on my summer agenda. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20327 | Light, compact, capable and super easy to set up. I got this to interface with Raspberry Pi2 and it works perfectly. Keyboard and trackpad in one package directly interfaces via bluetooth dongle (included). | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20328 | Perfect for the new 2nd Fire. Initially I bought a less expensive case and was sorely disappointed. This one is excellent in every way. The screen cover doubles as a stand/prop and can be used either horizontally or veritcally. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20329 | Im impressed! The quality and precision of the parts are excellent and the design and assembly were very straight forward using exploded view diagram provided on the back of a business card. The entire packages is simple and elegant. I soaked the precision cut pieces in warm water as suggested in the instructions, making it a quick job of preparing the parts for assembly. I don't think I spent more than 5 min putting everything together to include my circuit board. The access and protection provided by this well thought out design are the best I've seen with this type of product.
One of the things I admire about an outfit like C4 Labs is their responsiveness to customer feedback. Some of the prior reviews suggested a need to make cut outs for the reset and power button additions that Pine64 added on. Well, my Zebra Case has the cut outs for both buttons!
I'm eager to discover what other projects C4 Labs will come up with next. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20330 | Experts Only - Others should steer clear.
Hours were spent trying to get this thing to work - it came in a small box, no documentation whatsoever. The info on the amazon sales page for adding the required driver was close to useless and offered opportunity for more frustration.
Not worth it even at the price point - If you want plug and play - you gotta pay. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20331 | Pros= Super comfortable, great support, look nice, covered toe area, seem to be well made.
Cons= Sole tends to be slippery on wet rock, on the heavy side, and you gotta take them off to get gravel and sand out (the down side of covered toe area).
All said, these fit better than others I've tried and are way more comfortable and have support where others don't | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20332 | Pros= Super comfortable, great support, look nice, covered toe area, seem to be well made.
Cons= Sole tends to be slippery on wet rock, on the heavy side, and you gotta take them off to get gravel and sand out (the down side of covered toe area).
All said, these fit better than others I've tried and are way more comfortable and have support where others don't | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20333 | These Tevas fit me perfectly. I put over 1000 miles of hiking on the original pair that I bought from a local shop. I was very happy to find them available on Amazon and had no hesitation with deciding to order them. I'll probably order another pair right away so that I have them for when this new pair is ready to be replaced. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20334 | This product met my requirements. It is light weight, durable and doesn't take up a lot of space in the pack. Most important, it sheds water. For the money, I can highly recommend the Equinox Egret as a shelter that can be erected with hiking poles. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20335 | Lots of value for the price. I put two in the car with my winter safety kit and one each in our day packs for that unexpected emergency we hope will never happen. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20336 | I used my new rod leash yesterday while float tube fishing. While fly casting, I hardly noticed it attached to my rod. I was glad I had it too as it gave me confidence that I wouldn't have to worry about dropping an expensive fly rod while removing the flies from the mouths of the trout I've been catching. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20337 | I bought two of them in hopes they would meet my needs and it was a good gamble. For the price, these filters were worth the investment to test. I've since ditched my MSR Backpacking filter (It served its purpose but was heavy). Be warned, there are a few steps with this system that makes filtering a gallon of water a bit of a burden, but if you're a hiker going light, this one is super small and light making any additional burdens seem insignificant. Glad I bought two - one for hiking and the other for my emergency preparedness kit, because you never know. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20338 | This short documentary was so good, I ended up watching it twice, just to be sure I didn't miss anything. Shimabukuro's life as a ukelele virtuoso is presented in full circle and includes some of the most inspirational interviews I've ever seen from a documentary of this genre. Jake does a fabulous job of giving credit where it is due. He respects the instrument and the musical roots for which it was designed.
Whether you are a musician or not, this film is one you won't want to miss. I'm pretty sure I'll be watching it a third time, something I've never done, not even with "Star Wars." | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20339 | Possibly the best film of the decade, "Broken Circle Breakdown" will evoke emotions you may never have experienced. In the words of young director/producer, Felix van Groenigen, "this film is an emotional roller coaster." It is also one that brings the music that I love to the forefront where it belongs. The discerning viewer will more than likely "get" the concept of the circle of life. The term "Breakdown" comes from the bluegrass tradition where the instrumentalists take their turns with a "lead instrumental break" between verses. This is something that can't be pigeon holed into a quartet or quintet. The genre typically consists of a Bass, Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, and Banjo plus 2 to even 4 part harmony vocals.
In Groenigen's film it becomes clear to the casual viewer that there are two prominent themes, and maybe more, but the themes that will transport you as you watch, consist of a love story, and the music. Bluegrass music for those who aren't among the initiated, tell stories that are deep in the history of culture. When a film can convey the gravity of how these stories are passed forward, you get a big fireworks show...or in my case tears...tears that flow from listening to the music and the lyrics that tell the tragic tale.
As a reader and writer, I'm a big fan of stories of triumph and tragedy. I searched my soul for the triumph from the story in this film but could only find solace in the dialog between the characters, and heart of the music.
When you're ready to cry...a lot, then set aside some time to watch this movie. I guarantee you'll be touched. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20340 | I have such mixed views on how best to provide perspective readers with sufficient information to make a decision to spend time reading this work by Mr. Gajda. First off, I think the concept of living with less without being saddled with unnecessary expenses and responsibilities that cause undue stress is worth going after. I thought that was what I was going to spend my time reading about.
Instead, I was yet again, re-introduced to the values of those who choose to go Vegan. I'm was born an omnivore and have sufficient grey matter between my ears to understand the logic and value of dietary choices. I just want readers to be warned that they can skim or skip a good chunk of the section of Gajda's "five rings," when he goes into detail about dietary choice and method.
I live in a bike friendly environmentally conscious community by choice and benefit from leaving my car parked for weeks on end. I'm well aware that this isn't an option for most Americans. I've lived in more places in this big country than the average person, so I get it. The take away from the section about getting rid of independent travel via personal auto should be to encourage change. The preachy feeling I got while reading this section caused me to investigate the author's background and age...yes, what a luxury.
I'm in my mid 50s and totally agree with the sense of freedom one experiences when they are able to shed their "stuff." However, it isn't practical for average mortals to quit their day jobs.
In this work by Gajda that I believe was well intended, he presents too many contradictions for me to feel good about providing a good recommendation to a broad audience of readers. e.g. Aside from the author's convictions about going vegan and shedding the use of automobiles, he seems to have no trouble traveling the world via the most fuel consumptive mode of transport known to man - the Jet. Additionally, Gajda offers his version of a common sense means for personal financial management (old news stuff for anyone who's ever researched it). My problem with his presentation of successful fiscal responsibility is the chronology in which he gained that perspective. No way did the author quit his day job, sell all his stuff, become a vegan, and suddenly become financially independent. For me, the story just didn't add up.
