If a writer of fiction can be believed, then T.C. Boyle's description of how he begins his writing routine is psycho crazy! According to him he cuts a chicken's throat, bleeds it into a bowl which he places under his desk, immerses his bare feet in the bowl and then writes until the blood feels cold. You certainly won't find this advice in any writer's how-to manual at your local library! If this is the price of new, fresh and contemporary fiction, then some might argue that a few chickens being sacrificed for art is worth the price. One of Boyle's gifts is that he is always interesting and truly original. How many contemporary authors can you really say that about today? Anyway, this collection is in my opinion one of his best. From the title story to a short sketch about the bluesman Robert Johnson, he keeps you on your toes from one short piece to the next. You never quite know what to expect with regard to Boyle's style. Another of his gifts is that he takes society's norms and conventions and manages to turn them upside down in a very entertaining fashion. With Boyle, you as the reader are always in on the joke. Many of his pieces despite their non-conventional nature have appeared in conservative men's magazines like GQ. Go figure....If you like to explore new authors, then you could hardly do better than picking up anything by this one. He is like a modern-day cross between Gogol and Kafka, but on some serious hallucinogens. If he and Dr. Hunter S. Thompson aren't friends, then they definitely should be. See for yourself why Boyle is one of the only exciting voices in contemporary fiction.

unforgetable characters, thrilling plot, shocking humor, and a richly involving, rewarding reading experience where I cringed, and encouraged as if I were shouting at a movie screen. This book totally rules, because the author is so fearless. TCB tackles issues and characters without flinching, and he really takes care of his readers. Fast-paced, and with a stunning prose-style, this guy can do no wrong.

there's a playfulness in this collection that I haven't seen anywhere else. the language and the plot are like being winked at -- Boyle lets you in on the joke and he trusts that his readers are as sly and smartass as he is.

most people were probably introduced to Boyle in high school English with the title story, "Greasy Lake," and if, like my entire class, that was your favorite story all year long, you won't be disapointed. these other stories are just as accessible, bleak and funny in the coen-brothers way that only Boyle delivers.

While Stonehouse is an accredited Great Lakes scholar, Haunted Lakes Part II is a complete and total waste of paper. It is nothing but Volume One with a few extra chapters thrown in.

Historian Fred Stonehouse continues his shift toward more commercially successful books with the Haunted Lakes series. Unlike Stonehouse's previous books, which represented significant contributions to the Great Lakes maritime history genre, Haunted Lakes sacrifices historical value for commercial appeal. Stonehouse has admittedly created a book of tall tales, which is sure to introduce him to a wider audience, but I can't help but long for his previous works, which, although dry, were interesting and valuable references. I can only hope that future volumes don't speculate that the Fitz was sunk by a UFO.
I still found Haunted Lakes very entertaining, but after a while some of the stories began to sound contrived.

Once I started to read this book I had to keep on reading until my eyes are so tired. Thanks to Mr. Stonehouse, I am once again loving history of these great ship wrecks .. Mr. Stonehouse sure dug up a lot of interesting stories. Some of them I just find them to be funny and some of them got my heart racing for more. I am hoping Mr. Stonehouse dont stop writing stories of Haunted Lakes. I just know there are many more ghost stories of the Great Lakes that needed yet to be told . yes, I have also read Haunted Lakes II

This book is great! It has mystery and makes you want to read more. And I can garentee guarantee something will change your favorite character. You may want to dose in some points, but most of it is pure enjoyment! Dido Twite has some problems, to get a lake! Find mystery and adventure The Stolen Lake!

Of the many reasons to read the works of Joan Aiken, two stand out: the irresistable pluckiness of the heroines (especially Dido Twite), and Joan's marvellously detailed alternate history of the planet Earth.

An alternative history is one of the staples of science fiction. What if the Nazis had won World War II? Or what if the South had won the American civil war? These subjects have consumed many a book. But Joan Aiken is unique, in my view, because she has crafted a detailed alternate history of England and America, and has used it as the backdrop, rather than the focus, of the story. Just take it for granted that the Stuarts managed to keep a hold of the English crown. This is just one of many ingredients in Joan Aiken's stories.

