The "Sweet Smell of Christmas" is a childhood book that has left a wonderful mark on my Christmas memories. My mother still has my copy and is now sharing it with my 3 year old son. Even though the "smells" exist only in the immagination now, my son still breathes in each page with a "MMMmmm". It was a shame when my mother went to find a new copy for my son and found it out of print. (She did call the publisher and express her dissapointment.) She fortunately found a copy for my son, but hopes to see this book in stores again. It is the best Christmas book!

I was so disappointed when I learned that this wonderful book is no longer available. My two boys (31 and 26 now) each received one when they were little and it was read many, many times and sniffed until it could be sniffed no more! I still have their copies and use one of them to read to preschoolers at the school where I am a Media Specialist. The children of today love it just as much as those of 30 years ago. I would love to be able to buy this book again so that I can give a copy to their children when they come along. Please Goldengraft, consider reissuing this wonderful book so another generation of boys and girls can smell the apple pie, the candy canes and all the other wonderful Sweet Smells of Christmas.

The Sweet Smell of Christmas was a tradition in our house while I was growing up! I could smell the pine as we opened the Christmas boxes from the attic. It's a terrific book depicting a little bear experiencing Christmas through his nose! You can smell the gingerbread as his mom bakes them, the pine of the treee while it's being cut, and the zest of the orange left in his stocking! He gets SO excited about Christmas, it is sure to spark excitment in any child, while engaging their sense of smell. PLEASE bring this wonderful tradition back to print so I can continue it with my family!

Wow is the only word that can describe this book! It is the best book I have ever read. The releationship between Christy and Todd is amazing. I love this series and will read it over and over again. I can't wait to read the next book and see what comes next in the life of Christy and Todd. I won't go into detail because I don't want to ruin the book for anyone. This is a must read. I wish they would make a movie about this great couple. I LOVE THESE BOOKS! Read every book Robin Jones Gunn has writen. She is soooo talented and I admire her. Go Girl!

This book is sooo amazing! It's been so great to follow the Christy Miller Series, but this one is deffinately the best!

Todd Spencer has pronounced his love for Christy, but Christy still has some doubts. After coming home from a year in Switzerland, Christy is ready to start her senior year in college at Rancho Corona University with Todd and her best friend Katie. She is reunited with her friend from Wisconsin, Matt Kingsley, and finds a wonderful job. But soon, Christy finds herself in a hospital room, praying as hard as ever. What will become of the relationship between Christy and Todd? Will Christy get a chance to pronounce her love for Todd? What will happen in terms of their future?

You deffinately HAVE to read this book. My absolute favorite part was when all the characters were reunited for a very special occasion. I won't ruin the ending for you, but you HAVE to read this book. Mrs. Gunn has created another masterful book for the Christy series, and let's hope that there are more to come!!!

I have read one book in the "Christy Miller" series (enough to know the gist of the series) and I've really enjoyed "Until Tomorrow"...but "As You Wish" is definitely the best yet. I am usually not one to enjoy "teen" romances as much as I did this one, but "As You Wish" is definitely a special book. Robin Jones Gunn fills this book with realistic life experiences that we can all relate to and creates the sweetest relationship between Todd and Christy...but the book is so much more than that. Gunn does a wonderful job of illustrating the importance of having God in the center of our relationship and the joy and the peace that follow giving our life to him. It's awesome how this book flawlessly combines a growing romance and a growing faith in God. If you're a teen girl wanting a good read and/or lessons on relationships, run to the nearest bookstore and grab the "Christy and Todd-The College Years" series.

At last! The book is out! After waiting months for it's publishing, it's finally here and can usually be read by many of the readers in 1-3 days! Robin Jones Gunn creates a romantic, yet friendship sort of style in this creation. I am always in agony and wondering, "Will Christy and Todd ever get together?" This story teaches about feels and emotions. Todd is wonderful guy! If only he existed in the 3D world! He puts aside time with Christy to focus on his friendship with Katie. If you're looking for an up-lifting, safe and Christian Book to reasure your Christian walk is on the right track . . READ THIS BOOK! It strengthes not only the faith of the characters, but YOUR faith as well. Upon reading this book the only thing harsh is coming to the last page and realizing, it's over. So, read this book and I guarrentee, you'll love it! In this romantic, set back novel, Christy, Todd and their friend Katie as well as other friends along the journey, tour all of Europe in just three weeks! Through staying on track with time, to meeting trains, to managing money, to Christy's annoying tour book, the friendship is built up higher for the second book. From camping, to being put up for the night in the fanciest hotel, God is Given all the Glory.