My final recommendation is for those remotely interested is, pick and choose what you think might be of value and skip the rest. There are some good nuggets of useful advice in this work, provided you can get past the preachy guidance the author recommends. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20341 | I was really hoping the Turkish Word Power on my kindle would be helpful, but it is pretty basic. It might be a good tool for helping complete beginners gain confidence with Turkish, but not for those who already have a working knowledge of the language. I'll be seeking an English/Turkish Dictionary for Kindle instead. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20342 | The book description was intriguing enough to spend $.99 for this short novella. I have to give the author credit for writing it all down and putting it out there. No doubt the author experienced every obstacle and challenge of an offshore ocean crossing in a small boat. The story was clearly a non-fictional account of a personal adventure shared in the company of others. Short adventure accounts like this one might encourage other first time authors to try their hand at documenting their own past adventures. I'm slightly mystified at the number of 5 star reviews and caution readers that if you expect that level of entertainment, there might be some disappointment. Regardless, I was one who bit on $.99 and a sailing story that didn't take that much time to read, so the author did alright with the marketing. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20343 | Who would have thought that a story about people turning into Pizzas would be so funny, especially when there is some mystery mixed in for good measure. Vickie Johnstone, author of several other fun and witty novels will brighten your day with "Day of the Living Pizza." Her character names alone will give you pause for a belly laugh. I'm glad to have stumbled on this story and discovered the Gage Project. I hope it has been tremendously successful. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20344 | The author provided me with a review copy of this novel aptly titled, "Blood Money." It is an action packed plot driven thriller that is believable and well written. It takes the reader no more than the first page to become hooked, since Richardson crafts an opening passage that is ripe with drama and dilemma.
The characters are well developed but there isn't a likable one in the bunch, save for LAPD Officer Lydia Gonzalez. The dark cast of players include the antagonist, Greg Beam who is the veteran guaranteed to make you hate him, along with the would be protagonist, a bigoted Kern County Sheriff's Deputy named Lucky Dey. The others, from Deputy U.S. Attorney General Lilly Zoller to the pool guy, Rey Palomino, they are all shady and self serving.
Greg Beam AKA "Beemer" is an Iraq war veteran with bigger problems then the PTSD that he returned home with. He's also greedy, looking for the fast buck. When he steals a warehouse full of blood plasma to transport via eighteen wheeler to Long Beach where Rey Baby set up a black market ship and sell deal, Beemer's perfect plan is set in motion. Only, Beemer was short on having an effective list of Plan Bs to fall back on and tends toward cold blooded summary executions to remove obstacles from his path.
I sped through this fast paced cop thriller hoping to discover at least one redeeming character, but there were none. In my recollection, this is the first novel I've read where I couldn't stand the characters. I was so buried in the action of the story that I didn't realize until deep into it just how much I didn't like any of them. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20345 | I stumbled on this short work from Joshua Collins because I've been on health journey of my own. Part of my journey includes shifting toward more healthy food and exercise, both of these are tenants of the "Coconut Oil Handbook." What I discovered in this very short but well defined work was so much more!
Before reading this guide, I had a notion that there was some controversy about consuming coconut oil to improve health, specifically ingesting saturated fat. Collins explains in common terms how coconut oil can be beneficial and dispels the myth that fat makes fat. Readers will learn that not all fat is the same. Not only that, but who ever would have thought that something as simple as coconut oil could arrest hair loss?
I cannot attest to the claims of increasing weight loss, because I've been on a grain and dairy free diet now for ten months and have already shed enough of my former self to fit into cloths I wore years ago. What I can say though is that including coconut oil in my diet has increased my energy and I sleep better.
I think the author wanted each chapter to be able to stand alone so that readers could look up a topic and read a complete explanation. As one who reads from cover to cover, I found a lot of the information was repeated between chapters. Other than that, readers will certainly get their money's worth. The recipes alone are worth the purchase. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20346 | As a follower of the Paleo lifestyle, I jumped on the opportunity to read this authoritative guide when the author offered me a review copy. I found the title to be a bit misleading and the writing style repetitive, however, the content is excellent!
Hasic's style is like that of a coach, talking readers through a series of well researched steps that guide them toward a more healthy lifestyle. Hasic explains how and why the practices of preparing and eating quality foods while avoiding those that are extensively processed will reward readers with improved health.
I expected a list of "mistakes" that those of us who have adopted Paleo into our eating habits, should avoid. Instead, Hasic explains the benefits of Paleo and offers sound advice on how to succeed while living a more healthy lifestyle. Readers interested in going Paleo won't be disappointed and those who are already familiar will find many valuable nuggets of information within the pages of this work. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20347 | O'Sullivan had me at page one and then after that the hooks were set and never let go. The authenticity of the setting and the grit of the period - it was easy to imagine myself in Michael Gallagher's shoes, patrolling the streets of Shanghai as a constable in the Shanghai Municipal Police. All Michael Gallagher wanted when he signed on for overseas duty was to make a reputation for himself so that he'd be respected among the gentry in Ireland. What he ended up with was much much more. The haunting of a boyhood love for a girl named Fiona and the sense of loss that accompanied the severing of all ties to the home of his youth in Ireland, Gallagher wrestles with his conscience with each turn of the plot.
O'Sullivan is a masterful story teller with keen insight into the gangster culture of the inter-war years of Shanghai (circa 1929-late'30s). His writing craft is top notch with place descriptions that transcend time and bring the reader close enough to the action to hear, smell and feel the tension. Written in the first person, O'Sullivan's protagonist takes the reader on a noir style adventure. Whether with another encounter with Big Ears Lu and a foray into the House of Joy, Gallagher finds himself in the center of everything. From his early trials after meeting Mariam to his re-acquaintance with Jamie Flyte, as a war unfolds in the region, Katya enters the story and Gallagher finds himself on yet again another winding adventure, culminating in the unraveling of a mystery that leads to a most satisfying conclusion. Michael Gallagher is a character that will stay in your mind after reading the last sentence.
O'Sullivan knows his stuff and clearly has a grasp of this genre that is refreshing to read. I especially enjoyed gaining a sense of history the easy way. Through Gallagher's eyes, I got a sense of what it would be to experience Shanghai during a pivotal period. I sure hope he has another one coming out soon! | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20348 | When I seek out fiction with an adventurous sailing theme, I usually don't expect to discover a nautical version of Steven Kings Misery. As a connoisseur of sailing adventures, I was attracted Moores latest and looked forward to reading an adventure taking place on sunny shores with a bit of mystery/thriller thrown in for entertainment. Instead, I was surprised by the dark tug that Close Reach achieved in the first passage of this heavy on plot and light on character development piece of fast paced fiction.
Without giving away the fun of discovering what happens next, Ill only share the opener and a couple of plot elements to nibble on if you dare to dive into the darkness of the violence people seem to be able to inflict on one another in the interest of personal gain. Instead of a turquoise glow of translucence reflecting on the sugar white sands of an atoll in the tropics where a yachting couple might venture with their 70 offshore performance/cruising cutter, Kelly and her husband Dean are anchored in a cove in the shelter of an island off the Antarctic peninsula when they hear a distress call over the yachts VHF, transmitted from another vessel, followed by the disturbing sounds of heavy metal goth music. What comes next is the equivalent of a modern day cinematic chase scene, played out in 40 foot seas matched equally by a wind velocity of 40 peaking to something more in knots. The result? Youll want to read this one for yourself.
The questions that interrupted my imagination while reading this story centered on the idea of violence begets violence, or it is either you or me. These are the things youll be thinking when you ask yourself just what would it take for a physician to violate their Hippocratic oath in the interest of survival?then maybe, when does survival become vengeance?
