David James Duncan is a Montana writer. I arrived at THE BROTHERS K after first reading his RIVER WHY (1988) and MY STORY AS TOLD BY WATER (2001). "I only know that the one thing, perhaps the only thing we can always be certain of," one of Duncan's unforgettable characters observes in THE BROTHERS K, "is that our lives will turn out very differently, and much more darkly, than most of us ever dream as children" (p. 214). Grandawma's insight maps the course of Duncan's poignant novel, which is perhaps similar to Dostoevsky's 1880 Russian classic only in its epic length (645 pages), and in its larger themes of war and peace, crime and punishment, and love, family and death that run through it. Okay, and there's also a goat named "Chekov."

Set mostly in Camas, Washington, Duncan's poignant novel follows the memorable Chance family through three decades, the 1950s through the 1970s, and around the world to Vietnam, Canada, and India. Along the way, the Chance siblings (four precocious brothers and their twin sisters) establish their independence from their parents, Papa Hugh, a talented bush-league pitcher with a toe for a thumb, and Mama Laura, a devout Adventist with a painful secret in her past. Through Kincaid Chance's narrative, we also follow the lives of his brothers, Everett, a draft dodger, Peter, "a scholar monk" (p. 414), and Irwin, a gentle, Christian foot soldier. At one point in the novel, Kincaid finds his family rallying together, "headed for an insane asylum in California. We looked more as if we'd escaped from one. But in the pouring gray rain, I felt clarity. With the war still raging, I felt at peace. With Papa in despair, Everett in prison and Irwin in the asylum, I felt release. I didn't understand my feelings, didn't even desire them, really, but they kept filling me so full that my eyes began to well" (p. 564). THE BROTHERS K is a novel about crash landing in a good place (p. 398), and a novel you won't soon forget.

G. Merritt

THIS BOOK IS TRULY AMAZING! Not knowing anything about baseball, the 60's, organized religion, or having a large family, i found I could relate to every character in an infinite number of ways! Duncan's writing is fabulous and the characters are wonderful, the story is epic, and the book with its 700 pages was far too short in my mind! I wish every book was as joyful, bitter, heartwrenching and funny as this one. EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT! The world would be a better place.

Sigh. Who has time for the epics anymore? Not a college student, it would seem. "Read?" most scoff. "I haven't got time, what with my busy schedule, for a short story, let alone a big book that reaches nearly 700 pages in length."

Still, somewhere out there is the rare reader who likes the challenge an epic presents, loves to get lost in fascinating, multi-layered characterizations and plots that expand over decades.

For those readers, there is David James Duncan's 1992 offering, "The Brothers K." It excels on all those fronts I just mentioned, and on several more.

But when a friend recently handed it over to me, suggesting that I take a look, I too balked at its size:

"Look at it! Are you trying to kill any semblance of a social life I may have? This thing is mammoth and unwieldy!"

But my friend was persistent and so I went home and took a look. And soon became lost in the words, the story, the characters.

"Brothers K" is about the Chance family. Father Hugh is a mill worker who used to be the most promising baseball player around, until an accident at the mill cost him his dream. Mother Laura clings obsessively to her Adventist religion, since it once protected her from the darkest hour of her past.

Together, they have four boys and two twin girls. Everett is the oldest, a charming, witty rogue who doesn't share Laura's faith. Peter is next, and is a fellow cynic. Irwin is the large and innocent third child. Kincaid is a blank slate, who serves as the readers' eyes in the guise of the book's narrator.

The twin girls, Bet and Freddy, come later and more or less fulfill the role of younger sisters to the four brothers and little else, although they have a heartbreaking scene involving their grandmother's death that paves the way for the story to come full circle later.

Those are the characters. There is a plot, but Duncan takes it so lackadaisically and slow across the sands of time that in essence it can all be summed up in one word: Lifetime. For this is very much the saga of the Chance family, and all of their adventures therein.

We literally see the Chance boys grow up before our very eyes, watch as their characters age and grow, or regress, experience life and flirt with death.

