Amazon.com
If you own only one anthology of classic science fiction, it should be The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume One, 1929-1964. Selected by a vote of the membership of the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA), these 26 reprints represent the best, most important, and most influential stories and authors in the field. The contributors are a Who's Who of classic SF, with every Golden Age giant included: Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, John W. Campbell, Robert A. Heinlein, Fritz Leiber, Cordwainer Smith, Theodore Sturgeon, and Roger Zelazny. Other contributors are less well known outside the core SF readership. Three of the contributors are famous for one story--but what stories!--Tom Godwin's pivotal hard-SF tale, "The Cold Equations"; Jerome Bixby's "It's a Good Life" (made only more infamous by the chilling Twilight Zone adaptation); and Daniel Keyes's "Flowers for Algernon" (brought to mainstream fame by the movie adaptation, Charly).
The collection has some minor but frustrating flaws. There are no contributor biographies, which is bad enough when the author is a giant; but it's especially sad for contributors who have become unjustly obscure. Each story's original publication date is in small print at the bottom of the first page. And neither this fine print nor the copyright page identifies the magazines in which the stories first appeared.
Prefaced by editor Robert Silverberg's introduction, which describes SFWA and details the selection process, The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume One, 1929-1964 is a wonderful book for the budding SF fan. Experienced SF readers should compare the table of contents to their library before making a purchase decision. Fans who contemplate giving this book to non-SF readers should bear in mind that, while several of the collected stories can measure up to classic mainstream literary stories, the less literarily-acceptable stories are weighted toward the front of the collection; adult mainstream-literature fans may not get very far into The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume One, 1929-1964. --Cynthia Ward
Book Description
The definitive collection of the best in science fiction stories between 1929-1964.This book contains twenty-six of the greatest science fiction stories ever written. They represent the considered verdict of the Science Fiction Writers of America, those who have shaped the genre and who know, more intimately than anyone else, what the criteria for excellence in the field should be. The authors chosen for The Science Fiction Hall Fame are the men and women who have shaped the body and heart of modern science fiction; their brilliantly imaginative creations continue to inspire and astound new generations of writers and fans.Robert Heinlein in "The Roads Must Roll" describes an industrial civilization of the future caught up in the deadly flaws of its own complexity. "Country of the Kind," by Damon Knight, is a frightening portrayal of biological mutation. "Nightfall," by Isaac Asimov, one of the greatest stories in the science fiction field, is the story of a planet where the sun sets only once every millennium and is a chilling study in mass psychology.Originally published in 1970 to honor those writers and their stories that had come before the institution of the Nebula Awards, The Science Fiction Hall Of Fame, Volume One, was the book that introduced tens of thousands of young readers to the wonders of science fiction. Too long unavailable, this new edition will treasured by all science fiction fans everywhere.The Science Fiction Hall Of Fame, Volume One, contains stories by such great masters of the form and includes the following authors:Isaac AsimovAlfred BesterJerome BixbyJames BlishAnthony BoucherRay BradburyFredric BrownJohn W. CampbellArthur C. ClarkeLester del Reyri0Tom GodwinRobert A. HeinleinDaniel KeyesDamon KnightC.M. KornbluthFritz LeiberMurray LeinsterRichard MathesonJudith MerrilLewis PadgettClifford D. SimakCordwainer SmithTheodore SturgeonA.E. van VogtStanley G. WeinbaumRoger Zelazny
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-08-04
Silverberg gives a short intro on how he chose these. I would give this collection 4.5 out of 5, if that was possible.
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : A Martian Odyssey - Stanley G. Weinbaum
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : Twilight - John W. Campbell
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : Helen O'Loy - Lester del Rey
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : The Roads Must Roll - Robert A. Heinlein
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : Microcosmic God - Theodore Sturgeon
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : Nightfall - Isaac Asimov
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : The Weapon Shop - A. E. Van Vogt
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : Mimsy Were the Borogoves - Lewis Padgett
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : Huddling Place - Clifford D. Simak
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : Arena - Fredric Brown
Science Fiction Hall of Fame Vol One Silverberg : First Contact - Murray Leinster
Interplanetary interpersonal communication.
4 out of 5
Future science dwindling.
3.5 out of 5
Metal woman's family.
3 out of 5
A master engineer and others work to stop industrial action from stopping massively engineered mass transit.
3 out of 5
Genius idea factory proves impenetrable.
4.5 out of 5
Media and religion struggle with science. Still.
4 out of 5
Technological resistance to a repressive empire via some shops.
3.5 out of 5
A technology discovery is beyond the adults, but definitely not the children, with unforeseen results.
4.5 out of 5
Homebody scaredy-cats.
3.5 out of 5
Forced xenophobic conflict unconscious breakthrough.
4 out of 5
Conflict avoidance transport swap.
4.5 out of 5
Tag line does not exaggerate.......2007-05-09
I've purchased this book in paperback and hardcover many times over because I keep giving copies away. This is an indespensible introduction to the art of writing short fiction, sci-fi style. Character studies, logic puzzles, future societies, deaths of civilizations, it's all in here. Emphatically recommended.
Pure Gold.......2007-05-08
My Mom had a dog eared paperback copy of this book from her college days. I remember reading and rereading it as a young boy. It, more than any other book, ignited my passion for science fiction. Every story is a winner and each serves as a jumping off point to explore the author's further work. Of all the SF anthologies, this is the best and is an essential part of any SF fan's library.
good book at a good price in mint condition.......2007-05-07
book arrive early and in new condition
Mostly great.......2007-05-04
Most of the stories in hear are fantastic. The intro also includes a listing of the 20 best voted scifi short stories, which I found myself refering to to see if I could relate to the 'experts' opinions. There are a few stinkers in the bunch, which I'm sure is inevitable, but probably not as many as you'd find as in other collections.
