Jounalist 'London' Tony Holden, clearly no slouch at the poker table, is emboldened by a boss placement at the World Series of poker (he finished ninetieth). He decides to see if he can 'run with the big boys,' or become a professional poker player. Thus begins a year of much intercontinental travel and poker play. Reading this account, it helps to be familiar with card games, especially Texas Hold 'Em; if you're not you might be perplexed or just bored by the play-by-plays of various hands ('the flop was a Qc-Kh-7c... Did the river hold an ace?'). But you need know nothing about gambling to enjoy Holden's breezy writing style: within these pages lie more than a few telling and insightful remarks on the foibles of gamblers, on his own gambling obsession (courtesy of a shrink Holden hires for that purpose), on the history of gambling and cards, especially in America, and the crazed capitalism concentrate that is Las Vegas. It's good stuff, delivered with the wisdom of a seasoned traveler and the self-effacement of a confirmed Briton. The book probably isn't representative of what might happen if Joe Public were to start mixing it up with the pros of poker; given the ease with which Holden mops up most of his competition, and regularly busts out old pros, he must be one of the better players out there. But if you're looking for a book that takes a hard, sympathetic look at the culture of gambling, this is a good one.

Okay, I'm not a regular poker player, but after reading Holden's delightful book, I'd like to become one. His stories jump off the page and suck you in. You'll feel like you're right there with Holden, sweating the size of your bankroll, taking on the likes of Johnny Chan, and making your way through the World Series of Poker.

You don't need to know a great deal about poker to enjoy the book, but a rudimentary knowledge of Hold'Em would certainly make the poker-table anecdotes even more exciting. Either way, you'll be exhalting over Holden's wins and cringing through his bad beats right along with him.

Holden is an exceptional writer with a dry sense of humour that will have your friends wondering what the heck is so funny about that book you've been chuckling your way through for the past few days.

If you like poker, you will love this book. I did!

If you wasted your money on Bellin's Poker Nation, redeem yourself by picking up this previously out-of-print classic. You will not be able to put it down. Holden is one of the few serious poker players who comes off like a genuinely humane and funny person in print. You'll learn quite a bit about how to play, but this is really a book about the culture of the game. And when it comes to that topic, it has no equals. Alvarez's Biggest Game in Town came first, and is also well worth buying, but Big Deal has better pacing and a more personal touch that makes it compulsively readable.

I've never written a review before, but I really think this book is worth rooting for. You won't be disappointed.

The catcher in the rye is a great book teenage people should read, This book is a classic for many reasons. One important is the fact how easily people can relate to the character (Holden) in the book Holden often expresses his confusion and loneliness throughout the story, which many teens can look back on and relate. The story happens in new York city in a period of 4 days .I truly recommend this book because I loved the way Sallinger wrote it making everything so real and the way he describes everything .He makes the reader relate to the story that is what makes it so special.

I was in despepate need for help reading "The Catcher in the Rye" even though it was a good book. I read Cliffs note and I read this. Personally I thought this helped me out more.

I FOUND THE BOOK RELATEABLE TO REAL LIFE SITUTAIONS.THE LANGUAGE USED WAS INTRESTING BECAUSE MANY TEENAGERS DO SPEAK THIS WAY, AND CAN UNDERSTAND THE POINT OF VIEW HE IS COMIMG OUT WITH. THE BOOK IS VERY STRONG, THE POINTS THAT ARE BEING MADE ARE VERY HARD HITTING, IN DEPTH, AND THE MESSAGE WAS WRITTEN TO GET THE POINT STRAIGHT ACROSS. I DON'T READ BOOKS I FIND THEM TO BE BORING, I READ PORTRY AND PLAYS. BUT I FOUND THE BOOK TO BE SO INSPIRING ALSO ON TARGET WITH TODAY'S SOCIETY. I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANY FRIST TIME READERS, OR PEOPLE THAT ARE LOOKING FOR EXCITMENT, COMEDEY, AND ACTION. WITH A HARD HITTING MEANING BEHIND THE BOOK THAT COINSIDES WITH REAL LIFE.

In reading the title, I thought this would be a great book to help me with those Red Flags we all see in our relationships with our partner, but somehow believe we can over come due to our tremendous power to love. Yes, Virginia, for I to, Love & Do Too Much.