Ms. Gunn has once again written a wonderful testament to her faith. Until Tomorrow takes you back into the lives of Christy Miller and her friends. The book follows Christy, Todd, and Katie on a journey in Europe. Until Tomorrow lets you watch Todd and Christy's relationship grow and reminds the single people that God's timing is always the best. It is very hard to put down and by the end it leaves you with a smile of contentment on your face. If you are like me when I read one of Ms. Gunn's books, it also draws you even closer to the Father. The spiritual lessons packed in this book are the key to its appeal. They tear down walls and bring you to tears. If you have never read one of Robin Jones Gunn's books, I encourage you to try Until Tomorrow. It won't only be a story about friendship and romance, it may also bring about a life-altering change in your life. One review that I read commented on the fact that the book was full of "Why me, Lord?" I didn't find that to be the case at all. To the world's eyes, it may seem that it is too full of God's Word, but for a believer, it is a wonderful testament. Bravo, Ms. Gunn:)

I have read all 12 books in the Christy Miller series, about 3 times! I loved each and every one of them, but Until Tomorrow was incredible. I started the book yesterday, and finished it about an hour ago. I couldn't put it down! These books encourage and inspire me so much, and I can't wait to read the last 2 in the series! Robin, please don't end the Christy and Todd series. I love reading about these two, and all of their friends, so much. You write beautifully and your characters give me hope. Maybe my Todd Spencer is out there somewhere! Please continue to write these awesome books, and if you can, continue the story of Christy and Todd. I would love to hear more about their life together growing in Christ!

I just finsished my first reading of Myst: The Book of Ti'Ana, and found it a VERY enjoyable book. First of all, I think it tells a better story than Myst: The Book of Atrus. It was a much more gripping and suspensful tale, and didn't seem to have as many annoying "jump" discontinuities as did "Atrus." And just the PHYSICAL experience of reading from a book whose cover is so beautiful, and whose actual pages are so rich and well-designed made the reading experience truly, truly pleasurable. Getting to the story, however, there was one thing specifically that I felt like mentioning. There were definite shades of "The Return of the Jedi" in this story, especially that passage where Lord Veovis is dying . The similarity to Darth Vader's death scene is uncanny, even down to the detail of Veovis mimicking Vader's acknowledgement that there was still some good left in him, after all. Now, some people that I know might cite this similarity as an inherent weakness of the story, but I would disagree with that. I cant' remember who wrote this (maybe Flannery O'Connor??) and I know that I'm not quoting this verbatim, but someone wrote, "There are only three or four really IMPORTANT stories in the world. What fiction writers do is to tell and retell these stories in different disguises"---well, something to that effect. It's because of this that I don't fault "The Book of Ti'Ana" for so closely resembling "The Return of the Jedi" in certain places: because the story of betrayal and redemption IS one of those important stories that we need to hear again and again in all of its various forms. To wrap this up, I'll jsut say that there ARE a few things about the story that I thought could be impoved upon, but these are just minor quibbles that I don't wish to get into now. It is most likely that I will do this book the honor of re-reading it (and "The Book of Atrus") when the third book in the sequence is published. I guess that's just about the highest praise you can give book, isn't it

I loved this book SO much. Sadly enough, I thought that The Book of Atrus was going to help me to solve MYST, the game, so I read it. I don't care how I got hooked on the series, but now I absolutely LOVE it! I've read all three of the book numbers of times and I love them all! Ti'Ana is the best of them all though. The story is so compelling and interesting that you can't stop reading. It's so great. The books are out of order by the order written. Ti'Ana is the first book, then Atrus, then D'ni (pronounced duh-knee). Aitrus (not Atrus) is Atrus' grandfather. The Book of Atrus takes place a while after, when Gehn (Ti'Ana's and Aitrus' son) has a son that he comes back for named Atrus. Then the third book has an older Atrus. Read just one of these books and you'll be hooked. I'm just sad that the writers have stopped writing them...I think they should continue on....I LOVE THEM!