Amazon.com
Anyone who's been to a high school or college has noted how students of the same race seem to stick together. Beverly Daniel Tatum has noticed it too, and she doesn't think it's so bad. As she explains in this provocative, though not-altogether-convincing book, these students are in the process of establishing and affirming their racial identity. As Tatum sees it, blacks must secure a racial identity free of negative stereotypes. The challenge to whites, on which she expounds, is to give up the privilege that their skin color affords and to work actively to combat injustice in society.
Customer Reviews:
Read it now. If you've read it, read it again........2007-10-02
I swear, this woman must have visited my High School cafeteria, because everything she writes hits home. I haven't read this in a few years, but it still rings home to me. Whenever I see it, I give the same reaction that I would get when other people who read it saw me with the book- "Oh, you're reading that!" It's not just about the black kids sitting into the cafeteria, it goes well beyond that. The stories shared are excellent. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone.
Good insights, but a little histrionic.......2007-09-06
I am really glad I read this book, because it gave me a different perspective on some things. However, I think she was very biased: she never really considered any alternate viewpoints besides her own, and never gave a White viewpoint on racism any credit whatsoever (the most she did was agree that here is a problem). Some of the racist remarks she quoted I thought had more to do with cultural differences than racism, but I know that those assumptions are still annoying as I am part of a group that has a subculture and dislike it when people assume that I am part of that subculture as well. Some of those remarks, though, were just completely ridiculous as she went so far to complain about being washed "whiter than snow" in church. She completely and totally missed the point of that phrase which comes from the verse "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be washed whiter than snow." NOTHING to do with race whatsoever. It is a METAPHOR. Examples such as these are why I put "histrionic" in my title.
There are also other issues I wish she would have addressed/covered more thoroughly (ie, over-education about prejudice, reverse prejudice, perceived prejudice, etc). I felt like she was saying "WE are always right. White people are always wrong." And yes, I will agree that we are mostly in the wrong, but any psychologist worth anything knows it takes more than 1 to maintain a system. ie, Who are those actors in the media perpetuating those stereotypes? Not White people in makeup! So MAYBE it's not JUST evil White people forcing these stereotypes on everyone. I just wish she would have been a little more BALANCED.
Most of the studies she quoted were at least 10 years old. I checked one that I thought was very interesting, only to discover it was 25 years old. In the topic of racism, you have to stay up to date as things change so rapidly, hence the three stars. At times, I wanted to quit as it was occasionally tedious, querelous, and inconsequential. As I said, though, I am glad I read it as I did gain new insight. I REALLY liked how she handled the topic of racism with her kids, and I would like to do the same. She made some EXCELLENT points and had some good ideas. It is very thought provoking, even if you ultimately wind up not agreeing with her 100%. Surely, though, there must be a better book out there on racism. If not, someone should write one as this book is terrible for educating Whites on the problems of being Black (or another race). Of course, I am sure I will now be labeled as a "racist" for not agreeing with a PC book. Oh, wait, I am White, therefore, I am ALREADY a racist. Why bother trying? If you are White, according to Tatum, you can never win no matter what you do or how hard you try to stop the cycle.
Tatem's thought provoking book is a must read!!.......2007-08-24
I was required to read this book before entering my freshman year of college. At first, I felt overwhelmed by the importance of every word written,feeling as if I would never finish the two hundred and twenty pages required. However, as I began to understand more of Tatem's philosophies, the book gradually became easier to get through. This is definitely not a quick, light read. Tatem's topics spark ideas which you immediately want to discuss with someone, obviously causing each chapter to take more time to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book though. Being brought up relatively race conscious I was surprised at how much I really didn't know. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is ready to further his/her racial awareness.
Very Good.......2007-07-25
This book arrived in time for school and I was very pleased with its condition.
Provocative perspective.......2007-06-27
I found really good thinking in this book that helped me rethink my own position on race issues. the impact was, for me, breakthrough in some respects. The book is well worth the effort for anyone who seeks to be truly thoughtful about issues of race and diversity.
Book Description
No one said being a single mother was easy, but, after some difficult years, Sabrena Collins seemed to finally have it together. She had a good-paying job, two beautiful daughters who were growing up with love and security, and a wonderful friend who was more like the sister she never had. She even had a man in her life who was everything her ex-husband was not: kind, generous and caring.
Everything seemed perfect—except for one thing. Steve said he loved her, but he was unreliable. There was more than one night when Sabrena would lie in bed, waiting for the phone to ring…alone and crying silent tears.
But when Sabrena was in his arms and he looked at her with his melt-on-the-spot chocolate brown eyes, all the problems, the sleepless nights, the cold dinners, all of that was forgotten.
And then, suddenly, Sabrena’s world was turned upside down by a simple visit that led her on a frightening and unfamiliar path, that led her to a truth passion and words of love could not erase, a truth that would change her life forever. A truth that would test her faith, her courage, her strength, and above all else, her love…
Customer Reviews:
Good Book.......2007-05-23
This book is a good read. Had an excellent plot and real like characters.
Book Club's Will Love This One.......2007-04-08
Read this book with interest from cover to cover. Found the characters's believeable and the story interesting. It was a Book Club selection, so I was not excited about reading it but found it remarkably easy to read and I felt I knew the characters. The book club discussion was not only entertaining but educational. Would definitely recommend it.
For Men as Well as Women-- This is a Novel that MUST be Shared.......2007-04-05
My wife's bookclub was reading this book and after seeing the way that my wife devoured the book and could not stop talking about it, my daughter and I read it. We actually sat in on her bookclub discussion and I am a "macho" guy.
