Customer Reviews:
fantastic and well illustrated book on Galapagos wildlife.......2001-03-26
David W. Steadman, Steven Zousmer, and Lee M. Steadman have done an outstanding job on this book on Galapagos wildlife. The book is basically divided into two parts. The first part, amply illustrated by highly quality full color photographs, describes the overall geology, topography, climate, flora, and especially fauna of this important group of islands. Much of this stems from the fieldwork of David Steadman and his brother Lee. Truly fascinating, everything from paleonotological research in the islands, speciation of the island's famous finches, Charles Darwin's explorations and work in the islands, to conservation and more are addressed. Also found in part one are maps, both modern day and some early maps from when the island's were first being explored, as well some early scientific illustrations of the island's plants and animals.
Part two though to me is the main reason to buy this fine book, which contains the color plates by artist and scientist Lee M. Steadman. These excellent illustrations depict every resident species of bird from the islands as well as least one species of each major group of native reptiles and mammals. Even a few extinct species are illustrated. Accompanying each full page illustration of an animal in its native habitat is a full page description of the species, noting physical description in detail, ecological role, natural history notes, life habits, how the group got to the islands, possible relations to other species not only on other islands in the Galapagos but also on the mainland, and notes relating to conservation. The color plates are excellent, very true to life and quite beautiful, illustrating such species as the Galapagos Tortoise (of course!), the Marine Iguana, Red Bat, Galapagos Fur Seal, Galapagos Penguin, Dark-rumped Petrel, Flightless Cormorant, Lava Heron, and the San Cristobal Mockingbird. The famous finches of course are given several great pages of illustrations with several pages of text devoted to them.
This is a great buy, and it is a true shame that this book is out of print! I'll never understand why some books go out of print, this book is in my opinion a classic not only on the Galapagos but in the field of natural history in general, and should be reprinted again and again. I highly urged all of those interested in these wondrous isles to get Amazon to search for this book for you.
Product Description
209 pages of high quality text, maps & photographs as fitting a Smithsonian product. There are also several excellent paintings of wildlife.
Average customer rating:
- Fun & Instructional
- Loved it- a very fun read!
- Fantastic!
- Great, great book!
- Simply Loved It!!!!!!!!!!
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I Run, Therefore I Am - Nuts
Bob Schwartz
Manufacturer: Human Kinetics Publishers
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Accessories:
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Tanita BC554 Ironman Glass InnerScan Body Composition Monitor Elite Series
ASIN: 0736040358 |
Book Description
Whether you fall in the middle of the pack, up near the front of the pack, or so far from any semblance of a pack that you're wondering if everyone went home already, you'll find plenty to laugh about in this book. Popular running humorist Bob Schwartz—like the Dave Barry of running—will have you in stitches as he pokes fun at the idiosyncratic personalities of runners and the strange and hilarious situations they encounter.
I Run, Therefore I Am—Nuts! brings out the humor in situations that every type of runner can relate to:
• The intricate art of drinking on the run from paper cups
• Trying to reacquaint fingers to toes after years of tight hamstrings
• Hitting the wall
• Having your heart flutter with the newest cushioned training shoe
• Discovering cross-training contraptions designed to strengthen your gluteus to its maximus
• Getting excited about the latest flavor of energy gel on the market
If you love the aromatic smell of perspiration, enjoy the exhilaration of exhaustion, drink solely from squirt bottles, or fill your wardrobe with reflective clothing—this book is for you.
Customer Reviews:
Fun & Instructional.......2006-05-04
I really enjoyed the book, it was fun and made me laugh. But more so than making me laugh, it also taught me. It taught me about running and how strange we runners can be. It also reminded me not to take myself too seriously as a runner.
The chapters are short, making it an easy read! Whether you are a hard-core runner or a newbie (like me) you should enjoy it!
Loved it- a very fun read!.......2006-02-23
I was looking for a little humor to go along with training for my first marathon, and I found it in this book! Schwartz takes all the small quirks of a runner, things you may not even think twice about, and has you laughing all day. Nice, light, fun reading.
Fantastic!.......2004-02-18
Finally, a humorist who is a runner takes a wonderfully funny look at all runners. This book had me laughing out loud from the moment I opened it as each of the short, snappy chapters are filled with wonderful humor in a very well written, easy flowing and creative manner.