Around halfway through the book, the four brothers (the "K" is an allusion to "The Brothers Karamazov," by Fyodor Dostoyevsky) each go off in search of their own way; Everett becomes a draft-dodger, Peter a philosopher, Kincaid a hippie, and Irwin goes to fight in Vietnam.

There is no rush on Duncan's part to tell the story, and so there can be no rush from the reader to finish it.

For this is a book in which the getting there is very much the draw, and readers are rewarded their patience by Duncan's sense of humor, sometimes gentle, other times abrasive, many times subtle and always hilarious.

But if you're the sort who seeks immediate gratification and "lite" escape from your reading, "Brothers K" is told in a series of broken up chapters and chapters-within-chapters, making it easier to simply pick it up, read a section or two and then return to whatever else you were doing.

If you can, that is. It's a hypnotic, intoxicating read, which will make putting the book down difficult.

And when you finally do finish, if you're like me, you will be so moved from the whole experience you will have to leave the room and walk the book off. It's that good.

Upon returning to your room, of course, there will be the brand-new temptation to pick it up and start all over again.

This book is, in a word, Tromatic. All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I learned from The Toxic Avenger is both an indespensible rescource and holy book for the true Troma fan, as well as being a wonderful introduction for non-Tromites into the wonderful, hairy world that is Tromaville. But that's not all. All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I learned from The Toxic Avenger gives both instruction and hope to enterprising independant filmmakers. Instruction in the form of such pearls of wisdom as "Make sure there are enough toilets" and "The MPAA sucks" and hope in that once you realise Troma Studios can make movies and be reasonably successful at it, there's no reason why you or your sock puppet Merv can't be. In truth, All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I learned from The Toxic Avenger, is an extremely funny, well written tome filled with wry humor, studio anecdotes, graphic discriptions of vomiting green toxic ooze (complete with directions to do so yourself) and great photographs. It is also very thick, and perfect for use in fixing uneven chair legs or stacked with phonebooks as a step stool. After reading this book, you too will be shouting "Long Live Troma!"

Catching a screening of Troma's new film "Terror Firmer" at the Chicago Film Festival, I had the great experience of meeting Mr. Lloyd Kaufman, one of the nicest people I'm ever likely to come into contact with. He told me I should go on Amazon.com and review his fabulous book, "All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned From The Toxic Avenger." Coming from most famous people (yeah, he's famous), telling a fan to boast them up might sound kind of arrogant, but not from Mr. Kaufman. He has got to be one of the last true caring people in the film world and it shows in his excellent book. The book is packed with anecdotes, insights, how-to techniques and plenty of other elements to keep even non-Troma fans interested and amused. I've never found myself laughing out loud so much at a book before. It's hilarious. I suggest reading this book and John Waters' "Shock Value" back-to-back to truly discover what kind of minds make films of the most fantastic and questionable "art" of our times.

"Back in the day," when I was about thirteen-years-old, I considered myself a movie buff because I had seen every movie in the local megaplex from Scream to She's All That. As the most seasoned movie fan on earth, I took it upon myself to do a little read on film. This book changed my whole world around. Not only is the lough-out-loud humor spot on, but the book does everything it sets out to do from giving you insight and history on Troma to teaching you the tricks of the trade of a true independent filmmaker. While "indie" films continue to become more watered down and mainstream, Troma is only getting smarter, funnier, and sicker, while remaining true to its roots. Certain publishers are looking into the prospect of offering Lloyd another book deal, and reviews like this on amazon from readers can really help push the deal in his favor so, please, if you have any thoughts please post them. This is a book not to be missed by anyone who loves independent film, loves Troma, or is looking for a good hearty laugh.

One April morning of 1366, a young girl rides to join her sister at court in Windsor. The young girl was Katherine. There, a boorish knigh, Sir Hugh falls madly in love with her, but Katherine isn't interested. She is persuaded to marry him for her own security, but she has no love for him, nor even any affection.

Katherine has also caught the eye of the King's third son, John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster. Something in the handsome duke's kiss on her wedding day, arouses in Katherine feelings she had never known and she seeks out the duke at every opportunity.

In the laws of God and man, their love is forbidden, but the seed of passion has been sown which will change the course of English history...

