The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A good foundation
  • PLEASE... Read the 1 star reviews BEFORE you buy this book!
  • Everyone on this Planet should read this book, it should be a teaching material in Schools
  • Critical information, so powerful it should be taught 7- 12 + college
  • Easy to read, let's see how easy in practise
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
Don Miguel Ruiz
Manufacturer: Amber-Allen Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1878424319

Amazon.com

Sit at the foot of a native elder and listen as great wisdom of days long past is passed down. In The Four Agreements shamanic teacher and healer Don Miguel Ruiz exposes self-limiting beliefs and presents a simple yet effective code of personal conduct learned from his Toltec ancestors. Full of grace and simple truth, this handsomely designed book makes a lovely gift for anyone making an elementary change in life, and it reads in a voice that you would expect from an indigenous shaman. The four agreements are these: Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best. It's the how and why one should do these things that make The Four Agreements worth reading and remembering. --P. Randall Cohan

Book Description

In The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting agreements that rob people of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform anyone's life to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. These agreements are deceptively simple: Be impeccable with your word (speak with integrity; say only what you mean); Don't take anything personally (nothing others do is because of you); Don't make assumptions (find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want); Always do your best (and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret). Peter Coyote's resonant reading emphasizes the power in these remarkable tenets.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A good foundation.......2007-10-01

This is a compelling book that provides a straightforward, easy-to-understand methodology for improving one's quality of life. In this work Ruiz first reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that tend to rob people of joy and create needless suffering. He then recommends a technique for overcoming these beliefs: adopt four new agreements with respect to how they approach the world and conduct their lives.

Is this some new, revolutionary technology for self-improvement? No, the fact is in one way shape or form we've all heard these types of admonitions from other sources in our lives. What Ruiz does well is package them in a novel way and provide practical insights into how we can best apply them. Bottom line, even if you've heard something like this before it never hurts to be reminded about good advice you've received in the past.

1 out of 5 stars PLEASE... Read the 1 star reviews BEFORE you buy this book!.......2007-09-27

I am shocked at all the 5 stars and positive press this book has received. PLEASE, read a few of the 1 star reviews before you purchase this book. Quite often people who rate something with just 1 star are grumpy individuals who just want to argue... not this time. Many writers of the single star reviews are extremely well spoken, very well read and positive minded individuals. They are worth reading! (More so than this book.)

5 out of 5 stars Everyone on this Planet should read this book, it should be a teaching material in Schools.......2007-09-25

The four agreements is not only a book, it is a lifestyle. Most of the wisdom in self helping books i have read thruout the years has mostly washed away, vanished in to the sea of mind few weeks later after i read them. This one is different. It has somekind of power. And it forces you to do the doings not just read about them.This one stayes with you cause you wan't to pick it up over and over again.

5 out of 5 stars Critical information, so powerful it should be taught 7- 12 + college.......2007-09-24

I did not receive any critical information about my role in relationships from any source including school, religious education, parents, or advisor's.

The Four Agreements and the Mastery of Love has now provided this knowledge and it is and will always be a reference source for living the rest of my life

It is so ingrained and with me every day as I work to improve on my relationships with my family, friends, and business relationships. After you listen to the message of the Four Agreements, you will see the need for this information to be made available to your family and friends.

My wish is for this to be a part of the curriculum for the public school systems.

Cecil Sterne
Pawnee County, Oklahoma

5 out of 5 stars Easy to read, let's see how easy in practise.......2007-09-18

I think we've all seen this stuff before in various incarnations (e.g. Bible - "Do unto others...") but it is a very easy read and the agreements are plain and unambiguous. They are not cluttered with ceremony but come down to principles of values and self context. And like alot of similar readings, the battle or challenge lies in the effort to achieve and not only the achievement itself. I like that it advocates largely a position or development of an inner strength that is personal. All too often, I have noticed some of these personal freedom type writings from authors who present their writings in a stadium type environment and whip the crowd up in a frenzy to create a mob frenzy that attempts to portray the message. That's clearly the domain of some charlatans that we've all seen. I'm looking forward to the challenge involved in implementing these agreements. It won't be easy but most thnigs worthwhile aren't so they say.
Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • WOW!!!
  • Wonderful but it is difficult
  • Fantastic Book
  • A Thorough Introduction
  • Great book
Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series)
Erich Gamma , Richard Helm , Ralph Johnson , and John Vlissides
Manufacturer: Addison-Wesley Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0201633612

Amazon.com

Design Patterns is a modern classic in the literature of object-oriented development, offering timeless and elegant solutions to common problems in software design. It describes patterns for managing object creation, composing objects into larger structures, and coordinating control flow between objects. The book provides numerous examples where using composition rather than inheritance can improve the reusability and flexibility of code. Note, though, that it's not a tutorial but a catalog that you can use to find an object-oriented design pattern that's appropriate for the needs of your particular application--a selection for virtuoso programmers who appreciate (or require) consistent, well-engineered object-oriented designs.

Book Description

Now on CD, this internationally acclaimed bestseller is more valuable than ever!