But in "The Stolen Lake", Joan's alternative history writing is at its most creative, and that pushes its prominence forward in the book. Rather than fading into history, the ancient kingdom of Arthur and the remains of the Roman Empire stole the boats of the invading Saxons and fled to South America where they founded "Roman" (as opposed to "Latin") America. King Arthur still sleeps, but Queen Guenivere has basically sold her soul to keep herself alive through the 1300 years, awaiting her husband's return. Into this, the young and plucky Dido Twite arrives, and upsets the corrupt regime.

This only scratches the surface of the detail of "The Stolen Lake". Alternative history buffs, fans of King Arthur tales, and fans of the plucky Dido Twite will find plenty to enjoy in this richly detailed tale that is a standout of Joan Aiken's books.

Out of all the books in Joan Aiken's Wolves of Willoughby Chase series, this is hands down the best. (OK, I haven't read Dido and Pa, but of the others.) It really has no connection to the other books in the series, and I don't think that it's the greatest read for very young children, however it is the most thrilling, the least predictable, DEFINITELY the most imaginative, and the most mature. It's not as humourous as the others, but it has its moments, and I personally feel that this is the climax of all Dido's adventures before she gets home to meet Simon again. As always, unforgettable characters (Cap'n Hughes, Mr. Holystone, Elen, Bran...) that are always believable, no matter how fantastical the plot is, and well, an all round fascinating, entertaining, frightening, happy-ending, beautiful book. MUCH more adventurous than the previous books in the series.

The King Arthur connection is brilliant, even if Arthur did actually die BEFORE the battle of Dyrham... but those with a basic knowledge of the legends and history will appreciate it, and if you learn more about Arthur etc. your appreciation of the book will only grow richer. Also, make sure to pay attention to the marriage of Latin American and Welsh cultures, which is also brilliantly done (Dafydd Gomez, Juan Jones, José Glendower - should that be Glyndwr?) although it begs the question, if the Celts settled the area in 577, when did the Spanish come? But ignoring that, a BRILLIANT book, definitely read it.

This book is based on the murderous actions of Mark Hoffman, and in this regard is fairly accurate. However, when it comes to the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons), the Church's founding prophet Joseph Smith, and current Church leaders and doctrine, this book is slanted, twisted and just plain wrong. Its inaccuracies cause the book to end up being more fiction than fact. If you are really interested in learning the truth about the Mormon religion you should read The Book of Mormon, visit with some missionaries, and pray to know the truth. Reading this book is not the answer unless you wish to be misinformed.

I am a lover of suspense books but I don't read them because when I do, I feel guilty, like it's a waste of time. I also love to study religion. When you mix the 2 together, you have an excellent book.
Have you ever read a book that you speed read because it's so exciting yet at the same time, you try to read it as slow as possible because you don't want the book to end. This is that kind of book.
Have you ever read a book that immediatly after you read it, you know for a fact that you will read it a few more times...this is that kind of book.
Anyone interested in mormonism, or religion in general will love this book. (well maybe not mormons). Anyone who just loves a good page turner, will love this book.
If the author of this book is reading this review, please turn this book intoa movie. I have read probably close to a thousand books, I'm sure. A book has to be real good to get on my top ten list.
religion enthusiasts, this is the most exciting religious lesson you will get. take advantage of it. Oh by the way, another good book about mormonism is housewife to heretic by sonia johnson.

A real page-turner. Not just for the story of murder and forgery in the modern day...but for the history of the Mormon church. Joseph Smith originally intended THE BOOK OF MORMON to be a novel, that he hoped would make him some money. When people mistook it for real scripture, he was shocked, then thought he could make even more money this way, starting a religion. After the religion got going, he had dissenters assassinated. I had no idea the Mormon Church was based on such a flimsy, corrupt, foundation. As flimsy and corrupt as Scientology. Give the Church of Scientolgy 150 more years, and it will be as respectable as Mormonism. It's as like if the readers of THE CELESTINE PROPHECY believed that was truth, and its author as a result started a religion. The truth of Joseph Smith is almost as riveting as the truth of Mike Hofmann, the forger and murderer in the modern day, who is the main focus of this book. Hofmann said he and Josepth Smith were very much alike. He may be more right than we'd like to think. Not just a page-turner, but an eye-opener.

First I haven't read this book. But I do know Mr. Lake and have found it important for me not to believe what he writes about from "his experience". I have found that he does write a good story for fiction.