This was a brilliant book, difficult to put down. All the history is there, but told through the eyes of the characters, making it that much more real. There's even a cameo appeareance by Goeffrey Chaucer! (Who wrote the Canterbury Tales.)

One to re-read again.

Reviewed by Annette Gisby, author of Silent Screams and Shadows of the Rose.

I fell in love with this book the first time I read it, more than 40 years ago, as a teenager who hated history and never dreamed the past could be so exciting and romantic. I must have cried my way through three boxes of tissues before I finished it. I still have my falling-apart first edition hardbound copy, and I reread it once a year. If only more writers could recreate history and make the reader care about the people who made it, we might be a wiser and kinder civilization now. Anya Seton was a master, one of a kind, and I'm glad she lived and wrote every time I pick up "Katherine" again for another venture into her 14th century world.

This work is well-written, factual, and breathes such life into the characters and time in which they lived (15th-century England) that the reader becomes so engrossed as to actually feel drawn into the everyday existence and "romance" of the Medieval World, its history, philosophy, religion, intrigue, etc.

It is one of the best books I've ever read, and I heartily agree with other reviewers. I don't know how many copies I've given away to the "literate uninformed" and I don't know how many times I've read it, but I developed an incredible crush on John of Gaunt--enough to research his life--and was thrilled that he committed the unheard of sin of marrying his longtime mistress,Katherine. It was no wonder that the Church fathers damned her to hell; she was beautiful, intelligent, and a woman for the ages.

While I was teaching medieval history to my 6th grade students, I used much of the factual information as reference during my lectures (also authenticating Miss Seton's research). She vividly describes events, places and people to such a degree that history came alive and vital. I loved every minute of the many times I read and reread "Katherine" and I will no doubt read it again very soon. I have never found another book that I identified with so closely, and everytime I find someone who has not been exposed to Anya Seton and her works, I descend upon them with a vengence.

Why hasn't "Katherine" been made into a film? It has all the characteristics of a smash hit: great plot, real people, romance, intrigue, excitement, and visual splendor. Mr.Spielberg where are you?

A coffeehouse friend loaned me this thin book and encouraged me to read it. "It's one of my favorites," she said, smiling enthusiatically. Derived from his own "meditation and experience," James Allen (1864-1912) wrote this inspirational, turn-of-the-century book on the eve of the Industrial Revolution in England. He gets right to the point of his book in its opening sentence: "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he." We are literally what we think, Allen explains, and our character is the sum of all our thoughts. "Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results," he writes. "This is but saying that nothing can come from corn but corn, nothing from nettles but nettles. Men understand this law in the natural world, and work with it; but few understand it in the mental and moral world."

Life is complicated and Allen is frequently simplistic, but his little book should not be underestimated. Short in length but deep in content, it will take you on a life-affirming journey through seven chapters in which Allen asserts that life is better lived with self-control, right thought, and calmness. His observations will appeal to deep-thinking contemplatives and visionaries, alike. A calm, contemplative man, he observes, is like "a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land, or a sheltering rock in a storm. 'Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet-tempered, balanced life? It does not matter whether it rains or shines, or what changes come to those possessing these blessings, for they are always sweet, serene, and calm'." The dreamers are "the saviors of the world," Allen writes, and our dreams are "the seedlings of realities." "The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird waits in the egg; and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs." And for those "tempest-tossed souls" seeking more tranquility and balance in their life, Allen's book offers an excellent starting point to a sweeter life.

G. Merritt

I picked up this book because of the title, how we think and why is an interesting subject, but this book goes beyond that. I loved how the book immediately went to the point of it's subject. It explains how we as human thinking machines can alter our lives for the better just through our thought process, James Allen gives a simple explanation on how what we think is what we are. As deep and way out there as it may sound, he doesn't just babble, he gets to the point with examples and explanations of why this is so. The book just gives you the key to this power we all have and can easily develop by just changing our thoughts. There's a chapter for different aspects of our lives, and it's easily read in a short time, I've read it 5 times myself, and love it everytime. It's a very positive and inspirational book, and written decades ago by a man "I Beleive" really cares, and was not out just to make money on this "New Age Generation" (with no offense to other authors, there are good ones out there)