Use the contents of the CD to create your own design documents and reusable components. The CD contains: 23 patterns you can cut and paste into your own design documents; sample code demonstrating pattern implementation; complete Design Patterns content in standard HTML format, with numerous hyperlinked cross-references; accessed through a standard web browser; Java-based dynamic search mechanism, enhancing online seach capabilities; graphical user environment, allowing ease of navigation.

First published in 1995, this landmark work on object-oriented software design presents a catalog of simple and succinct solutions to common design problems. Created by four experienced designers, the 23 patterns contained herein have become an essential resource for anyone developing reusable object-oriented software. In response to reader demand, the complete text and pattern catalog are now available on CD-ROM. This electronic version of Design Patterns enables programmers to install the book directly onto a computer or network for use as an online reference for creating reusable object-oriented software.

The authors first describe what patterns are and how they can help you in the design process. They then systematically name, explain, evaluate, and catalog recurring designs in object-oriented systems. All patterns are compiled from real-world examples and include code that demonstrates how they may be implemented in object-oriented programming languages such as C++ and Smalltalk. Readers who already own the book will want the CD to take advantage of its dynamic search mechanism and ready-to-install patterns.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars WOW!!!.......2007-09-13

Being a total noob to programming, my friend got me into learning about Objective-C and Cocoa. I have bought many books on the subject and I'd like to say that this book helped me with my understanding of objective-c programming language.

Thanks to the authors

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful but it is difficult.......2007-09-05

The book is wonderful and samples are very exciting and meaningful.But book is difficult,if you don't have any idea about design patterns,you cannot learn easily from his book.But If you are not new about Design patterns,this book is very useful.

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book.......2007-08-12

I would recommend this book to any software developer, architect, or designer. Fit for all levels of experience. It is clear why this is so often referenced in other development literature.

5 out of 5 stars A Thorough Introduction.......2007-08-12

I have read this book many times over. I purchased
this book many years ago and I still reference it today. For those
who are interested in OO design this is the best book I have read,
followed by John Lakos "Large Scale C++ Design". This book will
have you thinking about how to design software, and if you are
diligent, eventually you will be designing your own patterns.

This book is a definite must for any language, since it will
change the way you view software.

4 out of 5 stars Great book.......2007-08-05

I found the case study very helpfull. The patterns explained in a very clean way, so I recomand every developer that is interesting in design patterns, refactoring etc to read it.
The Four Agreements Companion Book : Using the Four Agreements to Master the Dream of Your Life
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • The Four Agreements Companion Book : Using the Four Agreements to Master the Dream of Your Life
  • Overkill
  • Live life by the 4 agreements
  • A Practical Guide to Help Us Decode Our Emotional Garbage
  • A Must Have!
The Four Agreements Companion Book : Using the Four Agreements to Master the Dream of Your Life
Miguel Ruiz , and Janet Mills
Manufacturer: Amber-Allen Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
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Accessories:
  1. RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
  2. Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3) Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

ASIN: 1878424483

Amazon.com

In The Four Agreements, Mexican shaman Miquel Ruiz built his teachings around four agreements: be impeccable with your word; don't take anything personally; don't make assumptions; always do your best. Now Ruiz offers readers a companion guide, making practical mysticism out of the ancient Toltec tradition. On the one hand this is an eloquent introduction to Toltec teachings, offering a fascinating discussion of how one's life is a dream (and a dream that's often dictated by others) and how "domestication" is the root of human suffering. On the other hand don Miquel has also written a Toltec self-help book, offering specific tools, exercises, and suggestions to help readers live their own dreams, become more attentive, and make conscious agreements with themselves. For readers who feel aligned with the Toltec tradition, this will certainly be a powerful ally as they begin the dream of transformation. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

The Four Agreements introduced a simple, but powerful code of conduct for attaining personal freedom and true happiness. Now The Four Agreements Companion Book takes you even further along the journey to recover the awareness and wisdom of your authentic self. This Companion Book is a must-read not only for those who enjoyed don Miguel's first book, but f or anyone who is ready to leave suffering behind, and to master the art of living in our natural state: happiness.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Four Agreements Companion Book : Using the Four Agreements to Master the Dream of Your Life.......2007-08-24

This DEElightful book clarifies everything in the "Four Agreements" book, simplifing and making it much easier to remember what was learned...
I can't say enough to entice the reader into having this companion book, it's a must have...Rob Ward

1 out of 5 stars Overkill.......2007-07-02

While I absolutely love the four agreements and return to the original book often, I found the companion book to be completely unnecessary. The writing style was poor and rambled in circles, constantly repeating itself. There was no new information at all. I seemed to me to be a way to get a little more money out of the concept - shocking considering the author.

I did enjoy the last few pages of personal examples from people who had incorporated the four agreements into their lives.

If you have the four agreements original book, you don't need this one and if you don't then skip this one and get the original.

