This is by far the best in all of the Harry Potter book series. Brilliantly written- Harry shows us a depth of analytical thinking not evident in the other adventures. It seems as if this boy wizard has actually grown into a man wizard to write this book, full of theological and philosophical insight. I think his collaborations with "J.K. Rowling" do not hit the same mark of quality and expression as his solo-writing efforts. A must read for all Harry Potter fans!

:-) haha

TM

I must say this is much more interesting than his childhood memories which are Ghostwritten by J.K Rowling, in this book we get to read about Evil Englishmen who get there Just Deserts and how the good old English Religion absolutely justifies the removal of these cretins from the face of the earth, it's a kind of book best enjoyed while sipping some good old Fortnum & Mason tea, nipping at some scrumtious scones with strawberries and clotted cream and listening to Elgar.

Of course Potter is a genius and the works descriping his Magic school years are quite exellent but this work is of such excelence that it must not be overlooked, so do take me and my review seriously and read this Gem.

I have had my copy of the Eastern edition of this book for over 6 years. I own many field guides, but this is the one I turn to time and time again. Great pictures, logical layout, comprehensive coverage. I'm finding more opportunities to travel West, so now I'm looking for the companion. It's a treasure.

I purchased my copy of this book over 10 years ago. Being an amature Ethologist and ardent back packer, I have continously found this field guide very complete and easy to use. Each section gives overviews of general species charactoristics. Specific data is direct, to the point, and covers a broad spectrum of information. Excellent color plates can easily be used to quickly narrow down cassification. This handy book is far superior to any other Field Guide on the market for meeting the challenge of identification of any wildlife encountered localy or on the trail. Why carry a pack full of books and manuals when you can have everything in this great book. Our only mis-fortune is that it is currently not in print, But if you get your hands on a copy, KEEP IT! I am sure you will treasure it as much as I treasure my copy.

For me the highlight of this book is the extract from Shackleton's diary describing the 'furthest south' journey in which Shackleton reached just 97 miles from the pole before being forced to turn back. This turned into an epic struggle for survival (unlike Scott 3 years later, they won) which is splendidly recounted with diary extracts. The rest of the book describes the first ascents of Mount Erebus and the first journey to the south magnetic pole as well as the rest of the expedition. Although it is well to bear in mind that nearly all of these period books were written in a style that shows only the positive side of the expeditions I find them more enjoyable to read than some of the more critical modern descriptions.

Not nearly as well known as the Endurance expedition a few years later I actually found this book more interesting and whole heartedly recommend it.

The epic story of the Endurance expedition has overshadowed Shackleton's earlier Nimrod expedition, during which he and three comrades trekked to within 100 miles of the South Pole and other members of his expedition were the first to climb Mount Erebus and locate the South Magnetic Pole. This is a well-written account and gives a complete overview not only of the expedition but also of Shackleton's careful preparations. Read "South" by all means, but read this book by Shackleton too; it's excellent.

This book is totally based on Scripture that God will use to change your life if you let Him. There is an amazing peace and freedom that comes from repentence. I know it sounds cliched, but this book really did help change my life.

If you are struggling with a sin that won't go away, this book is for you. Herny Brandt and Kerry Skinner use scripture to show us how to get the cure for sin. Many of us have found temporary relief from sin, but this book will guide you to Scripture that gives the cure. There is a workbook that is for a discipleship class, I took the class-very worthwhile.

This book is great in cutting through all of the psychobabble, helping us get to "The Heart of the Problem", and discovering God's powerful life-changing solutions from the Bible. This book is not secular psychotherapy with a thin veneer of scripture, it is scripturally based from the beginning. I use it as a workbook for those I counsel with great success. I have never heard anything but praise for this book from anyone who has used it. It is worth far more than the current price!

Do you want to learn how to cope with a problom or would you rather find a solution to your problem? If you are searchng for real answers on how to live in this very busy and hectic world you need to read this book. Dr. Brandt will give you wonderful insights on how we can live life to the fullest.

