This book has it all:

It has a well-paced and intelligent story laced with wry humour that still manages to unobtrusively educate and tackle such important themes as globalisation without ever become preachy. Ms Kay expertly juggles, weaves, and final neatly knits together at least half a dozen different plot threads.

There is a rich cast of quirky and varied characters who avoid the stereotypes so often found in the average children's book. Every character, (even those with only bit parts), in this book feels real. The heroes and heroines have flaws and foibles and the villains all have at least one likeable or redeeming feature. (My personal favourite is Ironclaw; a loveable, fearsome and occasionally pompous brazzle - The Divide's equivalent of a griffin - who specialises in pure mathematics. Yes - The Divide manages to make even abstract maths both interesting and fun!)

Best of all though, is the setting. A wonderfully well thought out magical other world that engages the imagination, wraps you up in a sense of wonder and leaves you longing for more.

In the book's introduction, the publisher says he is trying to persuade Ms Kay to write a sequel. I sincerely hope he succeeds!

I have four goddaughters all of whom are the right age for this book. I am buying a copy for each of them.

As an adult I've discovered that if you want to read a really good story then you have to look in the Children's section.'The Divide' is no exception.
It's packed full of interesting characters (Grimspite's my favourite!), a clever plot line and has underlying themes of mathematics, history and the pharmaceutical industry. Add to that the wonderful triptych cover and it's a bookseller's dream.
Kay writes in third person various voices but it's not at all confusing. Instead it creates a lovely reverse spiral effect as we're drawn deeper into the story.
The only question now is will the BBC turn this into a Children's drama or will Hollywood beckon?

Anyone who pays attention to the criminal justice systems in America and in other Western democracies knows that the U.S. as a whole is more punitive in its responses to lawbreaking than any similar society. Professor Whitman's wonderful book addresses the question of why this is so. The book's answers, rooted in centuries of history and rich comparative analysis, are surprising, provocative, and persuasive. I know I'll be considering and reconsidering Whitman's major arguments for a long time to come.

"Harsh Justice is original, imaginative, and erudite. The mastery of
sources in many languages is awe-inspiring, and Whitman's argument resounds with daring suggestions and bold insights. A genuinely learned book, nothing short of brilliant."
--Lawrence Friedman, author of Law in America

"In this book James Whitman asks and answers questions in realms where others fear to tread. He confronts the brutal fact that we punish more harshly in the United States than do Europeans and forces us to think about the questions of social structure that lie behind this practice. He develops a thesis about the current impact of Nazi jurisprudence that is sure to trigger arguments from more conventional thinkers. This is a profound book, impeccably researched and documented, one that will change the way we think about criminal punishment and increase our appreciation of comparative legal studies."
--George Fletcher, author of The Secret Constitution

"Original, insightful, and provocative, Harsh Justice will start a conversation that has been importantly absent from modern criminology and criminal law. James Whitman asks fundamental questions about the cultural roots of modern differences in penal policy in developed nations and breaks new ground in addressing these issues."
--Franklin E. Zimring, William G. Simon Professor of Law, University of California, Berkeley

Think about how many records you owned and how many countless others you have listened to. Have you ever really read a good book about rock, especially with all the material out there from what is now called 'classic rock'? Finally, here is one.

Even if you only know 'The Weight' you should pick this up. Their musicial journey through the 60s, 70s and beyond, association with Bob Dylan and many others, and their coming into their own is fascinating. Anyone who has been in a band knows that the only real formula for success is a chemistry between the members - that is something that The Band had.

You'll learn about the five musicians who came together for the love of music and worked their way through the toils of the road to achieve an extremely high level of excellence. They were huge 30 years ago but for some reason they have maintained that level as other groups.

Note - before or after definitely watch 'The Last Waltz' too.

If you love hiking in Colorado,this is your book,well written by a guy who lives to hike and ski Colorado

Having grown up camping and fishing along the Divide's southern point in Wyo, this book is especially dear to me, providing a spectacular photo record of some of my most favorite spots on the planet.

As the trail slashes its way across the Cowboy State at a diagonal, the diversity of land and environment makes for unusual contrast of vegetation, mountains and water.

The text compliments the simply outstanding photography of Smith, who one can tell who's been there the majesty and beauty of this country!

Those seriously interested in eliminating racism and making our society representative of it's famous constitutional creed, must read Beth Roy's "Bitters in the Honey." Roy interviews several adults, black and white, who were students at Central High School-Little Rock, Ark. during the school desegration of 1957-58. Roy clearly points out how the priviledged white students perceived the move towards equality as infringing on their rights, thus making them victims. While the nine black students-the true victims-, the martyrs for positive change, had to withstand constant harassment and acts of violence by angry white students. Even more pathetic, Roy describes how the white students blame the monumental court decision for them not reaching their expected goals in life. Blame, responsibility, guilt, denial are common themes expressed by the white adults, who unknowingly had the power to affect change that would in turn, empower everyone. This book should be on the Oprah Book List, because until serious discussion about race relations is undertaken between people, there will continue to be two victims: the hater and the hated. And this society will continue to weaken from divisiveness.

This is a moving personal story that shows how ordinary people can make a difference. It exemplifies the statement of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Told in simple language, the story has profound insight into the way social class limits opportunities of working class people and how social class prejudice hurts. There are many practical insights about how people can organize effectively to make a better world.

The book offers lessons from the field, from organizers who know what it takes to move from facilitated dialogue to transformative action in improving intergroup relations. Useful lessons, tips and success stories from 65 intergroup dialogues across the country, plus an excellent, annotated reading list of resources. Recommended for anyone trying to jump start a productive dialogue across differences -- including differences across ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, class, age, and faith.

The insite in this book is one that every American should read. It could give everyone a new and better take on the way the system could work. Read it see !

Great book for data! Lists lat, lon, and elevation for thousands of named points along the CD. Not necessarily the CD Trail.