This book is life changing and really makes an impact. I appreciate the character development and the movement of the story. As a father and husband, I appreciate the way that women are portrayed as well as a mother's love. However, I appreciate that the author did not take the easy way out and paint the men as utter demons with no redeeming characteristics. The characters had depth and were alive as you read the pages. Finally, as a father of 2 boys and a daughter-- I have made this mandatory reading for Spring break for my family. We are going to have a family discussion as the issues raised merit time, energy and focus. Yes, my sons who are 15 and 12 will read this book and one has already started. Although the title takes men back and we don't want to neccessarily read this on the Metro.... it is one that we should all read.
I am suggesting that my church read this as well as I was drawn to how the author painted the picture of how society deals with HIV/AIDS. I can't say enough about this novel which was entertaining, kept my attention, great characters that I could relate to, humanistic, funny and REAL. This novel deserves even more exposure and I am committed to putting this in the hands of the people that I love.
Thank you to the author for writing a masterpiece--it is pure genius how she brings the health message in with fiction. I can't wait for her next novel and I don't regularly read books.
Excellent Read.......2007-01-04
This was an excellent book from start to finish... I would definitely recommend this book.
If Loving You is Wrong.......2006-12-15
Sabrena Collins is well aware that life could possibly mean that her and her two little girls could be it. Dealing with two failed loves have left Sabrena with not only a broken heart but a broken spirit. Steven is her night and shining armor. He knows how to make her aches and pains go away and is sure to shower Sabrena's two precious girls with dolls and love. After Steve finally knocks down the walls that Sabrena has built, will he leave her out in the open and abandoned?
This story was beautiful and heartfelt. There is no doubt once read this intriguing novel, you will share and discuss with others.
Book Description
To a degree both engrossing and alarming, the story of fast food is the story of postwar America. Though created by a handful of mavericks, the fast food industry has triggered the homogenization of our society. Fast food has hastened the malling of our landscape, widened the chasm between rich and poor, fueled an epidemic of obesity, and propelled the juggernaut of American cultural imperialism abroad. That's a lengthy list of charges, but Eric Schlosser makes them stick with an artful mix of first-rate reportage, wry wit, and careful reasoning.
Each day, one-quarter of the adults in the United States visit fast food restaurants, spending more than $110 billion dollars in the year 2000. Schlosser examines the franchise arrangement, with its curious blend of protection, paternalism and profit as adeptly as he delves into the specifics of what's in the beef. Also on Schlosser's hit list: the susceptibility of meat to dangerous pathogens such as e. coli; the slaughter of nearly 600 cows per hour (this American packinghouse standard, he reveals, is nearly 6 times the rate of European slaughterhouses); an in-depth look into serious nutritional, environmental, and cultural questions. Fast Food Nation is a groundbreaking work of investigation and cultural history that has changed the way America thinks about the way it eats.
Fast Food Nation the movie is slated to be released by Fox Searchlight on November 17, 2006. Starring Ethan Hawke, Avril Lavigne, Patricia Arquette, and Greg Kinnear.
Customer Reviews:
Very well written - informative without being alarmist.......2007-07-15
This book describes the growth of the fast food / burger industry in America, and the consequences from fast food's popularity. The author covers labor practices (and malpractices) in the cattle growing and food processing industries, food regulation, dietary effects, and health hazards like E.Coli and mad cow.
The book is very well written, in my opinion. I found the opening stories about Cheyenne Mountain and the rise of the burger industry in California fascinating. Some of the personal stories of illegal immigrants in the food processing industry were also interesting, although I feel the author emphasized them too much. I personally was more interested in the larger history and practices of the industry and when the personal effects for me as a consumer could be. That was also covered - I just wish some other parts had been shorter.
The book is not indiscriminate leftist McDonalds bashing -- in fact, at the end the author acknowledges some industry-changing positive steps McD has taken to insure better beef quality, and even goes on to praise In-N-Out Burger, my favorite burger chain in California :)
Very good reading, you will not regret buying or borrowing it.
No zealot like a convert.......2007-07-10
A modern-day "The Jungle", this book is powerful enough to change the eating habits of even the most indifferent consumer. The expose on the USDA and FDA is particularly chilling.
First half blah, second half must read.......2007-06-23
After years of hearing about it from my mother I'm finally read this books. I'm glad I did but it wasn't perfect. The second half about the common practices of meat produces both in and out of the slaughterhouses was good and something everyone should read. The first half however I had a hard time getting through. I didn't find the part on the beginning/growth interesting, nor did I enjoy the discussion of the sociological and economic effects of the fast food industry. He just spend way too long whining about how big companies are killing off the "American farmer" relying almost entirely on the 'this is how it used to be so it's best' argument. The book breaks down into two parts; skip the first half but the second is a must read for everyone.
ways of eating.......2007-03-26
I know kids that buy Taco Bell for lunch religiously at school, or domino's pizza; I was never fortunate enough to spend a $4 on lunch everday and came with packed carrots and a turkey sandwich. After reading Fast Food Nation I am so thankful that I am even limited to eating fast food on a rare weekend.I agree that it is very convenient for fast paced lives but Schlosser has released what people sacrifice for their bodies for their own convenience. I look back in disgust at the Hot Lunches I begged my parents for in school; us kids would complain that the fried chicken was sometimes purple or awkwardly brown; and now because of Schlosser's book I relize that its just not apparent in a bad kitchen staff. Fast Food Nation provides the trueth about what we put into our bodies and honestly is trying to help America not be the number one country with people with weight issues and Burger King, McDonalds or Taco Bell within every neighborhood. In addition, I've always loved $.89 tacos or buritto supremes at Taco Bell... but I've now decided to change my diet and stick to my own prepared food...or my mothers will be much much better for me and my body. I know kids that buy Taco Bell for lunch religiously at school, or domino's pizza; I was never fortunate enough to spend a $4 on lunch everday and came with packed carrots and a PB and J. After reading Fast Food Nation I am so thankful that I am even limited to eating fast food on a rare weekend, and I agree that it is very convenient for fast paced lives but Schlosser has released what people sacrifice for their bodies for their own convenience. I look back in disgust at the Hot Lunches I begged my parents for in school, we would complain to the school that the fried chicken was sometimes purple or awkwardly brown; and now because of Schlosser's book I am changing my diet and sticking to my own prepared food...or my mothers. Fast Food Nation made me question where and how my hamberger meat traveled from its producer- why would I want to eat something when I dont know what it ate or how it was handled.