A fascinating trip through the halls of power of one Hong Kong family empire, and the modern Western woman who has married into it. Beth Connor navigates the treacherous currents of Hong Kong's business world, and the autocratic Chang family that she has become an essential part of. Set in the year of transition, when Hong Kong is being returned to China's rule, it is a most compelling drama told in the spirit of James Clavell's TAIPAN but with a more contemporary feel.

Henry Luk has built upon his first novel, China Bride, bringing back characters who grow more complex as the series of plots develops. The swashbuckling Irish-American Beth Connor and Chang Wing Hing, the venerable patriarch of the Chang family, never become cariactures--as they might have in the hands of a less skilled (or knowledgeable) writer. In fact, it is the dynamic relationship between these two characters that moves the storyline along in a most satisfying manner.

I look forward to more works of fiction by Henry Luk, and hope he continues this storyline into future books. As Hong Kong slowly throws off the last vestiges of British colonial rule, it is nice to know that there is an author there to chronicle the interaction between this capitalist territory and the communist government that now governs. Highly recommended.

US Olympian Beth Chang nee Connor married fellow Harvard graduate Michael Chang. They left the United States for Hong Kong where Michael is THE HEIR to a large business dynasty. Her in-laws treat her like a devil except the family patriarch Chang Wing Hing who respects Beth for her business acumen, and ability to adapt and learn a new culture.

With the transfer of power from England to China coming soon, everyone expects radical change. However, Beth never realizes how dangerously ambitious her beloved Michael is until the countdown to reunification begins. A disabled Chang Wing Hing turns to Beth to keep the family firm afloat. She steers past bloodthirsty family members who want her to fail even at the cost of the business and piranhas seeing a chance to gain wealth and power with the transfer of Hong Kong to China. She also struggles with the attractive efforts of friend Peter Lau to start an affair.

THE HEIR is a powerful heir to the sensational CHINA BRIDE continuing Beth's story, which provides a look into Hong Kong and China during the final countdown. Although Beth is too perfect as she cleverly adapts to being a fish out of water in a sea of piranhas and sharks, her efforts add depth to a deep plot. The transfer of power is less than five years old, yet Henry Luk gives his book (and the prequel) a historical feel to it. Fans of historical fiction and readers who enjoy contemporary news tales will relish Beth's stories and want to read the next chapter in her life.

Harriet Klausner

I am in the play presently and I play the main part Catherine, a girl of many personalities. The painfully shy insecure one around her father, the lover with her doting admirer, Morris, and the friend with her dear, sweet and hopelessly romantic Aunt Penniman. The various emotions and hidden meanings create a fascinating play with little bit of everything skillfully arranged in a captivating story.

James' "Washington Square" provides the basis for this adaptation of his novella. The story of Catherine Sloper and her romance with Morris Townsend provides not only good drama and well-crafted theatricality, but also paints a picture of a romantic love that is virtually unattainable in reality. Such notable actresses as Wendy Hiller, Beatrice Straight, Jane Alexander, Olivia de Havilland, and Cherry Jones have all played the role of Catherine. This is a marvelous example of the type of well-made made play that graced the Broadway stage fifty years ago.

The Library of America is one of the best organizations. Here at last are both novels, his interesting autobiography, and Mont St Michel all under one roof.

"Democracy" is one of the best political novels of all time and speaking as a denizen of the nation's capital, very little has changed. Esther is attempt deal with the "woman question." Clearly the inspiration of both books is Mrs. Henry Adams. Known as "Voltaire in petticoats" (Henry James), she later tragically took her own life following a period of depression. The death of his wife led to Henry Adams' retirement from public life. This subject is covered in Ernest Samuels' wonderful biography (which I also recommend).

