It never fails to amaze me that people just walk away from problems without trying to solve them. Well, walk away no more. Phillips is a master at clearly showing just how consumers can get results by writing complaint letters about products and services.

It doesn't matter if you're too busy or can't find the right words for complaint correspondence. She takes care of both. Your time is quick and the words are there for you--no matter the situation. She proves that big business does listen to us and that most want to make amends.

No more excuses--unless you just don't care that you throw your money away. Otherwise, Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! is the best book you'll ever buy.

I've been dealing with a "reputable" contractor for three months who has procrastinated the whole time. With my kitchen unusable and his excuses for non-completion on time, I finally got "shocked, appalled, and dismayed" enough to write a strong letter. I followed Phillips' expert advice and sent copies to everyone she suggests. The upshot of my complaint letter? The attorney general and my county's consumer protection office, among others, has warned him he has one month to complete the job per my satisfaction (and the contract)or else!

Thanks, Ellen Phillips. Your book is my bible from now on.

I only wish Phillips had written her book years earlier before I wasted so much time and energy on letters that DIDN'T work. Her first hint - to calm down - (I didn't)is only the start of so much superlative advice to achieve consumers' desired results.

While this book is full of funny anecdotes and language, the really important information is how to protect ourselves from shoddy products and services and then, if we fail to follow this advice, how to write a great complaint letter (and in many instances all we have to do is follow her sample letters).

The appendices tell who to write and to whom to send copies - everyone from attorneys general to consumer advocates to the federal government and everyone in between. As far as I'm concerned, this section is well worth the price all by itself.

Phillips means business and it's obvious that companies take her seriously. By reading her book and doing as she advocates, they will take us all seriously as well.

Phil's mother stopped by the bank and I purchased the book. I come home that evening and could not put it down until I had read the entire book. I would cry at one moment and laugh the other. Joe VanHooser and my Dad had simliar ideas and as I read this book I reflected back to my own childhood. Thank you Phil for reminding me how fortunate I was to grow up in a rural community. Perhaps if more Dad's read this book and provided the type of influence Joe had on his family, our country would experience less violence etc as we do today.

This book is more than just sixteen excellent stories that vividly demonstrate many of life's important lessons. It is a strong, yet humorous validation of the true need for and value of, the institution of family, friends, honesty, integity, character, hard work and a robust faith in God. Phil, thank you for sharing these heart felt memories of very special people through your book. What a pleasure to read!

So often you read books about people and situations that, while inspiring or heartwarming, don't really relate to your life. Well, I now found a book that tells the story of how I grew up and, I would guess, so did millions of others in our country. From watching your father live his daily life, to Miss Sophie to the inevitable loss of a parent, you feel each and every story is coming straight from the heart. Not only that, but you can feel a time when these same things have happened in your life or you can see that they will. Tremendous stories, tremendous truths and a well spent use of your time to delve into the life and times of "Joe's Boy".

This is by far the best AP Biology study guide I have ever seen. Barron's goes into WAY too much detail to be much use as a reviewing tool, the Princeton Review gives just a glance over the basics and leaves out important detail. Cliff's goes over EXACTLY what is on the College Board's topic outline. It does and excellent job of modeling questions and lab topics that are like those on the AP test. Year after year, students tell me that this book was their salvation. Because of that I am making this book a requirement for my class. This book gives plenty of emphasis on the lab requirement and reviews every lab that is in the "Acorn" book from the College Board. If you are a first year AP teacher, use this book to determine what to teach and how to structure your curriculum and you will leave nothing out and you won't waste any time teaching something that won't be tested on the exam. In fact, teach in the order of the book, structure you lectures around it. The students' scores will amaze you!

With the help of this amazing book, I got a 5 on the AP Biology test- no problem at all. This book was a lifesaver. The textbook we used for the class was horrible (Keeton and Gould's Biological Science), I read like one chapter the whole year. I stuck to my awesome teacher's lectures/notes (I love you Mr. Van Loo!) and this book. It provides such a great review of everything you need to know for the test and for your class. The mini-quizzes are a great help, and they come with explanations for every question. EVERYONE in my class had the Cliff's, and for good reason. Near AP cram time, all you would see is big, bright yellow books! The only other book people had was Princeton Review, and there were many complaints that it expects you to know everything already and that there were some MAJOR errors. I think almost EVERYONE in my class passed the AP test, most of them with 5's! I highly suggest getting the Cliff's over any others- you'll be on your way to that 4 or 5!