I wouldnt suggest this novel to anyone faint of heart or in anyway squeamish about violence on every level ranging from rape to torture, and outright callous murder. Moore knows his sailing and all that encompasses the description of the drama that can ensue when running in a storm. He presents the action well without getting bogged down in technical details. If hes not entirely familiar with medicine and surgery, he had me fooled.
Take this one on your next cross country flight and youll feel a need for a breath of air at the end. It is a fast paced read that will leave you breathless and maybe even land bound. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20349 | Aptly titled, this novella was thoroughly entertaining. I was drawn in immediately when I read the front matter. The author wrote this story from the point of view of having heard it from a recluse whom he met while hiking in the woods. The plot centers around a top secret military project for cloning the ultimate soldier using Neanderthal DNA - a relic from thousands of years ago.
Brookes did a great job developing a colorful cast of characters who not only kept the plot moving, but harkened back to the cold war days of "Dr. Strangelove." The story opens with a crusty General in charge of his own empire supported by an emotionally distraught Colonel who's only job was to make sure the genetic scientist he held captive in their secret lab continued his work on the project. These officers didn't yet know a security leak would rupture the brave new world they were trying to create. Throw in the playboy grandson of the project's key industry partner who has questions of his own to answer and see what happens.
I love it when good fiction collides with fact and conspiracy. I also enjoyed the clever means by which Summerston, the captive scientist, managed to leak information about the project to the rest of the world by using Morse Code, considered by many to be a relic in today's high tech environment.
Now that I've gotten a taste of Jonathan Brookes in the form of a short novella, I'm eager to read a sequel as "Relic" ends with the possibility that there might be more to come. A quick note for those reading reviews posted elsewhere, the original printed copy I purchased had some formatting that seemed odd. Since then, the author provided me with a revised edition that looks fantastic. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20350 | When the author offered me a chance to read and review "The Kindle Publishing Treasure Map" in exchange for an honest review, I was a bit skeptical. In recent years, I'd already researched the many resources out there that cover this topic. I'd already plowed through most of the "how to" work of any value on the subject of Kindle publishing. I didn't think I'd find anything new or different than what I'd already discovered. I was wrong.
Robideau put together a comprehensive and well organized reference that is packed with useful, up to date hyperlinks that authors can make use of right away. Examples include a quick link with all the necessary instructions and benefits of becoming an Amazon Affiliate member (I joined immediately). Other hyperlinks took me to the EFA rate sheet for copy editing and another to one of the best HTML5 tutorial sites (w3Schools.com). Robideau also provides a link to the most up to date list of the "Top 50 English Language Publishing Houses."
When I find value I can put to use right away, I need to credit the author by recommending their work and this one receives my highest recommendation. Authors new to Kindle publishing can't go wrong if they start their projects by first reading "Kindle Publishing Treasure Map." | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20351 | A colleague of mine not only recommended this book, but gave me her copy and asked that I "pay it foreword" when finished reading it. After plowing through the first couple of chapters, I understood why she wanted me to read it. As a veteran myself, I needed to read this story.
Until Tuesday is not a typical memoir or a non-fictional account about a battle weary disabled veteran and his service dog. Until Tuesday is a refreshing and thoroughly honest story of tragedy turned to triumph when fate intercedes. I can almost guarantee It will bring readers to tears.
Captain Montalvan deployed for two combat tours in Iraq as an Army Officer in the most challenging circumstances. In this amazingly well crafted account, Montalvan's style is detailed and representative of the best in journalistic style. His story and the story of his service dog, Tuesday is woven together in a gripping tale that kept me reading.
I enjoyed this book because the author candidly spreads his personal experiences of learning to cope with Post Traumatic Stress - PTSD before the world to read about and assess as they may. The invisible wounds experienced by so many of America's best and bravest are unfortunately misunderstood by the broader population. From his personal experiences, Montalvan provides a clear and unblemished picture of the how, what, and why PTSD is such a challenge for those who must learn to cope with it and those who desire to assist with the process of healing. The role service animals play in treating invisible wounds is a big part of this story and Tuesday is the star Golden Retriever on center stage.
Praise goes to the author for the support he's provided to other veterans by advocating for them and writing such a wonderful book. I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I can pass this book on to another reader. The person I have in mind will appreciate this masterfully written account. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20352 | If you ever wanted to learn about Cyprus during the 1950s before Cypriot independence and before inter-communal conflict tore the island apart, then read this first hand account from Allan Cole.
This story reads as a memoir, but what makes it interesting is Cole's amazing detail. The characters are real and so is the landscape as Cole describes it. The author could have benefitted from some careful editing as there were a few errors here and there, but none of them were terribly distracting. I would read another book by Allan Cole because I think he's clever and honest. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20353 | Coral Russell's DIY Guide for the Independent Writing Community is rich with sound advice. It is packed with references that the author has checked thoroughly and reads like a checklist for success. Readers/writers will be able to put much of the content to use right away. I'm so glad we have experienced and generous authors like Ms. Russell who make it easy for the rest of us. This guide would be worth it at twice the price! | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20354 | As a student of the Turkish Language, I found this Kindle version to be a handy travel partner during a recent trip to Turkey and Northern Cyprus. It was useful for locating words missing from my Turkish vocabulary. However, without a working knowledge of Turkish grammar, this dictionary wouldn't have been as helpful. I also quickly discovered that I wished this dictionary had the capability of translating from Turkish back to English. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20355 | Ms. Thurlow's genre isn't one I normally read or review, but curiosity got the better of me after I read, her guide, "The Fifty Shades of Grey Phenomena - How to write best-selling erotic romance." I thought Ms. Thurlow was pretty generous in sharing what she's discovered and I wanted to confirm whether it worked. I randomly selected "The Secret Life of Girls" because I liked the title.
What resonated with me was how Chloe Thurlow lusciously captured the English countryside and the life of girls going through a high class finishing school on the coast. Be warned, this type of literature is not for everyone, but if you are as equally curious as I was, you might find it not only interesting but a bit of fun too. What those girls got up to will raise the small hairs at the back of your neck, but being British, all beautifully written and in the best of taste. Exquisite. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20356 | Started it but couldn't get into it, let alone finish it. The blurb was good enough for me to pick it up though...good job on that. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20357 | Brimhall's first novel will take you places that will surprise you. "Plundering the Till" is set in a South Texas border town called San Miguel. The title reflects the novel's theme, where corruption pervades at every level depending on where one is looking.
Through detailed prose and nicely blended back story, readers will come to know and care about Brimhall's characters and all the gritty aspects of their lives. Brimhall cleverly illustrates the blending of American border town culture and Latino American culture stretching between the U.S. Mexican border all the way to Antigua, Guatemala.
You'll feel like you're there with Ty Bentancourt and Phil Strias as each faces the consequences of the corruption they encounter, both dealing with it in different ways. As a rebel journalist Bentancourt puts himself in the thick of it while his best friend Phil, a school teacher is a voice of reason. It seems everyone in San Miguel knows everyone else, including the "politicos." There is no place to hide from those who wish to continue "plundering the till."
Brimhall includes some nice comparative and artistic metaphors within each of the chapters. In a few places he describes the leaf cutter ants stripping away at the sparse living greenery of the local settings, just as the mayor and sheriff of San Miguel take their own cut of money from tax paying citizens, emulating the corruption that led to civil war in Guatemala. The leaf cutter ants on the novel's cover blends in nicely with the story's theme.