Bob is a skillful author and very funny and entertaining. I've read many of his articles on family life as well and would love to see a similar book on that subject.
I highly recommend I Run, Therefore I Am - Nuts! to all runners. The book is simply great! I've actually read it twice now and had the same amount of laugh out loud chuckles along the way.
Great, great book!.......2003-12-14
This is a fantastically funny book and although dealing with running, it provides a lot of laughs for non-runners as well. Bob presents a terrifically humorous look at runners and races and training and lots of other subjects associated with running. The book makes a great gift and the accompanying illustrations are a perfect compliment to each chapter.
It's rare to find a book presented so very well and Bob should be highly commended for this welcome addition to a runner's library. The chapters on stretching and cross training and his satirical look at rules to run by are simply hilarious!
Simply Loved It!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-07-08
I may be one of the few runners who had not yet heard of Bob's wonderfully written book. Thankfully I came upon it at the bookstore and I could not put it down. It's filled with rip roaring laughter as Bob takes us on a hilarious romp through all things (and then some) near and dear to runners and provides some insight as well. I enjoyed all the many chapters but some stand out so well that just thinking of them makes me break out in laughter (from Introduction to Ingurgitation to Trick or Feet to Lifetime Taper for a Masterful Peak).
If you want to laugh, this is the book for you. Tremendous!
Book Description
Tools for creating the next great graphic novel!
What do the movies Men In Black, Road to Perdition, Ghost World, and X-Men all have in common? Each started out as a graphic novel-one of the fastest growing segments of the book publishing industry. Now, here is the first book to provide a comprehensive and detailed look at the process involved in creating a successful graphic novel.
Customer Reviews:
Good book to start with.......2007-06-10
Creating a graphic novel (or a comic book) is hard work. Getting someone to read it, other than friends or relatives, is an herculean task. This book is a good place to start, along with some fine books written by Scott McCloud.
I gave it only four stars because of the shallow treatment of so many themes, but that's natural, because of the wide spectrum of subjets that the comic form implies. And I sustracted a star because the writing style... well, tries too hard to be funny, and it gets annoying at times (insert a joke here!- Ed.)
A good beginning........2007-03-25
Very well thought out and organized presentatation. It guides the artisist/novelist to-be effortlessly through every phase of graphic novel creation.
I truely enjoyed it and thought it was easy to understand even for those who are not familiar with comic book or printhouse jargon.
I highly recommend this guide as one of the best I have seen.
Helps My Students Develop Their Writing.......2007-01-05
Graphic novels seem to be quite the hot ticket. While most traditional English teachers would scoff at this genre as a serious direction for students, I find my at-risk pupils captivated by the entire process. Graphic novels help me keep their focus...I don't have them read too many, but I try to get them to write for me in graphic novel form. Some of them are unbelievably gifted, and I want them to see this as a viable avenue for themselves. I have a group of 4-5 who fight over this book regularly.
far from idiotic.......2006-08-01
I'm a long-time designer looking to do a web comic on the side and I picked this book up only partly because I was open to some new organizational ideas, but mostly because the gentleman writing it were so down to earth.
Their teaching method is very engaging, the advice very helpful and easy to understand, but what I found most helpful was the "you can do it" reassuring undertone it had.
I'm also a longtime attendee of comicon and found their "demostration purpose" con comic exerpt amusing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to express themselves through graphic novels. It's practical, filled with good advice and a ton of helpful references you might want to look up later as well.
A helpful hand from heaven!!!.......2004-07-20
When i saw this title was about to be released I didn't believe it at first... But anyway... I put it on my wish list, before you can say ?idiot?
Not because of the popularity of graphic novels but because I thought that a series of books like this "Complete Idiot's Guide" usually cares about, raising puppies, understanding software or mechanics stuff... You know... Things that might be more appealing to the real world... To the average reader
But to dedicate a whole guide just to the creators or fans of graphic novels... Ummm, I don?t know... Sounds weird... But immensely cool at the same time!!!
Anyway, I bought it, I have it, I read it, I LOVE IT!