The Book of Ti'ana is the perfect introduction to the back-story of MYST for three reasons. First of all, it is the first of the three books chronologically (on the timeline, they read as the books of Ti'ana, Atrus, and D'ni), relating the story of Anna, the first human to contact D'ni, and her subsequent relationship with a D'ni lord. Secondly, it rarely mentions the characters in the MYST or RIVEN games, so those who have not played them will (hopefully) not get lost. Thirdly, it's really good. It's richly detailed, immersive, and exciting. And for those who have played the game, don't worry: you don't need to conquer any strange, arcane puzzels to complete this novel - it's a quick, smooth, and rewarding read. Of course, everything the Miller brothers touches seems to turn to gold, so it's not really surprising that it's so good. As for the other novels, I can't say, but based on the strength of The Book of Ti'ana, I'm buying The Book of Atrus from this fine e! -stablishment, and I'll be getting D'Ni as soon as it comes out on paperback.

Originally published in 1988 it took twelve more years for a commercial following to gather for the Liaden Universe. The first three books, "Conflict of Honors", "Agent of Change" and "Carpe Diem," were then compiled into a single volume and sold as "Partners in Necessity." During the mild aftermath of their first being published, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller continued to write, but mostly for themselves. If the general public didn't embrace what they wrote, at least they enjoyed writing it.

The strange thing here, is that those three novels were excellent. It's a mystery to me why it took so long for them to succeed, as they should have from the first day. The book market can be an unpredictable battleground. If it weren't for all the positive ratings awarded on Amazon.com, even I would not have read these quality novels.

Written in the vein of space opera, each of the Liaden Universe books, six so far, centre on the Liaden clan Korval. A non terrestrial but human family that ensures its survival in a universe of cut-throat politics with commercial acumen, a fleet of ships and a generations long breeding program aimed at producing pilots, (a rare bread of individual that has the reflexes of a cat and the courage to match). Each book tends to concentrate on one couple, typically as they meet, fall in love and life-bond. All this tends to happen under adverse circumstances; running from secret government agents, duelling with mad ship captains, targeted by a futuristic crime family or just being attacked by a mindless race of aggressive aliens known as the Yxtrang.

The Clan Korval is not always fighting alone however. One of their more fascinating allies is the Clutch Turtles, linked to Korval through an unspecified and mysterious adoption. These aliens are an old race, long lived, slow to act, fascinated by art and possibly the most deadly creatures in known space. There are so many factions, families, races and species involved in the Liaden universe that we need every book these talented authors can produce just to scratch the surface. I just hope their growing popularity gives them enough reasons to continue writing.

PARTNERS IN NECESSITY is one of the greatest compilation volumes I have had the pleasure of reading for a good many years! It is actually three novels CONFLICT OF HONORS, AGENT OF CHANGE and CARPE DIEM originally published in the late eighties. How I could have possibly missed them back then I don't know but now I have found them I will never let them go!

Classic space opera! Interesting plots, wonderful characters, and enough action and romance to keep you turning the pages fast enough to have to worry about paper cuts! I read these books quickly and reread them and reread them again trying to memorize it! I'll admit I have become a Liaden Universe addict! Please don't try to rehabilitate me!

This is a keeper! One of the few that actually ended up on my library shelf rather then the local library.

For those of you who like adventure and romance I can't think of a better place to spend your time. It's worth it and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you get a copy...

If you pick up this book on a Friday evening, expect not to do anything else until Monday morning...

The Liaden Universe is like James Clavell in space. The plots are not quite so complicated, and the pace is faster, but the focus on interweaving conflicts of duty, profit, and romance remind me a lot of Noble House or Tai-Pan.

In the Liaden Universe, there are two primary rules. Don't start fights. Always finish them.

