This book is a treasure trove of details of a past time when the hill country moved to very different rhythms than it does today. Jordan wrote this book at the insistence of his son, who is a cultural geographer interested in regional lifeways. If you've ever had a twinge of nostalgia for the hill country's past you should read this book. At the risk of sounding my own horn, if you like this book or are interested in the past of the hill country and how it is valued today, take a look at my book, "Places in the World a Person Could Walk" for more reading. I'm an anthropologist whose family is from the hill country, and my study adds to the conversation about the meaning of the hill country's past that Jordan began.

John Cheever's stories are among the best of American short fiction. This volume contains most of the stories Cheever ever wrote, and the number of excellent ones is really amazing. The best stories are all set in New York City and its suburbs, whereas some stories set in Italy are much less convincing. The stories are highlighting many aspects of American life, especially working-class and middle-class life. As a German reader who has spent some years of his life in the US, I am really impressed how well the "typical Americans" come to life in this book. Although the stories have mostly quite pessimistic endings and may not seem quite encouraging, there is nevertheless an all-pervading sense of humour and soft irony in them. At least 60% of these stories are true great fun to read, but they won't leave you all content, but something remains in the mind that keeps working. Most of the stories require the reader to dream up by himself what has really happened, so you as a reader become part of the fun and creative act of writing. A MUST read for anyone with the slightest interest in the US and American literature.

You owe it your bookshelf to own this compendium of John Cheever stories. I borrowed mine from the library, and thought I'd read perhaps half in the alloted time. Renewed once, then let the fines pile up, as I kept reading "just one more story." One a night is perfect bedtime reading...but with nearly 5 dozen stories...well you get the picture.

These are dark, dark tales of life at its zenith...ultra confident, comfortable post-war America. Florid description, rich portraiture, and slick storylines, Cheever's stories contain more than a few eye-popping twists and surprise endings. All the hallmarks of championship short-stories.

Warning: Restock the cabinet with gin and imagine the vermouth before reading. Cheever serves his Martini with a capital M.

The narrow slice of America and the privileged Americans about whom Cheever writes are mostly long-gone--gone with the second World War, with the ubiquitous wearing of hats by men, with prettiness and ladylike ways the only surface requirements for women, with drinking accompanied by secrecy and shame, with country clubs as the center of social lives. Yet the stories resonate still because they are so gorgeously crafted that they rise above the details which might otherwise date them. "Goodbye My Brother" stands, to my mind, as one of the finest examples of the American short story ever written. In its pages you will find family, jealousy, adultery, childhood grievances spilling over into late adulthood arguments, drinking, ignorance of great privilege, bad behavior, card games, beach houses, and patrician resolve to ignore all indiscretion. Though you will find the same elements in many other Cheever stories, his brilliance is in his ability to hew different stories by the dozen out of essentially the same basic ingredients. Despite their similarities, his stories each stand on their own, little wonders of detail. Each story is a different shake of the same kaleidoscope. This collection is marvelous, and provides long-term satisfaction and wonderment at Cheever's talent.

That's an apropos oxymoron taken from Humbert Humbert that best describes this paradox of a novel. Lolita's premise proves to be that of insane & perverse debauchery, yet nonetheless the prose which so aptly packages it demonstrates such skill in a crazily calm manner. Nabokov unequivocally substantiates his high praise as well-deserved with his rich use of symbolism, imagery, and his extensive use of the French language - all of which I enjoyed and appreciated. Having said that, I became somewhat disenchanted with the redundant subject matter of Humbert incessantly obsessing with 12 year-old Lolita throughout the entire novel with little character development of Lolita whatsoever. To say the non-stop use of the words "nymphet" and "pubescent" on every single page became trite and exceedingly annoying would be to put it lightly. A good book with dry humor that's worth a read, but not one of the top 5 classics of all-time as mandated by the Modern Library.

Lolita is both a great and troubling novel. It's difficult to imagine Nabokov writing anything of poor quality. His prose has a natural flow and an effortless sophistication that I have never seen in any other writer of the English language. He writes with grace and maturity that lend his prose a certain amount of authority. Once can hardly question the master, and this may be why I was seduced by "Lolita" the first time I read it.

During the first reading, I was swept away by the caricature of Humbert Humbert. His old world manner, his cool, self-justifying narrative, and his academic contempt for trendy concepts such as Freudian Psychology and Existentialism were humorous and refreshing. I was seduced by the characterization and language in the novel and hardly thought of it in realistic terms. This perspective was only reinforced by seeing the original film with Peter Sellers and James Mason. Like my first reading of the novel, the film had a gentle and irresistible current of humor that made it difficult to imagine the events actually occurring in the lives of real people.

