Most people who wrestle with getting to sleep on a regular basis are totally unaware that they are not really "insomniacs" at all! They just need to "adjust their internal clock." In Wide Awake at 3am, Dr Coleman brings real scientific research to bear on the twin problems of insomnia and sleep-deprivation. Bottom line... The book is extremely informative and entertaining. But the most thrilling part is this: 1)The descriptions of the problems caused by insomnia are exact, 2) the diagnoses put forth by Dr. Coleman make sense, and 3) the treatments proposed in the book really work! I would suggest this book to anyone who has problems with sleep or fatigue, even on an irregular basis.

This book is extremely well done with excellent photogrphic images, good field stories, and generally well written. I highly recommend it.

How could one describe the Will Rogers Follies and the music book to go along with the show besides amazing? I have never seen a show so funny and with such good music. If you havn't seen the show, see it. If you havn't heard the music, buy the book. It's a MUST have!

Admittedly it requires familiarity with the board game series it's based on to make total sense--especially with all the airplanes mentioned in it--but it's a thoroughly enjoyable tale of dogfighting, greed, and vengeance over the skies of an alternate 1937 Seattle. The setting is evocative of Mack Maloney's "Wingman" series, but more from the point of view of the people who prefer and enjoy the balkanization of the USA rather than the people who want to restore it.

Worth the wait to receive this awesome book of poetry, prose, and pictures. An excellent Christmas gift for anyone who knows what it's like to work hard for the money.

This is a somewhat autobiographical story of the author's life as a young man trying to find his way in a world that imposes itself on his inquisitive self. As part of this arduous journey, Mr. Coleman took up the pen and boldly tells a story that few would have the energy or strength to lay before the public eye.

In doing so he tells a tale that needs to be told of a gay boy who finds self acceptance and love as a gay man. The book is broken into the two major parts: The wounding years and the healing years. This is more than just a book of recovery from religious wounding, though. It is somewhat a story of philosophical journey. It is a story of the author's life told with humor and clarity and without reservation. I felt as though I were living the experiences with the author as I read the story. There may be other religious recovery books, and books about gay men finding themselves in an unsupportive culture; but I have yet to see a story of the two combined together in the way the author does here. He details the grueling psychological and emotional work that lies before the gay man who is lost in fundamental Christian thinking; and demonstrates that it can be done.

In exposing the inner workings of a man fighting many odds to gain his self, the author provides vivid images of conversations and experiences that helped him forge his way. He learns as he goes that the 'truths' he learned as a youth may not necessarily be true; and that in order to find yourself you must be willing to take chances and challenge your own thinking (as well as the thinking around you). He wrote the book in three short months following the aftermath of the events of September 11. In doing so he shows us the courage and vulnerability it will likely take to forge a world that can live together peaceably.

As the author states, many have died in the name of God. I think he teaches us that if this is to change, we must all be willing to question those things we consider to be 'Truth.' Perhaps his tale will help us realize that we need to challenge ourselves so we have the ability to live according to the Golden Rule genuinely from our hearts. I would like to thank him for telling his story and vividly reminding me of the tender moments in my own journey. Congratulations on a meaningful work, Mr. Coleman

I am ashamed to admit it, but, yes, I have been reading for over 25 years and this is the very first time that I have ever read Jane Austen. None of her novels were required in high school, no literature class that I took in college used any as a text, and I had never thought to pursue her for sheer entertainment. It is quite sad, actually, for I find Austen much more accessible than some of the classic that I did have to wade through, including Wuthering Heights and The Scarlet Letter. Austen has recently seen a resurgence in popularity, likely due to the recent BBC and Hollywood adaptations of her books, including the Emma Thompson vehicle Sense and Sensibility.

