This is a surprise. With Herbert, you usually got a gore-fest, and when I started reading this book about a man who finds himself in a dog's body, I imagined there would be lurid descriptions of dogs ripping apart other living things, probably humans. Far from it. This book is as cleverly written and as skilfully told as anything by Richard Matheson or Jonathan Aycliffe, and I do not make such comparisons lightly. 'Fluke' describes the dog's (told in the first person-or should that be in the first dog?) quest to discover his previous humanness. It is a journey both of discovery and self-awareness. Herbert vividly describes what it (probably) feels like to be a dog, capturing the world of smells and canine desires; and the lingering sense of his previous humanity that propels him to discover who he was before he became a dog. The ending is moving without being sentimental. An unusual and satisfying book and one that I can fully recommend.

It was a dog's life for Fluke the puppy until the images that had been haunting his canine mind came into sharp focus - he wasn't supposed to be a dog, he was actually a MAN! How had he ended up in this furry body? What of his wife, his child? What of HIM? Soon, though, the truth came - he the man had died, and had been reincartnated as a dog. And the visions hinted that he had been murdered! This begins a quest as Fluke sets out to his old town, determined to deliver out justice to whoever murdered him...An excellent book and a personal favorite of mine. But the best part of all was Fluke. He remained at all times a dog, even though he had human intelligence and memories, rather than some bizarre mix of human and animal that all too many books have. Fluke's friend Rumbo is also an enjoyable character, even if he did have a passion for crime. One of the best, well-written and beautiful stories I have ever read.

Fluke tells the tale of an abandoned dog named Fluke that has past life memories of being a man, a man that was evidently murdered. Fluke then goes on an odyssey to find his home, his family, and his killer. Getting there alternates between funny and frightening. Herbert shows genuine skill as a fantasist here and I wish it was a talent that he tried explore more often, as this is his best novel.

ES LO QUE HA SOSTENIDO VIVO AL MUNDO...Y LO QUE VAMOS PERDIENDO POCO A POCO ! LOS VALORES Y LAS VIRTUDES !
Jamás serán "cosas del pasado "
ESTE ES UN LIBRO PARA USAR Y ATESORAR EN LA FAMILIA, QUE ES EL NÚCLEO SOBRE EL QUE GIRAN TOIDAS LAS SOCIEDADES DEL MUNDO !"
UN GRAN LIBRO PARA TU CORAZON Y EL DE LOS TUYOS !
LO UNICO QUE LOS MANTEDRÁ A FLOTE EN TODAS LAS TORMENTAS !!

...QUE CONSERVAN UNIDA A LA FAMILIA LATINA. Es como si durante muchas generaciones,nuestros ancestros nos las hubieran heredado y ¡este libro los contiene todos!Es una obra de grandes cimientos morales para nuestros hijos, para nosotros mismos... Me cautivó el libro !!!

ES EL DEBILITAMIENTO DE LOS VALOES Y LAS VIRTUDES..
Y es en la familia donde tienen que sembrarse: Son más importantes que cualquier título universitario...
Y ESTE LIBRO NOS ENSEÑA A REFORZARLOS EN LOS HIJOS Y EN LOS ADULTOS !
Realmente valioso !
PORQUE SI QUEREMOMS MEJORAR AL MUNDO, TENEMOS QUE COMENZAR POR NOSOTROS MISMOS !

this is one book that should be read by everyone who has been hoodwinked by the mass media and unscrupulous authors into believing that the man called nostradamus could predict the future. randi's definitive book not only covers nostradamus's very interesting life, but also the historical and cultural context in which he lived. randi demonstrates how nostradamus employed thechniques that "seers" have employed for centuries to deceive people. randi's analysis of the quatrains, particularly the ones said to have predicted napoleon and hitler, were for me the high points of the book. randi shows how these and other quatrains were written in a vague form of archaic french and latin and so could be very broadly interpreted.

when will the history channel. discovery channel, learning channnel, et al, present a documentary on nostradamus based on facts rather than on fantasy? randi's book is far more interesting than the scores of books on nostradamus that credulously assign him superhuman powers neither he nor any other person who ever lived possessed.