I ran into this little book in a bargain bin. And what a bargain it was! It clearly shows how the workings of your mind have a direct effect on your life. Like the old computer adage, "Garbage in, garbage out", it shows how we sabotage ourselves with our own thoughts and further reduce our energy to deal with whatever comes our way. It also made me think of the people I have known who have inspired me or brought me down, what kind of person they were, and how they thought about life. Negatives will get you nowhere! Although I'm in my 60's now, I wish I had read this book as a teenager. The precepts in this book can only help you to be more fulfilled, successful, giving, centered, wise, and happy to be you! Buy this book, or even more to give away, because you won't want to let yours go. I just keep going back to mine. After reading this little gem, I got the book called "The Wisdom of James Allen, which contains 5 of his inspiring essays, including this one. We should share the word about this amazing and under-appreciated writer to those around us.

I don't know where to start. I am overwhelmed from reading the reviews. I am thrilled that so many others were as touched by the film as I was. I have seen the movie 11 times, and don't intend to stop--ever. I will be first in line when it comes time to pre-buy the movie. Yes, I have read the book. It is amazing. James Cameron certainly has a way with words. I didn't expect it to hit me so hard, but the first paragraph on the inside cover brought me to tears. Looking at the pictures is like watching the movie again. And by now I know the words.. :-) There has never been a movie like Titanic. Everything about it is awe-inspiring, and the fact that this really happened is what got me so into it. I have become quite the Titanic historian since the release of this film, and it seems like the more I discover, the more I want to go back to the theaters. I am happy even when the movie is sold out because that means it is accomplishing what James Cameron set out to do. It is touching the lives of millions of people and opening their eyes to one of the greatest tragedies of all time. I get choked up every time I try to write how I feel about this movie and book, and everything surrounding them, and so I will just say that never before have I been so fascinated and broken-hearted at the same time. I hope that Titanic continues in it's huge success, and you can all bet that I'll be doing my part to keep it going strong. Oh, and if anyone wants someone to talk to about the movie who will share in their excitement and not think they're loony for seeing the movie so many times, feel free to email me!!

James Cameron has done every person interested in Titanic the Movie, a huge favor. This book gives you some idea of the massive undertaking that is this Movie. I have been interested in Titanic since I was 10 years old. I know a lot about the Titanic, but James Cameron has brought life to the passengers and crew of the doomed liner. Note in the one scene where Cameron has Jack "lift" a coat from a deck chair, while a small boy plays with a toy top, and his father looks on. This scene was taken from real life, as a photo was taken of this actual scene by a passenger who departed at either Queenstown, Ireland or Cherbourg, France. Cameron duplicated every item. Some are only seen for a fraction of a second, as witness the racks of china falling over as the ship begins it's final plunge. That china is absolutely correct and Cameron had it duplicated from the original maker. The boat davits were made by the makers of the original. Quality tells, and this book tells more... Cameron used the love story to tell the tragic story of hundreds of lives entertwined and ultimately, lost that fateful night 86 years ago April 14-15. It is a MUST READ.

After seeing the movie, I knew I had to learn more about James Cameron and the making of this perfect story. I have been so moved by the film. I feel this way not only because of the tradgedy itself but by the outstanding performances, the breathtaking music, and fantastic effects. I felt like I was on the Titanic, feeling their panic and their love. It was truly an unforgetable experience. This book opened my eyes to the unbelievable amount of time and energy that everyone involved put forth. I would like to thank them all for giving the world another chance to relive this story.

Lewis gives us excellent insight and perspective on the nature of temptation and how Satan works. The work is set up as correspondances between a beaucrat in hell and his nephew Wormwood. The letters are advice and training for Wormwood who is given charge of luring certain people down to Hell. The book is entertaining, humorous, but also deep and should strike a chord with those expiriencing strong temptation in their life towards some form of evil. The best way to fight your enemy is to know him, and this book is an theory on how the devil and his angels might work to take souls away from God. The book is also very easy to read, and without the pretentious philosophical jargon that theologians use. It's down to earth, common sense theology taught in story form. An excellent work!