This one was a satisfying read suggesting Brimhall has even more to offer within the pages of his other two recently published novels. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20358 | I wish I could post a zero star review for this free book. Other readers shouldn't have to waste time delving into this one. If you're still curious, it will take no more than 20 minutes to discover what you already know about writing, self publishing, and marketing.
Though this author may indeed be a successful comedian, I found his humor and dismissive writing style to be offensive. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20359 | The story concept is what kept me reading. Do I enjoy reading the exploits of an underdog? You bet. Main character Johnathan was the only developed and redeeming character in the story. All the others were cliche and shallow.
Let's get to the reasons for the low rating:
- The villain is portrayed as a tech savvy hacker. The author chose to repeat over and over again that the Russian villain was using a UNIX browser as though he were a piano virtuoso. Any tech savvy reader would find the repetition laughable (my MacBook's Safari browser is a UNIX browser).
- Maybe this is just a peeve of mine, but when I read it or hear it, I have to call it out. The word "Algorithm" seems to be overused these days, almost as if it represents a mysterious and complicated piece of code. A loose definition for an "Algorithm" is: "a set of rules that precisely defines a sequence of operations." One of the things I didn't like about this story is that the sought after item, "a cypher drive" or better described as a flash drive with a decryption program and specialized chip-set seemed so easy for the antagonist to force a collision between two airliners off the Atlantic coast. Could it be done? Maybe, but not with the ease presented in this story. (Fear mongering doesn't sit well with some readers).
- NSA specializes in the analysis of the entire spectrum of signals. Though very cool and high tech, they would never send an "analyst" on an overseas operation, nor would the director be in charge of an operational take down. These days there are quite a number of readers who know the difference between a field operative and an analyst.
- Sniper shots with a helicopter spinning up(which takes quite a while) in near proximity will likely spoil a long range shot. Authors should stick to what they know.
- While reading, I find it irritating to stumble over "eggcorns", which are incorrectly written phrases, i.e. "...for all intensive purposes." The author included this in the narrative. Yes, I know it is a small thing, but small things add up. I believe the correct idiom is "...all intents and purposes."
As a writer myself, I've succumbed to some of the same flaws and endured similar scathing reviews, but have learned that such reviews can be valuable. I hope this author continues with this genre of fiction and applies the lessons learned from the critics here on Amazon. Fast paced and suspenseful plots can be fun for both the writer and the reader. This story exhibited signs that we may expect better from this author in the near future. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20360 | When Amelia Simons offered me a copy of "Complete Paleo Meals," in exchange for an honest review, I didn't think it would be any better than the Paleo Cook Book I'd already been using to prepare my meals. I went Paleo ten months ago and have since lost 38 lbs and my health is noticeably better. One of the challenges of maintaining the Paleo lifestyle is gaining some familiarity with the combinations of natural, fresh foods that make up an entire meal.
Simons's work is a perfect answer to planning and preparing Paleo meals. Each meal is laid out and includes a shopping list. One approach to enjoying the benefits of this book might be to follow the sequence the author set up, which will take all the guess work out of your meal preparations. Another approach might be to pick and choose a meal based on individual taste. After gaining some confidence, it is easy enough to extract recipes for the individual dishes or snacks. The addition of Paleo Comfort Foods wasn't something available in my other cook books.
This book is a bargain at the $.99 Kindle price and anyone, Paleo or otherwise can find a new recipe for healthy eating within the pages of "Complete Paleo Meals. Thanks Amelia for sharing this one! | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20361 | The events that Lynne Cantwell used to frame her latest novel Cross Wind are set in Washington D.C. in the not too distant future, less than a decade away. My take on Cantwells immaculately crafted satire on the contemporary political environment in our nations capital, is that this author hit the home run.
Cantwell introduces her readers to a cast of characters whom she has some insight intomaybe in the form of being a subject matter expert herself. Main character, Tess Showalter is an investigative reporter. She shares a townhouse in D.C. with a former college roomy, Sue Killeen. Together they take on a male third to split the cost of the home they live in. What happens later is extraordinary. Each represent different forces of a mystical world with goddesses and ancient spirits. There are other characters on the fringes of good that take stage. Readers will recognize them as the adversary.
Without giving away the entire plot, which by the way is plausable, the personalities of all the characters eventually collide and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. Though this might sound like the story is formulaic, hang on to your hat, because it is anything but
Speaking of hats, mine goes off to Cantwell. She delivered with precision writing craft, interesting and unique character development, and a contemporary and imaginitive story presented in a setting where she has a great degree of credibility. Lynne, please hurry up and write another. Im ready for it and ready for the next adventure. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20362 | I enjoyed Krish's novella and especially liked the way he made the main character, Alfear, so young and compassionate. This story has some wonderful plot elements but I'm afraid it would be a challenge for young readers to catch on to the various shifts in the point of view the story is presented from.
I will definitely look forward to reading more from this author. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20363 | Arvi is an Israeli engineer taking a solo sailing holiday in the Aegean. A sudden collision with a mysterious object in open water sets things in motion. Arvi deduces that he ran into part of a Russian spy submarine and finds himself in possession of a valuable piece of hardware. Mean while, the crew of the Russian submarine deduces that only a sail boat made of fiberglass could have caused the loss of one of the sub's capabilities.
Deception and a 4 way chase unfolds setting the reader up for a suspenseful conclusion. Undercurrents of the plot reminded my of The Hunt For Red October, only it seemed like the author rushed this plot heavy story to the finish line. Though this novel is light on character development, there is just enough for each of them to make everything fit. All the elements of the plot held together nicely, though there were a few passages near the end that may have been a bit far fetched.
Clearly, this author had fun writing this story. He made sure his knowledge of sailing and engineering concepts would be accessible and easily understood by the casual reader. If you're a reader of adventure that takes place on or in the water, you'll certainly enjoy this read. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20364 | McNamara's surf memoir is a worthy read if only for the fact that he was the first to conquer surfing a 100 ft wave. This work chronicles McNamara's life from childhood through the present.
With respect to non-fiction memoirs written by prominent personalities from the surfing world, I make it a point to read them all. Unlike other athletic pursuits, surfers rarely take time to write about their sport. "Hound of the Sea" is a story written by a surfer for surfers. The title is a reference to the author's Celtic surname meaning "hound of the sea".
Unlike Finnegan's"Barbarian Days" and Duane's"Caught Inside," McNamara's story doesn't come across as a literary, colorful, masterpiece of prose. Nearly all the chapters are 5-6 pages long that address specific milestones or memorable moments in the author's life. The first 77 pages seemed pretty unremarkable at first, but later it was clear how the early non-surfing years of the author's life gave shape to his life goal"To Keep Surfing".
What I really enjoyed about reading this book was the honesty and mater of fact transparency the author so humbly offers to anyone interested in really knowing what it is to walk in his shoes (or more appropriately his flip flops). Among the elite few who've ever surfed "Jaws," "Teahupo'o," "Mavericks," or "Cortes Bank" to name a handful of big wave spots, at one point or another, these surfers all discover that what they do in the water is like living in a fish bowl. The chapter titled "Incident at Cortes Bank" is one example of how the opinions of non-witnesses and media could really crush a person's spirit. This was a really important passage and I'm glad McNamara chose to include it.