Think you know Nostradamus? Think again. A great deal of research went into writing this book, and it shows. Randi provides an exhaustive history of Nostradamus (and his time) as both a healer and a prophet. Randi informs readers how astrology and magic influenced royalty and peasants alike during Nostradamus' time. Randi provides his own interpretations of the 10 most famous quatrains, and see how other "expert" interpreters wildly alter the meaning to fit major events. Don't buy any other Nostradamus book until you've read this one. It's a real eye opener.

As the reviewers below note, anyone who has ever read a magazine article or watched a TV documentary about "the uncanny predictions of Nostradamus" should be handed a copy of this book. What's more, any library that stocks Nostradamus' quatrains or literature that credulously promotes him as a magical seer has a positive duty to set this book alongside them as a rational antidote. The evidence Randi sets forth devastates sixth centuries of myth, hype and propaganda surrounding Nostradamus' supposed prognosticatory gifts, and convincingly delineates him as the canny con artist he was.

Stedmans is recognized as a leading dictionary in the medical community. Stedmans is great for looking up definitions for terms you don't know. However, some of the definitions are as confusing as the original terms for a non-medical person (attorney).

I teach Parasitology and I have found that my students learn the terms more easily if they know what they mean. So I needed a medical dictionary to help me with the etimology. Being a sort of a bibliophile, I had older editions of the 2 major medical dictionaries in the English language: the Dorland's and the Stedman's. I checked the old texts thoroughly and read carefully the descriptions of the new ones. I can't remember why I chose the Stedman's but I do remember that it was a very tight decision. So I have had the Stedman's for a few weeks and I can't think of anything else that I may need in a dictionary: it has excellent typography, clear definitions, beautiful color text and illustrations, comprehensive etimology (the Greek roots are NOT written in Greek, which is a blessing for me). I might only wish the inclusion of some specific veterinary terms (which are also missing in the competition) and sturdier covers (the corners of the hardback edition covers arrived bent; it was a 5,000 miles trip though)

I work for a medical society. Not having any medical training myself, I rely on Stedman's Medical Dictionary to help me edit and proofread text with medical terminology. Without it, I would not be able to do my job.

Anne Graham Lotz's introduction to this small book of daily (morning and evening) devotionals is heart-warming and keys on what made the original of this little book first published in 1794 so widely used --- each morning's and evening's readings are a group of related Bible verses -- nothing more and nothing less. No fluff. And no huge chunk of time is need to get through each short serving. Yet, each day's reading will speak to the heart and mind of the Christian, and provide encouragement, or helpful directions for the day and for life. The last 50 pages or so are more topical in nature, for different subjects such as depression, salvaton and stress -- for anytime throughout the year. This is the one devotional book that will last a lifetime -- it's pure Scripture -- no poems or contrived stories, just God's Word -- timeless. This book is on a par with Oswald Chambers' classic devotinal book "My Utmost for His Highest" but does not include the additional thoughts for meditation that he includes. Chambers' book is great too for a simple daily devotional. The original volume of Daily Light was in the King James Version and this new edition uses the New King James Version, which makes it highly readable. I'm going to give a lot of these books as Christmas gifts to the people that I love.

First compiled by Samuel Bagster for family devotions in the 1790s, this is a sure classic! Daily Light is an excellant way to start and end the day by being in the Scriptures with a morning and evening devotion, everyday. Many devotionals have one verse then a page of man's writing that might not prove helpful. With no interpretation by mankind in Daily Light, you can't go wrong. Even the titles are from a Bible verse. Mr. Bagster presents a lifelong study of the Scriptures with so many relevant verses in this compilation. Although I have had my copy but a short time, I had to purchase copies for my wife and mother after they read in mine. The binding of the Essential Christian Library Series is attractive and should prove durable for many years of use. Daily Light will make an excellant gift for birthdays, holidays, weddings and graduations.

I originally found a copy of this most excellent, and timeless work over 22 years ago in a used book store. I have read it every day since. It is pure scripture, a daily compilation of related verses based on a single theme verse. The Holy always speaks with new thoughts for the same page, no matter how often you read it over the years. It's a treasury of God's thoughts, second only to your Bible. I will continue to give it as a gift to beloved friends 'till the day of His Coming.

It had a great amount of information that I had no idea about. It's a really cool book for anyone who's a real die-hard fan of the Real World like I am!!!

