In this enjoyable book former IBM CEO Tom Watson retraces the legendary journey of Captain Cook, the famous 18th Century British seaman. Watson imparts interesting information on planning a long trip, inspiring a crew, and finding interesting historical information. Its an interesting read and tackes the reader away from the occasional mundane life to one of adventure and far-away lands to a world of the past. This world was very different even thirty years ago, when the voyage was made and parts of the world lay untouched by civilization, than it is today.

Buy it cause it's awesome!

The story reminds me of 1950's era play culture-(kids actually play without grownups having to orchestrate the entire affair.) I think that kids will find this book to be their first REAL reading experience. I am especially thinking of the reluctant readers out there. My daughter was jubilant upon finishing her first chapter book, and I was amazed to see her finding the need to read.

The book starts with a chronological account of the three mile island accident. Then the book has a very intresting personal account of the events of three mile island as told by the people of the area. There are 36 differant personal accounts. They tell the story of how the person was informed of the accident, how the person reacted, and differant odd things that nuclear radiation apparently does to the enviornment.

This is an exciting story about what happens when involvement with computers goes too far! The heroes use a combination of intuition with technology to battle the destructive plan of the villain. It also gives vivid experiences of idyllic life on a beautiful tropical island and then goes to San Diego's pristine beaches! I found it difficult to put down!

Very interesting! Gives the wonderful history of Marghab linens, the trials and tribulations that this remarkable and perfectionistic woman endured! LOTS of photographs! I especially like the fact that it lists the NAME OF EVERY SINGLE MARGHAB PATTERN! This is a TRUE TREASURE for a Marghab Collector!

Informative and interesting guide to local geography. Much more than a tourist guide for kids, this points out local attractions plus a bit of history and legend. Attractive captioned illustrations enliven each page and at times add a touch of humour. Some of the vocabulary may be difficult for youngsters, but the format lends itself to reading aloud. Ms Kaupuiki also includes a glossary and pronunciation guide for many of the Hawaiian words, although it seems to be taken for granted that readers will know that Peter and his dog are wearing helmets that ancient Hawaiian warriors wore, though why they wear them, I don`t know (because he is skateboarding?) I grew up in Hawaii, with local history lessons and all, but even I learned a thing or two from Peter Panini. My two boys enjoy hearing about places they know, as well as finding out about the other islands and some basic history and lore. I wonder if other states have as interesting geography books for kids about their region.

Philippine Coral Reefs: A Natural History Guide is an excellent reference for beginning and intermediate marine biology enthusiasts. The author provides an in-depth discussion of the natural history, progression, species biodiversity, and inter-relationships of the coral reef ecosystem.

While it focuses largely on examples and situations found in the Philippine Archipelago, it discusses many biological concepts and processes that are common to most tropical coral reef systems.

It does all this in a language that is very straightforward and easy to understand, yet does not over-simplify highly scientific concepts. The author is an excellent communicator, in addition to being a very thorough scientist.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to presenting the "remarkable diversity and biological interaction" of the coral reef's inhabitants. One-hundred and ninety (190) pages of the book are devoted to extensive write-ups and beautiful color photographs of numerous genera and species of flora and fauna.

The book serves as an excellent and comprehensive field guide to the coral reef system as well as a general reference on the biological processes of the coral reef ecosystem.

A definite gem of a book that I would strongly recommend to SCUBA divers, snorkellers, marine biology enthusiasts, and anyone who is interested in the beauty and science of the Coral Reef.

taj d. professional diver and underwater videographer

I have an old and much read copy of this paperback and at this stage I have lost the first 32 pages to time and wear and tear. It is a testament to the book that I have not thrown it out! Re print this book please someone! It is a tale of survival on a desolate island off Washington state when a tidal wave turns a civilized dinner party in an island retreat into a fight for survival. Like in Hitchcock's Lifeboat, there is a criminal aboard, there are wild dogs, romance amongst puritans and all the ingredients of a good tale. Well worth the read!

With a long standing interest in the island of Nantucket and its history, I approached this beautfully illustrated book with great anticipation. I was not dissapointed. Covering 300 years of the island's artistic history, Picturing Natucket takes readers on a multi-faceted and dynamic tour of the people who have made the island so unique. The first part of the book presents 4 essays by prominent art and social historians which are at times heavily going for somone without an art history background. The subsequent sections list island artists and their paintings alphabetically for easy reference. Picturing Nantucket is both a fine read from cover to cover and an invaluable reference guide.