A Must-Read for anyone that eats fast food.......2007-01-09
It's important to stay informed - to be armed with the knowledge to make the right choices as to what you put in your body and how you choose to stay healthy as you move forward in life... Sounds cheesy? or is it simply good common sense to do so? This book will arm you with what you need to know about fast food (and indeed the food industries generally), and what they have to do in order to get products to you. I read this a couple of years ago, and have been buying copies for friends ever since. I feel it is required reading...
Book Description
Despite its enormous wealth, the United States leads the industrialized world in poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged unravels this disturbing paradox by offering a unique and radically different understanding of American poverty. It debunks many of our most common myths about the poor, while at the same time provides a powerful new framework for addressing this enormous social and economic problem. Mark Robert Rank vividly shows that the fundamental causes of poverty are to be found in our economic structure and political policy failures, rather than individual shortcomings or attitudes. He establishes for the first time that a significant percentage of Americans will experience poverty during their adult lifetimes, and firmly demonstrates that poverty is an issue of vital national concern. Ultimately, Rank provides us with a new paradigm for understanding poverty, and outlines an innovative set of strategies that will reduce American poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged represents a profound starting point for rekindling a national focus upon America's most vexing social and economic problem.
Customer Reviews:
Informative and easy-reading.......2007-05-13
This book provides information, both statistical and anecdotal, on the structural perspective of poverty. Inspirational and eye-opening, Rank reminds us that our social, economic, and political systems are to blame for the existence of poverty in America.
Intelligent, well-researched but nothing new here.......2007-05-12
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I think it is one of the most intelligent liberal books on the subject of poverty in America written recently. Rank knows the scholarly literature. This is a well-researched and a well-written book. From this perspective, it is a good, solid, if not especially brillant book.
On the other hand, this book annoys me. Rank says he has a "new paradigm" of understanding poverty. This radical new innovation, that none of us have ever heard before, is that poverty is not caused by the failings of the poor, it is caused by society. Excuse me? This has been the orthodox liberal line for, lets see, at least 40 years. I find it annoying to have the same old stuff served up as if it were new.
Rank also puts alot of energy into explaining why we ought to care about poverty. His assumption is that the American people just don't give a damm. He thinks that, if he can show us why we ought to care, then we will vote for his slight modification of the same old liberal programs.
This is arrogant and pompous. Excuse me, I think the American people care very much about human suffering. If you guys had a plausible explanation for how you were going to solve poverty, I think people would vote for it. They don't vote for the liberal view, not because they are uncaring monsters, who do not give a damm about the poor, but because we tried all of this stuff, back in the 1960s, and it did not work.
Professor Rank, I have a radical suggestion for you. Read Charles Murray. You really need to catch up on the latest cuting edge stuff from the 1980s.
Strong Argument.......2006-08-17
What I really enjoyed about this book was its organization and the strength of its arguments. It begins by laying out the extent and reasons for poverty in America. Then it shifts to developing several lines of reasoning as to why poverty is such an important issue that affects us all. And finally, the last third of the book talks about what can be done to effectively address poverty. I particularly enjoyed the last chapter that talks about what an individual can do in their daily life to create a positive change with respect to reducing poverty. I definitely plan to use the arguments in this book in the future.
I also appreciated the blending of solid research evidence with the sense of social justice and values that the author brings to bear. Overall, very well done, and very important!
5 stars? Really?.......2006-08-14
Mark Rank proposes many interesting ideas that attempt redefine how we think about poverty in America. Most of his ideas are solid, but my deepest concern is with the readers who gave this book 5 stars and used the word "interesting" to describe it. Did they actually read it?
This book is an unending parade of boring and repeated ideas presented in different, yet equally boring ways. I honestly beleive that this book has destroyed the thrill of musical chairs for me forever. This book could have been written in about 150 pages instead of the 250 it actually took if he simply used his original, not to mention solid, ideas. The nature of the book greatly weakened his overall argument.
Not only was the book dry, but it also seemed to fail to acknowledge the global system the US is a part of, and in particular, the role that immigration plays on poverty in the US. He talks about the US and the people in it as if they were static, but we live in a very fluid world, growing more fluid everyday, and I feel that his failure to ackowledge this fact truly hurts his overall argument.
A timely analysis .......2006-07-11
On Nation, Underprivileged is a timely discussion of an issue that impacts us all. In his book, Professor Rank carefully crafts a compassionate, analytical and innovative approach for addressing poverty in our country. This is a must read for all (especially policy makers).
Amazon.com
The Runelords is that rare book that will remind you why you started reading fantasy in the first place. Much of the setting--and even some of the story--is conventional fantasy fare, but David Farland, aside from being a masterful storyteller, has built his world around a complex and thought-provoking social system involving the exchange of "endowments." Attributes such as stamina, grace, and wit are a currency: a vassal may help his lord by endowing him with all of his strength, for instance, and in turn the vassal comes under the lord's care as his "dedicate," too weak to even walk. A Runelord might have hundreds of such endowments, giving him superhuman senses and abilities, but he then must care for the hundreds that he has deprived of strength, or beauty, or sight.
