Book Description
There will be three, kin of your kin . . .
The wild cats have flourished in their new home on the banks of the lake for several seasons, and the Clans are growing strong and healthy with new kits. The time has come for three kits of ThunderClan to become apprentices.
Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw spring from a strong legacy: children of Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw, two of the noblest ThunderClan warriors, and grandchildren of the great leader Firestar himself. All three young cats possess unusual power and talent and seem certain to provide strength to the Clan for the next generation.
But there are dark secrets around the three, and a mysterious prophecy hints at trouble to come. An undercurrent of rage is rising against those who are not Clanborn, and the warrior code is in danger of being washed away by a river of blood. All the young cats' strength will be needed if the Clans are to survive.
. . . who hold the power of the stars in their paws.
Customer Reviews:
Erin Hunter is losing her touch..........2007-10-15
The first series of warriors were the best books i have ever read. Firestar made a very likable main character, with a wide variety of great characters throughout, either challenging him. Tigerstar was a chillingly evil villain, that really made the danger seem real. The second series saw almost all the remaining characters of the first series die, leaving us with some new and not very well developed characters. Brambleclaw was a cool main charcter, and the third person narrative around Bramblepaw in Twighlight and Dawn was almost like seeing what Tigerstar felt when he was trying to take over Thunderclan. But it still wasn't as good as the first series. Now we have another series of Warriors that has went another generation away from Firestar. Actually i was surprised by how much the style of this series was like that of the first one. i think that all of the Warriors books are worth a read, and if Erin Hunter continues to write this way, she may save her novels from coming to a very boring end.
Hey, this is a good start!.......2007-10-10
I absolutely LOVED the origional Warriors series. I loved reading about Firestar and Graytripe. I got my paws ( ha ha ) on The New Prophecy and I read each of them. I really did like them, and I enjoyed reading about Brambleclaw, Squirrelflight, Leafpool and everybody else. I am patiently waiting for Firestar's Quest and The Secrets of the Clans, hoping they will be a good read. I never bothered to read The Lost Warrior, as my friend said it wasn't good. So I read Warriors: Power of Three. At times, I thought the blind Jaypaw, son of Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight, could be very annoying and mean at times, and that Lionpaw, his brother, was too cocky and was cooking up a Bluestar- Oakheart, Graystripe- Silverstream, Crowfeather- Feathertail, Crowfeather- Leafpool ( this guy has some relationship problems ) and Stormfur- Brook thing with this Heatherpaw from Windclan. Yep, total repeat. Getting old, that subject, if you ask me. And also, Hollypaw- their sister- seems to be the most regular one. Well, it is a nice read, though Erin Hunter seems to have lost a fraction of her touch. Anyways, I'd borrow it from the library instead of wasting twenty dollars on this book. Hope this review helped you!
Sincerely,
Moonwhisker
Well...............2007-10-10
Okay, I LOVE the origional Warriors books. I sort of liked the New Prophecy books. But this? Let's just say I think Erin Hunter rather lost her touch. Jaypaw is very annoying, and I wonder why can't he be grateful for once? Lionpaw is very cocky. And as for the thing with him and that Heatherpaw? It's a Bluestar- Oakheart, Graystripe- Silverstream, Stormfur- Millie, Crowfeather- Feathertail and Crowfeather- Leafpool ( this guy's got some problems ) thing. I mean, the lovebirds-in-different-clans thig. Hello, Erin Hunter? That's an old subject. Well, to be completely truthful it okay, I thought the idea with Jaypaw blind and with a special connection with Starclan was a neat idaea, but they didn't use it properly. I personally think Hollypaw is the only bright one suddenly. This was a book that was interesting enough to keep my eyes on the page, but not god enough to buy with twenty dollars. My advise- keep your money, borrow it from the library. I just hope that Dark River will be better. Anyways, I hope this review helped you.
Good!.......2007-10-01
I really think that this book kind of created a new writing style for all the series. I mean, there was one for Warriors, there was one for New Prophecy, and there is a new one for this, and I think that it is really good. I really think that the Erin Hunters outdid themselves on this one.
Great Book.......2007-09-19
I really liked the new Warriors book! I can't wait until the next book comes out. This book is by far Hunter's best book. Jaypaw, the main character, is angry most of the time because he believes his clanmates think he is weak. Jaypaw, Hollypaw and Lionpaw are the grandchildren of Firestar, Sandstorm, Goldenflower and Tigerstar, from previous books. And they are the children of Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight. Hollypaw becomes the medicine cat apprentice, but then realizes she has special abilities as a fighter just as Lionpaw is a fine hunter and Jaypaw has mysterious powers with StarClan.
Average customer rating:
- Subpar plot
- good mystic victorian romance
- Jayne Ann Krentz's touch is, as always, light and fun.