5 out of 5 stars Live life by the 4 agreements.......2007-05-14

My life was simplified by reading this book. It is a daily guide for me and my children now. Ruiz is a healer and a spiritual guide. Recommended for all ages.

5 out of 5 stars A Practical Guide to Help Us Decode Our Emotional Garbage.......2004-08-26

After reading The Four Agreements, I felt that it is great to learn the four agreements ¡V be impeccable with your word, don¡¦t take anything personally, don¡¦t make assumptions and always try your best. However, that book did not have enough practical ideas or skills to guide me decode our old agreements/emotional garbage, how to be aware and how to transform. This book has a practical guide to teach us how to live in the four agreements. It teaches us how to become aware and how to transform.

1. Bring the Awareness to Surface so We Can Let Go of the Parasites, the Old Agreement, the Judge, the Victim, the fear

2. How to transform by the second attention (become aware and not act on or judge too fast), action-reaction, attach-detach

Don Miguel Ruiz has a very playful style of writing when he was telling us the above skills. I think in essence, the above skills suggests us to slow down our thinking process to give us enough time to steer our feelings and actions to apply the four agreements and to enjoy life intensely within the moment. His dialogue about the four agreements and other people¡¦s stories about applying the four agreements give me hope that I can live my life with what he has suggested. The dialogue helps us to decode certain emotional garbage and the dialogue helps me to break the old agreements. It is definitely a must-read if you have read the four agreements. Again, reading is not enough. However, putting the new adopted philosophies into everyday¡¦s life is the way to turn the dream of hell to become the dream of heaven.

5 out of 5 stars A Must Have!.......2003-01-17

Anyone who has read his first book will definitely want to read this one as well. This book actually helps the reader to implement the Four Agreements into daily life. Very insightful and I wish I had read it forty years ago!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, Issue 2
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • And the story continues
  • Episode Two: Attack of the Rat
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, Issue 2
Joss Whedon
Manufacturer: Dark Horse Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: B000P07OHM

Product Description

The destruction of Buffy's hometown, plus covert and powerful slayer "cells" around the world, add up to a new label for the Scoobies: Terrorist threat. Speaking of Sunnydale, the crater formerly known as, has opened to reveal the witch Amy, and boy is she mad. Season Eight continues as Buffy creator Joss Whedon brings Buffy back to Dark Horse in this direct follow-up to Season Seven of the smash-hit TV series.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars And the story continues.......2007-04-22

Warning: Thar be spoilers ahead!

Remember each week those exciting words (which alerted us that we were about to get a new exciting episode of the best show on TV)? "Previously on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER . . . " The new comic series seems to be doing something along these same lines. On the inside of the outer cover are printed the following:

"This story takes place after the end of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Season Seven.

"The Slayer population of the world has gone from two to nearly two thousand. Almost five hundred are working around the world with Buffy's organization in squads--or "terrorist cells," according to the American military. Buffy, Xander, Dawn, and a passel of Slayers are currently bunked out in a Scottish castle, where the latest mission revealed a strange symbol carved into human bodies.

"Also, Dawn's a giant."

This may be a summary that is rewritten each month to reflect what has happened in the previous issues.

The first episode in Season Eight established the situation; this one begins moving the story forward. The U.S. military (or rather, a military leader who has on his chest the strange symbol referred to in the monthly summary) has authorized Amy the witch and her army of zombies to go after Buffy and her cohorts. After the story begins with three very different approaches to training the new slayers by first Giles, then Buffy, and finally Andrew (who actually couldn't be said to be training them at all) we find Xander explaining why Dawn took the form of a giant when it was possible she could have assumed other forms instead (obviously, she is trying to get her sister's attention in the most blatant manner possible). The catch is, does Xander really tell any of this to Buffy or is it all just part of what we later learn is a spell-induced sleep in which she experiences an unbroken nightmare. And in a fairy-tale twist she can only be awakened by the kiss of true love. We can, of course, imagine a line of possible candidates for that: Angel and Spike fighting to be first in line. Well, of course Buffy will be awakened, and sooner rather than later. Can't imagine her being asleep at the end of the next episode. The tricky part is how one defines "true love." That needn't mean romantic love. My gut tells me that the kiss won't come from any of the usual suspects. My money is on Dawn. Yeah, I know. No one likes Dawn. But the brute fact is that except for struggling to save her in Season Five, Buffy has been a truly awful sister. Not in a Cinderella step sisterly way, but in the completely neglectful, can't-spare-her-a-minute way. But early in Season Six, Dawn seemed to miss her more than anyone. Like I said, my money is on Dawn.

The issues ends with Buffy asleep, the castle under assault by hundreds of zombies they can't keep at bay, Amy gloating that she could handle slayers with ease, so there was no one there who could take her on. The final frame is of someone who says that they would "like to test that theory." And thus Willow makes her first appearance in the story.