Cliffs AP Biology is BY FAR the best AP Biology book on the market. No other book comes close!
This book is concise, effective and comprehensive at the same time. While other books use 4-10 pages to go over one topic (like photosynthesis), Cliffs AP covers the same material in 2-3 pages! The material is written in a simple and easy to understand fashion and comes complete with diagrams, pictures, charts and bolding, which make it simple to learn.
Not only that, the book covers lab and has a FULL practice exam.
The one thing i loved about this book was that after each section, there were 10-20 "review quiz" problems over the section which came complete with essay topics.
I bought this book approximatly 1 week before the AP Biology exam. In class we were using the Cambells Biology book (wonderful), and i read the Cliffs AP book, did the practice problems, and got a 5 EASILY!

Simply put, Cliffs AP Biology is the ONLY AP BIO book you will need.

My Cat Saved My Life by Phillip Schreibman is not only entertaining but an insight to the human condition. This cat truly rescued the author from deep despair and depression. The story will touch the soul of any and all animal lovers, and perhaps educate those who aren't. Readers will never look at their own pets in quite the same light after discovering the healing touch this beloved pet holds for Mr. Schreibman. Absolutely a must read for those who are possessed by a cat. If I didn't already have a cat and dog, after reading this book, I'd be looking to adopt one post haste!

Being a cat-lover I'm often drawn to books about them, I usually try to avoid buying because most turn out to be sweet but with little substance..Thank goodness I didn't resist MY CAT SAVED MY LIFE by Phillip Schreibman.This book touched me immensely...as time passes I realize more and more so much of life is about goodbyes and losing the people we love. This book helps answer how to go on living, the part grief must play and yes how so many lessons our animals (and for me that is cats:) can teach us if only we open our hearts. A book I know I'll read often and turn to to be reminded what life has to offer if only we will accept...

if you like to cry, then read this book! of course, it's not heart - wrenchingly sad the entire way, but when you get to the part where ... well ... read the book & you'll see what i mean. i don't think i've ever sobbed so hard over a book in my entire life -- it even disturbed my cats! they thought something must be terribly wrong with me, because i was crying so hard, & so they came over to comfort me. here i was crying over a cat i had never met in my life & my cats came over to comfort ME. just like a cat! & that's why i love them so much ... so anyway, if you don't like to cry, or if you find yourself moved by very little in life, this might not be the book for you. the book is also tied together with schreibman's own brand of touchy - feely, new - agey spirituality -- if you can overlook that, or if you actually like that sort of thing, then reading this book might turn out to be a profoundly moving experience for you, as it was for me.

Elizabeth Peters is in fine form in this novel of intrigue, suspense, and love! The heroine, Dr. Vicky Bliss, an expert on Medieval art, is asked to join a cruise down the Nile to try and identify a thief, and a clever and exciting story winds all over Egypt. As always, the characters make the story and "Sir John" steals every scene. There are numerous plot twists and touches of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers which enrich this highly entertaining tale. Peters skillfully entwines wit and wisdom with passion, Egyptology, and murder.
Fans of Peters will really enjoy this book with each re-reading. The plot creation and character development are some of her best, and her humorous style makes one laugh even in the moments of greatest suspense!

Having long been a fan of Elizabeth Peters, I was ecstatic when "Night Train to Memphis", the fifth book in her Vicky Bliss series came out.

A continuation of the adventures of Doctor Vicky Bliss, a museum worker in Munich, this book follows her on a cruise down the Nile, takes her all over the Egyptian countryside, and finally ends where it started --- in Vicky's German apartment. Along the way, several recurring characters show up, including old friends and villains, the irrepressible Schmidt, and of course, Sir John Smythe; the quintessential gentleman thief and Vicky's sometimes lover. This time however, there is a small complication affecting their relationship, which leads to the miscommunication, misinterpreted signals, and missed chances that characterize Peter's books ---- and make them some of the most enjoyable mysteries on the market. The insults are quick, the Egyptology casual and comprehensive, and country music references abound.

This is a wonderful book, featuring yet another strong, smart, feminist heroine, who never crosses the line from aggressive to unlikable. While "Night Train to Memphis" can definitely stand alone, I would also reccomend the first couple of books about Vicky, "Borrower of the Night", "The Street of Five Moons", "Sillhouette in Scarlet", and "Trogan Gold".