I found this book to be extremely easy to read and understand. Bobby Lake-Thom incorporated Native teachings and stories with Western Scientific theories. I especially found it interesting when he discussed right and left brain thinking and how it relates to comprehension of Native signs and symbols.
He provides us with valuable insite into the stories and legends of many tribes. He shows us how important our oral culture is and was and how the people learned mores and values through listening to stories from the elders.

I found the book to be very enjoyable and enlightening. Mr. Lake-Thom is a magnificent writer with much insight. I have had the honor of speaking with him personally and he is a remarkable man with many accomplishments.

Mr. Dwelle's book is interesting. There is no better or more complete history of the cities and towns that make up the Great Lakes region, making Summer Studies a surprising and valuable textbook.

Dwelle is a good storyteller, writing about the people he meets and the places he visits with obvious affection. And the setbacks that befall all sailors one time or another are here, often told with great humor.

However, Summer Studies suffers from several colosssal flaws. There is no discernible system of organization. It is as if the book was composed on a series of index cards which were then shuffled and made into a book.

Dwelle also never misses the opportunity to insult those who own powerboats. According to Dwelle, they are all ignorant buffoons who have no right to share his precious lakes, but in the book he never takes the time to give the reason for his bigotry.

Dwelle also unwisely allows his leftwing political views to get into the way. He says one town, for example, fell into hard times because of "Reganomics," but he is unwilling to elaborate or substantiate his claim.

I struggled over whether to give Summer Studies three or four stars. On content alone, it is superb. But the book screams out for a better editor, who could have shaped it into a five-star winner.

I hope Dwelle is working on a sequel. And I hope he has learned from the mistakes of "Summer Studies."

The book is very enjoyable, with a mixture of cruising and commentary by the author. The author is very opinionated about some matters which makes for speculation as your reading. But the sailling material is excellent and well written and most enjoyable. It's rare to find a really good book about sailing on the Great Lakes.

The first review which criticizes this book is wrong. This is an excellent book. He criticizes it for having opinions, but that is what makes this such an unusual cruising book--not just weather and wind speed and anchorages. An excellent book that offers sailing and alot more. I recommend it highly.

The writing, and plot are, as always with MD Lake, quite good. In this novel, however, I was constantly jarred by the barbs thrown at the U and the professoriate. I found myself wondering if Lake is so disaffected with his former colleagues or if he lacks respect for the intelligence of the mystery reader. Given that Peggy is viciously attacked with a tree branch, and a character chokes on a carrot while chortling "What's Up Doc?" and that Lake writes this without any sense of irony or humor-fully expecting us to swallow it-I'm afraid it might be a bit of the former and a whole lot of the latter. I liked the earlier Peggy character and would like to see her come out of the shadow of whatever is troubling her (or her author) and become entertaining again.

One of the music professors from the University is found dead in Lake Superior, having presumably jumped from the overhanging cliffs. His grandmother, a wealthy patron of the music school, thinks that her grandson is the victim of foul play. Having been impressed by campus cop Peggy O'Neill's ability to solve an earlier crime, the grandmother asks Peggy to do some investigating. At the time of the investigation, there is a burglary at the music school and Peggy thinks the two events may be connected. Through her thorough sleuthing and interviewing of suspects, Peggy finally discovers the truth behind the death. This is another good "cozy" from author M.D. Lake.

These are fun books to read. I'm glad Peggy finally moved from "a large midwestern university with a river running through it" to Minnesota. That change allowed the inclusion of actual names of cities and other features. The featuring of Lake Superior's North Shore as the opening part of the book clearly puts the story in Minnesota. Peggy's character has expanded with each book. The inclusion of a few other recurring characters helps to move the story along although I'd like to see a few of the other characters such as Lawrence and Paula. Another good book in the series and keeps me looking forward to the next one. (I hope Peggy finds another romance soon. Gary and Al haven't been right for her.) As usual, the story is a good one and keeps the reader interested. Surprising ending, but keeping with some of his other books.

This book contain good information about lots of jet fighter. It's good for those people who like to know something technical about the planes. But it does not have any good pictures & it's too small. It's very handy if you want to search something technical about some planes which I find it very easy to look for.