I am going to say something that I don't think I can say often enough. I don't want Joss Whedon writing comics. I want him creating new television shows. I suspect he enjoys the control that a comic gives him. I am sure he is tired of battling studios and networks. I can understand that. But once the battles have been waged and the BS has been waded through, Joss Whedon has been able to create some of the most extraordinary, most timeless television that has ever been made. He needs to get back to it. That being said, I am so much happier with him doing BUFFY Season Eight than either his X-Men project or the Runaways (and mind you, I like both the X-Men and the Runaways). There are others who can tell further stories about the X-Men and the Runaways, but Joss Whedon is only one who can give us authoritative Buffy stories. So I am acquiring these with joy and my heart and impatience in my soul. But I want him back in television. We've had some great TV since BUFFY and ANGEL left the air. LOST, 24, VERONICA MARS, and especially BATTLESTAR GALACTICA have filled the huge gap BUFFY left at its departure. But LOST needs to start winding down (whether it will has to be seen), BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (the only show to completely match the brilliance that was BUFFY) has possibly only one more season left and at most two before Ron Moore brings his series to an end. 24 is definitely in decline. VERONICA MARS might be cancelled. In short, JOSS! WE NEED YOU TO COME BACK TO TELEVISION! But in the meantime, I'll wolf down every one of these issues.

5 out of 5 stars Episode Two: Attack of the Rat.......2007-04-05


Buffy fans will be expecting a lot after seven stellar seasons on television and the success of the first issue of "Season Eight." So the question here is this: Does Issue #2 deliver?

In short, yes. I have to say though--there is so much going on, so many jokes, and so much foreshadowing that I wasn't able to completely enjoy the Jossy goodness until my second read. The first read intrigued me, but the second wow-ed me.

The plot continues directly from the previous issue. Amy (the former rat) is working with the government to take out Buffy and the slayers, and she has an army of zombies to back her up. The ending sequences are amazing--I'm already itching for May 2nd to come so I can get my hands on the third issue. There was a big revelation about half-way through the comic, and clues to who the Big Bad of the season will be as well. Giant Dawn is great, Buffy is true to herself, and Xander is playing the biggest role he's played since the first season.

This issue also re-introduces two fan favorites: Giles and Andrew. So, all in all, this issue is just as good as the first. But did anybody expect anything less? I mean, come on--Joss Whedon wrote it.

9/10
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (National Book Award for Young People's Literature (Awards))
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • this is a fun book.
  • Delightful summer read
  • The Penderwicks
  • You won't want to put down this relaxing summer tale!
  • Enjoyable Summer Read
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (National Book Award for Young People's Literature (Awards))
Jeanne Birdsall
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375831436
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Book Description

This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.

The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won’t they? One thing’s for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.

Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars this is a fun book........2007-08-15

This book is about a family of four sisters who stay at a cottage in Massachusetts for a few weeks during the summer. The sisters make a new friend and have to find a way to save him from being sent to a military boarding school that he doesn't want to go to.

My favorite part of the book was when Batty got rescued by her sister and Jeffrey from the bull because I didn't know what was going to happen. When Sky met Jeffery they argued but then they became friends and that was kind of funny. And I liked that Jane was writing an adventure book and I was happy for her when she finished writing it. I also liked the end of the book because everyone was happy in the end.

The worst part was when the oldest sister Rosalind fell and bumped her head on a rock when she saw the boy she liked kissing another girl. I felt bad for her and I thought she was going to end up with amnesia or something but she didn't though.

I would recommend this book to other kids because it was a fun summer book. It is about adventures, friendship, secrets and a little romance (but not much). This book is great for older and younger kids.

I would rate this book with 5 stars because I really liked it.

5 out of 5 stars Delightful summer read.......2007-08-08

As a writer who wrote this story with the best intentions of providing a wonderful new voice for children's literature, Jeanne Birdsall has succeeded! The Penderwicks Summer Tale is a most delightful summer read. Take the time to become friends with this terrific family. This summer tale provides many escapades for the family of three girls on vacation and the boy they meet who lives upstairs in the mansion . Fantasy and real life adventures are shared and valuable lessons are learned for these summer comrades.

3 out of 5 stars The Penderwicks.......2007-07-28

My daughter is the one who picked up this book, and for two summers now it has sat unread. Very unusual as my older kids are avid readers, and complete most books in a day or two. This made me extremely curious about what was wrong, as my daughter is the ideal reader of this book: a girl age 8 - 14.

Knowing The Penderwicks is a story of four sisters, and mostly a book meant for young girls, I picked up the book and read it myself. What I found was a nicely written book, though Jeanne Birdsall as a first time writer does quite a few things more experienced writers could never get away with.

Older readers I suspect wouldn't have a problem with this, and that's part of the problem with this book. It seems to be a book intended for young readers, but written to earn points with much, much older readers. I'd suspect that's why it won the National Book award. How could a book with character names like Rosalind and Cagney, that reminesces about places like Gettysburg, cottage vacations of yester year, and is intended for young reades not win an award -- it has all the right ingredients.

The problem is the recipe -- older readers who praise this book never seem to notice the recipe is a tad off. The dialog is clearly that of an adult trying to talk like a child. As a father with children of all ages at home, I know of no children that talk as these children do.