Runelords excels because this novel idea is not mere window dressing--Farland uses it to explore fundamental questions of life and morality. The story's hero, the young Runelord Gaborn, struggles to define his role in this "shameful economy" while keeping his commitments to himself, to his people, to the woman he loves, and to the earth itself. We end up asking ourselves the same questions: Should you choose your friends based on insight or virtue? Is it better to be just or good? Competent fantasy lets you escape to adventure in faraway lands, but exceptional fantasy makes sure you have something to think about when you get back. Runelords accomplishes the latter. --Paul Hughes
Book Description
The first book of the saga of The RunelordsThe very Earth is in pain. Its wounds must be healed. There must arise a new king: the Earth King must be reborn. Only then will humanity have a chance to survive.
Customer Reviews:
The Rune Lords.......2007-09-23
In The Runelords, David Farland captures your attention, and imagination, by setting his story into complex social and magical systems. In this world vassals not only serve their Lords, they can grant their Lords attributes, which then make the Lord powerful, who then in turn protects and cares for the vassal. Weaved into this 'endowment' system is a wide ranged system of magic in which mages recieve their powers through service to the various elements of their world; earth, water, wind, fire.
At the time of this story we find a human Lord who seeks to be granted with so many endowments from others, that he will become the 'Sum of all men'. In trying to acomplish this he begins a war, reaching to conquer his neighbors and force them to aid him. Yet now the young Prince Gaborn, recently named the 'Earth King', strives to stop him. Will Gaborn be able to save the northern Kingdoms? And what about these creatures called Reavors, that have been seen in the hills, once again spreading out to destroy.
RD Williams, author of 'The Lost Gate'
Who is my audience?.......2007-03-22
Well, I went into the Farland series with high hopes based on the reviews. And as is the norm, the reviews must have been paid for. The story concept, in and of itself, is a bit original, but the writing....... well, let's just say that it leaves much to be desired. You can tell that the author had not thought the story out all the way and that he has absolutely no concept of time, distance, or speed. In fact, in the 2nd book in the series, a young boy with a severe leg deformity apparantly crossed over 100 miles on his own by foot in less than 2 or 3 days ! Amazing ! The pioneers will have to go back and rethink the wagon at the pace they were setting.
This author reaches for the stars but misses sorely.
Oh, and as to the audience? Hard to say. Parts are written for an adult and others for people much younger. You can tell by the way people "fall in love" without actually really having any dialogue.....but ahhh, the love is so enduring (swoon)......
Worth Your Time.......2007-01-05
If you're looking for a new fantasy series to get into, give this one a try.
After two pages, I hated it. After two more, I was hooked. The next night I found myself dreaming about the story. Inside, the fantasy nerd that lurks in my heart rejoiced madly! It's been years since I've enjoyed Jprdan or Goodkind's work, as those authors became long-winded and their plots went virtually nowhere in the 800 page books they were putting out.
Farland's Runelords series has characters to care about, magic that's creative, and writing that's insightful and exciting. I strongly recommend this to fans of the genre.
And if you like this, give Brandon Sanderson's 'Mistborn' a try as well.
This writer does not have *wit* endowments.......2006-05-20
The main twist to this story is the idea that one person can give his/her magic endowments to another person. For example, a person can give wits to someone and that leaves him a drooling idiot. If a woman gives a beauty, she continues to live as an ugly hag. After they give away their wit/sight/strength/.. they become Dedicates who are cared for by Rune lords until they die. If a Dedicate dies, his endowment dies within his lord.
This idea is just unbelievable.
There is a scene where a woman gives her wit to a king and, as a part of a (very painful) ritual; she needs to **want** to give him her wits. They keep telling her "Look at your lord. He loves you. He is going to save you, to help you. You love your lord...".
That is where they lost me. Why would someone choose to become a witless idiot for the rest of their life, just so her lord can have the 7th or 8th wit and become "very clever"? Not that the king even showed that kind of wit in the book, but as always no character can be more intelligent than the writer himself and I bet this writer does not have any extra endowments.
Apart from this, hero Gaborn and villain Raj are stereotypical. Things just happen too easy to Gaborn and Raj is too omnipotent. There is love story between Gaborn and Iomme, with no charisma and depth.
Overall, this is a below average fantasy book.
very good on many levels.......2006-04-07
The writing is good, the characters interesting and well developed, the idea behind the book is good--all those alone serve to transport the reader throughout the series, of which, this is probably the best book. Ultimately, though, the series was a bit of a disappointment, as, like all really good fantasy books, there was a lot of potential for dialogue between the novel and our world, but those were left all but untouched. For instance, the idea of giving of attributes to our leaders is a clear metaphor for how power structures function in this reality, and it isn't pretty, just as it isn't in David Farland's world. But he barely touched upon the ethical ramifications, and it certainly wasn't a cornerstone for the books as it could have been. Other, simpler problems I had with the books includes the light treatment of Borenson's trauma from having to kill hundreds of innocent initiates. And then there's the whole Dylan Hammer thing. They talked about him a lot, they went on a quest to find him, but they never did. It's like the old rule, if you introduce a gun in the first act of a play, by the third act the gun will be used. Dylan Hammer's the gun that never got used, and thus, he served no purpose.
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
On any given day, one out of four Americans opts for a quick and cheap meal at a fast-food restaurant, without giving either its speed or its thriftiness a second thought. Fast food is so ubiquitous that it now seems as American, and harmless, as apple pie. But the industry's drive for consolidation, homogenization, and speed has radically transformed America's diet, landscape, economy, and workforce, often in insidiously destructive ways. Eric Schlosser, an award-winning journalist, opens his ambitious and ultimately devastating exposé with an introduction to the iconoclasts and high school dropouts, such as Harlan Sanders and the McDonald brothers, who first applied the principles of a factory assembly line to a commercial kitchen. Quickly, however, he moves behind the counter with the overworked and underpaid teenage workers, onto the factory farms where the potatoes and beef are grown, and into the slaughterhouses run by giant meatpacking corporations. Schlosser wants you to know why those French fries taste so good (with a visit to the world's largest flavor company) and "what really lurks between those sesame-seed buns." Eater beware: forget your concerns about cholesterol, there is--literally--feces in your meat.
