This book was short but to the point. It is a great starting point for new parents or teachers just starting out in the child care profession. It whets the appetite for further readingon the popular theorists. The layout was simple and easy to follow. One of the best things I liked about this book was that it had discussion questions and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter. I have used this book as a teaching tool during seminars where I work. I could see this book as a good supplemental teaching tool in the classroom. A perfect addition to the pre-school teacher's library.

This book is a fantastic way to show young children how animals use camouflage. The colorful drawings show the chameleon trying to sneak up on his dinner (insects) while predators (owl, snake, fox) sneak up on him. When the chameleon changes color and hides into his surrounding, the confused expressions on the predators' faces are cute. This book starts out slow, but then gets going once the first predator appears. Children really get excited when they find the hidden chameleon in each picture.

My name is Sarah and I am 11 Yrs. old. I read this book at school. I thought it was a great book. There was a lot of very exciting parts of the book, to name one, When the Dr. is operating on a young skunk and her assistant touched the skunks scent gland and got a big suprise. I think that it is neat how the Dr. takes care of so many animals including a lot of endangered ones. I want to be a vet when I grow up and this book showed me some of the most exciting fields of Veterinary work.

Maximus Meridus, the great Roman General, begins the book by fighting for the Roman Empire against the Barbarian tribe in Germania. Maximus is the emperor's most trusted General and the emperor has him in mind to be the next man to rule the Roman Empire. Commodus, the emperor's jealous heir, is outraged by his father's decision and murders his father, emperor Marcus Aurelius, to gain control of the throne. Commodus's first order of business as emperor is to make it so that general Maximus Meridas can never deceive him, so he has Maximus's wife and son slautered and then sends Maximus into exile. Devastated and Deeply wounded by the murdering of his family, Maximus finds a new way of life that makes him even stronger, emotionally as well as physically, than he was before. Maximus begins the hard and enduring life of being a gladiator. Maximus makes new friends and pays close attention to what his heart and his soul tell him while he is a gladiator. As Maximus rises to the top of the gladiator world, he plans a heroic and defiant way to gain his revenge. I really enjoyed this book. It was a gory, cut-them-up book as well as a movie. However, there was a lot more to the story than just the fighting and death. The author, Dewey Gran, did a really good job of introducing the readers to the main character, Maximus. As you read about his family getting killed, you get a big lump in your throat. It makes you feel the outrage that the main character is going through as it happens. The one thing that I didn't like about the book is that it was written to follow the movie, and I had already seen the movie when I read the book. My recommendation is to read the book, then go see the movie. There were no surprises to what was going to happen. It is a great book for anybody who doesn't mind some gory details.

After watching the movie three times, once at the movies and twice on DVD, I would see something new. The script is very strong and the actors are portrayed very nicely. I went and bought the book so I could learn more about the gladiators and Roman Empire history in general. It was a very fast and fun read that I really enjoyed. Even though it said, "based on a screenplay by David Franzoni," I knew it would be a good read. Usually, these kinds of books are very vague and just sum up what was in the movie. The characters in the book were described in great detail like in the movie, if not more. The book explains a lot more than the movie that didn't have time to go in detail. Also, I saw the great warrior, Maximus, in different ways: as a warrior in the battles, a father and husband to his wife and son who were hung and burned, and as a friend to his fellow gladiators. Also, the book has full-page color photographs, which would be very nice to readers that haven't seen the movie because they can visualize the characters. But, I do not recommend reading this without watching the movie first. The book was made to add to some of the scenes in the movie. The book's weaknesses were that it didn't add any scenes. It is strictly based on the screenplay, nothing more. I would have wanted to know what the relationship Maximus had with the Lucilla, who is the daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who wanted Maximus to be his succeeding Emperor. They must have had may encounters because of the Maximus' high rank in the Roman Army. Also, the relationship between Maximus and Commodus, before the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, should've been better portrayed. The relationship started only when the Emperor told his son, Commodus, that he wanted Maximus to be Emperor and that's when Commodus killed his father, The Emperor, so he would take office and ordered the death of Maximus. All in all, the book is a good read and I strongly recommend it to whoever enjoyed the movie. Don't read the book unless you've seen the movie because you won't enjoy it as much as if you've seen the movie.