Witty, brief (no chapter more than four pages, the book easily read in an afternoon), timeless Truth presented with refreshing satire aimed where it should, C.S. Lewis' legendary "Screwtape Letters" is at once soul and brain food.

Lewis tells his story through the title character, an experienced devil instructing his apprentice nephew to lure a young man to condemnation. The apprentice, Wormwood, tempts with everything from family (distancing prayers for the man's mother from behavior toward her) to social circle (flippant friends stray him from his new life, a new girlfriend moves him closer to it) to work and even worship.

Lewis then flips God's love and law into effective, ironic Satanic reverses. He shows temptation most effective and deadly in its smallest doses: prayer posture, creation and consideration of an Historical Point of View (including an historical Jesus as opposed to One of faith). Lewis redefines gluttony, defends Puritanism, shows the misunderstanding of romantic feelings in love and sex, and misperception of the large ever-broken promise, "The Future." (This book must be read if only to debunk one of Henry Ford's most famous quotes and the cliched, selfish phrase "impose on my time.")

Lewis shows (and Screwtape plants) the landmines of an early Christian walk: the role of a Church, of humor and the temptation inherent in its roots, Christian truth made trivial and a commodity beside social causes. He even dissects everyday, mundane pleasures (books, walks, music, wine, dated references to cigarettes) for their own sake and not as means to follow an ever more mediocre crowd.

Lewis' final Screwtape letter is his most moving. Sarcasm joins sanctification as we learn target's and tempter's final fate. It ties to themes present throughout Lewis' letters and providing fodder for his conjoined, equally humorous essay, Screwtape Proposes A Toast: "The safest road to Hell is the gradual one...without milestones, without signposts..." This absolutely essential book is just such signpost; "The Screwtape Letters" is joyful, instructional, fun reading for anyone wishing to know what forces fight for the human soul.

One of the best, and most influential, Christian authors of any time, C. S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters" is a compelling, and chilling, fictional look at what goes on behind our back in the demonic spirit world.

Screwtape, an upper level demonic spirit, often writes his subordinate, Wormwood, a demonic spirit assigned to misguide and misdirect a human on earth. The letters explain to Wormwood how he would best accomplish his mission of keeping the human our of the Enemy's (God's) hands and ensure that when he dies he goes straight to blazes.

What is most chilling about "The Screwtape Letters" is that, even after all of these years, how much a person can see of themselves in them. Letter after letter seemed to be talking about me directly. Time and time again I saw one demonic trap after another I had fallen into being explained in a letter.

I have to caution you, however. This book is not an easy read. C. S. Lewis did not attempt to write a book that everybody could understand. You will probably have to spend some time re-reading many letters and looking up words in your dictionary and/or concordance for a better understanding of what is being said. This can become quite frustrating, but when you are able to break through and understand a letter you will be able to see how it can apply to your own life.

If you were ever interested in getting a better understanding of how the Enemy and his demonic spirits work, this is a great book to do it with. But be warned: you will learn something about yourself in the process.

Having only the cursory knowledge of Iwo Jima from the immortalized "photograph" and monument near Arlington National Cemetary, reading "Flags of Our Fathers" was an eye-opening experience. Born in the late 60's, I grew up in with war and its after-effects having little impact on my own personal life (somehow my immediate family escaped any time in the military). In this deeply personal account of the events surrounding Iwo Jima, James Bradley gives the reader a detailed account of the famous battle that no high school history class lesson could do justice to. From the "underground city" of Iwo to the facts surrounding the quite accidental photographic capture of the incidental second flagraising, the book is both educational and fairly quick read.

I was a little put-off early in the early stages of the book. In leading up to the actual battle, Bradley seemed to have already elevated the six flagraisers to godlike status. But having finished "Flags," one can easily forgive the author for the high reverence he holds for these individuals now knowing how each of their stories ended. Having recently visited Washington, I stopped at the US Marine Corps Memorial near the end of my trip. I did not know the names or stories of the men behind the impressive statues. Reading "Flags" made me initially regret what, at the time, had been a fairly unemotional visit to yet another DC monument. While that changed as I read "Flags" (I pulled out the photos I had taken several times while reading), I ultimately believe that the surviving flag raisers (particularly the author's father, John Bradley) would be quite happy that I did not associate them with the celluloid or bronze images that dogged them for the remainder of their lives.