Schlosser's investigation reaches its frightening peak in the meatpacking plants as he reveals the almost complete lack of federal oversight of a seemingly lawless industry. His searing portrayal of the industry is disturbingly similar to Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, written in 1906: nightmare working conditions, union busting, and unsanitary practices that introduce E. coli and other pathogens into restaurants, public schools, and homes. Almost as disturbing is his description of how the industry "both feeds and feeds off the young," insinuating itself into all aspects of children's lives, even the pages of their school books, while leaving them prone to obesity and disease. Fortunately, Schlosser offers some eminently practical remedies. "Eating in the United States should no longer be a form of high-risk behavior," he writes. Where to begin? Ask yourself, is the true cost of having it "your way" really worth it? --Lesley Reed
Book Description
Fast food has hastened the malling of our landscape, widened the chasm between rich and poor, fueled an epidemic of obesity, and propelled American cultural imperialism abroad. That's a lengthy list of charges, but here Eric Schlosser makes them stick with an artful mix of first-rate reportage, wry wit, and careful reasoning. Schlosser's myth-shattering survey stretches from California's subdivisions where the business was born to the industrial corridor along the New Jersey Turnpike where many fast food's flavors are concocted. Along the way, he unearths a trove of fascinating, unsettling truths -- from the unholy alliance between fast food and Hollywood to the seismic changes the industry has wrought in food production, popular culture, and even real estate. He also uncovers the fast food chains' disturbing efforts to reel in the youngest, most susceptible consumers even while they hone their institutionalized exploitation of teenagers and minorities.
Customer Reviews:
fantastic book. Thought-provoking and well-documented.......2007-10-16
This book is easy to read, and I highly recommend it to all people who eat out (anywhere, not just at "fast food" places). It was eye-opening for me, and I'm a lot pickier eater (for the better) now when I go out to restaurants. This isn't about just one issue, or a few issues, but an overall idea of what is going on at the other side of the counter. I was expecting a big book that told me simply that french fries were unhealthy but I was surprised to find out about a complicated behemoth that is there trying to get us to eat things we probably shouldn't.
A hard look at not only fast food, but the beef industry.......2007-10-10
WOW...
And I don't say that so much because of the things this books brings to light about the fast food industry. I actually say it because of all the horrifying things I've learned about the BEEF industry! I never would have imagined what goes into raising cattle (the disgusting things they are fed), killing them and then turning them into meat. The dangers that these processes bring upon us as consumers of this beef (mad cow etc.) And the fact that the government is barely, if at all, regulating this?! Because they are "all in bed" with the beef industry! WOW. I am seriously considering from now on buying organic beef. I hope that in the next ten years that this government will start putting in place some better protection for us as beef consumers, at the time this book was written they were not allowed to re-call beef, nor were they able to inspect the factories....definitely a book worth reading and hopefully it continues to get noticed, make waves and bring upon some change.
As for the reading, it was dry at times, but for the most part interesting. I think it was very well written. It was helpful how it was broken down into chapters dealing with different aspects- made it easy to follow the argument and then grasp the sum-up of it all at the end, and how each part ties together. From the chapters on how fastfood/McDonalds got it's start, to the look at "why the fries taste so good", or what's in the beef, to the look at the meat processing plants...the author certainly seemed to do his homework, because he was nothing if not thorough. If Schlosser were to write a follow up, years down the road, I'd definitely read and will certainly recommend this to friends!
Frightening Truths.......2007-10-09
Schlosser's exposé of the fast food industry makes for terrifying reading. Now that I am aware of the appalling corporate trade practices, I have been sure to avoid McDonald's (except in order to get hold of the complete Happy Meal collections of Hannah Montana and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- the mantelpiece would have seemed bare without them). However, it is equally worrying to learn about the produce found in major supermarkets. Chicken is frequently known to contain as much as 40% additives. If you ask me, 'chicken' should be just that and it should NOT involve added protein. It is for this reason that I must politely decline Uncle Bruce's invitations to dinner. Since I caught a glimpse of him through the kitchen window (during the final throes of 'injecting' a chicken) I have felt little urge to join him for a Sunday dinner.
Fast Food Nation - Eye opening read.......2007-10-04
This is a very well researched and written tome that I would recommend to anyone interested in how big agribusiness works. Cynical by nature, I'm even more so after reading the book, especially when it comes to politics and big business. If you read nothing else, check out the chapter on the slaughterhouse. Egad.
I look forward to reading Schlosser's other book, Refer Madness.
Eye Opening.......2007-09-29
After reading the book, I became so appalled at the thought of eating fast food again. It's not just about health either. The sad and horrific stories about how factory workers were treated and their working conditions will wake you up. One often knows how bad fast food is, but until you read this, you won't really know just how BAD it is.