Overall, this is a fairly good book, but it's not a perfect book. It's a simple book with a simple storyline. The message is good, even if the pacing and plotting are off at times.

5 out of 5 stars You won't want to put down this relaxing summer tale!.......2007-07-20

At first glance you probably will not see the plain cover of this book.
But with a good reader's further investigation, you will stumble across this refreshing tale. The Penderwicks is the kind of book that goes best with fresh air, and a glass of Iced Tea. A warm summer breeze, is this books best friend.

The book is about 4 sisters who find themselves on the beautiful estate of Arundel for their summer. While exploring the great gardens, of this lush getaway, the girls meet Jeffrey. Jeffrey is a wonderful boy, who's mother, (the grouchy owner, Mrs. Tifton)is far far, from wonderful! The girls, quickly find themselves and Jeffrey are inseperable, the only problem is that Mrs. Tifton isn't as fond of the Penderwicks as him.

The book has everything. Comedy, action, and a slight tweek of romance.
You would really be missing out, if you ignored this superb story.

4 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Summer Read.......2007-07-10

Although it started out slowly for me, I found myself engaged in the story after a chapter or two. This was well-written and brought back vivid memories of my childhood adventures and also of books I loved reading as a child. Sweet relationships written in a way that I could just picture the sisters and the scenes. Great plot. As a teacher, I'd recommend this to any reader or as a delightful read-aloud story to share.
Curious George Four Board Book Set
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Okay, not great
  • A Happy Toddler
  • Board pages a bit flimsy
  • Terrific!
  • adorable books
Curious George Four Board Book Set
H. A. Rey , H.A. Rey , and Margret
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

FictionFiction | Apes & Monkeys | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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  5. Curious George (Widescreen Edition) Curious George (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: 0618154248

Book Description

Curious George, the beguiling little monkey, is one of the most beloved of all children's book characters. Now this collection of four board books featuring Curious George is available in a sturdy, reusable, carry-along box. Brightly colored and suitably scaled for the youngest readers, the books feature art from the original storybooks by H. A. Rey.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Okay, not great.......2007-08-23

These books are fine. My son loves his Curious George's Are You Curious board book and so I bought him these, thinking he would really like them. They are okay but don't really attract his attention. He has other board books he likes much better (Dear Zoo, for example, is another of his favorites in case you are looking for a great, less common book) and so these are collecting dust on his shelf.

5 out of 5 stars A Happy Toddler.......2007-07-24

My 2 year old loves Curious George and these books are great. They are board books and can stand up to a lot of use. The convenient holder keeps the books in a good storage place.

3 out of 5 stars Board pages a bit flimsy.......2007-06-17

These stories are great. We love Curious George. However, the board books in the box set have thinner and flimsier cardboard pages than the singly-sold board books. They bend easily in my toddler boy's hands (who isn't gentle with books), so I'm saving them for later when he's older.

5 out of 5 stars Terrific!.......2007-06-09

Oh my goodness! My 2 yr old absolutely loves these colorful, kid-friendly books. He almost has the stories memorized and still wants them read to him several times a week. Crayon marks wipe right off, and the little box (with handle) is perfect to keep them together and carry them on weekend trips. I just ordered the blue set of Curious George board books, too.

5 out of 5 stars adorable books.......2007-06-02

My two year old loves these books. We read them over and over.
Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great value for the price
  • Pretentious
  • If nothing else, it looks good on your bookshelf.
  • Loved it,
  • Lousy Binding
Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities)
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

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  1. William Shakespeare: The Complete Works, Deluxe Edition William Shakespeare: The Complete Works, Deluxe Edition
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  3. Jane Austen: The Complete Novels, Deluxe Edition (Library of Literary Classics) Jane Austen: The Complete Novels, Deluxe Edition (Library of Literary Classics)
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ASIN: 0517053608
Release Date: 1990-10-03

Book Description

Includes the major works by one of the greatest names in literature. Namely, Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities. This Library of Literary Classics edition is bound in padded leather with luxurious gold-stamping on the front and spine, satin ribbon marker and gilded edges. Other titles in this Library of Literary Classics series include: Charlotte & Emily Bronte: The Complete Novels; Edgar Allan Poe: Selected Works; Mark Twain: Selected Works; Jane Austen: The Complete Novels: Lewis Carroll: The Complete, Fully Illustrated Works; and William Shakespeare: The Complete Works.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great value for the price.......2007-08-02

Let's face it, there are better editions of Dickens out there. You get what you pay for. This is not a top of the line leather edition. For the price, though, you can't beat it. It is what it is, a reasonably priced leather edition of four of his novels. At five dollars apiece, the price can not be beat.

1 out of 5 stars Pretentious.......2007-06-07

Buying books because they look good on your shelf is pretentious and phony - and this book capitalizes on that. I got this as a gift and was amazed when I read it at the number of typos in it. There is simply no way this collection was proofed by an editor - that or the editing company is one of the worst in the world.