It is heartening to see the success of this book. While not a scholarly historical work, Bradley has done a great service in recording these men's stories and the brave efforts of all who have ever fought for their country.

Seriously, five stars are just too few for a monumental book like this one. This book is an instant classic that should live for all time! If you are like me, you have a whole story built up in your mind around one of the most famous photographs in American history -- the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. If you are also like me, there is little reality behind that story in your mind.

Written by the son of one flag-raising Marine, this amazing story should be read by everyone. It tells a tale of heroism, horrible circumstances, and the lasting consequences of an unexpected event in a compelling, unforgettable way. This book rivals All Quiet on the Western Front for its revealing insights into the nature of war, comradeship, and courage.

To set the stage, Iwo Jima was the first Japanese soil the Marines invaded. The Emperor had issued orders that the ground was to be defended to the last man. Iwo Jima was filled with tunnels that harbored over 20,000 Japanese troops who could shoot from relative safety while Americans were out in the open. The tunnel system was so extensive that Marines would literally be kidnapped while standing next to their buddies, and no one would know where they had gone. Rocks would suddenly open up to reveal mortars.

Tough fighting went on for days. The Marines lost 7,000 dead and had another 15,000 or more wounded out of 70,000 men. Ironically, the worst of the fighting came after the flag photograph, and three of the six Marines in the photograph died in this later action.

As tough as Iwo Jima was, living with the aftermath of the photograph was even harder in many ways. Two of the three survivors had their lives deeply affected in negative ways. The story of all three riveted me more than anything I have read in years.

I read fairly few books about war, but I cannot recommend this book enough to you. As Americans we owe it to those who fought in this battle to remember what actually happened and what the repercussions are. You will be moved at a deeper level than you can possibly imagine by this outstanding book.

Remember Iwo Jima!

I was only 5 when the attack on Iwo Jima took place. My own father, by virtue of age, good luck and a naval officer's commission escaped conscription into this particular hell. My personal wartime experience is a vague one of watching free movie musicals at the Ottumwa Iowa Naval Air Station, squashing and saving tin cans for the war effort and finally weaving red white and blue crepe paper into the spokes of my junior bike in celebration of VJ day. Thanks to a new book about World War II, I am discovering what it was really like back then to feel true patriotism. It is a bittersweet revelation, but a very valid one.

"Flags of Our Fathers" is a book which appeals not only to the die-hard WWII buff but to any person, male or female, with an interest in a teeth clenching, powerful and poignant story. It describes a horrible battle, the incredible selfless sacrifices of young men and the angst of their families.

James Bradley & Ron Powers have brought to vivid life the real people behind the famous flag-raising mythos, the surreal war in which they so valiantly fought and the survivors' eventual reentry into civilian life. This is an adventure story of true horrific experiences. On the surface it is a "good guy-bad guy" saga in which our good guys finally triumph. The good guys lucky enough to come home are quiet, self effacing and seemingly forever linked to the ghosts of those who did not survive. In an age before psychologists had discovered and mined "survivor's guilt" and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the luckiest of these largely teenaged boys trained, fought, were wounded, came back and resumed living to the best of their ability. I defy any woman not to bleed for the mothers and fathers who waited and any man not to cry for the "uncommon valor" of these very young sons. Bradley's personal experiences with his own hero father, his intimate interviews with families of these sons and his own quiet faith are melded with the poetic prose of Ron Powers into a seamless whole.

This is a meticulously researched, lovingly crafted and stunning battle book, written by exceptional men about exceptional men. It is sure to become a classic.

In his book "The Five Languages of Love" Dr. Chapman makes the reader view their relationship in ways they never thought of before. In fact he even gives examples where partners knew what was wrong but not how to fix it and by realizing what their language was they were able to work their relationships and marriages out. It was a wonderful read full of heartfelt expressions from a counselor to his patients, that came through as more of a friend to friend one-on-one style, or the shoulder you wish you could cry on kind of read. It was full of fresh information that will make you reconsider how you've viewed your relationship no matter how long you've been together. I was very pleased to find it was not another dry, textbook example of statistical facts and hypothesis put out for you to draw your own conclusions about. In fact he shows time and again real cases where this method works even in the worst situations! It is a terrific read that I finished in a few hours and will be sure to pass along to my friends. I can't wait to get started implementing what I've learned.