Book Description
In order to compete in the modern world, any society today must rank education in science, mathematics, and technology as one of its highest priorities. It's a sad but true fact, however, that most Americans are not scientifically literate. International studies of educational performance reveal that U.S. students consistently rank near the bottom in science and mathematics. The latest study of the National Assessment of Educational Progress has found that despite some small gains recently, the average performance of seventeen-year-olds in 1986 remained substantially lower than it had been in 1969. As the world approaches the twenty-first century, American schools--when it comes to the advancement of scientific knowledge--seem to be stuck in the Victorian age. In Science for All Americans, F. James Rutherford and Andrew Ahlgren brilliantly tackle this devastating problem. Based on Project 2061, a scientific literacy initiative sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, this wide-ranging, important volume explores what constitutes scientific literacy in a modern society; the knowledge, skills, and attitudes all students should acquire from their total school experience from kindergarten through high school; and what steps this country must take to begin reforming its system of education in science, mathematics, and technology. Science for All Americans describes the scientifically literate person as one who knows that science, mathematics, and technology are interdependent enterprises with strengths and limitations; who understands key concepts and principles of science; who recognizes both the diversity and unity of the natural world; and who uses scientific knowledge and scientific ways of thinking for personal and social purposes. Its recommendations for educational reform downplay traditional subject categories and instead highlight the connections between them. It also emphasizes ideas and thinking skills over the memorization of specialized vocabulary. For instance, basic scientific literacy means knowing that the chief function of living cells is assembling protein molecules according to the instructions coded in DNA molecules, but does not mean necessarily knowing the terms "ribosome" or "deoxyribonucleic acid." Science, mathematics, and technology will be at the center of the radical changes in the nature of human existence that will occur during the next life span; therefore, preparing today's children for tomorrow's world must entail a solid education in these areas. Science for All Americans will help pave the way for the necessary reforms in America's schools.
Customer Reviews:
The beginning book in Science reform for literacy........2000-06-02
We have now entered a second time of deep concern for the science, math, and technological education for everyone. The first one occurred after the Sputnik fiasco, when the Russians beat us in the race to reach space. The concern now has risen due to what science groups such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and educators saw in comparison of assessments made of students in the U.S. and those in other developed countries, such as Japan. The answer to this concern was for the AAAS along with other groups to put out a guideline as to what constitutes scientific literacy, and what the public in the U.S. should at least know to be scientifically literate. As usual, though the AAAS addressed the fact that certain groups in the U.S. were not being 'included' in the pursuit of science literacy, such as women and racial minorities, in this their first book they skipped over those of us with disabilities. Since this is a major concern of mine and the area in which I do research, I was appalled to see they neglected 'us' once again, especially as the AAAS has a separate department dealing with the Disabled/Deaf. In spite of this mistake, the writing of this book has laid the groundwork for universities and colleges as to what the teachers they train should know and be able to teach so that our country can be more scientifically literate. With new information being made available through newspapers and the Internet on a daily basis, it is absolutely imperative that all adults regardless of race, gender, or ability be able to glean the information they need from this outpouring of information to make decisions requiring informed consent in health care, decisions on employment (since health care is one of the top employers in the U.S. today), and to teach their children. This book was the beginning, but it isn't the end. More books have further elucidated what is required for science literacy from both the AAAS and other science groups. This is the place to start if you are an educator of any kind who wants their students to become scientifically literate. Karen Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh, klsst23@pitt.edu
Excellent summary of science for nonscientists.......2000-04-30
"Science for All Americans" will appeal to two audiences: people who want to know something about science and science teachers. Written under the guidance of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the text describes what the average citizen or student needs to know to be reasonably scientifically literate. Science literacy is not knowing pages of facts, theories or equations. The book's organization helps define the basic components of science literacy. Chapters 1-3 describe what science is about. This includes defining the activity called science, introducing the language of science--mathematics, and the tools of science--technology. Chapters 4-9 present the fundamental base of scientific knowledge. The topics include: physical science (the universe, forces, motion), biological science (heridity, the cell, evolution), humans (the human organism, human society, technology), and mathematics. The information presented in these chapters is extremely well written in both a nontechnical and nonthreatening manner. If you've feared science or have forgotten all the science you have ever learned, you will still be able to enjoy and remember a surprising amount of the material presented. Chapter 10 summarizes the most fundamental discoveries of science. Finally, chapters 11-12 delve into the mind of a scientist. What patterns do we see in the world? And what type of mental habits should a scientist exhibit? The final 3 chapters of the book are on science teaching and reforming science education and so are of interest primarily to science teachers. The book achieves its aim of both defining science literacy and making the reader scientifically literate. In fact, the book does so well that I use it as the primary textbook in my college science class as part of the liberal arts education for nonscience majors. Speaking as a college instructor who spends most of my time teaching science to nonscientists, I emphasize again the organization, structure and writing of this book. Not only will you learn much from this book, you will develop a basis on which to increase your science literacy in the future. Science and technology are advancing rapidly--too rapidly for any one person to stay current in even one discipline. Yet citizens must make choices. This book will aid you in making informed choices when dealing with science and technology issues. As I try to explain to my students, it is not wrong to be feel discomfort at not knowing everything--no one does. The real error is to remain where you are now in your science literacy and not grow. This book will help you grow.
Customer Reviews:
One of the best story books ever.......2005-08-16
I have been looking for a copy of this book for years. It was the 2nd book I read by Koontz and fell in love with it. I had read it over several times and fell into the story and art work everytime. Even though it's been over 10 years since I've last seen or read the story, I remember it as if I read it last week. I only wish it was more available for others to enjoy as well. This is definately a story for those who are still a child at heart.
Childhood Favorite.......2005-06-07
I remember reading this book when I was 10, it's stuck with me ever since. Now with kids of my own I can only appricate the story's plot more. I love this story and am only sadden to know that it is no longer in print for other adults and children to enjoy cheaply.
Fable for kids.......2005-05-21
It is a nice story, with a definite "good" advise for kids. I think it would make a good introductory book for youngsters into the "suspense/horror" genre.
Greta, Great simply Great !!.......2005-02-12
I read this book to my kids when they were little, sometime around 1990 I think. We had just moved into a new house( another Navy Move) and of course the children were in new surroundings. My wife was working nights and I was fortunate to be at home with the kids. My children and myself loved the story and it has remained one of their favorite memories of childhood.(Not the only book I ever read to them of course) Even tho' the book is not all sugar and spice its wonderful illustrations helped tremendously. I'm not a fan of Koontz particularly, as I think most of his books are the same tired old things, but I think this book is great for the young and the old.