Buy these fantastic books, but not this edition, unless you just want people to think you read Dickens.

2 out of 5 stars If nothing else, it looks good on your bookshelf........2007-03-13

You would do better off buying these books individually from a different publisher.
It sounds impressive, leather bound, gilded edges, but it is very cheaply done. On the plus side, it does have a ribbon book mark so you don't have to buy your own.
But this book was poorly edited, filled with needless typos, and with all four of these books available from numerous other publishers, I would suggest to just buy it from them.

5 out of 5 stars Loved it,.......2006-02-12

I'm a big fan of long drawn out novles. I've always been a fan of Dickens. This book has on eof my favorite stories by his pen: Great Expectations. His style is very personal I found it a lot like Tolkien. His ability to tell a good tale is clear as the reader becomes part of the story. Very nice volume and worth the time and money in my opinion.

2 out of 5 stars Lousy Binding.......2005-12-20

I've read all but "A Christmas Carol" in this edition. I've found several typos. Moreover, the binding is becoming unglued. I estimate by the time I finish "A Christmas Carol" the binding will be totally exposed. I value permanent books (otherwise I would buy paperbacks). I suggest anyone who enjoys Dickens buy a better edition.
From So Simple a Beginning: Darwin's Four Great Books (Voyage of the Beagle, The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Can't Beat It
  • Four classics
  • Wonderful writing wrong package
  • Too big
  • From So Simple a Beginning: Darwin's Four Great Books (Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle, The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, T
From So Simple a Beginning: Darwin's Four Great Books (Voyage of the Beagle, The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals)
Charles Darwin
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0393061345

Book Description

A gorgeous gift and a landmark work that is an essential addition to everyone's personal library.

Never before have the four great works of Charles Darwin—Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle (1845), The Origin of Species (1859), The Descent of Man (1871), and The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals (1872)—been collected under one cover. Undertaking this challenging endeavor 123 years after Darwin's death, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward O. Wilson has written an introductory essay for the occasion, while providing new, insightful introductions to each of the four volumes and an afterword that examines the fate of evolutionary theory in an era of religious resistance. In addition, Wilson has crafted a creative new index to accompany these four texts, which links the nineteenth-century, Darwinian evolutionary concepts to contemporary biological thought. Beautifully slipcased, and including restored versions of the original illustrations, From So Simple a Beginning turns our attention to the astounding power of the natural creative process and the magnificence of its products. Slipcased hardcover; 101 illustrations, map.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Can't Beat It.......2007-04-03

I bought this book knowing very little about Darwin or his theories. From So Simple a Beginning was an easy read about a very interesting man. I would hope that not just supporters of evolution would read this book there is more to the man then just one theory.

5 out of 5 stars Four classics.......2007-01-12

Excellent in every particular. Five stars in delivery time, condition, quality of the experience.

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful writing wrong package.......2007-01-10

There is no gainsaying the writings of Darwin or the thinking of my favorite living scientist, E.O.Wilson. But the package is wrong.
Four books in one. Too heavy, too cumbersome. Discouraging.

3 out of 5 stars Too big.......2007-01-05

This book is way too big to hold to read, so it is not useful. From the picture I thought I was ordering 4 different books in a book holder, not one giant book. I recommend buying them separately unless you have very strong arms and wrists.

5 out of 5 stars From So Simple a Beginning: Darwin's Four Great Books (Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle, The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, T.......2006-07-02

Good
The Shadow Rising: Book Four of 'The Wheel of Time' (Wheel of Time)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Not Free SF Reader
  • One of the Best of the Series
  • Love the series
  • a good read
  • Love the books, love the reader on cds.
The Shadow Rising: Book Four of 'The Wheel of Time' (Wheel of Time)
Robert Jordan
Manufacturer: Audio Renaissance
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 159397535X
Release Date: 2004-10-21

Book Description

The seals of Shayol Ghul are weak now, and the Dark One reaches out in The Shadow Rising, book four of the Wheel of Time, as The Shadow is rising to cover humankind. In the Stone of Tear, the Lord Dragon considers his next move. It will be something no one expects, not the Black Ajah, not Tairen nobles, not Aes Sedai, not Egwene or Elayne or Nynaeve. Against the Shadow rising stands the Dragon Reborn....

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Rand is now super scary guy. Generally, a woman named Selene is going to be super scary girl. In this case, yep. She is one of the Forsaken. Whines quite a bit less than the rest of the women they have to put up with in this story, too.

Perrin and Faile go back home to beastie's town, and the Aes Sedai politics get violent.


5 out of 5 stars One of the Best of the Series.......2007-07-22

This book is one of Robert Jordan's crowning achievements. This is the best book of the series and one of the most important. My favorite character is Perrin and in this book he gives a lot of coverage for Perrin. It is one of the most important because this book has where Perrin becomes a lord and Rand becomes He Who Comes With the Dawn. This has to be the most funny of any of the books (if they can be called funny) because of the Faile-Perrin interactions. (Dry humor maybe). I have read this book ten+ times and every time I get something new out of it. If you are willing to read a longer book this may become one of your favorites. Though I do admit that the parts when the women are in Tanchico are some of the most boring parts in the entire series and I am guilty of skipping over them. If you like Perrin, Rand, Faile, Avienda, Egwene, or Mat, then this is a great book for you.