- Not a real paranormal story
- My opinion.........awful!
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Second Sight (The Arcane Society, Book 1)
Amanda Quick , and
Jayne Ann Krentz
Manufacturer: Jove
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ASIN: 0515142808
Release Date: 2007-03-27 |
Book Description
Financially straitened and on the path to spinsterhood, Venetia Milton thought her stay at the remote, ramshackle Arcane House would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engineer her own ravishment. She was there to photograph the artifacts collected by a highly secretive organization, founded two centuries earlier by an alchemist. And the alchemist's descendant-her employer, Gabriel Jones-has the eyes of a sorcerer.
But despite Venetia's intent to seduce Mr. Jones and move on, she is shattered upon her return home to read in the press of his violent demise. Using the sizable fee Mr. Jones paid her, Venetia establishes a new life, opening a gallery in London. Of course, posing as a respectable widow makes it easier to do business, so-in a private tribute to her lost, only lover-she assumes the identity of "Mrs. Jones."
Her romantic whim, however, will cause unexpected trouble. For one thing, Mr. Jones is about to stride, living and breathing, back into Venetia's life. And the two share more than a passionate memory-indeed, they are bonded by a highly unusual sort of vision, one that goes far beyond Venetia's abilities as a photographer. They also share a terrible threat-for someone has stolen a centuries-old notebook from Arcane House that contains a formula believed to enhance psychic powers of the kind Gabriel and Venetia possess. And the thief wants to know more-even if he must kill the keeper of the Arcane Society's treasures, or the photographer who catalogued them, to obtain such knowledge.
Customer Reviews:
Subpar plot.......2007-10-07
I've always been a fan of Amanda Quick's witty sense for verbal exchanges and amusing plots, but this is by far one of the worst romances I have ever read. The romance between the couple in unconvincing and unsubstanciated; the plot is silly and nonsensical. Do not read it; you'll be disappointed. Try one of her earlier books, like Mystique, that's a bit more plausible.
good mystic victorian romance.......2007-09-20
This book was a good read.
Nothing stunning, nothing new, and, sadly, part of a series.
But a good read, none the less.
Our Heroine, Venetia, is a woman who has been orphaned and is responsible, with a maiden aunt, for raising younger siblings. She obtains gainful employment as a photographer. This is all back story - I've a feeling this was gone over somewhere else, and I've missed it.
We start the story (after a quick, pithy prologue) at a museum of sorts. Venetia has decided, since she's doomed to be an old maid, that she wants a night of passion. She's picked our hero, Gabriel, for her liaison.
Gabriel also chooses Venetia, only for a bit more than a liaison.
There are twists and turns and all sorts of "psychical" subtones. It's a very fun story, a very hot romance.
(*)>
Jayne Ann Krentz's touch is, as always, light and fun........2007-09-13
You can always tell a Jayne Ann Krentz story. Her lively characters and whimsical families will entertain you all book long. Writing as Amanda Quick, SECOND SIGHT is the start of a new series, The Arcane Society and its first family the JONES.
SECOND SIGHT follows Gabriel Jones and Venetia Milton "Jones" adventures in trying to find and stop the use if an old alchemist's notebook for nefarious reasons. London at that time was a Mecca for charlatans and fraudulent psychics. The Jones must now use their own unique talents to find the bad guys and stop them.
The Jones have been leaders of the Arcane Society since it was started by Sylvester Jones. Their job was to protect the Society and its secrets. Venetia is a hired to create a photographic record of the Society's museum. Her seduction of Gabriel is interrupted by two would-be robbers, who try to sneak into the house. Gabriel forces her to leave with the rest of the women and Venetia later learns of his death in a house fire. Using Gabriel's name, she moves to London to start her own photography studio. Three months later Venetia's "husband" Gabriel shows up in London and so their adventures begin.
Jayne Ann Krentz's touch is, as always, light and fun. So relax, enjoy, and do not miss WHITE LIES. The Jones are back!
Reviewed by Michele Patrykus
For eBookIsle
Not a real paranormal story.......2007-06-25
The reading is very good but... if you expect a paranormal story you won't get one so if you don't like paranormal stories you'll enjoy this one. The problem here is that I really wanted one when I bought this book. On the other hand the story'll keep you reading and trying to guess what'll be in the next page.
My opinion.........awful!.......2007-06-08
This is my fourth time to write this review. If it doesn't work this time I will know that the paranormal forces are aligned against me and give up. The first two I erased myself. The third one disappeared into that great black hole in the Amazon computer (but only after two days) and it didn't even have any rants, raves, or rambling. Go figure.
THIS REVIEW HAS WHAT SOME MAY CONSIDER SPOILERS. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM, STOP READING NOW!