I am not going to tell you about the authors writing techniques or anything else, I am going to tell you what this book has done for me.
A friend (male) suggested I read this book some time ago. Since I dont read relationship books I laughed it off, and continued with my relationship. By that time I had been in my relationship with a man for 7 years, and though we love eachother we just always seemed to fight. He didnt understand me, and I guess I didnt understand him either. My boyfriend and I decided to split and I left the country. One day I was bored and picked up the book, and from page one it made sense. I read the book in 3 hours, and I couldnt wait to call my (then ex) boyfriend back in the states. I told him about it, and asked him if he would read it. He said yes, and so I had a copy mailed to him. He read it, and everything started to come together for him also. A month later he asked me to come home, and I agreed. I can tell you these last 2 months have been the best time we have spent together in the 8 years we have been together. I wish I had the book a long time ago. Now I suggest it to everyone I know, and everyone loves it. Do yourself a favor and buy this book, it might just change your life too.

With communication being the number one factor in making relationship work, this is a must read for both spouses. Chapman hits the "nail on the head" as he uncovers the five languages of love: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch

Chapman clearly explains each language in a five chapters. Along the way, he includes experiences from real-life couples. After uncovering each language, Chapman uses the next couple of chapters to help the reader discover his or her own love language as well as the spouse's.

Whether you are newlyweds or have been married for years, this book is highly recommended above any other book on marriage. More than likely, a reader will discover they have misunderstood a mate because they were using the wrong language! I'm seeing my mate in completely different light now. :)

--- reviewed by Ty for Christian Bookshelf

I read this book as a child, and very happily reorded it when a memory of it surfaced. The plot is as excellent as I remembered it. A young boy named Milo finds the entire world to be completely uninteresting, and he's already bored, cyncial and jaded, despite the fact that he can't be more than 12 years old. Somebody gives him a way to explore, and he's off to a fantastic land of imagination in his little electric car. Once there, he finds that knowledge and thought have become personified. He encounters cities of words and numbers, a woman who guards and saves sounds, he literally jumps to Conclusions, takes a swim in the sea of knowledge. The main plot involves Milo and some assorted friends (my favorite is the watch-dog Tock, who has a real watch on him, but then I've always loved dogs) rescuing two princesses who are trapped in the Mountains of Ignorance. Milo must battle all of the demons that plauge goodness and knowledge to accomplish his goal. Along the way, he discovers that he and the world are much more interesting and exciting than he thought. Besides that, another little gem is hidden in here. Life is not just about learning and pursuing knowledge. There are many varities and experiences out there. Math, science, art, history and so on. The key is not just learning about them, but learning how to balance them so that they all work together to make us better people. Milo got the message in the end, and I hope that more follow in his footsteps. This book is written on a children's level, but the author never talks down to kids or patronizes them. It's a pleasant read for all ages. Enjoy!

After my first reading of 'The Phantom Tollbooth', it became,and still remains, my favorite young reader book. I wrote two book reports on it for my middle school reading classes. I even received a copy of it as a tenth birthday present. Ever since, I've read it from cover to cover at least once a year.

As a child, I enjoyed reading the strange adventures of a bored Milo embarking on his legendary quest. As an adult, I enjoy the tome's play on words, such as the Whether man ("It's more important to know whether there will be weather, rather than what the weather will be") and the Isle of Conclusions, a place you have to jump to to get there. I also love the book's personifying such abstract concepts as statistics, like the (literally) half a child that Milo meets who's the end result of the average family having 2.58 children. It also has neat takes on people's points of view, like the boy who grows down, rather than up. Needless to say, it's pretty apparent that even though I loved this book as a kid, I appreciate it much more as an adult.

If you remember reading this as a child, I strongly recommend you give it a look again. You'll likely pick up on quite a few things in the story that you might not have gotten the gist of in your youth!