Pride and Prejudice was Austen's second novel, following the success of Sense and Sensibility. Its original title was--and I'm not making this up a la Dave Barry--First Impressions. To my taste, this would have been a much more apt title, but it had been used by another author before Austen could get this book in print. The story is about the five Bennet sisters, who, while not orphaned or penniless, have few choices as to husbands because their father's estate is entailed on a male heir, and they have no brother. The father seems to have resigned them to their fate, but their mother wastes no opportunity to arrange a good match for her daughters. The two oldest--Jane and Elizabeth--are level-headed and quite understand the position that they are in, but the youngest three are flirtatious and giddy, a bad combination in winning society's eye. Disasters ensue when eligible bachelors Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy come to town, as well as the officers of the ---shire regiment.

The reason First Impressions would have been a better title is that each character--not just the main two, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy--is constantly assuming things about other characters based on their initial reception of them. Mr. Darcy, in the country, is too proud to dance with any of the young women because of his mistaken impression that they are all declasse; Elizabeth forms her prejudices about Mr. Darcy because of her first meeting with him and this dance snub. The townsfolk think the best of Mr. Wickham because his first impression on everyone is quite favorable. And on and on and on.

Very interesting, but it goes on forever, as the characters can never be quite direct given the mores of the time. That does not mean that they can not be insulting, as a particularly vicious exchange between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth shows. I'm glad that I have now broken my Austen fast, but I think that I can wait awhile before digesting any more.

I have always loved the style and social politics of the Regency period (the time of Jane Austen.) But when I read "Sense and Sensibility" in 7th grade I found the first few chapters lifeless, dull and hard to read. Two years later I was encouraged by a friend to give "Pride and Prejudice" a try. I did and have since become a complete Janeite. I am now able to peruse joyfully through "Sense and Sensibility" with a new understanding and appreciation of Jane Austen. The reason? "Pride and Prejudice" is fresh, witty and is a great introduction to Jane Austen's writing style without the formality of some of her other novels (unlike S&S and Persuasion Austen does not give us a 10 page history of each family and their fortune.) If you have never read Jane Austen or have read her other novels and found them boring, read Pride and Prejudice. The characters, and the situations Austen presents to them, are hysterical and reveal a lot about Regency society and morality. This book perfectly compliments a great writer like Jane Austen and is essential to every reader's library. The Penguin Edition of the book is stellar and I personally recommend it not only for the in-depth and indispensable footnotes, but also for the cover that is non-suggestive of any of the characters' appearances. In summary "Pride and Prejudice" is a great book for beginner Austen readers and seasoned fans, and Penguin Classics is a great edition for fully enjoying and understanding the book.

It doesn't get better than Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Whether you're the hopeless romantic or you just love the classics, you're going to love this book. Though I am only sixteen, I consider myself to be moderately well-read. I love reading, and, when I am between books, my life feels desolate and empty. One day, while in the most barren pit of ennui, I picked up Pride and Prejudice at my mother's recommendation. I do not ordinarily like my mother's taste in reading; her favorite books tend to be very dull, but so deep was my boredom that I succumbed to her suggestion. I wasn't displeased with what I found. I fell in love with the book at the first sentence. I brought my beloved book to the dinner table, to my classes and late into the night. I love everything about it. I love the characters; especially Elizabeth Bennet! I love the Victorian vernavular which works so well for this particular novel. I love the scintillating plot and the suspense created by knowing that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy should be together but their pride and prejudice (hence the title) are temporarily keeping them apart. The language that the novel is written in might be a little more difficult to read than contemporary literature, but once one gets accustomed to it, it makes the novel even more pleasurable. I cannot imagine Elizabeth or Darcy or Bingley or any of the other characters speaking any less eloquently; it would ruin the whole experience! The flowery language completes the whole effect of reading a Jane Austen novel. If a disgruntled female reader put down Pride and Prejudice, pick it back up! I strongly suggest it because it may prove to be tedious at first but if read again, it would probably read more easily. I can offer no suggestions to the male reader, however, because generally this book, in ever essence, is a female novel. I am not saying that men would definetly not enjoy it; I'm simply saying that I have yet to meet any male who has not addressed this book in a very vehement manner. I simply love this book in its entirety, and I know it won't be too long before I pick it up again. Jane Austen surely knew what she was doing when she wrote this one! Her Pride and Prejudice will always have an honored spot on my bookshelf.