What I didn't enjoy reading about was the cavalier attitude toward including marijuana and other drugs in the surfing lifestyle. True as it may have been for McNamara, it is sad and disappointing to be reminded that not every surfer (even those who are tremendously accomplished) is a clean living, serious athlete.
In the end, what worked for me as an admirer of Garrett McNamara was the "blue print" he developed to become the kind of serious big wave rider who is worthy of historical recognition. In the realm where McNamara operates (riding enormous killer waves), one cannot imagine how these surfers are able to keep fear in check. In his words, brief and concise, on page 219, McNamara says, "Fear is something we create, because we're stuck in the past or envisioning the future. If we stay in the present there is no fear." Coming from a man who'd endured the physical trauma of having his body tortured from the thousands of pounds per square inch and being pounded on reefs countless times, there is no question that Mr. McNamara has the credibility to speak to fear.
McNamara's work is a testimony that even a crooked path can lead to greatness if one remains humble and sticks to their "blue print." | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20365 | I like these small pens that are expandable to full size for writing. I was hoping to replace the one I'd lost that telescopes out of its housing and thought these were the same. They aren't. You remove the cap and slip it onto the opposite end for the full size feel. Though it still satisfies my need for an expandable small pen, I'm not a big fan of the potential for loosing the cap | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20366 | I like these small pens that are expandable to full size for writing. I was hoping to replace the one I'd lost that telescopes out of its housing and thought these were the same. They aren't. You remove the cap and slip it onto the opposite end for the full size feel. Though it still satisfies my need for an expandable small pen, I'm not a big fan of the potential for loosing the cap | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20367 | This feeder is very well made - built to last a lifetime, and at an excellent price. The birds love it and it is easy to refill with seed. I haven't had it long enough yet to know if it will continue to pass the squirrel test. They've been eying it though. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20368 | I should have read the description better. This hammock is not made of ripstop nylon. It is already showing signs of stretching more than ripstop. I had to remove the ropes/hooks that it came with as they were too big/bulky to make this a practical hammock for backpacking. I replaced the ropes/hooks with lightweight webbing. There was a ripstop hammock available at a local shop for the same price that might have been a better deal for me. Also, I wasn't all that thrilled that the tag and labels were glued to the stuff sack with packing tape. When I removed the tape, the glue left some gooey residue that is still on the stuff sack and won't come off. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20369 | This is the second set of these I bought. The length is easily adjustable. I had to shorten mine so that it would let the water spill into a decorative rain barrel. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20370 | This set is well made and assembles in less than 15 min. The chairs are very comfortable - the frame is designed with some spring to it, so the chairs have an easy rock when leaning back in them. We like this set so much we will be buying another for the back garden. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20371 | The right solution at the right price. The only thing I'd have prefered is having one of these with an identical design made of ceramic rather than hard plastic. I priced the ceramic versions, which were out of reach for my particular application. I went with the plastic and would do it again as it looks just great beneath the back corner of our roof. It was easy to install - I put it together and in position within 10 min of delivery. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20372 | ...you'll definitely want one of these lamps. I read a lot both with a Kindle and paper media. This lamp provides the perfect lighting for precise contrast while easing eye strain. It went together in minutes right out of the shipping box and I could tell right away that it is a quality item that will serve me well for a long time. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20373 | I got these packets for my Zombie Apocalypse 72 hour kit...could happen, who knows? Anyway, I'm ready. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20374 | Kohler no longer makes the original sprayer my faucet came with. I searched everywhere for a replacement, and Amazon had, not only exactly what I needed, but at the best price. This sprayer matches the color and style of the faucet perfectly. Installation took 5 min. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20375 | The cards are good looking, durable and easy to read. These stay clean and don't delaminate! Even if they get dirty, you can wash them and their good as new! | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20376 | By now nearly everyone has heard of this title. I was totally captivated by Junger's writing style. The story itself is intriguing, but Junger brings the reader into the lives of the main characters, their community, and the the rescuers.
Wow! | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20377 | I remember reading this story in my youth. Recently, one of my friend's boys said he was reading it for a school assignment, so we got into a discussion about it. I borrowed his copy to read the first chapters before going home and buying a copy of my own to read with my kindle. It is indeed a young adult classic that I'm pleased to discover is still widely read by young readers. Judging by the number of other books related to this title, I can only assume Hatchet is widely discussed in a school setting.
I did not read the reviews for it on Amazon before purchasing. It was an impulse purchase based purely on the sample content I read while visiting with my friend's son. When I finished, I realized there were some technical flaws (e.g. the description of the aircraft), but nothing to detract from the story. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20378 | I first read "Dove" when it first arrived in our local library. I was thirteen years old and entranced by what I'd read. This unique "coming of age" non-fiction account, inspired me along with hordes of others to pursue the kind of adventure that Robin Lee Graham wrote of in "Dove". For both blue water sailors and those dreaming of such experiences, this story and the movie that followed is to sailing, what "A River Runs Through It" and its movie was to fly fishing.
I have no doubt that global blue water cruising had increased in popularity as a result of Graham's voyage and his subsequent book that reads like a classic coming of age novel. After all these years, and having read nearly all the other books written by globe trotting sailors, a spark of nostalgia for those days in the early '70s inspired me to read it again. I'm really glad I did, because this one stands out among all the others. Not because it was one of the first of its kind, but because Graham made it personal. His account was of a boy coming of age during an extraordinary adventure in both idyllic and life threatening situations - all before the age of GPS and real time communications.
If you're a fan of coming of age literature or have an itch for armchair travel, this story will do more for you than satisfy the itch. It will inspire you to get out there and test yourself and perhaps discover true happiness. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20379 | I loved reading To Kill a Mockingbird and when I heard Harper Lee had another novel coming out, I knew Id want to read it also. I didn't expect it could possibly be as good as To Kill a Mocking Bird (TKAM) and after reading it, I discovered I was right. I also discovered something else; in the pre-release media for Go Set a Watchman I learned that the novel was written before Lees Pulitzer Prize winner, TKAM was published. Though it was written in the mid-1950s, it was never published until now and probably for good reason.
Go Set a Watchman is set in the early 50s and opens with 26 year old Jean Louise Finch nick named Scout returning to Maycomb, Alabama where she grew up. Maycomb is the small southern town where her aging father, Atticus still practices law. It is a town in transition during a period when civil rights were at the forefront of social justice.
For me, a good novel stems from a great story with precise, economical prose. TKAM is that kind of novel, Go Set a Watchman isnt. Published as a sequel to TKAM, Lee probably knew it wasn't ready for publication. It perhaps served as inspiration to write TKAM since it included many of the same characters as well as a theme and setting with potential to captivate an audience of readers. However, Go Set a Watchman lacked a hard hitting story and just droned on as a platform for Lee to express her views on social justice through the character of Jean Louise Finch. The title, Go Set a Watchman came from a passage where Jean Louise struggles to understand the changing attitudes of Maycomb and the towns people. In this passage, Jean Louise expresses a need for an internal watchman to steer her conscience.
Reading both Go Set a Watchman and TKAM as an exercise in comparative literary analysis would be a good exercise for both students and teachers of high school level literature. As an avid reader and fiction author, I was surprised to have struggled with the point of view in the narration. On several occasions in the course of two-three paragraphs, the point of view shifted from first person to third person. I found it difficult at times. In some instances the commentary in the narrative had the feel of a diatribe.