5 out of 5 stars Love the series.......2007-07-19

This is my cup of tea! I listened to the audio version and am delighted to finally have the book. My imagination is smiling!

5 out of 5 stars a good read.......2007-06-13

I am working to read the entire series. These are well written books that are a joy to read. It does help to read them in order. I have read several of the series and they are all great. The writing is really good and the style remains the same through out the series.

5 out of 5 stars Love the books, love the reader on cds. .......2007-05-27

Have read every book of Robert Jordan's and one by one am collecting the audio cds. So far all the books are read by the same person and it is an easy voice to listen to.
The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book about Living
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • You MUST READ THIS BOOK!
  • The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book About Living
  • Another great book by Byock
  • Book: The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book About Living
  • review of a review
The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book about Living
Ira Byock
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Interpersonal RelationsInterpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0743249097

Book Description

Four simple phrases -- "Please forgive me," "I forgive you," "Thank you," and "I love you" -- carry enormous power. In many ways, they contain the most powerful words in our language. These four phrases provide us with a clear path to emotional wellness; they guide us through the thickets of interpersonal difficulties to a conscious way of living that is full of integrity and grace.

In The Four Things That Matter Most, Dr. Ira Byock, an international leader in palliative care, teaches us how to practice these life-affirming words in our day-to-day lives. Too often we assume that the people we love really know we love them. Dr. Byock reveals the value of stating the obvious and provides insights into how we burden ourselves by hanging on to old grudges unconsciously and unnecessarily. He shows us how to avoid living with those awkward silences and uncomfortable issues that distance us from the people we love and erode our sense of well-being and joy. His insights and stories help us to forgive, appreciate, love, and celebrate one another more fully.

The inspiring stories in The Four Things That Matter Most demonstrate the usefulness of the Four Things in a wide range of life situations. They also show that a degree of emotional healing is always possible and that we can experience a sense of wholeness even in the wake of family strife, personal tragedy, divorce, or in the face of death. With practical wisdom and spiritual punch, The Four Things That Matter Most gives us the language and guidance to honor and experience what really matters most in our lives every day.

Download Description

"Four simple phrases -- ""Please forgive me,"" ""I forgive you,"" ""Thank you,"" and ""I love you"" -- carry enormous power. In many ways, they contain the most powerful words in our language. These four phrases provide us with a clear path to emotional wellness; they guide us through the thickets of interpersonal difficulties to a conscious way of living that is full of integrity and grace. In The Four Things That Matter Most, Dr. Ira Byock, an international leader in palliative care, teaches us how to practice these life-affirming words in our day-to-day lives. Too often we assume that the people we love really know we love them. Dr. Byock reveals the value of stating the obvious and provides insights into how we burden ourselves by hanging on to old grudges unconsciously and unnecessarily. He shows us how to avoid living with those awkward silences and uncomfortable issues that distance us from the people we love and erode our sense of well-being and joy. His insights and stories help us to forgive, appreciate, love, and celebrate one another more fully. The inspiring stories in The Four Things That Matter Most demonstrate the usefulness of the Four Things in a wide range of life situations. They also show that a degree of emotional healing is always possible and that we can experience a sense of wholeness even in the wake of family strife, personal tragedy, divorce, or in the face of death. With practical wisdom and spiritual punch, The Four Things That Matter Most gives us the language and guidance to honor and experience what really matters most in our lives every day."

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars You MUST READ THIS BOOK!.......2007-10-03

2 days ago I spent 2 hours with my mother who is sick and not expected to live to much longer.

I haven't spent time with her like that for 17 years.

Over the years there have been so many misunderstandings, cross words, mean letters, siblings fighting and talking about each other and I honestly thought it was hopeless. I thought I would never see my mother again. Ever. It was a MESS!

But, it became obvious with lots of work and support over the years that what I wanted most was to tell my mom I love her and how much I appreciate all she has done for me. My severe depression was based on the thought that I literally thought that was impossible.

A few weeks ago, I (well, we) decided it didn't matter the outcome; I had to tell her anyway. I was prepared for the worst. I wrote out the scenarios and read them to my husband and therapist. They helped me visualize and come to grips with how I would handle whatever the outcome would be. Of course part of me really wanted it to go well but no one thought it would.

6 days ago, while preparing I found this book online. I immediately went to the library and got it (only because I couldn't buy it in time! We were leaving in 3 days!!)

I read the entire book that night. OH my gosh. I cried and cried and cried. I prayed that I would have an experience that was good. But I knew I probably wouldn't. But something Dr. Byock said several times about how your loved ones will always live within you struck me. And I knew that is exactly what was driving me crazy.