As comic creator, writer and graphic novel lover THIS IS A MUST HAVE!... But specially for those writers and art students beginners or expert... Is full of tips and great ideas, all written in a simple down to earth words
As an expert you will find a different point of view, which I think is always helpful, as I never get tired of seeing other peoples works.. And as I believe there?s always something new to learn... In every book... Without exception
Specially coming for this guys, Nat Gertler and Steve Leiber... They not only explain but sparks your imagination with a wonderful sense of humor and tons of creative examples... You will find yourself not only laughing in every page but feeling those creative butterflies in your stomach, while you feel you are ?talking? with people that understand your ideas, love and passion for writing and creating a graphic novel
This is a book that goes directly to the subject... Directly to the thing you want the most... LEARN FROM THE PRO?S
So... I recommend this one with my eyes closed, not only if you are an idiot, but if you believe that there?s always something new to learn...
Get this one if you write graphic novel, if you love graphic novel, if you only read graphic novel, or if you only want to be... Less idiot... Like me
Book Description
The write stuff for telling a good story...includes exclusive interviews with New York Times bestselling authors!
Novelist and editor Tom Monteleone shares his insights about the writing process-from developing a style through creating believable characters and settings, to the final editing and rewriting chores.
€ Features never-before-published interviews with such bestselling authors as Janet Evanovich, Peter Straub, Richard Matheson, Whitley Streiber, Stephen Hunter, and William Peter Blatty
€ Includes chapters on the publishing business
€ Author has more than 20 published novels under his belt
€ Over 8,500 first novels were published last year alone
Customer Reviews:
A Wealth Of Useful Information..........2007-09-04
I am an aspiring novelist, so it goes without saying that I was interested in a book which would provide me with an insider's perspective on the ins and outs of the process of writing. I am happy to tell you that if you are looking for the same, you can rest assured you will find what you seek in Tom Monteleone's 'The Complete Idiots Guide To Writing A Novel'. After reading a few of the reviews posted on this website, I have to wonder if the individuals who posted these reviews read the same book that I did, so slanted are their opinions. This book contains - quite literally - the answers to practically any and every question I had concerning the process of writing a novel. From the basics of the proper usage of English, to the essentials of crafting a good plot, and through the business end of getting published, Mr. Monteleone's book is jam-packed with critical information from an experienced novelists' viewpoint. Dispelling the notion that writing instruction must be accompanied by a haughty air of stuffiness, Monteleone's book is written in a direct and down-to-earth style which is a welcome breath of fresh air. The casual style in which this book is written makes the process of writing seem not only accessible, but enjoyable as well. Furthermore, as I read this volume, I felt that not only did Monteleone offer instruction, but that he had a genuine desire to direct the reader to success. To put it plainly, this book is an indispensable asset. I find it difficult to see how you wouldn't benefit from having read it. Do yourself a favor and spend the $12.89. You won't be disappointed.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel.......2007-08-08
This book is good for someone making a start in novel writing but mostly if you are intested in writing 'genre'. Most of the book seems to focus on thriller, action type of writing and isn't in my opinion much help if you are planning to write a more literary book. In addition it would've been helpful if the book had included some examples of what is good fiction compared to not so good. For example, the book tells you the elements of what makes a good opening, but some examples of good openings and why they are good would've been really helpful.
A Good Beginner's Guide for Genre Writing.......2007-07-09
Tom Monteleone is the real deal, having published over 25 horror, thriller, and science fiction novels in the course of his career. Please note that this book mainly tackles popular fiction (aka "genre" fiction, such as thriller, horror, and romance) while laying the smackdown on "literary" fiction (the type of fiction fawned over in English departments). Since genre fiction makes up the large majority of fiction published at this time in the United States, it's not a bad stance for the book to take.
This book, like most "Idiots" books, provides a decent introduction to its subject for newbies. Unfortunately, Monteleone tackles too many subjects to provide any good information for anyone besides beginners. For beginners= 4 stars. For intermediate or advanced writers looking for help= 2 stars.
Very Helpful.......2007-06-21
This book has been a great help to me. As a starting point for writing my first novel I am very pleased with the information I am gathering. He was also very encouraging when I contacted him with a question. I appreciate his quick response and referrals to additional information. I also appriciate how well this book is written. I have read a lot of books and this one is very easy to understand even for someone just getting started in the literary world.