This is a very good, entertaining novel. Its 400 pages take the reader through less than a year in the life of one family of two parents and four adult children. Much happens to the family, and to my mind that was the one drawback of the book. Too much happens in too short a space of time. As such the book takes on an almost mythical aspect as tragedy after tragedy is heaped upon the lead characters. Perhaps Terry McMillan was using the short timespan as a device, and if so I would be grateful to understand why.

That being the only drawback for me, what of the positive side. The novel tackles some very difficult issues. The very downhome nature of the central character Viola, brings humour to some of these issues whilst not taking away any of their power. The other characters are all well-drawn, through their struggles. These characters, and some of the smaller characters - I particularly liked Brenda - easily engage the reader, on a journey to find out how these characters situations will go.

I personally prefer Waiting To Exhale, but this is another fine novel from Terry McMillan.

Viola price is the matriarch of a fairly typical family. Now that the children are grown and moved away, husband Cecil has left her in search of lost youth. Her only son Lewis is the family scapegoat, always in trouble, not living up to his potential. Paris, the first-born is trying to be the perfect one, while Janelle is trying to devine her place in the world, and Charlotte is just plain mad for being overlooked all these years. As it has been all her mothering life, Viola knows that she doesn't have enough time or energy or money, and heavens knows she can't make her children's lives better. If anything, Viola's plainspokeness has made it even harder for her to reach her children. Each family member is struggling to cope with their own life, and their worries about their mother and her asthma. It is an acute asthma attack that first brings this family back together, and sets in motion the events that shake them out of their comfort zones. Terry McMillan has written an energetic tale of family life. It is a compelling read, very character driven and each character has a distinct voice. It is a tale of the bonds that tie families together and the love that can't fix everything, but can make a life worth living.

After 5 years of waiting for Terry McMillan to come out with another witty novel that displays the genius of her creativity, I can exhale! Okay, I know the pun is a bit corny but that's the way I felt after reading A Day Late and A Dollar Short. McMillan gives her readers another masterpiece with strong characters, intriguing plot, and realistic scenes like the ones portrayed in her previosu novels such as Mama, Waiting To Exhale, and Disappearing Acts.

A Day Late and A Dollar short is centered on the lives of the Price family and is told through the eyes of its 6 main characters: Viola (the matriach of the clan), Cecil (the patriach), Paris (the oldest sister), Charlotte (the middle sister), Lewis (the only brother), and Janelle (the youngest sister). Each character has their unique voice and situation they encounter trying to make their way into this world. The Prices also deal with the typical problems that occur in every family such as divorce, sibling rivalry, extramarital affairs, and of course, death. But no matter what obstacles the Prices overcome, they are still a family and pardon the cliche, but "blood is thicker than water."

Terry McMillan does a fantastic job of testing each characters' strengths and weaknesses in her book. Don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing or shedding a tear here and there. I know I did but I'll let you judge for yourself. The final chapter when the family comes together for Thanksgiving dinner is entertaining, especially the "motherly advice" Mrs. Viola Price dispenses for everyone. You'll enjoy A Day Late and A Dollar Short because it is a good fiction book anyone can relate to regardless of race and gender.