The second time I read "Lolita" I had a far more troubling experience. I still enjoyed the novel's writing and characterization, but this time it struck me on a realistic level. I found myself empathizing with Lolita and imagining what the world must be like from her perspective as she traveled around the country in the company of a foster parent who habitually molested her. I was especially stunned by the scene in which Humbert first informs her that she cannot leave him and return to her mother because her mother is dead. Lolita storms out of the room but eventually returns to Humbert's bed and tearfully wraps her arms around him. When she does this, Humbert chillingly informs the reader that she simply had nowhere else to go. In that moment, I was suddenly immune to the charm of Humbert's narrative and enormously sad for Lolita.

Coincidentally, just after my second reading of Lolita, I saw the film with Jeremy Irons. Unlike the earlier version, the film treated the story in a blunt and realistic manner. The humorous characters and witty dialogs were overshadowed by a constant coldness and brutality throughout the film.

"Lolita" is a great novel, but we should be wary of how and why we appreciate it. Some readers and critics view Lolita as a tragic love story while others consider it a celebration of the open road. Some even argue that "Lolita" is a metaphor for the clash between European and American culture. "Lolita" may well be all these things and more, but it is also a much darker chronicle of the tormentor's mindset. Humbert's narrative is charming and full of old world conceit, but it is also a tool of disguise. Humbert self-consciously uses style to conceal the naked brutality of his craving and the harm it causes Lolita. He disguises himself as the doomed lover and portrays her as the tormenting muse.

We should praise Nabokov for this clever role reversal. It is a wonderful mechanism for employing style in an imaginative manner as Humbert alerts us in his opening monologue ("Can you stand my style!"). But while we can admire Nabokov's skill and imagination, we should not take Humbert at his word for who and what he is.

When I was recommended this book, I was intimidated by the " erotic, incestual theme" ( I have a great dislike and annoyance of raunchiness. Everyone thinks something is wrong because I never laughed watching American Pie and during Junior High sex- ed) and almost didn't bother picking it up. For the past few months, I read nothing but Kurt Vonnegut and was begining to think this would be a bore. However despite the bad reviews, I loved the book. Many people complain over it's " vulgar, disturbing" content but Nabokov never did really say on account what he did with Lolita. He was very metaphoric with his descriptions of the characters created; in my opinion, I think he intended on not telling what Humbert did because he knew that the reader will imagine will most likely be worst than what actually really did occur.

I must warn readers who are planning on reading Lolita: have patience ( It takes time before he mentions the plot and the first 80 something pages are talking about his past life in Europe. ), keep a dictionary handy if you are vocabulary challenged, and don't be so held up with the theme.

In shorter terms, I love the book. I, at first, would have gaven it three stars but I just kept coming back to it more intrigued every time I read it. By the way, I don't think anyone really mentioned this but it's a funny book when you think about. There were many times, I was laughing out loud in my study hall class because of Humbert's annoyance but devout love for Lolita.

Heather ( Grade 9)

One of the scariest things to happen to someone is to be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder... or to have one of your loved ones diagnosed with BPD. There are many resources that explain what BPD is but they offer little help when it comes to dealing with this disorder in everyday life. Stop Walking on Eggshells not only explains the disorder in clear and simple language but it also offers ways for non-Borderline people to deal with the BPs in their life. And yet, this book is not exclusively for non-Borderline people. As a BP, I found the book to be very educational and sometimes shocking. I learned how my behavior affects others around me. It made me more aware of what non-BPs are thinking and feeling and encouraged me in my desire to change my behaviors through cognitive efforts. The authors are both sensitive to the needs of the Borderline Personality and the non-BPs by using realistic and non-accusatory language. Their goal is to help people deal with this sometimes unexplainable psychological disorder. They do not try to offer solutions but rather focus on different techniques that can be of great aid to non-BPs and Borderline Personalities alike. I recommend this book to anyone who has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, has a friend or family member with the disorder, or is planning on/works in a field where contact with people is a must.

I don't know how Randi Kreger and Paul Mason did it, but they have made a singular contribution to the world with their web site and with the publication of this life-saving book. Please allow me to post this from the book for anyone looking for help in or out of a bad situation right now:

Predictable Stages: People who love someone with BPD seem to go through similar stages. The longer the relationship has lasted, the longer each stage seems to take. Although these are listed in the general order in which people go through them, most people move back and forth among different stages.