When I opened this book, I was shocked to see concepts relating to: when faced with an unbearable action by loved one, go deeper. Show more love, give more! I personally can't give any more, do any more, be any more than I am or ever will be!!

I was hoping to see some helpful hints liken to the title (You know, if this hurts you - it isn't love baby). Say, "he's verbally abused you, yet again, in front of friends or tells you're stupid, worthless, etc." - I'd think the correct response is A. Walk Away (right Chuck?)

I've just ended (for good) a 5 year abusive relationship. I'm glad I did it before I saw this book.

Chuck, Change the title - what a misnomer!

Chuck Spezzano has packed a tremendous number of inspired and practical insights into this book. There are so many psychological perspectives on relationships and life in general that I suspect everyone can find something here to inspire them. The layout of 366 statements with corresponding explanations and exercises is accessible and easy to dip into for a spot of inspiration or guidance now and again.

"A Course In Miracles" is acknowledged as a major influence by the author and many of his ideas have that flavour about them. As someone who struggled with A.C.I.M. I am always grateful to come across similar profound wisdom in a more digestible form. Thank you Chuck!

Some examples... "Intimacy can heal anything", "Forgiveness changes perception", "Every fantasy is an expectation", "A bad feeling is released by true giving", "Everyone's actions reflect my choices", "The ultimate goal is total dependence on the universe", "I can be in heaven with every person I meet", "Commitment means being true to myself", "Every expectation is a fear of the future". Each idea is practically explained and developed with a corresponding exercise. Well worth the effort and self-reflection, even if you don't agree with all of it. Excellent.

I am getting more and more weary of self-help "feel good" books, and I must admit that I have read probably over 1000 books of this genre over the past 15 years. It takes an exceptional "self-help" book to grab my attention these days. This is one such book. I recommend this to all Amazon customers, particuarly (though certainly not exclusively) to fans of A Course in Miracles.

This book addresses short topics very clearly and then follows each topic/lesson up with equally brief exercises for the reader. Each topic and corresponding exercise only a page long, oftentimes just half a page long. Sample topics are: "The Extent of My Expectation is the Degree of My Stress," "Pain is an Areaa Where I have Cut the Lines of Relatedness," "If I am Exhausted, I am Playing a Role," or "The Need to Dominate Comes from Fear," and so on. It's sort of like reading a daily meditation book, but it isn't categorized by chronological dates. I like that. It allows for synchronicity.

Another thing I like is that each lesson or meditation is followed by an exercise or question directed to the reader and his or her life. (One example: Under the topic, "If I Give Up Being Right, I Will Be Happy," the assignment is to write down the areas where you are stuck and not receiving in your life and then to write down all the ways you are being right about this situation.) The question format helps because it turns a quick topic into an experiential lesson.

I think this simple little book might be as helpful for some readers as therapy -- and far less costly. It opens a door to your inner workings and, by doing so, hands you back your power. Highly recommended.

A rambler with historical overtones, The Spirit Woman is set on a Wyoming Indian reservation peopled with vaguely familiar and rather sedate characters that leave a reader wondering whose cookie cutter Margaret Coel borrowed to cut them out. No genuine surprises in plot or character come to the reader's rescue to convince you these are real people with real problems. The book has the feel of a formula mystery, just well crafted enough to be mildly entertaining, yet hindered by the writer's unwillingness to get off the fence and pull out all the punches. The plot is a little too respectable, plodding through correct mental, social and historical territory as if the author is afraid to offend. You'll find no flamboyant, action driven main characters like Stephanie Plum or Kinsey Millhone here. Main characters Father O'Mally, a recovering alcoholic, and Vicky Holden, a divorced Arapahoe lawyer, are likeable enough, but come across as humorless and powerless. Their progress through the book is chiefly emotion driven and interesting at times. But the characters lack the necessary appeal of flesh and blood people and the plot has few twists or unpredictable events that could have elevated this novel into a superior read. The book's strong point is the setting, the landscape and weather managing to steal the show. Reminiscent in the style and pace of an English cozy mystery that's been transplanted to the modern American west, it should be a moderately satisfying read for Tony Hillerman and Agatha Christie buffs alike. But fans of fast paced suspense by the likes of Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich and Elmore Leonard may find The Spirit Woman tedious at best. Good enough for a Rainy Day, but if it falls out of your beach bag you probably won't mourn the loss.

