Long ago Owen Barfield perceived a disconnect between science and meaning - as early as the 1920's - and argued that the gulf between them was only getting wider and deeper by the 1960's. In Worlds Apart, he attempted to make explicit the presuppositions of the science of the day, discuss whether or not those presuppositions made sense, and what the implications were in either case.

Worlds Apart is a dialogue between two physicists, a biologist, a psychiatrist, a theologian, a teacher, a philosopher, and a lawyer. The conversation takes place over three days, and is set in the 1960's. The pace of the dialogue is brisk, the subject matter is fascinating, and many of the threads of thought and their conclusions are still, in 2003, refreshing and profound.

One such presupposition that gets quite a working over is this: the world is ultimately real only on the level of particles, or atoms. Anything not explainable in terms of particles is a subjective "experience" or appearance. Trees "appear" as trees because of the activity of our human minds. Other humans "appear" as humans because of the activity of our minds.

But if only particles *really* exist, and if all the appearances only arise in human minds, then why do we talk about the history of the earth, before humans were around, in terms of appearances - like trees and dinosaurs (which are only appearances)? Or, why do we talk about remote solar systems or galaxies in terms of appearances - warmth or coldness, brightness or darkness, etc.?

Even with Barfield's unmistakable English writing style, and *because* of his philosophical bent, Worlds Apart is a refreshing and disturbing read, one that is likely to take you out into very deep water, far, far from any shore you recognize.

This is a truly remarkable story. Russian fur traders moving down the west coast in search of more Otter (only a few years after Lewis & Clark headed home from Oregon), their ship wrecked on the Olympic Peninsula. The sailors escaped the wreckage only to have their women, including the captains wife captured by local American Indians. By the time the ships captain and men come up with a plan to rescue the women, the women do not want to go back with the sailors! The story is historically accurate, and has been retold here from Russian ship logs and the Quinalt oral history of the event. It is a fun one to read.

I bought a hardback version of this book, an edition published in 1989. I was disappointed at the look and, at first, the layout, but closer, patient inspection revealed something special. This book is almost a perfect balance between scientific rigorousness and new age blather, but there is clearly an honest attempt to please two sets of people. I haven't tried the system (I've had the book for a couple of years!) but the science is very convincing, and quite unsensationalistic. The book basically claims to take 8-10 years off your age (including the way you look! ), and frankly this skeptic believes it. Read the book and you'll believe it too. It ISN'T rubbish, it is a proven means of regaining youth. The authors' bona fides, by the way, are as impressive as you'll get, and they have never to my knowledge spoken to Roseanne.

We thought that overall this book was very engaging and we've have given it an average of 4 out of 5. Although it was not a difficult book to read, one of us best described it as "chewy" since it isn't a fast read.
Many of us were amazed at Irving's descriptive abilities. Each character is developed so completely it is almost as if you've known them your whole life. Although the main character is Owen Meany, the author doesn't leave out detailed descriptions of any of the supporting characters. Some of us thought the reflections of John's current life found throughout the story were boring and a detriment to the book; others thought it gave the story breadth.
Another of the author's special touches was the foreshadowing. Strangely enough, he would explicitly tell you what was going to happen--though not the details around it--saying "...but you'll find out about that later on.." but it wasn't until much later that you realized how significant the event was and that he'd already told you it was going to happen.
We found the most surprising thing about Owen was not his size, or his voice but the control he has over just about everyone in the town. He tells his parents what to do, completely takes over a Christmas pageant (in the process nearly redefining a whole religion) and can seemingly levitate a car up a winding flight of stairs.
We also found that it wasn't until the last 30 pages of the book that all the questions that came up throughout the book were fully answered. Some of us liked this but others felt Irving waited too long to put the pieces together. Since part of our discussion centered around the purpose of the characters of John and John's mother in the story and what role they may have played in Owen's life (perhaps John may have been intended to be the father figure of "the baby Jesus"?), we appreciated that the ending was vague enough to allow the reader to come to their own conclusion as to whether Owen Meany was just a regular child that believed he was the hands of God, or the real thing--a genuine prophet--with the whole purpose of his life to fulfill the task God had set him.
In general, we felt we would definitely recommend the book to those that have some time to savour everything this book has to offer: great descriptions, good humour and some thought-provoking subjects.