Confusion Stage. This generally occurs before a diagnosis of BPD is known. Non-BPs struggle to understand why borderlines sometimes behave in ways that seem to make no sense. They look for solutions that seem elusive, blame themselves, or resign themselves to living in chaos. Even after learning about BPD, it can take non-BPs weeks or months to really comprehend on an intellectual level how the BP is personally affected by this complex disorder. It can take even longer to absorb the information on an emotional level.

Outer-Directed Stage. In this stage, non-borderlines turn their attention toward the person with the disorder, urging them to seek professional help, attemping to get them to change, and trying their best not to trigger problematic behavior. People at this stage usually learn all they can about BPD in an effort to understand and empathize with the person they care about. It can take nopn-BPs a long time to acknowledge feelings of anger and grief--especially when the BP is a parent or child. Anger is an extremely common reaction, even though most non-BPs understand on an intellectual level that BPD is not the borderline's fault. Yet because anger seems to be an inappropriate response to a situation that may be beyond the borderline's control, non-BPs often suppress their anger and instead experience depression, hopelessness, and guilt. The chief tasks for non-BPs in this stage include acknowledging and dealing with their own emotions, letting BPs take responsibility for their own actions, and giving up the fantasy that the BP will behave as the non-BP would like them to.

Inner-Directed Stage. Eventually, non-BPs look inward and conduct an honest apparaisal of themselves. It takes two people to have a relationship, and the goal for non-BPs in this stage is to better understand their role in making the relationship what it now is. The objective here is not self-recrimination, but insight and self-discovery.

Decision-Making Stage. Armed with knowledge and insight, non-BPs struggle to make decisions about the relationship. This stage can often take months or years. Non-BPs in this stage need to clearly understand their own values, beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. For example, one man with a physically violent borderline wife came from a conservative family that strongly disapprove of divorce. His friends counseled him to separate from her, but he felt unable to do so because of his concern about how his family would react. You may find that your beliefs and values have served you well throughout your life. Or you may find that you inherited them from your family without determining whether or not they truly reflect who you are. Either way, it is important to be guided by your OWN values--not someone else's.

Resolution Phase. In this final stage, non-BPs implement their decisions and live with them. Depending upon the type of relationship, some non-BPs may, over time, change their minds many times and try different alternatives.

And:

....When it comes to chosen relationships, we found that the BP's willingness to admit they had a problem and seek help was by far the determining factor as to whether the couple stayed together or not....

If you are looking at this right now, know that you are not alone. There are countless others who understand all you have been through for nothing. Get on the non-BP mailing list at Randi Kreger's site and buy this book NOW. It can and will save your life, whatever you decide.

I hope that the authors read this review because I have to thank them for writing Stop Walking on Eggshells. It changed my life. I was raised by a borderline mother. I suffered from an almost incompacitating low self-worth as a result, and suffered daily from fears related to my mother's treatment of me while I was growing up. As a suffering adult, I knew something was wrong, but couldn't figure out how to get well until I came upon this book which put into clear words what I grew up with. The authors have, with an amazing precision and respectful sensitivity, described the BPD and what those living with a BPD suffer. It is almost as if the authors were flies on the walls of my family's home watching and documenting our lives with my BPD mother. So, I thank the authors and recommend this book whole-heartedly.

The story of Ruth, a woman who endured her psychotic husband's mental and physical abuse for far too long, is one in which readers can relate even if they've never been in that situation. The writing style allows you to dig deep beneath the surface and we are priviledged to know Ruth inside out. What you get is a graphic yet sensitive story that includes humor, romance, disappointment, and so many other emotions.

Each character was well fleshed out (from the annoying Eric - the abuser, to her girlfriend and staunch supporter Bernie). The writer shows that the life of an abused woman includes how she interacts with those around her, and JD did a great job.

The only thing missing from this book is "a sense of place". It would have been great to have more description of the settings so you can get a vision of where the people are at all times (e.g., room description, furniture, weather). This helps to draw the reader even more into a scene and would have been a nice added touch.

Overall, the book is a wonderful read, a departure from the norm and is highly recommended.

The first thing I have to say is, "Buy this book!" It's an absolute necessity. In "And On The 8th Day She Rested," Mason tells the tale of Ruth Johnson, who after 14 years of physical, mental and verbal abuse, is FINALLY free of her husband. Or is she? Mason's novel begs the question, "What happens after the abuse ends?" as Ruth moves on with her life, trying to figure out who exactly she is, and how important she is as a person. This novel is so descriptive that you can feel every hit, taste the salt of Ruth's tears, and smile as she takes baby steps towards her new, abuse-free life. Pitfalls and drama continue to unfold throughout Ruth's "awakening", but it's the process of Ruth's growth that touches the heart of every person who will read this novel. Mason definitely knows how to keep a reader riveted to each page, and at 244 pages, one will find themselves racing to the last page, wishing to have more to read.