A rambler with historical overtones, The Spirit Woman is set on a Colorado Indian reservation peopled with vaguely familiar and rather sedate characters that leave a reader wondering whose cookie cutter Margaret Coel borrowed to cut them out. No genuine surprises in plot or character come to the reader's rescue to convince you these are real people with real problems. The book has the feel of a formula mystery, just well crafted enough to be mildly entertaining, yet hindered by the writer's unwillingness to get off the fence and pull out all the punches. The plot is a little too respectable, plodding through correct mental, social and historical territory as if the author is afraid to offend. You'll find no flamboyant, action driven main characters like Stephanie Plum or Kinsey Millhone here. Main characters Father O'Mally, a recovering alcoholic, and Vicky Holden, a divorced Arapahoe lawyer, are likeable enough, but come across as humorless and powerless. Their progress through the book is chiefly emotion driven and interesting at times. But the characters lack the necessary appeal of flesh and blood people and the plot has few twists or unpredictable events that could have elevated this novel into a superior read. The book's strong point is the setting, the Colorado landscape and weather managing to steal the show. Reminiscent in the style and pace of an English cozy mystery that's been transplanted to the modern American west, it should be a moderately satisfying read for Tony Hillerman and Agatha Christie buffs alike. But fans of fast paced suspense by the likes of Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich and Elmore Leonard may find The Spirit Woman tedious at best. Good enough for a Rainy Day, but if it falls out of your beach bag you probably won't mourn the loss.

Vicky Holden is a woman you can identify with. She becomes like a good friend you watch struggling with personal as well as career issues. Be sure to add this to your collection.

I recently bought this book for my 3 year old based on the reviews here. True, I found the pictures very cute, BUT this book is not at all helpful if you are looking to provide answers to your child. Thanks, but I'd rather not confuse my son further by teaching him that "babies come from hospitals".

This is a fabulous book with wonderful and funny pictures... I have a 4 year old and a 6 year old and they cannot get enough of these beautiful hand tinted black and white photos. It is full of surprises and is sure to make you smile. The last page of the book has a place for you to add your childs own picture and her own birth information. That way they become a part of the whimsical story too. This book does not actually explain to children where babies come from but I feel its exactly what my girls need to know right now. I highly recommend this book and I don't think that anyone who buys it will be disappointed.

Every time my 6 year old grandson visits, the first thing he wants to do is to look at the book. He loves it. The pictures are outstanding.

As much as I enjoy the self-referential humor in Kevin Smith's films, comic books and TV show, the BLUNTMAN & CHRONIC graphic novel--for me, anyway--represents the point where the snake head is finally eating its own tail. So ridiculously navel-gazing as to make even JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK seem accessible to non-Smith fans, this was a real disappointment, particularly since the CLERKS comics are so funny even if you don't know all of the View Askew minutia.

I'm thrilled that the upcoming JERSEY GIRL will be Smith's break from his enclosed universe, because B&C shows a deep well running very dry.

Finally, the LONG delayed Bluntman & Chronic Graphic Novel!! Was the wait worth it? Oh yea!!

Kevin Smith and Mike Avon Oeming (Under the guise of Banky Edwards and Holden McNeil) deliver big laughs as they tell the origin of the "Queer Duo" and their arch-enemies, whose group name is hilariously unprintable (At least here....). Comic book lovers will especially enjoy the loving jabs Smith takes at the origins of Green Lantern, Spider-Man, Captain America, and Daredevil, among others. The book also includes the hard-to-find story from Oni Double Feature, in color for the first time. All in all, a great book, loaded with laughs. (And MUCH more obscene than you could ever imagine!!)

I liked this book thing. It was pretty funny. It contributes a lot to the movie, which is sidesplittingly funny. Go Kevin Smith!

I judge books of this type by how much progress I can make in the first 2 hrs... and with Plain & Simple I had achieved nothing in this time.

The content is all there, but badly disjointed.

Frankly, I became so bored with the book, I reverted back to 2002's online help and found a much more useful tutorial to get me started... only then did Plain & Simple make any real sense, when I wanted to perform some specific tasks.