I suggest a look at his biography since the subject of Marion Clover Adams is avoided entirely in "The Education of Henry Adams." Henry Adams may not discuss his wife, but he does touch on nearly everything else of importance in his autobiography. "Growing up Adams," life in Europe with Garibaldi's forces, life at the British legation in London during the Civil War are all addressed. The best and probably the most key chapter in the book is the one entitled "The Virgin and Dynamo." Adams uses the 1876 cenntenial fair as a departure to meditate of the impact of the industrial revolution. Adams believed with the growth of technology that man would somehow outgrow the simple humanity of the Middle Ages (it would have been interesting if Adams had lived long enough to meet someone like Carl Jung to see what he would have to say on this subject!). One of the foremost historians (the Library of America has also issued the history of Jefferson and Madison's Administrations, which is a classic), Adams became interested in the Middle Ages and his survey of the two great cathedrals of France Chartes and Mont St. Michel is the final book in the volume. I cannot recommend this book too highly, it is a must for all fans of Henry Adams and those who would like to experience him for the first time.

While Adams novels (Democracy and Esther) may be lightweight, the other two works included in this volume are two of the best non-fiction American books ever. Adams has the kind of intellect that seems capable of encompassing everything. Like Joseph Campbell or Harold Bloom, Adams often leaves the reader in awe of how much he knows and how he is able to make the connections that so clearly illuminate everything he touches upon. This is one of my favorite volumes in the Library of America series, and I know that anyone who appreciates intelligence, wit, and charm in a writer will enjoy reading it.

Actually, I haven't read this book---my daughter did. To me. Shes a beginning reader and did quite well. She was able to enjoy the story and read it capably---which says something, I think, about the excellent quality of the author. The illustrations were fun, too. Henry's cousin, Annie, "deserves" a nice pet. Search out the perfect pet for her with Henry and his parents.

My name is Morgan ...... and I am six years old. I have read all of the Henry and Mudge books and this one is my all time favorite. I am a big pet fan and Annie finding the perfect pet (she got to choose from a bunch) made me very happy. I could not wait to turn the pages and find out which pet Annie would pick. I was very happy that she choose the cute white bunny. Henry and Mudge books are the best! And my mom loves them too!

Massive Mudge is much more than a mere mutt. He is a tail-wagger, toenail-chewer, moth-eater, and breaker of grandmother's things. Most importantly however, he is Henry's best friend. Beginning readers will feel right at home amongst the words and illustrations of Rylant's tender story about a boy and his bog on a visit to grandmother's house. Unobtrusively, Stevenson's iluustrations harmonize with Rylant's words. Where Rylant describes grandmother's "strange house with a dark yard," Stevenson contributes a double-page illustration depicting the darkness of the yard where a racoon, owl, and assorted bats live. The images buttress the comprehension and readability of challenging words without suffocating them in a sea of lines and color. For example, as Henry voices his anxieties about a bear, bobcat, moth, and mouse, simplistic cartoon-like pictures of each animal are nearby, offering visual clues. Chapters punctuate the book's action-filled but will not intimidate young readers, for the five-word lines within do not exceed 10per page. Lengthy words like "fingernails" appear repeatedly and readers can dissect protracted sentences into more manageable chunks with assistance from commas and brief lines: "Henry bit his fingernails, (new line) Mudge bit his toenails, (new line)and the car drove on." Inexperienced readers, reassured by the resolution of Henry's realistic woes of sleeping in a strange new setting, will see this young dog-lover and comic-book-reader as a contemporary and as a source of comfort. With confidence in their reading, children will become lost in this Henry and Mudge adventure.

The characters of Henry, a little boy, and his big dog Mudge, a St. Bernard almost as big as Henry, appeal to my four-year-old. The easy-to-read, fun to listen to style that Cynthia Rylant brings to these stories is so welcoming that they invite you in like a warm and cozy home on a cold winter's night. These three short stories are just a few of the everyday adventures in the life of Henry and Mudge, told with catchy phrases and lots of character expressions to expose the loving friendship that they embrace. With bedtime a challenge for a pre-schooler (who has a wild immagination), we find this particular book a comforting and reassuring way to end a long day. We highly recommend this entire series, but expecially this selection. Our next favorite is "Puddle Trouble," but do read them all!