This book have good specification information about lots of jet fighters world wide. It has very clear information which I find it very accurate & it's rare to find. Although that's the good side, the down side is it don't have good pictures & the pictures are too small. But over all, it's still a very good book which has complete specification information about the jet fighters world wide. It also shows you the versions of every kind of jet fighters. Not bad at all.

This is quite a good book but I find that its information is fairly basic and often found in other Jane's publications. Its strong point is that it covers some aircraft that are yet to enter service such as the Chinese FC-1 and J-8 IIM, the Indian LCA and the Russian MiG I-42. Also the photos are of a high standard.

you want to read more about how wonderful Clinton was from a syocophant who spends too much time writing about the magnificant people in Clinton's administration. Once he gets away from his pandering, some of the information is interesting. One of his nightmares was actually his for he was considered to far to the left to be approved for head of the CIA. Because of that, he bad mouthed Washington DC which became his 6th. nightmare. The fictionalization of his scenarios are sophomoric to the extent of embarrassment.

6 Nightmares was actually only one or two nightmares. Anthony Lake begins discussing the global dangers facing our nation today, but eventually digresses and gives us his autobiography instead. He also dedicates quite a bit of space towards how Bill Clinton really wasn't as bad as he seemed to be and how we are all victims of the vast right-wing conspiracy.
There were plenty of interesting insider tidbits, but I think an article in TIME might have been more appropriate than dedicating a whole book to Anthony Lake.

Anthony Lake's book outlines six potential threats to our nation's national security. Unfortunately the reality of ambigious warfare (chapter 3) has already reared its ugly head...Anthony Lake has unfortunately made himself into somewhat of a prophet. The other chapters are incredibly pertinent also.

As someone who participated in and helped craft major U.S. foreign policy initiatives and decisions, Lake is able to share anecdotal snipets which really bring his subject into focus. I especially enjoyed the chapters on peacekeeping and Washington politics and the experiences Lake was able to share to illustrate his points.

The only negative aspect of the book is that sometimes he can delve into examples where it seems as if he is more interested in vindicating himself than staying focused on the topic. I truly however feel and it is evident in the book that Lake was able (and desired) to remain non-political while writing the book and when he was the National Security Advisor. As he suggests in the book, national security is one issue in which politics and ideology should have the least influence.

First of all, you should understand that this is nothing more than a short-story; it's not a novel or even a novella. The print was made real big and the margins generous so that it could be released as a stand-alone. It will probably take you 25 minutes to read from start to finish.

I have a problem with Bradbury: I used to worship everything he wrote when I was 12-14 years old. But now that I'm older and my tastes in literature are more sophisticated, I am unable to tell if Bradbury has gotten worse, or if I've just gotten more sophisticated, and therefore more difficult to please. I suppose we all have a critical blind spot for the stuff we grew up with.

Nevertheless, I hated this book. It took a couple of readings just to understand what was going on. I've read it three times now, and it certainly hasn't repaid the effort. Bradbury seems unable to focus on (or even come up with) one good idea; the story seems like a hodge-podge of leftover purple phrases that wouldn't fit into other stories. Seems like Bradbury just saved up a few dozen of these phrases and decided to mash them all together in one story, a story which otherwise lacked any real plot.

The worst problem about this book, though, is just that; really, there's no STORY. Just page after page of high-flown blather. Imaginative verbiage, but without any underlying interest. The dialogue is stiff and overwritten; it just doesn't PLAY.

I'll probably never be able to answer the question whether Bradbury has gotten worse or not, but he's definitely done better than this.

Also be warned that the publisher has seen fit not to number the pages. It's more mythical-poetic that way!

I picked up this book because I'm a fan of Ray Bradbury, and it was one of the featured books around Christmastime. It's a short book, which is nice, Bradbury gives the fable without a lot of excess writing.

There is something about the book that really drew me in while I was reading it. Maybe it was the wonderful black and while drawings that are scattered through the book, illustration various scenes. Maybe it was just the story itself, the story of a young boy who learns to think and feel with his heart and mind, and learns to fly with the help of a most unusual god. Whatever the reason the book drew me in, it was a valid one. The book is a good one, with an important moral, provided you take the time to sit down and read it.

Dear reader from Albuquerque New Mexico. Your neither, your just a social climber who hasn't gotten anywhere. Like ray olson the Commissar from the (Fahrenheit 451)American Library Association. Although the illustrations are poor.