Being the hugest fan of the Real World(my favorite being Boston) this book is soooo good! It's about time we get a behind the scenes peek at the Real Wolrd PLUS we can learn more about the roomies!!!!!!

The Ultimate Insiders Guide is a definite must for Real World fans because of the content. The Boston section is really in depth including many sections about different things that occured throughout the season. The sections for seasons 1-5 are great too, including a little more info about the cast than was offered in The Real World Diaries. Each person has their lines that could be quoted for generations to come. For instance, Jason from RW VI says, "The journey teaches you to be a really good friend to yourself, because sometimes that's all you've got." My personal fave section was the analysis of how the outside couples survived and the "Did...sleep with...?" section for each season. If you really claim to be a RW fan than ou must get this book. You'll be glad you did.

Orson Scott Card is one of my favorite authors, and in some recent Amazon-surfing, I was delighted to discover this Card novel that I'd never heard of. I got a used copy, and I really enjoyed it. The book is based on the 1989 movie "Abyss" by James Cameron, who did "Aliens," "Titanic," and the "Terminator" movies. It's about a deep-sea mission, some cool aliens, and a bunch of interesting people, their relationships, and their deepest personal struggles. I'll probably rent the movie eventually, though I'm guessing I won't like it nearly as much as the book, since a movie can't explore the characters in the same depth.

(A similar undersea sci fi adventure is Michael Crichton's "Sphere," which I didn't like, but the average customer review is 4.5 stars, so if you're into thrillers, you might like it. And I highly recommend most anything by Orson Scott Card, especially "Ender's Game," one of the best science fiction novels ever, and, if you're into religion, "Stone Tables," which is a novelization of the life of Moses.)

The dusk jacket of this novel takes great pains to explain that this is "A Novel by Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Author Orson Scott Card based on an original screenplay by James Cameron." That lengthy description is important because it is trying to make it crystal clear that this is NOT a "novelization" of a screenplay, and to give you some idea what a unique and exquisite book you are reading. Card provides an entirely new dimension to Cameron's screenplay.

I still think the Abyss is James Cameron's best movie, Oscar winning block busters aside, although that other film certainly proves water is his natural element. Displeased with the "cursory, mediocre, often inaccurate, and sometimes downright reprehensible" novelizations he had already read of his films, Cameron determined there would be a NOVEL. In a totally unique process, Card worked from videotapes of the film as the editing progressed, updating his manuscript as scenes were changed, added or cut. In addition to covering everything you see in the film version of "The Abyss," Card made two significant contributions to the story in his novel.

First, he wrote chapters focusing on the three main characters of Buddy, Linsey and Coffee. Each chapter goes back to when they were kids and relates the seminal events that made them the people they grew up to be and brought them to the setting of this story. Cameron was so impressed with these chapters that before filming began he gave them to Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (and you have to wonder what Michael Biehn would have done with the background on Coffey). Second, Card works in the entire story from the side of the alien beings, explaining what they are doing and thinking even when they are not around the humans on Deepcore. Things that you wondered about in the film (How could Coffey survive that great depth and cut the right wire?) will be made clear and the additional scenes add great depth to the film (intentional pun).

It is because of this added dimension that I think you will best enjoy this book after you have seen the film and more specifically the Special Edition or Director's Cut of the film. Of course, I can certainly appreciate that fans of Orson Scott Card might pick up "The Abyss" without any care about the movie. This is not a bad thing either because Card is a first rate imaginative writer, as he has proven from "Ender's Game" to "Enchantment." If you loved the movie, you will love the book. You do not want to miss out on this one.

And that's a pretty strange recommendation to make for a movie novelization, it's supposed to be the other way around. Following writer/director James Cameron's recommendation to write a real novel based on his story rather than just write it in narrative form (which so many writer-for-hire types do) Orson Scott Card crafted a well thought out expansion of the film's story. In addition to having the pre-special edition cut sequences (which go a long way in explaining the abyss's residents motivations and such) Card also contributes some welcome background material for the main characters. In an interesting note about the novel's origins (it was written during filming) Card shares that Cameron actually had the principle actors read their individual character's background material from Card's early drafts to better understand the inner workings he wanted communicated in their performances. Highly recommended.