'Late

This book is especially meaningful to those who find life a waste of time. Mr. Norton Juster deserves an applause straight from my heart. I read this book halfway in fifth grade, and it is the first book to entice me to walk into a library, and begin other journeys in the talented hands of hundreds of authors. This little boy is very similar to me, as well as many people, young and old, who find themselves bored with the world. A little boy who mysteriously finds a tollbooth in his room is swept into a journey full of fun and odd surprises: two conflicting royal brothers who fight about words and numbers, The Silent Valley where people protest their rights for the return of sound, a place where people grown down rather than up, and places understandably known as Illusions and Reality. In conclusion Milo finds understanding in King Azaz's words,"...So many things are possible just as long as you don't know they're impossible." This book will take you right on along with Milo, Tock, and the Humbug and show you what makes this book, and life altogether adventurous and beautiful. Although many stories such as Alice in Wonderland are very similar to The Phantom Tollbooth, nothing else has quenched my thirst. For that reason at 20 years old until I die it is and will be my favorite book...Thank you Mr. Norton Juster.

As a young professional single woman, I find Eric Jerome Dickeys writing style of the "90's" to be very fresh, provacative and totally realistic. His style of writing such as in "Cheaters", gets you very involved with the characters from the get go, which makes this book very difficult to put down! You can't wait to find out what is going to go down in the next scenario between Chante and Stephan, or any of the other characters for that fact. I appreciate EJD and his ability to write about such personal and sexual feelings. Coming from a man, this is rare, but he has mastered the art of combining pleasure, entertainment and lust into a meaningful story that we can all relate to. I really enjoy how he individualizes each character within their own chapters, as if they themselves have written it. This gives you great insight on what each character is thinking and how they see and feel about the situation at hand. It is as powerful as Milk In My Coffee, his last hit novel, which amazingly lent a positive and realistic imagery towards interracial realtionships. As a person involved in interracial dating, this really hit home for me and made me look at mistakes I have made in my own dealings. EJD is a great author because he writes REAL stories about REAL characters that everyone can relate to. Keep up the great work ERIC,...cos we all love ya out here and think you are da bomb! I will buy any book you write because I already know it will be great!

By now, I've read all of EDJ's books and am a hugh fan. Cheater's however, was the ultimate, my favorite, and absolutely off the hook. The story was completely engrossing from the first through the last sentence. I hated for the story to end, algthough he brought it to a very satisfying conclusion. As the book cover synoposis explains, the story revolves around the African-American dating scene in L.A., and the trials and tribulations associated with loving them and leaving them on the one hand and finding someone for a one-on-one relationship on the other. It also deals with personal growth and the consequences associated with two people who are either on the same page in terms of their goals and/or are growing together or growing apart (with respect to dreams, plans, aspirations). Lastly, it deals with stunted emotional growth and the personal hell people put themselves and others through as they struggle to deal with their inner pain and/or short-comings. Dickey's treatment of all of the scenerios he creates was truly gifted. The book is funny, serious, poignant, sexy, hot and irresistably engrossing. Dickey should no longer be compared to Terry McMillian (Exhale). He has raised the bar and created the NEW standard in depicting meaningful Africian-American relationships, and penning stories that help us see ourselves, enjoy ourselves and perhaps learn something about ourselves along the way. I'm looking forward to the movie, too! Thanks again, EDJ. I'm eagerly awaiting your next book!

Cheaters is the first book by Mr. Dickey which I've read. It's truly a SUPERB piece of work, and I literally can't wait to read everything he has written! Once I started reading this book, I would of never put it down, if it wasn't for those few hours of sleep I needed at night. Even with all the "cheating" going on, I found the main characters to be engaging, easy to relate to, and their situations mesmerizing. The detail in the erotic scenes captivated me; for the simple fact that Mr. Dickey kept it intense & HOTT! That was a refreshing change from other African-American fiction I've read which seemed to be, ummmmmm, devoid of sexual imagery. As if.......... Anyway, in closing, I would just like to thank Mr. Dickey for keeping it funky and also the enjoyable trip he took me on! PLEASE don't make us wait too long to see, CHEATERS, THE MOVIE!