Either read this book first, then see the movie or see the movie first, then read the book. I saw the movie Gladiator 3 times before I read the book, and each time I had seen the movie, I saw something new. After I read the book Gladiator, I saw the movie 2 more times. In My Opinion, the book Gladiator is a great read if you want to learn alittle more about the characters. It also gave me a better view of what each of the characters were thinking in each scene. Some of the parts of this book filled some of the gaps, that the movie didn't show. Also, the dialogue in the book was very helpful for me when I saw the movie again, because there were some words and sentences I had missed while watching the movie. This book is just as powerful as the movie, because it explains every scene with the same details, if not more. It gives me alittle more aspect of Maximus as a Warrior, General, Husband, Father and Friend, which is one of the reasons that I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing the movie.

This book could be described in many ways but ultimately I think it is a book about that fundamental question, "What should we do with our life?" Set in the town of Owasso, Michigan during the months between the Republican convention and presidential election in 1948, the large cast of characters and relatively simple plot serve to highlight a range of both political and personal values that influence how people choose to live. Every character in the novel (including the elderly and middle aged characters) must make difficult decisions that will effect the rest of their own and other's lives. The somewhat comic and very understanding perspective that Mallon brings to these decisions and their consequences give the book a lightness that, I think, detracts from the seriousness of his subject. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to read and I look forward to seeking out other books by Thomas Mallon.

"Dewey Defeats Truman" is my first reading of Thomas Mallon, and I unequivocally recommend this novel to anyone interested in American history in the immediate postwar era; or for that matter, to anyone simply interested in a good story of a time ostensibly more innocent than our own. At times some the characters display an inside-the-beltway sort of cynicism about politics that would only seem possible in today's climate, but I suppose that was the reality even back then! As with any historical fiction, liberties with facts have probably been taken for the sake of art, though presumably not at the risk of revisionism, I'm certain. Initially, I was somewhat troubled by what seemed too many gratuitous cultural references from the 1940¹s--I could have done without Jack Riley's fantasy about Peggy Lee while trysting with Louise Rutkowski in his office --but then again baby boomers & Gen X'ers have a hard time picturing Lee, the legendary recording star, as the sultry, sexy song stylist she indeed was--a big-band version of one of today's interchangeable pop goddesses--only someone with real talent! But as I continued, and warmed up to Mallon's narrative, these references became welcome additions to the text, giving added dimension and deeper insight to that bygone time. Whether or not Mallon's portrait of small-town 1948, particularly the uniqueness of Owosso, Michigan in that year, is wholly accurate, the characters for the most part are very real. Although I felt instinctively from the beginning that Anne Macmurray, given her upper-middle class East Coast background, would eventually have doubts about Jack (while denying her smitten, magnetic tug towards the caddish, privileged Peter Cox), their relationship was nonetheless believable, cemented together, however tenuously, by Anne's attraction to the earthier "other" , and her social conscience, which she could see as best served only by another Truman administration. At times Anne seems oddly contemporary in her in! dependence, but she is also tempered by the traditional social restrictions of her time (maybe typical of women in the period just after WWII??). Peripherally, I enjoyed Jane Herrick--the rather daffy grieving mother--tremendously, given over to statistical and mathematical eccenctricities following the death of her son in service to the country. And even Horace Sinclair, though drawn a little too predictably curmudgeonly for his age and purpose in the story, was a wonderful addition to the myriad cast of Owosso characters. The integration of history and personal relationships in "Dewey Defeats Truman" could have been an awkward stew if written by someone less gifted than Mallon, but it works beautifully in his hands, evolving chapter by chapter, coalescing page by page, until the reader has actually felt the excitement (an excitement Americans no longer seem to experience) of a Presidential race too close to call, at a time (before we had become so smugly superior!) when America truly was destined for--dare I say it?--greatness.

I am quite taken by this story. It is a rich, layered story of love and the turning points of many lives in the summer and fall of 1948. Mallon challenges us to think a little differently and a little more deeply about the choices we face, and shows that 'following one's heart' is not so clear and easy (or maybe even 'right'). While I am surprised by the negative reviews I found here, they are just another reminder that whether we love or dislike a book sometimes says as much about our tastes, mood, circumstance, expectations etc. as it does about the quality of what the author has created. (See the reviews for Annie Proulx's The Shipping News in Amazon). I think Mallon has progressed far from Aurora 7, (the other work of his I have read), a nice book but not nearly so affecting. I especially admire his respectful treatment of all these characters, which is tougher than leaning on cynicism, which seems more common. But in stepping from story to story in this collection of people of Owosso, the shifts in viewpoint sometimes tumble too abruptly. The book slowed a bit in the middle (though never to a 'slog' as two other readers found). Some of the sub-stories don't work as well for me (Horace Sinclair's dilemma, and the follow through on Tim Herrick), and I suppose he might have done more to further develop Peter Cox and his relationship with Anne M. But I still found this fresh, unique and a moving read.