One thing that might throw some people off is that the authors are very strict about not "explaining" anything. It's up to the reader to puzzle out who the Liadens, Yxtrang, Terrans, Turtles, Clans, witches, healers, etc. are. This isn't as hard as it sounds like, because the authors want you to figure out the puzzle. And it makes the books a great re-read, since you don't have to wade through pages of exposition explaining things you already know -- it's straight into the action right away.

But that doesn't mean the world is constructed shoddily. Everything hangs together fairly consistantly, nothing seems to be added on as an afterthought just to advance the plot.

You will certainly want to read Plan B after this one -- do not read them out of order!

Ten years is too long to wait for a Liaden-universe fix. All of the wonderful plot lines (Val Con and Miri, Shan and Priscilla, Anthora and Jeeves, Edgar and Sheather, even the Xtrang) were picked up where they were left off after the trilogy of ten years ago. I have read and re-read those three books until they are in decrepit condition (and can't wait for the compliation of the three to be published). I lost sleep because I made the foolish mistake of starting to read it as soon as I received it in the mail. Couldn't put it down. It had me laughing out loud and grinning like an idiot for hours. I plan to start re-reading it immediately, ordering anything else I can get my hands on that takes place in Liaden space, watching for the projected magazine articles, and addicting my friends and family to the series. Please, please, write more Liaden-universe books and stories. I'd settle for an even hundred.

First full disclosure: I have fallen in love with the Liaden universe! All these wonderful stories have been a godsend and a comfort. Marvelous tales of adventure, romance and daring do! There isn't a bad one in the bunch.

Now specifically lets look at "Plan B," the third in the Agent of Change series. But maybe it would be better to look at them as two parts of one story separated into two sections each. "Agent of Change" is nothing without "Carpe Diem" and "Plan B" is nothing without going on to "I Dare." "Plan B" is the continuation of "Carpe Diem" so you know where it's been. By the way if you haven't read "Agent of Change/Carpe Diem" do it now! Don't wait. In fact you can buy both of them along with "Conflict of Honors" in one volume called "Partners in Necessity", without a doubt the best buy around. Anyway the whole cast is there as you follow them throughout their various exploits.

I will grant you that my two favorites are "Carpe Diem" and "I Dare" but you can't skip "Plan B." You just can't! You can't skip tot he middle of a book and that's what you would be doing!

Given the total Plan B/I Dare, they really should have been one novel, you just can't beat it. Not only do I recommend this book but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

For those who have stumbled on this book title from something else entirely, you should know that this is part of a series. You would be missing a great deal if you tried to read this first, without having read _Partners in Necessity_, the reprint of the first three books in the series.

This series falls into several subgenres of science fiction- partly good old space opera, partly romance, partly fantasy (I'm sorry, but anything which has wizards and goddesses in it is fantasy - not science fiction).

Perhaps the best thing in the book is the dry sense of humor. Miri has lots of wisecracks, Val Con is a master of irony, Shan has very sarcastically expressive eyebrows, and the Clutch Turtles are themselves. The interstellar crime cartel, the Juntavas, appear at times to be "the gang that couldn't shoot straight." Jeeves the robot makes an appearance with Anthora and the cat.

I don't think that the Yxtrang as they are developed in this book are the extrapolation I would have expected from the portrayal of them in the previous books. They are far too human. Frankly, the Department of the Interior seems more ruthless and warlike than the Yxtrang. Nonetheless, I like the character of Nelirikk Explorer. Not sure how the heck he learned to sew, though.

Toward the end of the book, several random things struck me together, to start the sort of train of thought that could be somebody's thesis in English or something- not me, gods forbid, but someone: the surname of dea'Judan; the resemblance of the name Daav to David... and I started wondering, is this Moses' flight out of Egypt? Are we going to have 40 years of wandering through space? Will we be finding more "lost tribes"? Somebody out there can take this and run with it- start doing an extended comparison of this book to Exodus. Maybe it's not really there. But it could be fun to look for it.