If you want a grit-filled, true-to-life, descriptive-bound, emotionally-driven story, that will make you not only appreciate Ruth's life, but the life YOU lead, read, "And On The 8th Day She Rested." You won't regret it. ---Shonell Bacon, The Nubian Chronicles.

I am sure I could probably think of some more superlatives, but I'll stop. This is a first book? It didn't read like one. Ms. Mason has developed a character in Ruth that I am sure many women will identify with. Even if they are not in a physically abusive relationship, they will be able to identify with Ruth's feelings of self-doubt, uncertainty and worthlessness. There are so many ways that people, men in particular, can mess with a woman's head. In Ruth, we go with her, step by painful step, as she learns to do something she had never done: learn to love herself. Ruth was, however, blessed to have some wonderful friends in her life. Bernie was a card! She was fierce in her determination to be the only person considered as Ruth's best friend. Clara was every woman's mother. Warm, nurturing, supportive. You can't help but to love her. Then there was May who seemed so together and to have it all, but was dealing with her own issues of insecurity. Finally, there was Sharon, who like Ruth, had been through the fires of hell at the hands of an abusive husband, and sheer force of will, made it to the other side. I loved the women in this book. They became like old friends and it was great to see them get mad at each other and then make up as REAL friends do. As for Eric, I wished I could have reached through the pages and killed his psychotic a** myself! Then there was Adrian, who seemed like God's gift and in may ways was. I was sooooo disappointed in him! But you'll have to read the book to see if he redeems himself. And then there was Maxwell. LOL!! Sometimes we all need a Maxwell to get a little "energized!" Ms. Mason, you have written a truly wonderful book. I can see why it is getting so much attention. I read the excerpt, immediately ordered it and once I started reading it, couldn't put it down. Your character development is wonderful! They practically dance off the pages. I urge anyone and everyone to run out and get this book! And don't lend it out, you might not get it back!

I have been using this deck for a year and a half now. The only obstacle I can see with using this deck is the backs of the cards showing whether it will be reversed or not. (Some people have had a slight problem with the size of the cards-but you get used to it in no time.) I just make it a point to not look at them when I am mixing them up so that it will not affect me. Otherwise, the imagery is beautiful-I love the way it has incorporated actual places with the images of the Tarot. Even though some of the meanings and cards are different, it's all in the way you feel when you see them more than what the book says anyway. Great book with lots of information and history. I love it!

The Sacred Circle Tarot is designed to be used by Celtic Pagans, and has a very British-Wicca feel. Franklin and Mason have tossed aside all the Cabalistic and Golden Dawn symbolism you're used to; all of the symbolism you'll see here is derived from Celtic folklore. There is a lot of attention to detail--the cards are replete with Celtic sacred sites, animals, and plants. Everything you'll see is very thought-out and well-researched.

The cards are done using modern computer-imaging techniques. Many of them are stunningly beautiful (the High Priestess, which could be an alternate cover for Mists of Avalon), many are very evocative of their meaning (Initiation, which is represented by a labyrinth leading to the Cauldron of Ceridwen). The Majors, for the most part, are great. Getting into the Minors, the Cups are especially gorgeous, while the Discs occasionally leave me cold. Some of the cards aren't very intuitive, but that's not a big deal since this is one of the decks that provides a little one-word caption on the card to help you out. All in all, a solid and beautiful deck.

A beautiful deck using Druid/Celtic/Pagan/Wiccan themes. First time I've ever seen the death card done so beautifully as an older/mature wise woman robed in grey, than the traditional, grim reaper/skeleton look. The magician changes to the Shaman so will appeal to the Druid/Celt Pagans, as the theme of this deck was designed for. All the art is done using the computer and gives the cards real depth, giving the feeling that you can simply step into another world. The Minor Arcana suits are beautifully bordered with their corresponding elements - air, fire, water, earth. Excellent for meditation purposes or use as focus in magick or the altar using some of the cards to represent your elements in circle. I wouldn't suggest this deck to beginners as many of the cards of the minor arcana I find are not very intuitive at all and the major arcana are slightly different than the traditional Rider Waite system, which may frustrate a first timer to the Tarot. However, this deck may call the beginner to pick it up, if they are Celtic Pagan and if they have not seen any other deck like Rider Waite before. But, it really does help to have many symbols on the cards rather than a couple to gain greater insight to the meanings. The meanings are printed on tops of the cards, but personally, I do not feels this helps, as it can disturb the inner voice when trying to read the cards, which has happened to me. I'm an empathic reader and I found the meanings in plain view disruptive. Tarot cards can mean many different things in a spread to different readers, which is why the meanings printed on the cards can confuse. However, the reviewer with the idea of blackening out the words is a wonderful idea! If you love tarot with a Druid/Celtic slant I think this deck is worth having, if for the artwork alone! Comes with a fantastic book with every card explained in detail which is a nice extra.