The legend of Orrin Porter Rockwell grows with each telling. Accordingly I have read nearly everything I could find about the man.

I just completed all four volumes of "The Porter Rockwell Chronicles" by Mr. Dewey and found the story well researched and riveting.

However, I had to give the series only 3 stars because every one of the books is riddled with more typos and malapropisms than the bullet holes found in the corpses of Porter Rockwell's alleged victims! Mr. Dewey either needs to tune up his act or at least fire his proofreaders.

Dewey's writing style also continually strays from Rockwell's period to modern expressions like "freaky," "stoned out of his mind," and, my favorite, "Just hypothetically speaking..." It's a well-known fact that Rockwell couldn't read so a scenario with him using words like "hypothetically" was a bit hard to swallow.

Still a great story. If you don't mind chewing through the gristle of the terrible writing then go for it. If not, check out Harold Schindler's excellent biography, "Orrin Porter Rockwell: Man of God, Son of Thunder" or Dewey's own excellent biography of Porter Rockwell.

This book captures the spirit and emotion of Rockwell's life better than any others I have read. It not merely details his life, but goes into the background and personality that made him one of the Mormon West's most colorful characters. The only complaint I have with the book is that it relies mostly on diaglogue to carry on with the story. Sometimes this is a bit distracting. However, it remains by far the most excellent (and accurate, from what I have studied) novel on Rockwell's life.

Couldn't put this book down. The writing style allows you to relive a part of American history. I felt like I was there; laughed, cried, felt great empathy for these early Mormon pioneers and the steadfastness of Porter Rockwell. Where can I get Volume 2?

This book is a poor, almost fictional attempt to chronicle the life of the infamous Orrin Porter Rockwell. While I'm sure Dewey's intentions were good, he did a bad job of presenting History.
His subject was a difficult one, Rockwell having left no diary. In addition, there are a few undetailed accounts of him in the official History of the Church to which he belonged. Most of the rest is speculation. Despite this lack of evidence, Dewey assumes that he knows Porter's mind and emotions on all occasions. How could he know that something "turned Porter's stomach" or "hit close to home" if Rockwell never left a journal?
Most of his biography is speculation. The bulk of the work is actually a brief overview of the history of the Mormon church, and Dewey just inserts Rockwell wherever he wants to. For example, he tells the story of a group of Mormons who, in 1838, went out to defend their Missouri homes. Dewey just assumes Porter was there, and says he was "probably riding at their head."
Toward the end of Rockwell's life, firsthand accounts of him become few and far between. In order to deal with this, Dewey simply lumps together all accounts and legends of Rockwell with no consistency or continuity whatsoever. The stories jump around, and each paragraph is an entirely new subject. This is very difficult to read, and does little besides give a collection of myths.
This book gets two stars because of Dewey's obvious sincerity. He is not a historian by trade, and it shows. His subject is a difficult one to write about, and Dewey managed to chronicle his life with some accuracy (despite all the speculation). If you want to read an interesting tale/legend about one of the most heroic Western lawmen, read this book. Just don't expect much in the way of historical accuracy.

Dewey does a defensive history of Rockwell, and does a good job of dispelling many of the myths. But like so many historians, he seems to be a frustrated lawyer, and seems to have an image of himself as Rockwell's latter-day defense council. Dewey is definitely from the faith-promoting school of history, and obviously writes as if "the Brethern" are looking over his shoulder. Because of this he has omitted significant discomfiture, and we are deprived of aspects more rounded. But then many authors are guilty of being frustrated prosecuting attorneys...

There isn't much currently in print about good old Porter Rockwell, the "Avenging Angel." Like many frontier characters, the myth is a little more exciting than the publishable reality. OK, maybe he didn't execute innocent non-believers, but he was still on-site for many of the memorable events of early Utah-Mormon history. For a little more edgy interpretation, order the movie, "Avenging Angel."