John and Vicky are back! This is the fourth book in the wonderful Vicky Bliss series by Elizabeth Peters. If you haven't read any of the novels, the book you should be purchasing is the Street of the Five Moons. That said, Vicky receives an assignment in coordination with the Munich Police Force to travel to Egypt under the guise of a tour guide on a small luxury cruise. One of the best men in literature, the enigmatic John Smythe, also appears on the scene. The plot is superbly exexcuted, the novel is set in the Peters' area of expertise(Egypt/Egyptology), and the story flies. Peters' characters make the novel: Vicky as our sassy and intelligent heroine, John as the mysterious and witty art thief, Schmidt-the intelligent if highly eccentrict museumcurator for whom Vicky works, and villains galore. New readers really must start at the beginning. If you've read the previous Vicky Bliss novels, after finishing Night Train to Memphis, I highly reccommend you take out Camelot Caper from your local library. John DID come before Vicky, and this shows him as Peters began to form him, and explains that "first scam" John loves to makes allusions to.

When I first picked up this book, I thought, uh-uh. No way can I get into a book where the hero's name is Bobby Tom. He sounded too much like some red-neck cowboy and not at all like the darkly handsome heroes of other romances. However, it took me about 2 whole seconds to fall head over heels in love with both Bobby Tom and this book. Phillips perfectly masters the romance genre combining great characterization with an interesting plot and lots of sweet humour. Yet at the same time she spices up her story with steamy sex scenes and gut-wrenchingly emotional confrontations between her 2 lovers. The romance between former NFL quarterback and Miss Gracie Snow is a roller coaster ride of thrills and smiles from start to finish. In short, its absolutely wonderful and I highly reccommend it.

After an injury that ends his football career, ex-jock Bobby Tom Denton signs on to become an actor. When he doesn't show up on the day of shooting prim and proper Gracie Snow is sent to retreive him.

Gracie Snow is ready to change her life. At the age of 30, she has finally left the retirement home that her parents ran and is ready for a change. She needs to get Bobby Tom to Texas on time, or else.

Once in Texas, gorgeous Bobby Tom tells everybody that mousy. frumpy Gracie Snow is his fiance in order to keep the matchmaking mamas away. Gracie plays along. Bobby Tom gets her a make-over, making Gracie actually look cute. The two spend time together and Gracie falls madly in love with Bobby Tom.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips has once again written a wonderful, witty and memorable romance. Gracie and Bobby Tom will remain in your hearts and you will laugh out loud at their outrageous romance. I can guarantee you'll fall in love with Bobby Tom and never look at a plain woman the same again.

I was randomly preveiwing books online one night when i came across the book Heaven, Texas. I double clicked on it only because I thought it was a cute title and had a nice cover. But I am sooo glad that I did buy it in the bookstore a few days later because this is hands down one of the best romance books I've ever read. Susan Elizabeth Phillips creates amazing characters that are extraordinary and fun-loving! You can relate to the characters and there are times when they make you giggle out loud.
This was my favorite book of hers, and i'm sure everyone else who has read it loves it. I've read this book at least 15 times since I've had (which is about 3-4 months).Bobby Tom and Gracie are great and this book just really makes you believe in true love (at least while your reading it)and that's saying something because I don't believe in love ( but that's another story for another time).
I also encourage you(anyone who actually reads this) to read her other books as well ( although Hot Shot and Just Imagine definitly weren't that great if you ask me, but that's just because they're not as light as the Chicago Stars series). I especially recommend It Had to be You and the other Chicago Stars books.

I love physics, but I used to think that it was difficult. Most authors of physics books are too smart to explain it to other people. Feynman is one of the few who realized that not every student is brilliant and that some of us never paid attention during calculus classes - my observation is that people who really like physics don't like mathematics. He takes his time explaining calculus and he pays attention to the smaller steps that in other books are neglected since the author seems to think that readers can do these steps by themselves. We don't, we are stupid!

Feynman's famous three-volume set is an edited set based on his lectures to the introductory physics classes at Caltech, which are widely considered to be among the best lecture series ever published. Feynman takes a different approach from the typical introductory physics textbook. His point of departure perhaps assumes a higher level of mathematical sophistication than most introductory or survey texts. Also, his choice of topics is not as broad and comprehensive as many modern surveys of introductory physics. What makes Feynman's work remarkable is the his manner of explaining physical principles underlying a topic, instead of simply presenting the traditional expression of a rule and its formal mathematical expression. When one completes reading a section of Feynman's lecture, if one has the mathematical sophistication one will obtain a "feel" for how the topic fits in the broad context of physics as a whole. As a note of caution: most introductory physics surveys do not present material with use of matrix mathematics. Feynman assumes familiarity with the basics of matrix algebra, and this fact makes his presentation challenging to many students. In various sources I have read that his lectures were well attended by students in the upper division portion of their education and many graduate students and faculty, while the freshman audience intended may have been poor. That reflects the series as being a high-level conceptual overview reflecting the unified structure of physics. Perhaps not suitable for introductory physics instruction to any but the most advanced students.