First off, this review is of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle" published by Dover Children's Thrift Classics, $.... While most reviews might concentrate on the merits of the stories themselves, this review is meant to support the benefits of purchasing this particular edition over others.

That said, the first thing I would like to comment on is the price. You can't ask for more of a bargain that to pay less than a ... of America's most popular and well known Revolutionary War era stories. Great for anyone on a budget, or parents who want to expand their child's library but don't want to break the bank on something they may only read once. ....

Secondly, I would like to mention that this book contains BOTH "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" AND "Rip Van Winkle" in their respective unabridged entirety. Both are relatively short, entertaining, and easy-to-read stories that supply a great introduction to period literature, beliefs, and storytelling for children and adults alike. While these are not Washington Irving's only writings, they are perhaps the most well-known.

As a former teacher, I have the following suggestion: If you live in the New York metro area, this book would be an excellent jumping off point for a trip to Washington Irving's homestead, "Sunnyside", in Tarrytown, NY, for which you can find plenty of information online. There are several other "living history" sites in the area as well.

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle" brings together these two classic stories by Washington Irving. The text of this Dover Children's Thrift Classic is accompanied by the whimsical illustrations of Thea Kliros. Both tales are set in the Dutch-American communities of rural New York State.

"Legend" tells the story of Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who lives in an area purportedly haunted by a terrifying spectre: a headless horseman. "Rip" tells the story of a farmer who has a remarkable paranormal experience while wandering in the mountains.

Each story explores the intersection of the supernatural with everyday life. The stories are full of vividly drawn characters and are rich with the local color of rural Dutch American communities. Issues such as folk beliefs, geography, history and oral tradition are well handled by Irving.

Irving's playful, earthy prose style is a delight to read. Passages such as a description of a Dutch-American feast are memorable. Funny, ironic, and poignant, these tales are true classics by one of the most enduring figures in American literature.

Will Moses' illustrated retelling of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow rivals Arthur Rackham's near century-old version as the best edition of the book ever published. The Rackham version, with its moody, archetypal illustrations, has the slight edge, as it contains Irving's full original text in addition to Rackham's spectacular artwork.

However, Moses's simplification of the narrative is masterfully executed, and the colorful, playful, and numerous paintings which adorn the book have a warm period charm of genuine Americana. Moses portrays the Hudson River Valley as a lush expansive valley not unlike the Garden of Eden on the first day of creation. Happy farmers, their wives and children, cows, geese, ducks and pigs frolic together amid fields of wheat and corn; galleons approach dramatically from the river; and the Catskill Mountains, sun, and sky suggested an infinite panorama and endless horizon full of promise.

The story tells us that the Dutch colonists were a superstitious lot, and that the Sleepy Hollow region itself was or seemed to be under a spell of some kind. The farmers and their wives suspected witchcraft; strange music was heard in the air; visions were seen; and the inhabitants themselves lived their lives in a kind of continuous dreamy revery. These tales and superstitions give rise to the legend of the headless horseman, said to be the ghost of a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a canon ball in the war, and now nightly prowling the region in search of it. Moses' nocturnal landscapes of the swamps, hills and the Old Dutch Cemetery under a bright harvest moon are particularly effective. Significantly, these stark, haunted landscapes do not violate the spirit of the book, but enrich its sense of wonder.

Moses' Ichabod is a cheerful but somewhat hapless fellow, confident and foolish in equal parts. His Katrina is a strong but innocent blond beauty, and a friend to children. Brom Bones is an appropriately square-shouldered, square-jawed hooligan, rowdy and full of mischief, if not absolute spite.

Anyone familiar with the tale knows that it is not a horror story but a folktale, a fireside spook story, and a 'legend' as Irving, writing here as Diedrich Knickerbocker, himself called it. This edition of the book is appropriate for children but is equally suitable for adults. Highly recommended.