I'm teaching a workshop of beginners Front Page and searched to find a book for participants. This book is it. It is clearly illustrated with direct instruction about procedures, and the low cost is an exceptional value. I love the book's easy to understand format. It is a valuable addition to my personal program reference library.

I bought this book to help me set up my first website, and am continuing to use it as a reference tool as I improve the site. I wasn't sure I could build a site on my own, but this book provided me with just the support I needed.

One of the best things about the book is the fact that not only are the instructions clear and direct, but the images that accompany the illustrations actually show you what you're looking at on your computer screen.

Also, it's possible to skip ahead and use the book primarily as a reference manual when you want to do something specific (add a moving image or a gif to the page, for example). The author acknowledges up front that this book is intended to be used in whatever way you'll find most helpful. I appreciated his tone, very direct and not condescending, and also appreciated the specificity of his instructions.

All in all, I'd say this book is an excellent reference for someone who is just getting started with Microsoft FrontPage -- way more helpful than the guide that came with the software -- and, from what I can tell (as somewhat of a novice)it appears to be an excellent resource for people at more advanced levels who are trying to accomplish a specific (and sometimes complex) task.

Highly recommended!

It was a interesting novel but i didn't enjoy it well do i enjoy reading books anyway NOOOOO! I get all my english novels off the internet i don't bother reading books! I have better stuff then to read stupid books!

When I finished the book "The Catcher in the Rye," my initial thought was, "Did I like this book or not?" It was hard for me to figure out. Even though I felt like there wasn't a complexed or structural plot, I still couldn't put it down. Maybe it was the easy-to-relate-to memories of Holden Caulfield, or maybe it was the depth in character that was described. "The Catcher In the Rye" is based on innocence in childhood and a boy who is afraid of the corrupt world of adulthood. Throughout the novel, I got an understanding of what Holden Caulfield was like. The characterization is accurate and it could definately be a real person; Holden's thoughts were consistant with his personality. Holden uses defense mechanisms to get away from the real world in which he fears so much by having an extremely negative attitude and putting other people down by saying they are "phony". All Holden wants is security without change. This is demonstrated with the museum he like has liked ever since he was a little boy. He likes it because it is something that never changes over time and stays innocent. Also, throughout this novel, if you pay attention, you can see that everything is linked to everything else. Holden's red hunting hat relates to his brother's and sister's hair for example. This book is filled with symbolism, complexity, and a sense of human nature. My conclusion was that I definately do like this book. It was intriguing to read into someone else's life and see things from a different perspective. If you are someone who enjoys suspense and structural plots, this is not a book I would recommmend for your reading. If you are someone who likes to relate to characters and see out their eyes, this is the book for you.

All i can say is WOW! In the beginning i was like, "the catcher in the rye"? Sounds like a book about farming. Boy, was i wrong. Salinger caught my attention from the first page and kept it until the very last. Holden brings to the surface everything we(especially teenagers)think but never dare to say. I liked this book cause it's down to earth, not at all "phony" (as Holden would say), and teaches you a great deal about life. Now, the fact that it was found in the pocket of the guy who murdered John Lennon is another story....

Although it may be perfect for some people, this book was not what I was looking for. It promises to keep it simple--wow, I'd hate to see what's considered complicated. It's very heavy on the math and physics. If you are an engineer or a math-minded TD you might find this book fascinating. If you are looking for how-to stuff, you'll be disappointed. It contains almost no illustrations or plans and is mostly physics formulas. I'm looking for instructions and plans on how to build lighter, stronger, better sets--in other words, the findings of TD's working with theses formulas, not the math itself. If you want to design your own new stuff and get yourself into a Yale Tech Brief, this book is for you, but if you're hoping this book will be another Tech Brief Collection, you'll be disappointed.

Structural Design for The Stage is every teacher's dream come true. You can work with it in your classes just the way it is. Everything is organized around a normal one-hour lesson. Unfortunately the book is not metric, which makes it hard to use in Europe.