"A Prayer for Owen Meany" is NOT your typical book. Of course, that could be said about any of John Irving's novels; his is one of the most unusual voices I've ever read. But this one is especially unique. Owen Meany is probably the most memorable character that I've ever come across in a book of any genre. A dwarf with a voice so striking and strange that his dialogue is WRITTEN IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, he also believes (rightly!) that he is an instrument of God. It is sometimes confusing to follow the jumps in time; the narrator, Owen's best friend Johnny Wheelwright, alternates the story of his growing up with Owen with anecdotes from his "present" life in the late 80's.

Predestination, faith, doubt, politics, love, hate, family, friendship...these are all themes that make appearances in this book. Furthermore, it is a page-turner that is impossible to put down, right from the start. I read the entire second half of the book in one marathon reading session, wasting an entire morning because I couldn't bear to stop, knowing that more revelations were in store. I've read some of Irving's other novels, and loved them all, but I think "A Prayer for Owen Meany" has been the best so far.

Whenever I bring up John Irving to a friend, thay ask, "Isn't that the guy who wrote that Garp book." Well, he did, and I read it, and it wasn't bad. But this book if something different all together. It's a Godsend.

I was inspired to read this book by a teacher who came to school wearing a T-shirt that said, "I miss Owen Meany" He subsequently told me that Owen was one of his favorite people, fictional or real. To tell you the truth, I took him with a grain of salt. But for those of you who haven't read it--It's all true! Owen is a friend, you miss him to death when you finish this book. We spend a lot of time analysing and hemming and hawing at literature, but while this one exists on many levels, it hits you first and foremost in the gut.

I will say that not all the political commentary was needed. But we do have to keep in mind that the narrator is not the author(for the one person who was upset about the political views in the book). And we have to rememeber that no matter how you feel about Vietnam, the truth is that in the 1960's, there was a nation of boys scared to death of dying in a far-off land.

READ THIS NOW! (and e-mail me with comments)

A side note- I just learned that my other favorite writer Kurt Vonnegut was Johnny's teacher. There you go.

I just finished reading The Legend of Luke, and my hopes for it were not disappointed! Brian Jaques has the great power of story-telling that can hold the readers attention like so many other authors can't.
The story is about how Martin the Warrior goes on a journey to find out the truth of his father, Luke the warrior, whom had abondoned him in order to sail after the dreaded Pirate stoat Vilu Daskar, when Martin was very young. Martin and his companions meet many new friends along the way that will prove beneficial to the quest.
I would recommend this book to any fan of the Redwall series, because it had a great plot and excellent cast of characters, and off course so you can find out the truth of Luke the warrior.

This is one of the best Redwall books. My favorite is Mossflower, but still, how could anyone not love a book with Martin the Warrior, Dinny, Gonff, plus his son Baby Gonflet, who is nearly as funny as his father. I was a bit disapointed that Martin became an abbeymouse,I guess because I never thought of Martin as a peacful abbeydweller, and never thought that he was the sort who would become one. Still, it was a very good book and I loved it! I had wondered for a long time what had become of Martin's dad and this answered my questions. While some people didn't like the fact that only one section was about Luke, I don't mind,because one section was all that was needed. I am not going to say much more about the story itself,as I do not want to give it away. I highly reccomend this book to any Redwall fan, and while it is good as the 12th book, it is just as good when it is read as the first, and it is a good book for anyone new to the series. It was a great book. I wish there were more than five stars, because it deserves a lot more than that!

Are you a fan of Watership Down? Are a fan of medieval weapons and heroes that are animals? Well then this book would be right for you. Martian, the warrior and protector of Redwall abbey, goes looking for his long lost father, Luke. He makes his way to the northland shores were he finds the story of this father. Luke's old friend, Vurg, told Martian the story of how Luke went to avenge his wife's murder, Sayan, who was killed by Vilu Daskar. All around this is very good book. I would give it 5 out of 5. Brian Jacques is an amazing author. Jacques also has thirteen other books. These are a good read for people who are waiting for the next Harry Potter.

The Hound of the Baskervilles was an excellent book, and one of the best mysteries I have ever read. Holmes, the superhuman detective, is asked to investigate the death of Charles Baskerville, which many believe to be the work of the ferocious hound, a curse brought about by the misdeeds of Hugo Baskerville. When Sir Henry inherits the estate, Holmes must solve the mystery before another Baskerville meets his end!