This book is one of a number of Professor Challenger adventures of Sir A. C. Doyle. A noted zoologist (Challenger) has come across evidence that there is a plateau in South America that can be reached from deep in the Amazon rain forest in which prehistoric animals still exist. An expedition of four (Challenger, a sceptical zoologist named Summerlee, a noted hunter (Lord John Roxton), and Edward Malone, a journalist) sets out to verify this report. The arguing and interactions between the academics is interesting in that little seems to have changed in the last 87 years! It should be noted that Doyle isolates the plateau so that there is minimal interaction with the rest of the rain forest (thus, the dinosaurs can't escape). But, why couldn't the ptereodactyls spread out? This story was one of the earliest "Lost World" tales and has been made into a film a number of times. Other stories in this sub-genre owe much to Doyle and Challenger.

Professor Challenger, a protagonist as unique and eccentric as Sherlock Holmes, "challenges" the London Zoological Society to send a team of impartial judges to verify his claims that dinosaurs live on a plateau in the Brazilian rain forest. Professor Summerlee, a staunch foe of Challenger, accepts the challenge. Lord John Roxton, a soldier and big game hunter, agrees to go along, and Edward Malone, a star rugby player and journalist, goes as their scribe.

The world they find is every bit as captivating as Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park, and the danger is every bit as exhilarating. The characters are more engaging, and the story contains a good deal of humor as the four strong personalities clash a number of times on a number of levels.

There are no velociraptors to menace the adventurers, who have become hopelessly marooned, but a tribe of ape men serves quite well to provide the danger. It is a pleasure to have the English language used so well in describing the adventures of the four.

"The Lost World" is obviously the inspiration for Crichton's "Jurassic Park." Crichton may have modernized the story, but he certainly didn't improve it. Unfortunately, "The Lost World" reflects the ethnic insensitivity and "classism" of the Victorian Era, but if you can overlook that flaw, you will thoroughly enjoy the story.

Professor George E. Challenger, noted scientist, says dinosaurs are still alive, and he knows where to find them. The scientific community says he's a madman or a fraud, or both. Challenger's only evidence is a bunch of blurry photographs. Fellow scientists say the photos are obviously doctored and the newspapers call it a fantasy. Boiling with rage, Challenger goes into seclusion. Anyone foolish enough to bring up the tender subject around him is liable to end up in the gutter outside his house, with a few extra lumps for the gutter press.

The only reporter brave, or stupid, enough to face the professor's wrath and get the story is Edward Malone, young, intrepid journalist for the Daily Gazette. At a boisterous scientific meeting, Professor Summerlee, a rival scientist, calls Challenger's bluff. Summerlee will return to South America and prove Challenger wrong. The young journalist volunteers to go along. Lord John Roxton, the famous hunter, can't miss an opportunity to return to the jungle and adds his name to expedition. Professor Challenger is happy they are taking him seriously, even if they don't all believe him. But what will they find in South America? A strange, living time capsule from the Jurassic period filled with pterodactyls and stegosaurs? Or will they only find vast tracks of endless jungles and Challenger's daydreams? Either way there will be danger and adventure for all.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote "The Lost World" in 1912 for the Strand magazine, the same magazine that published his Sherlock Holmes stories. It's a great Edwardian science-fiction adventure, although some may not like the British Imperialism and Darwinian racism. Still, in "The Lost World" Conan Doyle lets his hair down a little. Changing narrators from the earnest Doctor John Watson to the rash reporter Edward Malone makes for a big change. There is a good deal more humor. The students in the scientific meetings are forever yelling out jokes at the expense of nutty Professor Challenger. Affairs of the heart play a big role in Malone's life. He matures from a young swain out to impress his girlfriend to more of a wistful man-of-the-world by the end. It is a very different Conan Doyle than some are used to reading. Different, but just as good, maybe, dare I say it, even better.

I thought that "Candide" was a very enjoyable read. It's much more than a satire, it's a reflective novel in which Voltaire opens up various timeless issues for discussion. The central theme is whether or not the optimism (or naivity) of Dr Pangloss's views hold up when faced with the bleak realities of everyday existence. It doesn't really matter that much of the satirical bite of the novel must have been lost due to the passage of time, when it can still deal with issues such as theodisy in an entertaining way.

Voltaire sends the innocent and impressionable Candide on what amounts to a world tour (or as near to it as makes no difference). The reader has to put up with outrageous coincidences and improbabilities: I felt that Voltaire was using such devices deliberately to amuse the reader. Candide experiences various adventures and meets (often more than once) a collection of exotic characters. His travails eventually cause him to question his teacher Pangloss's value system. But really, Voltaire throws various philosophical problems at the reader and invites a reaction - often this is done with a fine wit.