Unlike my fellow reviewer above (below?) I *have* a PhD in physics, yet these books taught me more basic physics than I ever learnt in 4 years of undergrad. The quantum mechanics book is especially clear...I honestly wish my first 1st year phyics lecturer had of simply said 'read Feymnam'..I would have learnt so much more than I ever did in lectures/other texts. Give these books to a child starting science/maths and let them grow up using it and learning from it...there could be no better gift.

Mike Yon has written a wonderful book about love, murder, and triumph. It may look like another commando telling a tale, but Danger Close is a real story, no secret punches. I found this book so hard to put down. I just wanted to keep reading and reading until the end.

Danger Close is a excellent book for those interested in the Green Berets, but it is also such a worthy story that anyone will enjoy it. Mike wrote about his life, the good and the bad. The pages of this book flow so well, it's as if Mike was telling his story right there with you. I imagine joining the Army just out of high school is challenging enough, but then volunteering for one the most elite military units in the world is a story in it self. The story doesn't end there, that's just a small piece of this superbly written book. This book is so well done that amazingly, it received the prestigious William A. Gurley Award for creative non-fiction writing.

I highly recommend this book.

Dear Amazon Books,

I recently finished reading Mike Yon's autobiography "Danger Close". Mr. Yon's moving and intensely personal story had a profound affect on me, in that I was finally able to understand and articulate some large issues in my own life.

Similar to Mr. Yon, I too lost a parent at an early age, and I also "grew up" as a young man in the Army. My father was taken from me in a tragic incident when I was 5 years old. There was no other father-figure in my life until I came under the care and guidance of some truly great NCOs.

It was painful and difficult to read of his mother's death, and I had to put the book down for a while. It was two weeks before I could pick it up again, and continue.

I believe Mr. Yon's story is both inspiring and an open challenge to every young person today that is the product of disadvantage and hardship, a broken home or dysfunctional family. The message in Danger Close is, "Yes, you can make it! You will succeed if you'll only reach down deep enough. Never quit!".

Thank you, Mike, for a great story.

And thanks for showing us where the energy points are.

Chief Warrant Officer John Liner US Army, Retired

For many, "Florida" conjures visions of a vacation near a sunny beach or a trip to Disney World.

Mike Yon paints an intimate picture of his life growing up in a small town in central Florida. His boyhood took place where most coast dwelling Floridians have never been. At times his adventures read like wild fictional stories... but as someone who grew up a childhood friend of the author, I can attest to the truism of his memories.

From his experiences in the military, in business, at home and abroad, Mike Yon, tells his story in a way that makes it hard to put this book down. This book is riveting from page one!

"Democracy in America", published in two parts (the first in 1835, the second in 1840), is the great work of Alexis de Tocqueville, a young, aristocratic Frenchman, who traveled through most of the Eastern, Southern, and Midwestern United States during a 9 month period in 1832. Tocqueville had originally set out to study the U.S. prison system but what he saw inspired him to write about much, much more.

The foresight he had for such a young man is really impressive to read 160 years later. What he saw in the morals, work ethic and government structure of the United States led him to accurately predict many of the ways in which the U.S. would lead and has led the world. At the same time Tocqueville was not oblivious to many of the ills in the America he saw. He very wisely writes of the cancer that the institution of slavery was to not only all black Americans, but to the white, Southern farmers and workers as well.

I hate having to give these books "stars" for ratings because in many cases it takes away from the ultimate importance and classic status of a book like this one. Tocqueville does tend to jump around and venture off into different topics that don't fit with the rest of their chapter, which could be attributed to his youth. Also, a few of his predictions, naturally, were way off. A native Texan, I had a good laugh at his view that "the province of Texas is still part of the Mexican dominions, but it will soon contain no Mexicans." But overall Tocqueville's view of America was honest, accurate, and the perfect explanation of why, on a daily basis, people continue to risk their lives to gain the freedom that only the United States of America offers.

De Tocqueville was an amazing man who posessed amazing insight into the workings (and not-workings) of American society. One only laments the fact that he was not a middle caste American politician arguing amongst great minds during the Constitutional conventions. Then again, we are equally lucky of the fact that he was a curious Frenchman of the leisure class who happened to be passing through. This is what gives de Tocqueville the ability to refrain from emotionalism and give us an outsiders view of what makes America good, bad and just plain different.