As Howard Cosell titled his autobiography, "I never played the game." I don't even have a CD-ROM drive yet. But I would have had to have been living in a fissure in the earth to be totally clueless about MYST, the phenomenally popular CD-ROM game that has become multimedia's first bestseller and first classic. From people who have played it, I know that MYST is more than a game, it is an experience--an immersion into another world, where things are strange and wonderful. The game works, they say, because it is as rich in its complex storyline as it is in its state-of-the-art graphics.

MYST is more than a game in another respect as well now, with the publication of Myst: The Book of Atrus written by the game's authors, Rand and Robyn Miller, in collaboration with David Wingrove (author of the Chung Kuo series of science fiction novels). A novel based on the game was inevitable, given the rich source material. The fact that the Millers chose to write the book themselves rather than sharecrop it to a third party showed an extreme level of hubris. Doubtless the y realized this, and approached Wingrove as an expert novelist, to help them accomplish a seamless transition from computer game to novel.

Myst: The Book of Atrus is a story that details the background behind the story of the CD-ROM, much like J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion is the background behind The Lord of the Rings. The comparison is particularly apt--the brothers Miller, like Tolkien, are meticulous craftsmen and took the time to build the myths and legends of their world, creating a much more complex and involving tale in the process. Atrus, the protagonist of this novel, is the father of the two brothers upon which the story of the CD-ROM is based. The story itself is not that unusual for fantasy--a young boy is orphaned by the death of his mother and the disappearance of his father. Raised by his grandmother, he comes to value her teaching but longs for more than the simple life that she has made for herself. Then the father returns, demanding his son to follow him to help reestablish their noble race, the D'Ni.

But as any reader knows, it is not the simple plot that defines a book, but the details that embellish a novel, and the Millers and Wingrove have provided not only the embellishment, but the exhilaration of wonder necessary for a genre novel. The conflict between authoritarian parents and inquisitive children, between goals and means, are the basic building blocks of any good work of fiction, and the authors do not neglect it. But it is in the description and workings of The Art, the "science" behind the world creation of the D'Ni, that brings to the book its driving interest and captivation. I am sure it is no accident that The Art, with its emphasis on the power of the written word, of the proper placement of description, also describes the process of novel creation itself; in academic circles, this self-reflection is called metafiction, and the authors here carry it off with panache if not subtlety. What is interesting is that this description of The Art can be broadened to include any act of creation, with a special nod to the creation of an artificial world such as those portrayed in novels, movies, and multimedia computer games.

I thought it would be interesting to read Myst: The Book of Atrus and see if it was a self-contained piece of fiction that could be enjoyed by those of use who remain CD-ROM challenged. Does Myst: The Story of Atrus stand alone? Yes, and surprisingly well. I have no doubt that this would have been well received without the phenomena of the game behind it. And, unlike Tolkien's The Silmarillion, this was a book that the authors had the opportunity to polish and prepare for their audience. Tolkien's masterpiece spawned the modern fantasy industry, of which some novels barely masked their inspiration. Myst has already inspired several productions similar in nature--as well as a couple of parodies, the next sincerest form of flattery. The publication of this pre-history will only further cement its seminal nature on the burgeoning multimedia industry.

Myst: The Book of Atrus, is a prequel to the famous computer game, Myst. It tells the story of Atrus, a young boy, Atrus, who is abandoned by his father after his mother died giving birth to him. There, in the desert crater, far from civilization, he grows up with his Grandmother, Anna, learning fascinating stories of the outer worlds. As he grows to a pre-teen, his father comes back, in search of him. A long journey awaits ahead, and his father, Gehn, as chosen Atrus to come with him, to explore an ancient civilization, which he is one of the last of, called the D'ni. Atrus leaves, in anxiousness, but his heart is torn when he has to leave Anna. He bids farewell and follows his father off to his lab. When they arrive, his father teaches Atrus how to write books - that create worlds. Atrus is fascinated by this, and for 4 years, he stays there learning the secrets of the D'ni. But, as he is sent to his father's worlds and discovered how dangerous and unstable they are, Atrus becomes frightened and worried. He decides to rebel against his father, but will he be able to help these worlds, which are home to his friends? Before they are crushed from unstable words? What is his father's true intentions? Join Atrus in his long journey through the ages and discover the true secrets of the D'ni!