All in all, a pleasure - the more so because it's a surprising one.

Ever since philosophers began thinking about the meaning of life, a favorite question has been "Why do bad things happen to good people?". In Voltaire's day, this issue was primarily pursued either from the perspective of faith (everything that happens is God's will and must be for Divine purpose) or of reason (What do these events mean to you, as you interpret them subjectively?). Infuriated by the reaction by some members of the church to a horrible loss of life from an earthquake in Lisbon, Voltaire wrote this hard-biting satire of the human condition to explore these questions.

Before reading further, let me share a word of caution. This book is filled with human atrocities of the most gruesome sort. Anything that you can imagine could occur in war, an Inquisition, or during piracy happens in this book. If you find such matters distressing (as many will, and more should), this book will be unpleasant reading. You should find another book to read.

The book begins as Candide is raised in the household of a minor noble family in Westphalia, where he is educated by Dr. Pangloss, a student of metaphysical questions. Pangloss believes that this is the best of all possible worlds and deeply ingrains that view into his pupil. Candide is buoyed by that thought as he encounters many setbacks in the course of the book as he travels through many parts of Europe, Turkey, and South America.

All is well for Candide until he falls in love with the Baron's daughter and is caught kissing her hand by the Baron. The Baron immediately kicks Candide out of the castle (literally on the backside), and Candide's wanderings begin. Think of this as being like expulsion from the Garden of Eden for Adam. Soon the penniless Candide finds himself in the Bulgarian army, and receiving lots of beatings while he learns to drill.

The story grows more far-fetched with each subsequent incident. To the casual reader, this exaggeration can seem unnecessary and annoying. It will remind you of the most extreme parts of Swift in Gulliver's Travels and Rabelais in Gargantua and Pantagruel. But subtly, Voltaire is using the exaggeration to lure the reader into making complacent judgments about complacency itself that Voltaire wants to challenge. The result is a deliciously ironical work that undermines complacency at a more fundamental level than I have seen done elsewhere. Basically, Candide challenges any view you have about complacency that is defined in terms of the world-view of those who are complacent.

Significant changes of circumstances (good and ill) occur to all of the members of the Baron's household over the course of the story. Throughout, there is much comparing of who has had the worst luck, with much feeling sorry for oneself.

That is the surface story. Voltaire is, however, a master of misdirection. Beneath the surface, Voltaire has another purpose for the book. He also wants to expose the reader to questioning the many bad habits that people have that make matters worse for everyone. The major themes of these undercurrents are (1) competing rather than to cooperating, (2) employing inhumane means to accomplish worldly (and many spiritual) ends, (3) following expected rules of behavior to show one's superiority over others that harm and degrade others, (4) focusing on money and power rather than creating rich human relationships, (5) hypocritical behavior, and (6) pursuing ends that society approves of rather than ends that please oneself.

By the end of the story, the focus shifts again to a totally different question: How can humans achieve happiness? Then, you have to reassess what you thought about the book and what was going on in Voltaire's story. Many readers will choose to reread the book to better capture Voltaire's perspective on that final question, having been surprised by it.

Candide is one of my favorite books because it treats important philosophical questions in such an unusual way. Such unaccustomed matching of treatment and subject matters leaves an indelible impression that normal philosophical arguments can never match. Voltaire also has an amazing imagination. Few could concoct such a story (even by using illegal substances to stimulate the subconscious mind). I constantly find myself wondering what he will come up with next. The story is so absurd that it penetrates the consciousness at a very fundamental level, almost like doing improvisation. In so doing, Voltaire taps into that feeling of "what else can happen?" that overcomes us when we are at our most pessimistic. So, gradually you will find yourself identifying with the story -- even though nothing like this could ever happen to you. Like a good horror story, you are also relieved that you can read about others' troubles and can put your own into perspective. This last point is the fundamental humanity of the story. You see what a wonderful thing a kind word, a meal, or a helping hand can be. That will probably inspire you to offer those empathic actions more often.

After you have finished Candide, I suggest that you ask yourself where complacency about your life and circumstances is costing you and those you care about the potential for more health, happiness, peace, and prosperity. Then take Voltaire's solution, and look around you for those who enjoy the most of those four wonderful attributes. What do those people think and do differently from you?