Motivating, concise and entertaining all-in-one!.......2007-06-03
After reading some of the one-star reviews for this book, I found myself wondering if they and I read the same one. I don't think we did, because I saw absolutely nothing egotistical or self-serving in Mr. Monteleone's delivery. He jumped right into the very well thought-out information and, when appropriate, injected a little something personal into the book. I believe that touch made this particular book stand far above most other 'How to Write' publications. It gave the reader a sense of having a one-on-one chat with a helpful benefactor. That's exactly how I felt.
I suspect that the folks who, without humor, left one and two star reviews are among that class of people who introduce themselves to others, glass of Brandy in hand and nose scraping the ceiling, as an author -me, I write.
Book Description
The basic rules for turning basic instincts into blockbuster success.
Erotic romance reigns supreme as a big category of womenÂ's fiction—a billion dollar business serviced by a new breed of uninhibited writer. This book is the necessary how-to for first timers and a terrific guide for seasoned professionals as well, who are putting their racy—and lucrative—fantasies to paper. Now, for the first time, a veteran erotic romance author shows exactly what to do—and how.
• The first book to guide writers to succeed in this multi-million dollar genre
• Explores how to set up a plot and write good, steamy sex scenes
• From a best-selling experienced author
• Includes resource section for research tools and further reading
• Interviews with top editors in the field
• Foreword by Kate Duffy, editorial director at Kensington Publishing and founding editor of the genre
Customer Reviews:
Questions on Erotic Romance & An Aspiring New Author Also.......2007-04-05
If you are a new writer; never published and find that you are somewhat lacking in the area of Erotic Romance, I do not recommend this book as a guide that will enable you to write your erotic love scenes effectively, thus pulling your readers in; as well as heighten the excitement and anticipation of your lovers in print; in other words "brain sex," whether explicit or done in a way so as not to be crude as your story unfolds.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Erotic Romance is full of opinions that lack depth, as well as workable simple formulas by both the author and other published authors whose comments appear in the back of the book (some who are best selling authors). I found the publication to be of no help at all. Good examples and a guide for structure and/or tension building is what I expected to get from reading the reviews that sold me on the book. In regard to drafting your erotic love scenes, acquiring a method of tension building among the lovers that is required to gain and maintain your readers interest how-to was severely lacking.
In closing....if you need serious help in this area....please look elsewhere for information that will help you to enhance your characters in the bedroom, as well as outside of it as they travel along the lovers erotic adventure you have chosen to write.
NH
New Author
It Was Missing Something and Was Not Structured Properly..........2006-11-05
Alison Kent, author of this book, is a good writer. Her style is very personable, light, and easy to read.
The book itself lacks structure and is all over the place. There is no order to it.
I read the "Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published" which I would give 6 stars if I could. That book is structured beginning from choosing what you want to write (sub genre of romance), plotting your story, developing characters, writing dialogue, and even how much certain category lines pay.
Being from the same "Complete Idiot's" series, I guess I expected the same organized structure with this book but it wasn't there. There was no order to the book other than random writing about various topics.
And it's more about romance writing and the "sexuality" of romance writing than erotica. There are hardly any writing examples and no paying market list. So what? You learn how to write erotica. Who do you sell your manuscripts to? No information in this book concerning paying markets.
Then the author has interviews in the back of the book of successful erotica writers. One says that romance writers are jealous of erotica writers because they make more money. And what money would that be? No ballpark figures of what erotica writers make is ever discussed. No specific markets to sell your manuscripts to is ever discussed. It leaves a lot to ones imagination. Are these "erotica" writers writing porn scripts? Are they writing stories for True Confessions? None of that is ever clear.
This is a good resource for romance writers who want more information about delving into writing sex scenes. The author knows how to write sex, I think. Strangely, there are no examples. I found that to be necessary in a book like this. You can only talk about writing sex for so long before you actually have to provide examples in order to allow the reader to get an idea of how to do it. No examples exist in this book.
Finally, the book was dragged out much longer than it had to be. If she would have provided examples with each topic she was talking about (i.e. point of view, kissing scenes, love-making scenes, passive vs. active writing, etc.) then it wouldn't have been necessary to describe writing sex as long as she had in this book. It was like her describing what a red Mustang is in 100,000 words when a picture would have done the trick much more effectively.
Advice: If you want to become a romance writer read "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published" and pass on this book. Read a lot of the category or genre you really want to write and learn character development, dialogue, plotting, etc. from the books you read.