If you are a technical director looking to improve your knowledge base and are committed to protecting the people who rely on your decisions, this book is invaluable. If you have ever looked at the Timber Construction Manual, you know that building safe structures is a very complicated process. This book is built on the fundamental principles that allow professionals to build structures like the Sears Tower and the Empire State Building. It coalesces those ideas and applies them to scenery construction. It allows TD's to learn how to make informed decisions regarding the scenery they build. It is not for the faint-hearted. There is math involved. And it can be easy to get lost in the calculations. But, if you stick to it, the benefits are far reaching; from knowing that you have done your job well, to instilling confidence in those people who put their lives into your hands. Any serious TD must understand the principles that this book imparts. You owe it to yourself and the people with which you work. This book is the first to take difficult principals and make them accessible to everyone, not just those with engineerings degrees.

This mystery novel has two interesting features: its spacious settings in Colorado and Wyoming, and its detective team of an American Indian woman and a Catholic priest. Both these lead characters are sympathetic. Indian legends and a secret revealed in the confessional play parts in this story, which is competently told. On the down side, the scheme that drives the murders is not particularly original. The fortuitous intervention of a male friend saves the female sleuth from violence, a much overused convention. It would have been more interesting to read about how a plucky woman outsmarted the bad guys.

Author Margaret Coel launches "The Thunder Keeper," seventh in the line of a classic mystery series set on the Arapaho's Wind River reservation, with the classic hook of a man alone high on a ledge who soon plummets to his death. The police learn the dead man has been on an Arapaho spirit quest and label the death a suicide. But, a few pages later, a mysterious stranger confesses to a priest that soon more people will be murdered.

Coel's stories feature two amateur sleuths: St. Francis Mission Priest, Father John O'Malley, (history scholar and recovering alcoholic,) who has been exiled to the Arapaho reservation mission in Wyoming, and Vicky Holden, an Arapaho attorney who carries the baggage of a mean ex-husband, sometimes unhappy son (and a reciprocated inappropriate attraction for Father O'Malley.)

Father O'Malley knows he is bound by his vows to keep the confession secret. He decides to investigate the death of the man on a spirit quest himself.

Meanwhile, attorney Vicky Holden witnesses the horrific hit-and-run slaughter of Vince Lewis, a man who had valuable information he was about to tell her in reference to an urgent matter regarding the Wind River Reservation. Are the two deaths connected? If so, what ties them together? What is the secret worth killing for on Arapaho land?

The freshness of Coel's writing, the voice and clarity of the story, as well as her love and passion for the West shine in phrases like these: "The mountains rose jagged and blue in the orange-tinged dusk. Northwest, where the mountains dropped into a gully that allowed the sky to flow through, was Bear Lake," and "The thunder sounded like tanks rumbling through the sky. Lightning turned the air white and sent a charge through the earth that he could feel reverberating inside him....when the lightning flashed again he saw the petroglyph shining on the cliff above-human looking, eyes all-seeing, hands raised in benediction. He was not alone. The spirits were here, the messengers of the Creator."

Coel's skill crafting this series is a pleasure to watch. Read "The Thunder Keeper" for pure enjoyment.

Vicky Holden loves the land of the Arapahos, the Wind River Reservation in central Wyoming, but she still leaves her home to take a job in Denver. The attorney needs to get away from the Jesuit priest Father O'Malley because they both have feelings for one other that are inappropriate. She also has to get away from her ex-husband, who wants to reconcile, but he keeps falling off the wagon and he is a mean drunk.

In Denver, Vicky currently works on a mineral rights case on behalf of the Navaho Nation. However, she receives a call from Vince Lewis, a vice president of Balder Industries, famous for their diamond minding operations. He tells her that he has information she needs to know involving the Wind River Reservation, but before they meet a hit and run driver kills Vince.

Back on the reservation, Father John hears the confession of a man who says his partner killed a man in a place sacred to the Arapaho. The police rule the man's death a suicide but Father John knows somebody killed him and there will be more deaths if the person isn't stopped. Vicky and Father John are coming at the same problem from different angles, both of them putting their lives in jeopardy.

Fans of Aimee and David Thurlo and Tony Hillerman will definitely enjoy this fast paced mystery starring two likable, believable and colorful protagonists. The heroine is a role model for women everywhere and the hero not only understands the underlying concepts of justice, he abides by them in his life. THE THUNDER KEEPER by Margaret Coel is a definite keeper.

Harriet Klausner