This novel has one of the most complex plots of any mystery, with many unexpected twists, and is one that will keep you reading until its suspenseful, engrossing climax. The setting is also well put together, and the danger of the foggy moor only adds to the drama.

This story had huge appeal for me, largely because of the believability of the characters. Holmes, Watson, and Henry are very realistic - and people that I would want to know. Holmes was so real to many readers, that they actually wrote to 221 Baker Street, his fictional address!

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was not only a great mystery writer, but a wonderful novelist as well. This novel is proof that he really deserved the title of knight!

Follow Sherlock Holmes and his trusty colleague, Watson, in one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's best murder mystery ever, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Watch while Sherlock Holmes uncovers the mysteries of the Baskerville Hall of London.

You and Sherlock Holmes get to discover all the clues of Charles Baskerville's mysterious death and protect Henry Baskerville from being murdered. You listen to stories of the notorious hound. Finally, before its too late, decide who is behind the murder of Charles Baskerville. Was it the baronet, Mr. And Mrs. Stapleton, or was it possibly Laura Lynes? Find out in the end.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle keeps you in suspense throughout the book. He keeps bringing in more leads to the story. The author also provides an interesting and intriguing topic with a tall tale creature tied in.

This book is wonderful and would be best appreciated by all readers 10 and up.

As a mystery writer with my debut novel in its initial release, I always appreciate the classics of the mystery genre. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works are among the best of the genre, and THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES is Doyle's best novel. Those readers expecting to find in this book the famous Holmes line about the dog that didn't bark will be disappointed. That nonbarking dog isn't here. It's in one of the Holmes short stories. What we have here is a moody work set among the moors with a strong and obvious Gothic influence upon Doyle by the mystery genre's founder, Edgar Allan Poe. Holmes and his supporting cast are all in fine form. The plot works, as does the setting and the tone. THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES has endured. It will continue to endure in the future. It is a classic that people actually read.

Apple Confidential: The Real Story of Apple Computer, Inc. is heavily illustrated with pictures, charts, and diagrams, and I read it only to supplement another book, "Accidental Millionaire: The Rise and Fall of Steve Jobs at Apple Computer." Alone, it doesn't provide much information, but coupled with another Apple-related tomb, Apple Confidential clarifies and expands upon many of Apple's nuances.

This is a must-have book for any fan of Apple. It's possibly the most thorough - yet still readable - history of the company. It mixes business facts, behind-the-scenes secrets, and pop culture tidbits beautifully. Along the way, you'll learn the ins and outs of other computer companies (Microsoft, IBM, AOL, NeXT, Power Computing, Xerox PARC, etc) and a lot about the history of the industry in general and the players in particular.

Linzmayer is the author of "The Mac Bathroom Reader," and knows what he's talking about. Not only does "Apple Confindential" add more history that wasn't in that volume, but it's redesigned, updated to this year, and includes Steve Jobs' return and the iMac success.

In a word, breathtaking: It has quotes from everyone involved, timelines, products lists, a history, a little opinion, analysis, stock info, classic pictures. It's all here.

I'd write more, but I'm going to read it again. And I now know what to give other Apple fans for gifts.

Of all the books written on Apple's history, this one comes closest to accurately relating the story of how the Mac was created, and other early Apple events.

I can't personally vouch for Linzmeyer's discussion of more recent history, because I left Apple a while ago, but having seen the results of his careful research where I personally took part in the events, and having seen the massive inaccuracies in many other books, I'd bet on his.

Some other books are more exciting reads, but that's because they're partially fiction. Linzmeyer has done his homework. But don't get the impression that this book is dull; it's fun, with many interesting tidbits and historical photographs.

This is the book to read if you are interested in fact rather than legend.

I rate this book 4 stars because it reel you in on a hook and it will not let go until you have read the whole thing. Its a keeper any person thats read it would say. It on the egde, exciting, and most of all it is very clever. Did I tell you that it is also Adventurous.

The book is about two main people. One is the great Sherlock Holmes and his ever faithful Dr. Watson. They go on Adventures together and make there murder look like a fool for even thing to fool the great team.