After having played "Myst" and beginning to play "Riven", I discovered the "Myst" novels. I began reading "The Book of Atrus" and just couldn't put it down. The writing of this book was just as beautiful as the graphics in the game, perhaps even more so. The pictures painted with the words draw such wonderful scenes in one's imagination!

The story of Atrus was just as intriguing as the game of "Myst". Some parts of the game just never clicked with me before I read this book. I found myself saying, "Ahhhh, now I get it!" as I discovered the history behind the characters. What a wonderful adventure for the mind this book was! It is not only a must-read for any "Myst" game fans, but a great story to read even for those who've never played the game.

The promise shared is one of holding on to your dreams, and holding out for God's best. My sister Mandy and I read this book when she was a freshman in high school, and I, a twenty-three year old, stay-at-home mom of a little girl named Lindsey.

When Mandy and I shared these special moments in the life of this fictional girl known as Christy Miller, we laughed, and we cried. We learned together what it was like to relate to the joys and trials of a young woman going through the kind of change that one goes through when getting to know God in a personal way. The memories for my sister and I will be long remembered. This past Christmas Mandy handed down her "Christy Miller" collection to Lindsey. Again, the promise will be shared, even as I read the books with my twelve year old daughter. Lindsey is already introducing her younger sister, Lauren, age four, to all her "friends" from the Christy Miller series! The sharing of another promise to "read the books together" has been made.

The writings of Robin Jones-Gunn are a true legacy. Her love for the Lord and her desire to share that love and the joy of knowing Him are ever present in her works. I can not thank the Lord enough for her giftedness as an author. The quality and moral integrity with which she addresses her audiences is a true joy to myself, as an avid reader, and also as the mother of a young girl in search of an adventerous and realistic read.

Wow. I was amazed when I read this book and fell completely in love with the series. Although I don't think it is the best of Robin Jones Gunn's 12-book series about Christy Miller, you should read them all in order. 14 year old Christy goes to the beach to spend the summer with her rich aunt and uncle. She meets Todd, Doug, Tracy, and lots of other friends who are all so wrapped up in "The Lord". Christy, who grew up in a Christian home but never understood what it was all about, develops a crush on Todd. In time, Christy becomes a Christian...but I'm not going to tell you what happens with Todd! All I can say is, read the entire series. And then read the Sierra Jensen series, which kind of continues the story. They are all among the best books I've ever read, not to mention definately the most spiritually uplifting. And extremely romantic. Especially number 12!

This is the only book I've read in the Christy Miller Series, but I want to read the other ones too. It was really interesting, and the plot kept changing so that it was exciting. You wouldn't have guessed what happens next. The story is aboput Christy going to her aunt and uncles house in California for the summer. Her aunt wants her to "become her own person." Her aunt gives her a complete makeover and spoils her beyond her dreams. Christy changes her outside appearance, but she'll change herself on the inside also. I recommend this book to anyone. I really liked it, I couldn't stop reading it. I am going to read the rest of the books in the series now.

Frank Miller... the words fail me. I'd have to say that anyone who reads Miller just once is more than likely missing half the story! There're just too many instances when you're reading one of his masterpieces (The Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One, Daredevil Born Again, Sin City , 300) for that second or third time, when you stop, read back through three or four of the prior issues, and come face-to-face with the fact that you've been set up!!!

Miller subtly drops these apparently irrelevant scenes on you halfway into the stories, which serve as a preamble to some of his most powerful lines/images... [among my favorites: In DK Returns, Commisioner Gordon's speech to Captain Yindel "Roosevelt knew about Pearl Harbor but didn't stop it because 'it was too big'" only to have Yindel return in that single frame on the last book to say [about Batman]: "He's too big" - [she finally "gets" Gordon!] second-favorite: The splash page in every issue of DD Born Again, showing Matt's sleeping journey, from the lap of luxury down to the gutter, and then back to the most comfortable bed any of us will ever know - must've took me three reads to click, and realize what Miller was doing (you just don't see that too often in this medium, and by all means NEVER as masterfully executed!). I won't even go into Sin City, "it's just TOO BIG")

Do yourself a favor. Pick up Daredevil Born Again and read it at least twice, then pick up Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One, Sin City (all of 'em), and 300, and READ THEM SLOWLY, cause, believe me, when you're done with them, you'll be sad... because you'll have to wait, like the rest of us... patiently... for Frank's next work of art. And make no mistake, this is art of the highest form!