An outstanding book. This book is a decent look at humanity. It is a simple explanation of human nature. All of these are descriptions of a novel I recently read by the name, "Of Mice and Men" by a well-known author John Steinbeck. I would rate this book 8 on a scale of 10 because I learned so much about the way we treat others and their reactions, told through a man who has had much experience with the subject. Lennie, a big dumb, jock, was born slow, mentaly incapable of reacting to daily life. After George, a caring yet riggid man befriends him early in child hood, the two become traveling partners and best buddies. George becomes weary of Lennie's childish ways and misachievous antics, which continually causes the pair trouble and forces them to skip around the country.
"That ranch we're goin' to is right down there about a quarter mile. We're gonna go in an' see the boss. Now, look-- I'll give him the work tickets, but you ain't gonna say a word. You jus' stand there and son't say nothing. If he finds out what a crazy ... you are, we won't get no job, but if he sees ya work before he hears ya talk we're set. Ya got that?"
This story is special because all aspects of diction, from all characters are described in simple English. The story had no useless vocabulary or pointless explaining, just a plain dexcription of the people. The story also uses vivid imagery when George tells Lennie about how they were going to own a ranch and Lennie can raise rabbits. Steinbeck reveals the simle truth about racism, dgradation, and jelousy. People in the book are struggling to overcome an obstacle that holds them back. At their final stop, they meet all types of people, which teach them about diversity and how to deal with it. The story's resolution reveals how humans deal with the sorrow of our society. The outcome may shock us, yet it seems just in it's own irony. I sincerely suggest this book to those looking to explore humanity and to those who would like to know what friendship and loyalty is and if you liked "To Kill a Mocking Bird" or "The Catcher in the Rye", you will like this book because I, Jamil Faruque a student of Falls Church HS, have read both of these books which shows similarities with "Of Mice and Men"

My name is Kelly, and I am a junior in high school and I was recently assigned to read John Stienbeck's novel OF MICE AND MEN. I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book, for many different reasons. For instance, Steinbeck uses a storyline that grabs the attention of all ages, young or old. In the begining, we are introduced to George and Lennie the novel's two main characters. They are fleeing from their former hometown in search of a new job opportunity on a ranch located in the Salinas Valley. The two fathem a dream of owning their own ranch one day with lots of acres and rabbits. They work out a plan to earn money so this dream can be fulfilled. While on the ranch the young childish Lennie is objected to numerous situations, in which they put George in akward posiitions. George's loyalty is constantly tested throughout the novel. With a surprise ending their dream seems to fade away. This book is one everyone should read, because it teaches the meaning of friendship and the "American Dream".

This novel is about friendships and dreams shared by two men named George and Lennie. They dream about one day owning a farm. George acts as a father figure to Lennie, who is large and simpleminded, calming him and helping him to control his physical stength. After the death of Lennie's Aunt Clara, George took care of Lennie. As the author, John Steinbeck did an excellent job introducing each character. I really connected with all the characters. The theme of friendship, struggle, and following a dream was beautifully written. I thought that the book Of Mice and Men was great because it never got boring. I was not able to put the book down. This novel will leave you with a lot of diffrent emotions; it touched me deeply because it reflected true events in my life about hardship and friendships. I recommend this book to everyone.

Being from Anoka, Minnesota, I was quite amused when reading Seeking Out Harry. How Minnesotan Linda Coleman ever chose my hometown is beyond me, although, surprisingly, it seemed the perfect setting for Cassie Callahan to live. Coleman nailed Anoka, blue collar, clannish, small townish despite its size, yet the only place on earth to live like it was for family patriarch Angelo Scarpelli. It's a wonderful, meaty book, and the only thing preventing five stars was its lack of better editing. But Coleman will get it right next time. She definitely has a knack for characters.

The book Seeking Out Harry is more than a 'cute' plot. Coleman is trying to tell us that everyone has some degree of passion (or are we even alive?) And it's how we use this passion on our road through life and let it guide our decisions that matters, not the passion itself. Coleman wants us to examine this concept through her characters Cassie and Jack. And I did. The book definitely made me think.

In Seeking Out Harry, Coleman, I believe, was doing a comparison between passion and desire. True passion, she expressed as being beneficial to self and others while desire 'can' be self- destructive, selfish, greedy, and could very much hurt others if channeled improperly. In terms of the two main characters, Cassie had a desire to be a famous author and Jack, a desire to be a bigshot in Hollywood. Both desires came at huge costs, and neither, Coleman makes us discover is 'passion' like they profess. The only true passion in the whole long book belongs to a tap dancer who makes magic on the movie screen and a voodoo woman whose passion lies in her memories, her turtles, and her art. I doubt that I'll ever casually say, "I have a passion again" after reading this book. I enjoyed it immensely.