Additionally, I was surprised at the repetition of back story in the earlier chapters. I felt like the author was circling back to a different kind of story, perhaps the one that served as Lee's inspiration for TKAM.
If this were the only novel ever published by Harper Lee, she would have never become a household name among American authors. Read Go Set a Watchman if you are curious or enjoy an opportunity to see that a Pulitzer Prize winning author is also capable of producing a dud. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20380 | This is the most comprehensive and up to date resource on the subject of leveraging the power of the Linux Operating System. The book's description offers the content covered. What I think is important to a perspective user of this reference is to know that it is written in a smooth style that is accessible and understandable by entry level users/programmers. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20381 | The perfect recipe for transitioning to an operating system you'll enjoy using with a good and clear conscience. I've dabbled in Linux distributions in the past and have had quite a bit of success and enjoyment using it. Sobell does an excellent job with this volume making Linux accessible to the everyday user.
For the computer savvy Sobell's companion volume, A Practical Guide to Linux, Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming, is an equally well presented resource. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20382 | I read this as required reading for a Computer Science Course. The book is well structured with good explanations, bold highlighting of key words/concepts. The best parts are the historical background in each of the key areas. Though some of the content has likely been updated in these later editions, unfortunately the overall feel is that of a textbook that hasn't changed significantly in over a decade. The color combo and graphic layout is a cookie cut from many of the other textbooks I've endured plowing through over the years. Nothing really exciting jumped out at me.
If you're a student using this book as the required text for a course, you'll find it works well. If you're looking to be inspired by a text covering the dynamic and exciting field of computer science, this one could be improved on. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20383 | It has been over sixty years since American pilots deployed to Korea to engage in aerial combat at the dawn of the jet age. BBC aired a taped interview of author James Salter in memorial of his passing last month. During the interview, there was mention of the editorial review from "Washington Post Book World" about Mr. Salter's prose, "The contemporary writer most admired and envied by other writers. . . . He can . . . break your heart with a sentence." Having heard that and knowing that the author was himself a veteran pilot with a MIG kill to his credit, I had to read this book.
I discovered later there was a hollywood film of the same title loosely based on the story, so I watched it too. The movie was disappointing and I only mention it here in hopes that anyone who saw it might be more entertained by reading the novel.
To quote from another aviation novel, "The Wild Blue," "The more things change, the more they stay the same." This is true of Salter's prose offering up the touch, feel, and smell of being based in Korea. Salter brings the reader into the cockpit of a first generation jet fighter with extraordinary authenticity. He managed to recreate the tension and frustration that comes from the boredom every pilot experiences while waiting for the next combat mission - dangerous as they tend to be. The mood is nicely captured in the following 3rd person narration of main character, Cleve Connell's thoughts: "The worst part, he knew, was what lay ahead, the empty hours of melancholy that would not be filled until he flew again." Then finally, "...it becomes, I don't know, a refuge. The sky is the godlike place. If you fly it alone, it can be everything."
From the mind and imagination of a deep thinker engaged in the solitary art of aerial combat, Salter's reputation for putting strings of beauty together with words is indeed something to behold. As he narrates Connell's view enroute to "Mig Alley" north along the Yalu River, he takes the reader along for the ride: "Shreds of cirrus hung in the air, like icicles along the edge of a roof." He goes on to describe the rush of the landscape, "Now he seemed to be crossing it with great speed, as if running with the current of time."
Some passages that might tantalize perspective readers with the feel for the changing seasons on the Korean peninsula read as follows: "The rain fell drearily from swollen skies. It seemed as everlasting as surf." This story is so packed with splendid writing, I'll share one more favorite: "They crossed the Haeju Peninsula and then the edge of an unblemished sea that lay like a sheet of foil in the sunlight."
No review of a piece of aviation writing would be complete without validating the credibility of the author. As a former military jet pilot, I really admired the author's ability to put truth into the advice offered by the more experienced Connell, to one of the new replacement pilots who stated he was trying not to use the throttle so much. Cleve tells him to "use it all the way from the gear warning to the fire warning light if you have to. That's what it's there for. Only use it in time, not when it's too late. Make the throttle your intention, not your reaction." Though the technicality of the description (range of the throttle's movement between gear warning and fire warning) may be different in modern fighters, the advice Cleve offered, reads well. It also evoked the kind of tension and anxiety a newbie might be experiencing before launching into the big adventure of combat for the first time.
I loved reading this book and will probably read it again, not for the story so much as for the beauty of the words the author used to describe every detail. Any reader who's ever flown a plane should read it. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20384 | When I heard about Mr. Finnegans memoir, chronicling his lifetime of surfing adventures intertwined with his journey as a writer, I knew it would be one of the best books Ive read. Readers who have never surfed a wave or had any interest in the surfing lifestyle will still find this work well worth reading. Finnegan has a knack for smooth beautiful writing that will evoke emotions both familiar and otherwise.
This memoir is more than a story of one mans lifes journeys and adventures. It is an exploration of what it means to be devoted, almost entirely to a way of life. With Barbarian Days, Finnegan created an avenue for the non-surfer to become immersed in what a relationship with the ocean is all about. As a surfer, William Finnegan could likely be counted among the very few who have surfed many of the best, challenging waves that the world's most exotic locales have to offer.
One of the later chapters that I found captivating was the authors experiences with San Franciscos Ocean Beach. Having grown up surfing on that stretch of coast, the winter swells at VFWs, Noriega, Sloat, and Fleishackers, is still considered something a surfer must work up to. These aren't places a casual surfer can handle, even in perfect conditions. Finnegan offers an honest, unblemished portrait of the Ocean Beach experience without any need for embellishment. Conquering the winter waves at Ocean Beach is an extremely difficult endeavor that only an author with Finnegans experience and credibility can illustrate with integrity.
As a reputable writer, William Finnegan is proof positive that it is indeed within the art of the possible that a great surfer can at the same time be a great writer. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20385 | Daniel James Brown knew what he was doing before he set out to write this highly entertaining and interesting piece of non-fiction. In fact, for me it will likely go down as the best I've read in this decade. In past decades, among the best that gripped my attention and tugged my emotions, I'd say that "The Perfect Storm" was the story of the '90s, and for me, "Zeitoun" ranks near the top for those written at the turn of the century. "Boys in the Boat" rivals anything I've read this decade and suspect it will be a top contender for the best in the ten years of non-fiction I'll be reading between now and 2020.
As a fiction writer, I rarely read non-fiction, but when I do, I'm reminded of where a truly good story comes from. With "Boys in the Boat", I found myself riding along with the crew of "Husky Clipper" as they stroked or, in the terms the author more accurately describes as a crew of 9 swinging to "Gold" in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. As a voracious reader, I'll offer a few things prospective readers should consider in their decision to invest their precious reading time in this fabulous work:
- The historical period was instrumental in the makings of a good story with plenty of drama (depression era, the rise of the Nazis, persecution of Jewish people, and the emerging age of media)
- The characters, all real people with a history of their own. From the coaches, the boat builder, and the entire crew, not just the 9 that represented USA in "Eights" at the '36 Olympiad, but their families, the coach and crew of their rivals at Cal, and the political opponents in Germany during that era.