1. This is billed as a paranormal romance. Don't believe it. If you expect to learn anything about the Arcane Society from this book you will be disappointed. Why was the society formed? We are told that the society was formed two hundred years previously by the alchemist Sylvester Jones but that is on page 5 and no more information is given. Who were and are the members? How do you join? How have they maintained the strict secrecy concerning the society all this time? WHAT DO THEY DO? None of these questions, which are actually quite basic, are ever answered. Venetia was commissioned to photograph the "artifacts" of the society. Do you know that not one of them is ever described?
2. What was the formula? What was it supposed to do? Again, no information. Just in the very last pages, what happened if you drank it, but what was its purpose?
3. The editorial and artistic decisions made in printing this book just made me MAD! The print is so big I could read it without my reading glasses and I DID NOT buy the large print edition. Each chapter begins on the right hand page and half way down, at that. This results in totally blank pages, half blank pages and enough white space between other chapter endings and new chapter beginnings to form another blank page. I actually added it all up. At a conservative estimate I got over 63 blank pages (or their equivalent) inside this 390 page novel. Padding, padding, padding just to make it into a long enough length for a hardcover book. Hopefully these issues will be addressed in the paperback version. FIX THIS! Also, the print is done in a washed out grey, not crisp black. Why? For atmosphere? Did I mention that the margins were "generous"?
4. The heroine, Venetia Milton, was (according to my way of thinking) cold and calculating. This was supposed to be because she was "modern" in her thinking for the late Victorian era. She chose to seduce Gabriel Jones after finishing her photography job at Arcane House because it was an isolated location so there was not much likelyhood of getting caught, she would never see him again, and she was on the shelf because of her age and family obligations. She wanted to find out what passion between a man and woman was like but never wanted to get married. When she thought he had died she was sad enough to cry, rub his coat (which she had kept with her even though all her clothes and photographic equipment was left behind-but not the camera-during her flight from danger)and then decide that life must go on. She became a "widow" in London to ease her way into business and used Mrs. Jones as a name because he wouldn't be needing it anymore. Cold folks, cold. When he "came back from the dead", she considered him an inconvenience. There was no joy in seeing him, they never even touched! Good heavens, she called him "sir" for well over 2/3 of the book! And please, Ms Quick/Krentz, what in the world were you doing with the Janus Club stuff? Just more "modern" thinking? In order to provide a reason for blackmail? Very, very weak.
5. The paranormal "gifts" these two characters had were piddly. She saw "auras", he "felt evil". Whoop-de-do! I kept waiting for something else to be revealed, but that was it. Sum total of their paranormal abilities. Why was it necessary for this novel to be set in late Victorian England in order to set up the contemporary novel under the Jayne Ann Krentz banner? This one is dull and boring. That is my opinion. Others love it and have praised it to the skies. I love other Amanda Quick books, just not this one. It is totally forgetable for me and I will never want to read it again.
In short, it would have made a passably good 100 page short story. Nothing more.
*****As an update, I saw the paperback version of this book in the bookstore yesterday and I'm happy to say that the publishers did address (to some degree) the problems of blank pages and other editorial decisions mentioned in my review. If you want to read this one, for goodness sakes get it in paperback.*****
Book Description
Companies must innovate to grow, but they often forget to look beyond their own brands. Take Sony, for example. Its success with consumer innovations like the Walkman blinded it to obvious changes in how, when, and where people wanted their music. Apple capitalized on those changes in demand with the iPod, providing a new way of listening to music and of managing one’s entire music library.
This book explains how you can spot these opportunities that are hidden in plain sight. It introduces the demand-first innovation and growth model that will show you how to become an unbiased observer of people’s consumption and usage behaviors. Refining this skill helps companies generate organic growth through new products, services, solutions, and experiences that truly enhance peoples’ lives. Revealing the innovative processes of such organizations as BMW, Proctor and Gamble, GE Healthcare, and Frito-Lay, Hidden in Plain Sight offers you a new approach to identifying and executing your company’s growth strategy.
Customer Reviews:
A growth strategy from the outside in.......2007-10-15
Erich Joachimsthaler's book Hidden in Plain Sight challenges conventional wisdom on marketing and marketing strategy. There are a number of books advocating this 'outside in' view on strategy and growth.
Joachimsthaler's approach of DIG for Demand-first Integration and Growth Model provides a comprehensive set of tools and methods for defining growth opportunities based on an understanding of the external environment rather than trying to change the world to fit your products and services.
Joachimsthaler provides a full description of the processes and tools including a number of case studies that describe companies that have grown through innovation and an outside in view. These are the strengths of the book.