If you want to become an erotica writer, this book is NOT what you need. It's too "soft" for true erotica writing. I'm not sure why "Erotic" is in the title of this book when it just talks about writing no hotter than your average Silhouette romance.
Get a book that is true to the genre of erotica like "How to Write Erotica" by Valerie Kelly. She actually gives you writing examples of things that she actually published and paying markets where you can sell your erotic writing.
Writing about love & sex.......2006-10-24
My understanding of the romance genre is so old that I had no idea that the romance genre had even sprouted an erotic subgenre that allowed for explicit sexual content. I still thought of romance books as teases--something that got you all hot and bothered and then shut you out of the "good stuff". While there's still plenty of romance to be found that follows that set of expectations, now you can find erotic romance as well.
However, lest you think it's about gratuitous sex, it's part of the definition of the genre that the sex has to further the plot and the character arc. It can't be tacked on. Sex is part of how the characters change, fall in love, explore themselves, and so on. But because it's an erotic romance rather than erotica, it's still about falling in love.
Warning: This should be obvious, but I'm going to make it very clear just in case. This book is about writing in a genre that includes explicit sex scenes. That means that this book contains material about writing explicit sex scenes. It isn't meant to be titillating in its own right, but it is frank and blunt and doesn't shy away from necessary detail and discussion.
Alison Kent has a knack for writing; that much is obvious (in fact, I think I'm going to have to get my hands on some of her fiction!). She's thorough, informative, blunt, frank, and above all, entertaining; I never felt that she sacrificed one aspect for another. She's utterly comfortable with her subject matter, which makes her the perfect author to write about such a potentially sensitive topic.
She discusses all sorts of writing topics, applying them to the erotic romance genre quite handily. She also provides thorough coverage of the unique needs of erotic romances with respect to the role of sex in the plot and writing erotic sex scenes.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in writing romance, erotic romance, or erotica--although the focus of the book is definitely erotic romance, writers of the other two types of story will find much of value here as well. It would also make a fascinating read for fans of the genre who want to know more about how it works and what their favorite authors do. The tips and hints are highly useful; the range of topics covered is extensive; and the author makes the book fun to read (not to mention extremely informative). I have a newfound respect for the genre now.
Excellent resource.......2006-10-10
This book is an excellent resource for writers interested in erotic romance. Ms. Kent has authored a seminal work on the subject. I teach romance writing classes and I'm refering this book to my students who write erotic stories. I wish this text had been available when I started writing.
Will prove an invaluable resource.......2006-10-07
Alison Kent (the pseudonym of an experience author in the genre of erotic romance) draws upon her considerable expertise in "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Writing Erotic Romance" to help aspiring authors master the specialized genre of the erotic romance. All too often writers veer into crude pornography while trying to avoid prudish conventions in storytelling. "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Writing Erotic Romance" will take the novice writer through a series of practical and effective techniques for creating compelling characters, interesting plots, and engaging dialogue laced with sexually provocative eroticism. Enhanced with advice and examples drawn from successful romance writers and editors, "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Writing Erotic Romance" will also prove an invaluable resource that includes lists of available publishers in this select genre. If you want your writing to be hallmarked with chemistry, spice, plot twists, complete characters, and "page turning romance", then add "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Writing Erotic Romance" to your instructional reference bookshelf.
Average customer rating:
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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction (Complete Idiot's Guide to)
Ron Benrey
Manufacturer: Alpha
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Authorship
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ASIN: 1592576818
Release Date: 2007-12-04 |
Book Description
The Christian fiction genre has been around since the late sixties, but the Left Behind series made it explode. This book walks you through the genre—what it is and isnÂ't, how plot integrates with a Christian message, how to approach edgy subjects, how to navigate Christian and mainstream publishers, and more. Coverage includes discussion of everything from mystery and romance, to historical and young adult.
Average customer rating:
- This is a great book for kids who are in Bailey's condition.
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One Step Too Far Bailey Party of Five 3
Megan Stine
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Literature
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ASIN: 0671017721 |
Customer Reviews:
This is a great book for kids who are in Bailey's condition........1998-06-05
This is a great book! I think this book would help express Bailey's feelings about getting used to living without parents and drinking (if he were real).
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