I must be the only college student that wasnt forced to read this for a class. Anyway,this was an interesting book that really made me think. I didnt find it so much as funny as sad at depicting the horrors of the world but it does so in such a light, outragous way.Some of the best parts are at the end, like when they go visit the rich man who doesnt enjoy anything.The plot is over the top and outragous but this is still one of the most realistic books Ive read. I found it kind of bleak and depressing but I also found it intriguing.Voltaire exaggerates everything in Candide, all of the misfortunes everyone has to go through are too horrible to be even realistic. At least I hope no ones had quite as bad time of it as candide. Even if you dont agree with Voltire and even if you share views with Dr. Pangloss you should still read this book.One final thing, dont mourn overmuch for any of the characters when they die, theyll turn up again later.

I read Jane Eyre for my AP Lit. Class in the 12th grade. I figured, oh just another boring book. WOW! was I completely mistaken. ALthough long, Jane Eyre could have been 1,000 pages and I still would have read every page, with joy. The growth Jane Eyre, the novels main character and Protagonist, goes through throughout the novel is amazing. Born into an unloving world, with rejection and anger at every corner, Jane is forced to keep herself company and therefore, her only friend is herself. Adopted by her uncle, who soon dies, Jane is forced to live with her aunt Reed. I dont want to summarize about all this stuff, I am going to get down to the nitty-gritty. The novel mainly centers around Jane and her love for Rochester. When Jane becomes eighteen, she is hired to govern at the mansion of Rochesters, and to guide and teach his daughter, Adele. The marvelous love story between Jane and Rochester is as intense as anything you will ever read. At times while reading the novel, I would have to put the novel down and take in what I was reading. The passion and heart exhibited by these two characters was at times unbearable. If you want to read a true novel, full of power and emotion, read Jane Eyre- the best novel ever written. :-)

When I first read Jane Eyre, I (and I think many others) was taken in by the odd combination of romance and ominous overtones that makes Jane Eyre such a unique book. Of course, the Victorian-era writing and social commentary also made an impression.

But upon reflection, underneath all of this is a story of people with difficult lives learning to find and accept each other and hopefully coming to peace and happiness despite long odds. Maybe my second reading just comes from a twenty-first century mind reading things into a nineteenth century book that just aren't there. But to me, the book does have the feel of a modern story of hardship as well as a Victorian story of people trying to overcome their backgrounds to find love.

Jane Eyre tells the life story of an orphaned girl sent away to a harsh boarding school by a cruel aunt. Despite the harsh nature of the school, Jane thrived at the school since she is finally out from her aunt's crushing dislike for her. She graduated and took a job as a governess for a girl in the care of a mysterious man who spent much of his time traveling abroad, Mr. Rochester.

At first, the two do not like each other. This is compounded by the fact that Jane thinks she is plain looking and not worthy of his company. But the two develop a peculiar friendship, and there are many signs that their feelings are deeper. But Mr. Rochester is busy courting other ladies at the time. Mr. Rochester also seems to have a secret that he will not divulge to Jane but may have serious consequences for her.

Jane's job as a governess and the friendship that develops make it seem that the book will quickly become a Jane Austen book (which of course, would not have been a bad thing) in which the man and woman from different classes find love with one another, but from the point of the friendship blooming, Jane Eyre takes a few remarkable twists and turns that I had not expected and that make for real page-turning.

But it is as much the quiet desperation of both Jane and Mr. Rochester and their struggle to find each other despite this that makes Jane Eyre a book truly worth reading and treasuring.

I read this book in junior high school and, like so many other girls, fell head over heels in love with Mr. Rochester; after all this time, the book is still a terrific read. The first part is classic Cinderella with an interesting twist. Jane is an orphan who is abused and mistreated by her rich and evil stepmother and her nasty cousins; unlike Cinderella, Jane stands up age age 10 and fights back. She is promptly shunted off to a school for girls from poor families, where she spends the next eight years. Needing a change of scene and environment, she answers an advertisement for a governess and enters the household of Mr. Rochester. Rochester, however, is no Prince Charming; he's 17 or 18 years older than Jane, hard, bitter, cynical, selfish, and, unknown to all but a few, encumbered with a wife who is the prototype of the "mad wife in the attic". Rochester is a romantic at heart, however; he is captivated by Jane's innocence and simplicity. We all know how the book comes out so there is no sense in rehashing the plot; suffice to say that Bronte is a marvelous storyteller. The one problem I have with Jane Eyre is the same that arises in Bronte's other books, and that is her stifling insularity; she seems unable to find value in anything that outside her own narrow, English Protestant frame of reference. However, this is a small caveat in this book. "Jane Eyre" is a classic romantic novel that has entranced generations of readers and looks good for generations to come.