A quick example from the book is a evil uncle and two women in the house that the woman own. One day one woman was found dead and the local law enforcement had no clue until the great team of Sherlock and Watson were on the case. ...
That is just one of the many stories told. So if you want a fast pace book. Read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

This is a faithful reprinting of the greatest mystery book(s) ever written. It is well written, powerful, captivating, and puts the Hardy Boys to shame. Holmes solves mysteries in a believable (if difficult) fashion that never fails to grip someone from start to finish. The stories are so well written, in fact, that when Sherlock Holmes "died" fans responded by rioting in the streets of London. The Queen insisted that Conan Doyle bring back his famous character, and so here he is. While we might not be willing to riot in the streets if Holmes died today, we can still feel loyalty towards the famous character, and the legacy that Conan Doyle left behind in these books.

Dear peers, My opinion is that the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is one of the best book I have ever read.Sherlock Holmes is a good book because it challenges your knowledge. The plot are full of mystery and action.As I read the book, I could not put it down because I felt that I was Sherlock solving the case. Sherlock was one of the best in his time peroid. This information can be found at Conan Doyle's website. The author was known for his intelligence and ways of solving mysteries. For an example in the Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes Mr. Waston said "you are the best". He was admired all over Scotland. He always wanted a mystery to challenge his intelligence. before the person even knew what they would say he knew. He never told them, he would just wait and try to catch them in the act. Some people say Sherlock is nosey and rude. For an example he didn't listen to the man when he asked him what his daughter was doing in his office. Another example he went into someone basement because he was sure the criminals were making a tunnel to rob the city bank. Sometimes when he lies, the lies are to help other people from imbarassment.for example in the case of the star spangled banner. He said that the man got bit by his pet snake when he was playing with it. Sherlock figured the girl had been through enough and If he was to tell her it would make her depreesed and imbarass if someone should ask her about the incident. If you are in to mystery and adventure then The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes is the book for you. Your'e not be able to put the book down after you start to read it. You should not judge a book by it's cover: It may look oldfashion but the stories are great even in modern times.

If you are looking for tragedy and a dark bloody drama then I recommend Macbeth with no reservations whatsoever. On a scale of 1-5, I fell this book deserves a 4.5. Written by the greatest literary figure of all time, Shakespeare mesmorizes the reader with suspense and irony. The Scottish Thane Macbeth is approachd by three witches who attempt and succeed at paying with his head. They tell him he will become king, which he does, alog with the aide of his ambitious wife. Macbeth's honor and integrity is destroyed with the deceit and murders he commits. As the novel progresses, Macbeth's conscience tortures him and makes him weak minded. Clearly the saying "what goes around comes around," is put to use since Macbeth's doom was similar to how he acquired his status of kingship. He kills Duncan, the king of Scottland and chops the head off the Thane of Cawdor, therefore the Thane of Fife, Macduff, does the same thing to him. I feel anyone who decides to read this extraordinary book will not be disatisfied and find himself to become an audience to Shakespearean tragedies.

Noble Macbeth and the story of his decay due to the seduction of the forces of darkness - I liked it. The play sets off with an impressing scene, the chant of the three witches, a perfect use of language, I dare say. It takes only about a page and I knew it by memory after two times reading. We used to quote it during the breaks, and actually still do so sometimes. "When shall we three meet again...and so forth. After this promising start the language gets quite hard (I'm not any native form Enland, the US or any other english speaking part of this planet). One can follow the action though and every five or six pages there's a reward for your patience, at least for anybody who likes the power Shakespeare's language is able to display in their good or best moments: "Have we eaten on the insane root?" and the likes. Of course there's also the famous "It is a tale, told by an idiot...". It's for these moments, where Williams knew how to transfere a feeling of one of his caracteres into the realm of a universal significance, that I enjoyed the play...

Shakespeare's shortest and bloodiest tragedy, MACBETH is also possibly the most serious. Macbeth is a warrior who has just had his greatest victory, but his own "vaulting ambition," the spectral promises of the three weird sisters, and the spurring on of his wife drive him to a treason and miserable destruction for which he himself is completely responsible. The ominous imagery of the fog that hovers over the first scene of the play symbolizes the entire setting of the play. Shakespeare's repeated contrasts of such concepts as fair and foul, light and darkness, bravery and cowardice, cut us to the quick at every turn. MACBETH forces us to question "what is natural?" "what is honor?" and "Is life really 'a tale/ Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury/ Signifying nothing?'" Few plays have ever illustrated the torments of Guilt (especially how it deprives one of Sleep) so vividly and stirringly.