Overall this is an excellent series which can be occassionally annoying as the author fumblingly tries to imitate the rake-hell character of G.M. Fraser's Flashman in his mock/hero Alan Lewrie but without the vigor and genius of that inimitable scoundrel.
This book is not the place to start and should probably be read only by those who are following the series in sequence. Too much time on land in this one, and the balance between hitorical backround and foreground action seems to be askew here. The sex scenes are again ludicrous (Alan mounts Emma Hamilton!!--right) and the potrayals of Nelson and especially Napoleon are flat and unoriginal. The maps and dialogue are as others have noted, annoying as well. But despite its longuers, I'll ship out with Alan and Dewey in the next adventure, hoping our hero stays on the waves where he belongs.

I agree with the reviewer from Portland, OR. The fractured French/English was totally annoying and the map was very poorly printed, but ...
the story seemed like a serial drama, some parts were extremely well-written and exciting. Others were slow and plodding. It was good to sail with Lt. Lewrie again and I look forward to continuing his adventures. He's one of my favorite historical fiction characters.

Lambdin does it again in this (the 6th) installment of the Alan Lewrie chronicles.

I really enjoyed this one though I must admit there were some slow points and trying to muddle through all the French was annoying.

Lambdin does a wonderful job weaving history and fiction and Cockerel is no exception. The thought of Lewrie getting a leg over on Emma Hamilton is quite amusing as is the idea of him coming face to face with Napoleon and Captain Bligh.

Lewrie and his well developed supporting cast will surely keep you entertained. Definitely a worth while read.

If you like left-wing politics meshed in with a fictional story, this book is for you. The only thing worse than this book is the movie. Avoid this if you want to keep your sanity.

This book is based off of the movie with Kevin Spacey in it about a college professor, and leading figure against the death penalty, who, in an ironic twist, is just days away from being executed.

This book was pretty bad at first, it was slow and I had to force my way through it, hoping for a pick-up in tempo and excitement. The climax is fairly exciting, but still predictable. However the ending had a different twist than I expected.

This book is not the most amazing title I have read but it may be for you if you are interested in execution stories, a big fan of the movie, or just like a quick, interesting paperback read.

The book and movie was outstanding. They both allowed the viewers to make thoughtful arguements for and against the death penalty. The governor played in the movie was chosen to look like our President George W. with the same insightful thoughts on the death penalty.

This book is subject to what so many Hollywood biographies suffer from: total ignorance on the part of the author as to how films are actually made. Authors of these kinds of books are tempermentally predisposed to disinterest in anything except gossip. What emerged from this book was a portrait of a shallow man whose career rested upon his ability to socialize. Why are so many books on film history so damned bad?

This platter is full of many good pieces: enlightenment, gossip, display, speculation and journalistic integrity. Before recommending it for immediate consumption, however, one should ponder the notion that while some bites are indeed chunky and tasty, some have been diced into inedibly large pieces; and while at times the meal is juicy and succulent, at others it is bland and overcooked. More than anything, it is FAR too much to digest in one sitting. It might be better to eat as leftovers than as a buffet.

I could not think of a more comprehensive text about Cukor's interesting existence; however some people and relationships (especially with Katherine Hepburn) seem cnspicuously more fleshed-out than others that are teased upon (to this reviewer, it is most obvious with Cukor's father, Spencer Tracy and George Towers, all very influnetial people in Cukor's life with mere paragraphs describing them). The text also suffers at times from trying TOO hard to be fair to Cukor. Certainly, to the author's credit, nasty and contradictory elements are introduced, but it seems that just as much effort is placed on balancing this with excuses or possible alternatives. Cuko was not universally popular, and very few attended his funeral (not even Hepburn was there); so the fairness seems a bit of a disguise.

I would recommend a grain of salt to make this tastier; and I would also recommend less than a chapter a day. The book is long on filmography, can be slow reading, and takes time to digest. Overall, it is pleasing, as are Cukor's films, for the most part; but they all took lots of time, according to most accounts. Do the same.

Very solid biography of the director, George Cukor, covering his long life and career. McGilligan does well covering the dual nature of Cukor's personality, how his homosexuality both colored and hindered his film projects. Very well researched, the book vividly portrays the Hollywood gay society of the 30's - 50's and does well analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both Cukor and his films. McGilligan is not balanced in his judgments on the films, however. He denigrates many of Cukor's more popular works ("The Women") and lavishes praise on the director's own favorites (the overrated "Adam's Rib"). His assessment of the much-debated firing of Cukor from "Gone With The Wind" also seems simplistic. Overall, a worthwhile read and a fine overview of a major Hollywood career and an important figure in film history.