See, de tocqueville recognizes, as did our founders, that liberty and democracy are key ingredients to a healthy society. On the other hand, he points out that too much freedom or democracy lead to lazy, public-opinion driven conformity, over-emphasis on materialism and restlessness. Another contradiction de tocqueville points out is that although self-government is generally a good idea, there are times when an all powerful aristocracy is just more efficient. He can see all sides.
The best part then is that de Tocqueville doesn't come to any final conclusion. He just observes and reports on America's inner workings as seen by an aristocratic Frenchman.

A few reccomendations to the de tocqueville virgins. First, as this is the unabridged, it may be advised to read the first book, pause to read something else, then read the second book. I read it straight through and found that not only would I have benefited from reflection, but much of the second book is a rehash the first. Second, keep in mind during the second book that the word 'democracy' is also de tocqueville's word for 'capitalism'. The word 'capitalism' would be introduced only years later by one Karl Marx. So when de tocqueville says that democracy increases industriousness, what the reader should hear is that capitalism increases industriousness. This in itself is a brilliant observation by de tocqueville. Democracy and capitalism really are the same thing, different scale. The producer, like the political candidate, cater to the consumer or the voter. Both systems allow the individual to choose the goods and services he wants and reject those he doesn't. This is why one may also want to read 'Wealth of Nations' with this book.

The only other thing I can tell the reader before he or she embarks on a fascinating reading adventure is to keep in mind why de tocqueville wrote the book. He intended it to be read by the french who were not familiar with or had misconceptions about America. Of course, it provides contemporary America with an amazing historical survey. Like the introductory exclamation to MTV's 'Diary' show says, "You think you know, but you have no idea".

The specific edition I am reviewing is the Heffner addition which is a 300 page abridgement. I also own an unabridged edition but I have only read Heffner cover to cover. What is amazing about de Toqueville is how uncanny many of his observations are over a century and a half later. He accurately predicted in 1844 that the world's two great powers would be the United States and Russia. He aptly pointed out that Americans are a people who join associations and he is so right 156 years later. Although there are both religious extremists on both ends, ie fundamentalists and atheists, he was dead on that, as a whole, we are a religious society but that our religious views are moderate. De Toqueville shows how American characteristics evolved from democracy as opposed to the highly class structered societies of Europe. From de Tocqueville, it could have been predicted that pop culture, such as rock music etc, would develop in America because the lack of an aristocracy causes a less cultured taste in the arts. In a thousand and one different ways, I found myself marveling at how dead on de Toqueville was. Most controversially, those who argue that we have lost our liberties to a welfare state might well find support in de Toqueville. Here, 100 years before the New Deal, he forsaw that a strong central government would take away our liberties but in a manner much more benign than in a totalitarian government. There are certain liberties that Americans would willingly sacrifice for the common good. Critics of 20th century liberalism in the US might well point to this as an uncanny observation. By reading "Democracy in America," the reader understands what makes Americans tick. De Toquville was an astute observer of who we are as a people and should be read by all educated Americans.

I want to note that there are several editions of this great work and in deciding which to buy, be aware that each has a different translator. I feel Heffner's translation is slightly stilted but, he did such a wonderful job in editing this abridgement that it, nontheless, deserves 5 stars.

Denise Phillips has opened her soul and offered a marvelous cache of memories that tickles our own memories. She has an unequaled knack for causing her readers to look within themselves as they read her offerings in this selection. I never tire of reading "Portraits of a Writer's Soul," especially "A Tribute to a Strong and Powerful Black Man." Thanks Denise.

Although this fantastic book was published in February, Miss Phillips' portraits are indeed a celebration. She ignites our souls with the flames of a torch bearer, bearing the truth.

Your mission, if you decide to accept, is to read this extraordinary review with the tenacity of a lion. She patiently and attentively intrudes in our lives without our permission. However, Miss Phillips gives us a taste of a freshly prepared banquet with all the condiments we can consume. Her voice is fresh, active, and sensuous, depending upon the portrait. She can move in-and-out of character like a graceful cat, pawing her way throughout these portraits -- whether they are poems, essays, or short stories.

Finally, I thoroughly enjoyed reading and sharing these writings with family and friends. She is an upcoming writer to watch in this millennium.

I think that is woman has been there and done that. I love this book it is one of the best book's that i have read in a every long time. It is so truthful, so real so me. It has so much power! It is truly a wonderful book. Who ever this woman is, has to be sexy and smart and real wiht not only her self but other's as well, for someone to wright as she has, she must be a woman of soul and love and life. I wish and hope and pray that this woman will wright more book's for the world, i hope and wish and pray to the lord almighty she will wright move's and play's, and lot's more book's, peoepl we must show this woman love..... Joshua Ray Kiscadon