Issues 227-233 of DAREDEVIL are a joyous example of the potential of the comic book medium. If the timing, marketing push and presentation were a little different, and, if Hornhead was a household name like The Caped Crusader, BORN AGAIN could have had the impact of the classic DARK KNIGHT RETURNS or the equally amazing BATMAN: YEAR ONE. It's that good. Miller is a storytelling genius. He respects the intelligence of the average comic reader and the rich tapestry that is the Marvel Universe yet, at the same time, a newcomer can pick up the storyline and be just as entertained. Never are the words "Captain America" or "Iron Man" or "Thor" mentioned. Either you'll know who they are or you'll have a sudden urge to find out. The story is fantastically hard-boiled with a street level New York feel and a wealth of great lines and scenarios. Who can forget.. "A man without hope is a Man Without Fear." "5B...5B....5B..." "It was a nice piece of work Kingpin...you shouldn't have signed it." Brilliant stuff. Stan Lee + Raymond Chandler=Framk Miller. Oh yeah, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO DAVID MAZZUCHELLI? He is, in my opinion, one of the industry's greats even though he hasn't done a large amount of work. WHERE HAS HE GONE? Imagine him applying his refreshingly realistic and influential style to, for example, Spider-Man or The Fantastic Four? Its just too bad he's faded away. With the kiddie-friendly, card-trading, heavy-merchandising, irrelevant-storyline, resurrection-happy, 6-books-for-each-character era of comics upon us, its good to be able to pick up well crafted, restrained, and fantastic piece of work like BORN AGAIN.

This book ranks among one of the greatest graphic novesl ever. It is, along with watchmen, one of the best told stories about superheros. Without giving too much away, it embodies everything that is good about Frank Miller's Daredevil and the reason for the reemergence of the horned one. A classic story of good and evil and the triumph of an ordinary man over his arch nemesis. The way Frank Miller develops the characters of Kingpin, Matt Murdock, Karen Page and the dramatic introduction of other super heros is wonderous. This book, especially the final chapter, is all the more relevant after the events of last year. Any fan of the comic book genre will love this book.

I am a college student, well versed in mathmatics and physics, and I stand in awe of the manner in which Hawking presents the most difficult concepts of science in a way that a layman can understand. This book should be required reading for all students of astronomy, physics, astrophysics, and even geology. Hawking's ability to explain abstract concepts in a clear, concise manner, without resorting to higher mathmatics is uncanny.

If you have ever wondered about the nature of our universe,and thought that it was beyond you, then this book is a must read.

It is a cliche to say that the reader will not want to put this book down once she/he starts reading it, but in the case of Stephen Hawking's, "Brief History of Time the cliche entirely fits.

Stephen Hawking has a way of making an incredibly difficult subject-matter relatively easy to comprehend. A whole new world is opened up to the reader who may not have any background in either the study of the very small--quantum mechanics--or the very large--the history of the universe. It is simply a marvelous book.

Professor Stephen H. Hawking has done an excellent job in describing in a very basic way potentially complex scientific theories. He takes us to the beginning of time-just after the big bang- and expertly leads us through singularities, string theory to an expanding (and infinite?) universe. That and more! His ability to explain complex theory is dazzling. I was a student of physics up to university entrance level, but reading this book was not a journey down memory lane, it gave me another wonderful perspective to a lot of the physics concepts therein. Professor Hawking neatly documents the evolution of time from a fraction of a second after the Big Bang. He very neatly demystifies the idea that time continues backward forever. he demonstrates that time is a property of the universe that it did not exist before the universe came into existence. Finally, it was a wonderful relief to learn that the Big Bang theory is not inconsistent with the existence of God. I also found string theory very cogent, and I did not get enough of it!. Thank you, Prof. Hawking!