June 8 1967 is a day of great shame for the Us Goverment. Shame on them for not sending rescue aircraft to the ships aid.Shame on them for covering up the facts of the attack for 31 plus years.Shame on them for ordering the crew to remain silent. 34 Americans were slatured 171 others wounded and a twenty million dollar ship destroyed.All this was done by a so called friend of the United States (ISRAEL)They say the attack was a mistake.As Ennes points out in his book there was no mistake they new exactly who they were attacting and did it any way.In effect ISRAEL got by with cold blooded murder and are Goverment help them cover it up.Ennes book was gone over with a fine tooth comb by a team of lawyers to make sure it was factual long befor RANDOM HOUSE put it on the presses.This book is a must rread for all Americans.WHY DO I FEEL SO STRONGLY ABOUT THIS BOOK ? Because I was there I lived threw that nightmare and ciuntinue to live that nightmare. Please read this true peace of history.

I was on the deck when the attack started and in the engine room when the torpedo hit. This is a true and accurate account of the attack. Through the accounts in this book I relived a time that should never have happened. Thanks to Mr. Ennes for telling a story that needed to be told and a story that still needs a proper ending.

I have read my copy of the book (original printing) and
am eagerly awaiting the updated version. Having known 3
of the sailors killed during the unwarranted Israeli
attack in 1967 and having met and become friends with
many of the survivors, LCDR Ennes' book (he was a Lt. on
the bridge at the time of the attack) tells the TRUE
story of what happened to this unarmed US Naval vessel.
The fact that both the governments of Israel AND the U.S.
have tried to cover up this incident and that there has
been no formal Congressional investigation for more than
35 years is a gross miscarriage of justice for the brave
men who died as well as those who survived. Read this
book, and you'll cryout for justice to be served. Call
your Congressman or Senator and demand these folks get
justice.

This book is worthwhile reading. It's fairly brief and recounts the interesting experience of the author as a platoon leader operating near an important contested village in Vietnam, Truong Lam. He details his own struggles and triumphs as he takes control of his platoon and his responsibilities. Since his service was fairly late, starting in August, 1970, he had his share of problems due to the general war weariness of everyone involved. He spared the true identities of the other characters, which I'm sure was appreciated by his company commander and several others.

I didn't rate this a 5 star book because I didn't find the quality of writing to be in the same league as I'd expect from a professional writer. McDonough did a respectable job of writing and used a simple, straightforward style. Still, I thought his experiences would have been more gripping and interesting if he'd had some help from a professional writer. As such, I didn't find it hard to put the book down and was glad it wasn't longer. Basically, I found the writing to diminish the story rather than equal or enhance it. No disrespect to the author, who seems like a fine Army officer and a decent writer. It's just that I think the book could have been better if there had been some writing help.

I'd recommend this book to be read along with On Point by Roger Hayes (spelling?). Platoon Leader is a low level officer's experience and On Point an enlisted man's experience. The two books are similar in strengths and weaknesses and the two authors seem to share a lot of the same attributes.

I can't forget the characters in this book: Killigan, Nail, Donne, McDonough himself, and all the others. The prose is sparse but muscular. The author's passion for integrity in leadership and for his troops drips from the pages like tears shed at the Wall in Washington, D.C. The center piece of this unforgettable tale is the tragic truth that America would never know what good and honest and selfless men served their country in the Nam. I will use this book in my high-school English classes to teach new generations about the war, about the men who served, and about the strength of character that once existed in America and that made this country great. My favorite line occurs toward the end when Lt. McDonough, attempting to save the life of one of his troops, writes "I would not let him die. I would rip the world off its axis first." It's a powerful read and one you will not easily forget.

It is not easy to be a leader if you are young and inexperienced. The book describes how a young officer established his leadership among a group of veterans. He faced a lot of difficulties at the beginning as the veterans perceived him just a "college boy" but they had to put the whole platoon fate to this "boy's" hand. Eventually, Lt. McDonough became a successful leader after he had devoted himself entirely to his platoon and his job.

The inside world of Lt. McDonough had a lot of similarities to mine when I was a probationary police inspector - similar capacity of a Lt. who normally leads a platoon or similar team size of policemen in the Hong Kong Police Force. We both experienced similar things for gaining the trust from our subordinates, we both needed to participate and devote ourselves in order to set good examples to others. We both needed to show firm and strong leadership in order to convince our men of our competence. I will recommend this book to my friends in the Force and I think they will like this book too.