Brown delivers a well researched and meticulously crafted narrative that takes the reader on a blow-by-blow ride into the world of the common oarsman who achieved the uncommon during a period in history that shaped the world we live in. As I read, I found myself riding the roller coaster ride between laughing, riveted at the edge of my arm chair, and wiping the tears from my eyes as a result of the emotion the author managed to evoke by presenting readers with authentic stories that would resonate with anyone with a heart. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20386 | I was torn over how best to offer an opinion of what was indeed an entertaining novel.
With the Clifton Chronicles, Archer does a great job with character development and an aim to set up readers for the long haul of reading the entire series. The story is told through the eyes of each character and repeats itself from each character's perspective. The core plot is solid enough but the structure Archer chose to tell the story turned out to be repetitive enough to keep me from wanting to invest time reading the volumes that follow. I didn't give up on "Only Time Will Tell" because Archer did such a good job of creating and developing characters that one could really care about.
For readers who pick-up and put down a novel after reading just a few chapters at a time, this type of story could be a great read. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20387 | As a lifelong surfer and former Californian, I tend to gravitate toward any piece of fiction with a surfing theme. The deal is, that surfers don't write very often, except for maybe guys like Kem Nunn and of late, Don Winslow. I'm sure that "The Dawn Patrol" will sell lots of copies, because surfers will gobble this one up. If they don't, they should.
The flaws - Yes there are a couple of gross flaws that surfers will probably say are B.S. and maybe not want to read further, but still they should get past them. First, a big swell has nothing to do with earthquakes or tsunami phenomena. Big swells are all about storms that brew with intense and deep atmospheric depressions over extended periods of time. In the Pacific, these tend to build with either tropical or very strong winter storms. As such, a swell can be forecasted, thus a big chunk of Winslow's story was pretty accurate, less the bit in the beginning about an earthquake and tsunami. Second, and there are only two, no surfer who has ever stood up on a board in a wave higher than three feet can say they started on their knees. I've been a surfer my whole life, and now in my fifties, I still can't imagine a successful takeoff without jumping into a stance right from the last stroke of a two armed paddle and push up directly to my feet planted in a position to maneuver immediatly. Nuff said, it was still a great story.
From a literary standpoint, I must say I struggled with the narrative style. It took me quite awhile to sort out the point of view in several of the chapters. I wasn't always sure when the author was the narrator or one of the characters was thinking out loud. I will say that it was artistic, and that when I finally figured out what the author was doing, I found it interesting. Some readers will likely struggle with this technique.
I admire any author who takes on the "human trafficking" theme. Winslow nailed this one and he did it with compassion. The results of human trafficking are tragic and ugly and the more an audience has to face it, the more possible it is to eradicate.
Winslow's character development was spot on. I loved them all. They were believable and smacked of the real deal. Additionally, Winslow offered some history and lore about West Coast surfing that anyone who thinks of themselves as a surfer should just instinctually know. If not, then they should read "The Dawn Patrol."
For surfers and beach goers, particularly Californians, this should be a must read. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20388 | This is perhaps the most important non-fiction book I've read this decade. Eggers's style is on par with that of Sebastian Junger's. Written in the tradition of investigative journalism, "Zeitoun" brings the reader through the entire experience of hurricane Katrina. Eggers provides a chronological blow by blow of the trials experienced by one American family that endured the embarrassing and destructive consequences of the failures our government to protect the rights and dignity of the average American citizen.
The book is titled "Zeitoun," for the surname of the central figure of the story, Abdularhman Zeitoun who was born in Syria, immigrated to the United States, and became an American citizen and entrepreneur. The Zeitoun family backstory is appropriately woven into the action of what took place before, during and after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August of 2005. The deeper I got into this story, the more sad and embarrassed I became. Saddened because of what happened to so many innocent people at the hands of those sent to help, and embarrassed by the paranoia and unprofessional behavior of those responsible for maintaining law and order.
I highly recommend this book for everyone, especially those who believe in the principles of a free and democratic society who might wonder what can happen when a system of government fails its population. I would also urge interested readers to finish the book before engaging in further research on the Zeitoun Foundation and the more recent events related to the central figures in this story. There is plenty of controversy and everyone is entitled to an opinion. I'm sure Dave Eggers is very happy to discover the dialog related to this story is on-going. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20389 | A young woman who "strayed" reinvents herself while hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail. Cheryl Strayed is a courageous woman with an uncanny ability to evoke emotion through her prose. In "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail," Cheryl bares her soul and reflects on the events in her life that brought her to Oregon and California, where she takes on her past as she solo hikes the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Her journey of discovery appropriately ends at the Bridge of the Gods where she contemplates her future. Read the book to find out what that future holds.
If you are looking, or not looking to read another account of a solo hiker on the PCT, be advised that this one goes beyond the average account. Be ready to cry while learning about the author's crooked path as she breaks her own heart. Be ready to be enthralled with colorful and emotional writing from an author with tremendous artistic talent.
The author who discovered her true self on a courageous journey is also a talented writer. If you love good writing, adventures, and the out of doors, don't miss the opportunity to read this book. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20390 | Pat was a squadron mate of mine back when we flew U-2s. As a result I was compelled to read all his work. This story is by far the best. A good exciting read. For anyone who has ever experienced Song Ton, Korea, Pat captures the culture perfectly. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20391 | The structure of this story is incredible. The story itself is a familiar and sad account of the holocaust and the impact it had on one particular family. De Rosnay evokes a high degree of emotion for the reader by connecting the lives of the characters from the past with those in present day. It can be a tear jerker. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20392 | This story made me chuckle. It is full of cliche' and most of it is based on narrow shreds of fact. I only read Wolfe's novel because in my former profession (USAF Pilot), I kind of felt like it was required reading. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20393 | I read this amazing story in two sittings. Archer did a fantastic job bringing to life the historic events of Mallory's exploits on Everest in the early 1920s. The book is full of fact and just enough fiction to entrance the reader. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20394 | The story contains some thought provoking geopolitical and historical elements. I applaud Patterson for his attempt at objectivity, especially given that the central theme is one with a long history of controversy.
The main characters and their back stories are introduced early on, setting the stage for the action and plot. Israel's prime minister is killed by a suicide bomber in San Francisco. The main character David Wolfe sacrifices his political future and the relationship with his fiance' to represent and defend the Palestinian suspect, Hana Arif, who is accused of planning the assassination.
The story takes David on a number of predictable twists and turns as he develops a case to defend Arif in court. There is a history between David and Hana, who were lovers when they both attended law school several years earlier.
It was a long read and for me, not very satisfying. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20395 | If you have ever sailed and have a desire for sailing offshore, read this book. It is written in the style of Sabastian Junger's "Perfect Storm." I could not put it down. Knecht presents the blow by blow action from from the perspective of several of the yachts participating in the Sydney Hobart regatta. I can still taste the salt water on my lips whenever I think about this book. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20396 | I've read some of Stephen King's novels and enjoyed them. "On Writing" is a short compelling memoir of King as a writer and his thoughts on what makes a novel flow. Whether a King fan or not, he presents insights about his writing craft that are valuable to writers of any genre. Included are an example of a first draft and a hand written edit/revision. King also presents some examples and comparisons of dialog construction that really show why some styles of writing can grate on the reader. "On Writing" can be read in one evening, but you'll want to read it again and refer to it from time to time. It is the one source that can make all the difference. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20397 | Courage and adventure are the best words to describe this true story about a young woman who sails the world....alone! A must read for anyone considering an offshore sailing experience. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20398 | By far the best researched historical fiction I have ever read. This story takes you there and you will learn about a period of History and the prominent figures who shaped it, along the way. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
20399 | When a woman author is wedded to words, the result is a thing of beauty. "When Women Were Birds"is the best book of any genre that I've read in the past five years. I was captivated from the very first page. The reading experience was like taking a tour through nature and lurking within the depths of an artists imagination all at the same time.