I have read this play curiously as a child, excitedly as a teenager, passionately as a college student, and lovingly as a graduate student and adult. Like all of Shakespeare's writing, it is still as fresh, and foreboding, and marvelous as ever. As a play it is first meant to be heard (cf. Hamlet says "we shall hear a play"), secondarily to be seen (which it must be), but, ah, the rich rewards of reading it at one's own pace are hard to surpass. Shakespeare is far more than just an entertainer: he is the supreme artist of the English language. The Arden edition of MACBETH is an excellent scholarly presentation, offering a bounty of helpful notes and information for both the serious and casual reader.

This book allows for absolutely NO kind of correction in dog training..It teaches that the slightest correction is abuse!! It is very extremist.(Not that that is bad. Its good in the fact that it makes you aware that HURTFUL violence should NOT be a part of any dogs life.)

The methods taught in here would most likely benefit either a dog who has been sorely abused (and therefore cant take any correction) or a person who is extremely sensitive and wants to try a radical new approach in dog training. (Techniques in here take way longer than the normal "leash correction" training.. Do not get this book if you are looking for a way to get your dog trained in a few months!!!)

This book did provide good reading, and it does make good points in the fact that you should spend wonderful, decent, quality, loving time with your dog and prove to him you're there to protect him--BUT it goes in the opposite direction of the basic dog instinct. Anyone who has studied dogs of the wild, has learned of the "Alpha" dog--the one in the pact who "is in charge," giving security to the others in knowing there is someone there to lead them. This book contradicts that and says its NOT true--going against everything people have learned about typical dog pact roles!!! It states that there is no such thing as a "dominant dog" (except in emergency situations) and that in the household, you and your dog are "existing together as family", and you should never try to show dominance over it--undermining any power you have to show your dog that you are a capable leader for him to follow..setting the stage for your dog to start thinking that HE runs the show (and we know how aweful that can be!)!! Now, anyone with a dog knows that dominance and submissiveness ARE a part of a dogs pact life..and the human family is looked upon by the dog as part of his pact--someone HAS to be the dominant one.. and you dont be it, your dog will!!

This book is on lines with giving your dog rewards, rewards, rewards.. and praising him for every little thing. WHICH IS GOOD.. however, if a dog needs correcting for something, the book goes against it! You are not allowed to correct your dog for anything-- not even a tiny leash tug when your dog wanders the other way!!!! I highly disagree with the fact that you can't correct your dog. Dogs can and should be corrected..not abused, mind you.. but corrected. GOOD Correction, when done the right way, and not abusively (such as the terrible teaching of rubbing your dog's nose in excrement) is very helpful. I firmly believe lots of love, praise, and affection should be giving to your dogs (I baby my 2 adorable collies!!) and have never hurt them or hit them or any other drastic thing--but I would have never gotten them trained if I would have followed the techniques in this book and never corrected them! (Have you ever seen a dog jump in a rose bush twice? NO ..immediate correction has its place in a dogs life!!)

The good things about this book is the wonderful blanket teaching of being kind to your animal and respecting it, the wonderful chapter on nutrition that it includes (even recipes!!!), and the deep breathing/get in tune with your dog exercises!! For that I gave it 3 stars.. otherwise I would have given it 2

About a forth of the book explains proper nutrition for dogs. The author recommends cooking "human" foods for your dog. If I followed the diet recommended in the book, my dogs would be eating better than me!!

I found the rest of the book to be a repeat of information that was learned in obedience class. The classes my dogs took were reward based nonviolent training classes. Choke chains and pronged collars were not allowed. Gentle Leaders (Promise collars) were suggested but not mandatory.

This would be a good book for someone who is serious about using a nonviolent approach (the best approach) to train a dog and does not have access to a nonviolent, reward based obedience class. If you have access to a reward based obedience class, I would recommend taking the class as opposed to using this book. This is a good book, but should not replace taking a class (especially if you have never taken a dog to an obedience class).

Amy
"I'd be happy to have my biography be the stories of my dogs. To me, to live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness." - Thomas McGuane

This book is great! It has everything you need to train your dog in a positive and loving manner. I've read dozens of dog training books and The Dog Whisperer is right up there with the best. I've seen dogs who have been trained using these methods and must say that they really work. The dogs were enthusiastic and well behaved. Thanks Paul for a kinder and better way!