A book for the young at heart. Buy it........2005-01-04
Originally read to me in the sixth grade by my English teacher, I fell in love with Oddkins. Since then, years and years later, I still love it. All grown up now, I recently decided to obtain a copy of this rather valuable trinket and I look forward to hanging on to it the rest of my life. If you like a good story or if you have kids or if you have grandkids, get this book now. This is the kind of book that you look forward to reading again and again throughout your lifetime. Long enough to be engaging, but short enough to re-read casually, this is a must have.
Book Description
In this follow-up to the bestselling Captain's Table series of books, nine new Star Trek® captains belly up to the bar to tell their tales of adventure and romance, of triumph and tragedy, of duty and honor, of debts paid and prices exacted, including:
Jonathan Archer of the Starship Enterprise™, as told by Louisa Swann
Chakotay of the U.S.S. Voyager™, as told by Christie Golden
David Gold of the U.S.S. da Vinci, as told by John J. Ordover
Kira Nerys of Deep Space 9™, as told by Heather Jarman
Klag, son of M'Raq, of the I.K.S. Gorkon, as told by Keith R.A. DeCandido
Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Stargazer, as told by Michael Jan Friedman
William T. Riker of the U.S.S. Titan, as told by Michael A. Martin & Andy Mangels
Elizabeth Shelby of the U.S.S. Trident, as told by Peter David
Demora Sulu of the U.S.S. Enterprise™-B, as told by David R. George III
From the weekly episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise to the monthly adventures of S.C., from the bestselling novel Serpents Among the Ruins to the bestselling series New Frontier, from the past tales of Stargazer to the new stories of Titan, from the glorious exploits of I.K.S. Gorkon to the post-finale chronicles of Deep Space Nine and Voyager, come nine new stories from the nine newest members of Star Trek's finest and bravest shipmasters.
Customer Reviews:
A Pretty Cool Book.......2007-03-16
This is a compilation of all the "Captain's Table" books into one volume. It thought that all the stories to be pretty well written - and they are not all the same of even similar, although they all start out the same in which Kirk or Sulu or Janeway set off on a planet and end up in the same bar "The Captain's Table". Part of the mystery is piecing together through the various stories what the "Table" is and the mystery behind this very strange and exclusive bar which is essentially a club for Captains only. Wonderful read for all your Star Trek nuts out there.
A Good Read.......2006-03-02
What I like about this anthology is you don't have to be a Star Trek fan to enjoy the stories. For some fans, like me actually, it was disappointing not to lay heavy on Trek history and have tie-ins with continuity. But on the flip side, I liked seeing these characters in fresh, stand-alone stories. As an Enterprise fan, I was a bit disappointed the Archer story was so goofy and didn't build his character at all...except to show he's quite the shoot-from-the-hip storyteller, and I could easily visualize Shran containing his laughter from the tallest of tales he's probably ever heard. My favorite story was Demora Sulu's, which as said before is really three stories in one, which can be tricky to pull off, but was done nicely. I hope we see more stories from her. I would like to see how the transition of captain played out between her and Harriman some day.
Being a TOS and Enterprise fans, those are the two I bought the anthology for. The other stories were all entertaining as well, and like I said, can be enjoyed by even non Trek fans. Enjoy!
Okay read.......2006-02-04
I'm guilty of only reading the Captain's Table story of William T Riker. I read it and though it was and exciting read it seemed to bounce around a lot. Some times I didn't know if I was on their honeymoon or back discussing it Captain Picard. Honeslty Will really shouldn't have discussed his honeymoon with Picard its supposed to be private. Other then that it was a good read.
Another good Star Trek anthology.......2006-01-19
I was duly impressed by Tales of the Dominion War, and again was impressed with Tales from the Captain's Tale. I am still astounded by how much leeway the writers have been given in the last 6 or 7 years to expand the Star Trek universe so greatly.
I get the impression that a couple of the previous reviewers expected all of these stories to be life-changing dramas for the characters, and were disappointed when that turned out not to be the case. Though Shelby's story, and certainly that of Kira had some heart-wrenching drama at the end, several of the stories were clearly intended to be action-packed yarns and humorous tales. The tale of "dubious credibility" told by Riker and the silly Porthos yarn are good stories--if you take them at face value as entertainment for an audience (and payment for a drink).
In any case, my favorite Captain represented here is Demora Sulu of the Enterprise-B. Too bad her career is unlikely to be considered canonical in the tv-world, but I would love there to be another full novel with her at the fore.
So, if you enjoy Star Trek anthologies and reveling in the amazingly diverse novel-universe cast, the Captain's Table is a must-buy. Just remember that a story in the bar doesn't have to be true--it just has to be good.
tales from the captain's table.......2005-10-04
i enjoyed it very much reading stories of captain's you never get to here about
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- The SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW
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- The Wages of War: When America's Soldiers Came Home : From Valley Forge to Vietnam
- Thomas Paine : Collected Writings : Common Sense / The Crisis / Rights of Man / The Age of Reason / Pamphlets, Articles, and Letters (Library of America)
- Unstoppable Global Warming: Every 1,500 Years
- Will It Sell? How to Determine If Your Invention Is Profitably Marketable (Before Wasting Money on a Patent)
- Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide
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Books Index
Books Home
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Silverberg, Robert
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The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume Two A: The Greatest Science Fiction Novellas of All Time Chosen by the Members of The Science Fiction Writers of America (SF Hall of Fame)
Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century
The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Year's Best Science Fiction
The Oxford Book of Science Fiction Stories
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Third Annual Collection (Year's Best Science Fiction)