I'm not a big reader of the memoir or auto biography genre, but I was inspired to read Terry Tempest Williams after hearing an interview she did with travel journalist, Rick Steves. The interview started out with Ms. Williams thanking Rick for the advice to young adventurers, that they should keep a journal while traveling. This opened the door for a well thought out discussion of this book.
In the opening chapter, Williams, having grown up in a Mormon family, reveals that Mormon women are raised with two responsibilities; to bare children and to keep a journal. Ms. Williams's discovered that the journals her mother had left for her on her passing were mysteriously empty. She believed the mystery to have been a message from her mother to seek her voice. Each of the 54 chapters of this work touches on the main theme of finding ones voice. Williams structured this memoir in a series of vignettes that explore this theme. Woven into this them is the relationship the author has to the environment and as she bares her soul while sharing her thoughts on finding voice. She grew up with a field guide to birds and throughout this work relates the birdsong and the quiet in between, to her personal experiences of learning to listen while discovering what it is to become empowered.
Though Ms. Williams did not read from "When Women Were Birds," during her interview with Mr. Steves, I could hear her voice throughout each of the chapters as I read them. Beginning with the first chapter after sharing her discover of the empty journals, she offers, "Empty pages become possibilities." In another of the early chapters she shares her thoughts on marriage and the different roles of men and women. She states "If a man knew what a woman never forgets, he would love her differently." These sentences are brief but thoughtful and evoke unexpected emotions.
This book is not a work to rush through, it is a short work you'll want to think about as you read each passage. I'm eager to read the other works by Terry Tempest Williams and am also pleased to find hat there is an audio version of "When Women Were Birds," narrated by Ms. Williams. I'm anticipating that hearing Ms. Williams sharing her journey of finding voice will be even more beautiful than reading about it. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
203100 | This book is Maarten Troost's non-fictional travel log of life in the Republic of Kiribati, a remote island group in the equatorial Pacific. Troost's writing offers an amazing sense of place. I could feel the heat and smell the lagoon, imagining what kind of a life the islanders continue to live in the 21st century. One of the big take aways for me was the reminder that there are still places on planet earth where having a lot of money to spend doesn't mean one can buy comfort or improve their circumstances.
This book was a fascinating and humorous read. It will give any reader a sense of how and why the pockets of civilization throughout the Pacific are on the verge of disappearing. Be sure to look up the website for the organization that Troost's wife was working for at the time the book was written. Very interesting! | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
203101 | Anyone living in the Columbia River area would be interested in reading "A Killing Tide." Kaz and her brother Gary come from a family whose lives are tied to the water and their family business. The back story remains a mystery just long enough to be suspenseful. The loss of her family's fishing trawler and the mysterious death of a friend is the catalyst that kicks the story into gear.
The story was a bit cliche'. Kaz returns home to Astoria from her big city job and a new fire chief, Michael Chapman comes to town at about the same time the trawler, "Anna Marie" mysteriously burns. Readers can see the mellow drama unfold as Champan works his way into Kaz's life during the arson investigation that follows. For a debut novel, Alderman put together a captivating story with a cast of unique and meaningful characters. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
203102 | Stedman's debut novel is a compact study in highly charged emotions evoked from strong images of a bygone era. The author's place descriptions and talent for developing unique voice and perspective drawn from each character's point of view made me a captive reader from the first pages. Stedman hits on a theme that resonates across ages and oceans. When a person has the best of intentions and is able to rationalize why a bad idea can be good, the consequences will often catch up. Stedman's main characters, Tom and Isabel present us with just such a story.
Tom, a veteran of the trenches during the Great War returns to shore from his isolated vocation as a lighthouse keeper. He meets Isabel and is awakened again to the the possibility of experiencing a happy life. What plays out on Janus Rock, the location off the coast of a West Australian port, turns out to be a tragic end to happiness in the lives of more people than Tom or Isabel could have imagined, including their own.
I found Stedman's writing craft to be "top drawer." This author's ability to evoke emotion and thought from a reader is a rare talent. I'll be including this one as one of my top 5 read this year and likely among the top 5 for the decade - we'll see. There are still a few years remaining in this one and Stedman might just pull another hat trick and wow me with another extraordinary novel. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
203103 | A gripping plot slowed by too many detailed lessons in chemistry, physics, and orbital mechanics.
Mark Watney is left for dead on Mars. An unexpected violent storm put the crew in immediate danger. The crew was sure Watney was dead when they saw the antenna had penetrated his space suit impaling itself into Mark Watney's torso. If the stab wound hadn't killed him, the lack of atmospheric pressure certainly must have. The Mars landing vehicle the crew depended on to leave the planet at the completion of their mission was about to be destroyed by the storm. Without sufficient time to recover Watney's body, they made a hasty retreat or they'd all be marooned on the red planet.
After the storm abated, Watney miraculously discovers he's alive and immediately begins his long journey of survival. The story unfolds as a rendition of Robinson Crusoe on the red planet. Weir's main character Mark Watney dialogs with himself in the modern day style of J.D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield from Catcher in the Rye. This character style seemed out of place in the culture at NASA where language and behavior is shaped over many years of training.
Overall, I thought the story was good - it kept me reading through till the end. Admittedly, I skimmed over some of the excruciating detailed "think out loud" mental gymnastics Watney went through to solve each of the challenges he faced trying to somehow escape Mars and return home. I recognize that the author likely wanted to lend some degree of authenticity by adding technical details to the story. Some readers might be put off by the excess. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |
203104 | I was drawn to read this novel because the setting is one any local Oregonian would appreciate. I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this story, but Carter delivers a great plot driven yarn with good solid sub-plots that made me feel involved in the story and kept my interest from the first page to the last.
When reclusive former private investigator, Garrison Gage discovers the body of a young woman washed up on the Oregon beach near his home in Barnacle Bluffs, his former instincts kick in. In this small coastal town where everyone knows everyone and those with influence work together to protect their secrets, Gage must figure out who to trust and who to suspect. He teams up with a local journalist and reluctantly partners with the local police chief. Though he tends toward being a curmudgeon, Gage has a big heart and the mutual support developed between him and his ailing house keeper plays an important part in the story.
I stumbled on a few copy edit issues and one or two inconsistencies in one of the sub plots, but they were not enough to distract me from enjoying the story. Carter's main character Gage reminded me of the investigator on the '70s TV show, "Columbo."
For readers of the murder mystery genre, this story is well crafted. I'll be reading more of Carter's Oregon Coast, Garrison Gage novels now that I've discovered an author with a real talent for this genre. | df20dc0cc67b3092da085f2ed54a3b63 |