I KNEW I loved my mom. I KNEW she had done so much for me and THAT'S what I wanted in my heart. That's it. I don't want anymore sadness and hate. I don't want to be confused. I love my mom and that's what I want to feel in my heart and that's what I wanted her to feel in her heart.

So, I had already written a letter to her, but I adapted it to incorporate the 4 things. I bought some beautiful paper and I decorated it. I printed some pictures of her grandchildren. I did it all with only love. All I thought about was I love my mom and even if she can't hear it I know it. I love her and I forgive her and I pray she forgives me. I don't care what anyone else in the family thinks. Maybe she won't want to see me. I'll leave her the letter. I'll put it on the doorstep. I'll pray that someone will give it to her. If she can't read it I'll pray that someone will read it to her. And if not, I made a copy for myself to remind me of how much I love my mom and appreciate all she did for me.

I read the book again the next day (5 days ago). I was so scared to go see her but I knew my only option was to just show up. If I involved anyone else in the family it would become a big drama or I might be talked out of it.

As we drove up even though I was filled sometimes with dread to face the worst, I kept the 4 things in mind always. That's it. That's what it comes down to. Nothing else matters. I told my friends about the 4 things (our best friends who we stopped to stay the night with before I went the rest of the trip.) I wasn't excited or happy about going to my parents house, but I knew I had too.

I was able to visualize that there would be NO drama no matter what - because I would focus ONLY on the 4 things. If someone else in the family happened to be there and wanted to create drama I wouldn't engage because all I cared about was "I love you, Please forgive me, Thank you and I forgive you." And to be honest, I was afraid BEFORE I READ YOUR BOOK that I would want to create drama.

Well, God was on our side.

I drove up just as my dad was bringing my mom back from the doctor.

One of my sisters was walking over to help her out of the car. She saw me and after a few seconds recognized me. I told her all I wanted to do was to tell mom I love her and to ask her to please forgive me for all the hurt feelings. I told her to ask mom if it was OK for me to come in. She said it was a miracle.......

Then I spent 2 lovely hours with my mom, my dad and my sister. The biggest miracle and what I will FOREVER BE GRATEFUL FOR is I was most with my mom. I wanted my mom to know how much I loved her and how grateful I was for her and for what she did for me and my sons. I was able to share with HER my love and my appreciation for the life she gave me and the gifts she bestowed on me and my sons. And because I was clear in my intentions of the 4 things and not all clouded up with past judgments and hurts I could COMMUNICATE THAT 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think my mom will be around for while and I am going to arrange for my grown sons to visit her. I will remain committed to the 4 things with her and the rest of my family.

No matter what happens in the future I have those 2 hours with my mom. I told her I loved her and she told me she loved me.

I recommend this book to everyone.

5 out of 5 stars The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book About Living.......2007-09-06

I'm studying to be a Geriatric Care Manager and purchased this book to help me understand the needs of the families of the dying. From this book I learned how transformative these four statements can be when facing the terminal illness of a loved one. They are tools for deep communication and for solving long standing problems in relationships- allowing true emotional healing to occur even under the most difficult circumstances. Dr. Byock's message is genius in its simplicity. I really appreciate his compassionate work and his profound message about living and dying.
I recommend this book to anyone who is looking deeply into the meaning of his or her own life or who is going through a difficult time due to the terminal illness of a family member or friend.

5 out of 5 stars Another great book by Byock.......2007-06-27

Wow! It's all so simple yet it bears repeating . . the four things that matter most. As someone who works with hospice, I get so much from everything Mr. Byock shares from his experiences in the field. If you have difficult relationships, especially with family members, this is a great book to read and really take in. It's so much better to finish relationships well than to live with regret--and not only when someone is dying! Thanks again to Ira for sharing with all of us.

4 out of 5 stars Book: The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book About Living.......2007-03-12

Excellent book being used in a 'Community Read' project, lead by our Church Pastor. Special meeting is planned for 'town people' to attend, to discuss the book and meet the author, Ira Byock.

4 out of 5 stars review of a review.......2007-02-13

Donald Ardell's review of this book is brilliant. I hasten to add I never heard of him, so am not a relative. I have the highest respect for the commitment, passion, and compassion Dr. Byock has for human beings in wanting to help us live and die well, and this book comes out of that context. I like to imagine that I might have written this book, and then received Dr. Ardell's review. After taking in the sting, I would have to admit that what he wrote was honest, respectful and creative. It would inspire me to expand on what I had written. And I would have said... I needed that!

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  9. The Oxford Hindi-English Dictionary
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Recommended Books

  1. Data, Voice, and Video Cabling
  2. Argentina, 1516-1987: From Spanish Colonization to Alphonsín.
  3. Timeslips III Made Easy
  4. Untitled
  5. Working Papers to Accompany Accounting, 21e Chapters 1-17 or Financial Accounting, 9e
  6. Architectural Graphic Standards
  7. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
  8. Financial Accounting: An Integrated Statements Approach
  9. Two Revolutions in Economic Policy: The First Economic Reports of Presidents Kennedy and Reagan
  10. Y De Repente Un Angel