These strengths are also the books weakness. By talking extensively about companies like BMW, GE, PepsiCo, etc, the book's main messages get bogged down in the text. Many of these cases have not used Joachimsthaler's DIG methodology, so there is little to connect the case to the argument he is advancing. This makes the book drag in some places and confuses Joachimsthaler's argument.
Overall the book is recommended as the combination of tools and methodology provides a valuable resource for companies looking to change their marketing approach and results. Other resources to consider include Chris Zook's "Unstoppable" and Davenport and Harris's "Competing on Analytics."
The Formula for Innovation and Growth.......2007-07-14
Erich Joachimsthaler provides a systematic approach to make marketing accountable for innovation and growth of BtoC and BtoB companies. We have seen the innovative business concept of share of customer evolve and being executed over the last years. Hidden in Plain Sight pushes that practice further to the concept of customer advantage, which means consequently managing impact and relevance, products and services have on customers daily lifes - on customers share of the day.
Erich Joachimsthaler formulates an explicit model, the demand-first innovation and growth model (DIG-Model), that illuminates the advantages of creating the demand landscape and sets a plan for action to specify the necessary effort to capture the relevant parts of the ecosystem of customer demand, reframes the specific business opportunity space, aligns business processes across all functions and sets the foundation for sustainable innovations and predictable growth.
As one reads the carefully selected international cases (e.g. Procter & Gamble, BMW, Apple, Deutsche Telekom, Volkswagen, NetFlix, Starbucks, General Electric, Sony, Allianz) reference is made to all parts of the DIG model and how all pieces have to work together to execute in business practice. Based on his deep insight and understanding of many industries, Erich Joachimsthaler proves his approach carefully and outlines, how innovation and growth can be systematically and replicable managed. That is why this book is relevant for people from many business functions and a variety of industries.
Thanks for this outstanding business book.
Kevin Frantz
Excellent.......2007-06-28
This is an excellent book, an eye opener for any professional in marketing, particularly those fighting the dog war of private labels and commoditization.
A popular, inspirational pick........2007-06-17
Business managers and executives who want keys to locating the potential for a company's expansion will want to consult HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: HOW TO FIND AND EXECUTE YOUR COMPANY'S NEXT BIG GROWTH STRATEGY. It pinpoints changing consumer needs and usage patterns and tells how to use the DIG model to help companies understand the hidden opportunities for innovation, using the author's 20+ years studying company connections to help pinpoint customer-driven ideas. Business libraries catering to executives will find it a popular, inspirational pick.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
The Invisibility of the Obvious.......2007-05-23
Erich Joachimsthaler offers what he claims is a "new model of strategic innovation for achieving profitable business growth" by abandoning "some of the tried and proven conventions of innovation, marketing, and strategy formulation" and by discarding "some of today's common assumptions and management practices and adopt a fresh way of planning an executing your strategies today and your innovation and growth strategies of tomorrow." The key word is "some" as he explains how.
After discussing "hidden opportunities to innovate and grow" in Part I, he focuses in Part II on several companies which exemplify a demand-first innovation and growth model (e.g. Frito-Lay, Allianz, GE Healthcare, and State Street) and then shifts his attention, in Part III, to various strategies by which to realize customer advantage.
As the title of this book suggests, Joachimsthaler asserts - and I agree - that many senior-level executives lack the ability to see - really see - "the opportunities presented by the changing consumption or usage behaviors of people [their organizations are] trying to serve. [They] cannot spot or recognize and pursue the abundant opportunities that exist in plain sight." Why? Joachimsthaler suggests several reasons which include routine but disparate processes which fragment a company's view of its customers, perpetuation of the status quo which limits a company's perspective on its competitive marketplace, a mistaken belief that "the key to growth lies in identifying customers' needs and wants [and/or] providing solutions for the tasks or jobs it knows customers must take on and get done," and an "inside-out" perspective which results in what Theodore Levitt once characterized as "marketing myopia."
Joachimsthaler suggests three lessons that can be learned from companies such as NetFlix, Sony, and Starbucks:
1. Position existing or new products or services at natural intersections of customers' consumption and use behaviors;
2. Change or enhance customers' daily routines and create transformative experiences around activities, projects, and tasks in new and welcome ways; and
3. Deliver on previously unleashed or unarticulated desires, dreams, fantasies, and urges in the social-cultural context of people's lives.
The demand-first innovation (DIG) model can be of substantial benefit to any organization (regardless of size or nature) but it would be a fool's errand to attempt to apply all of the ideas that Joachimsthaler presents. Rather, It would be a fool's errand for anyone who reads this book to attempt to apply all of the ideas that Joachimsthaler presents. Rather, he suggests that those who read this book clearly identify their organization's key demand-relevant assets and make full use of them, rigorously evaluate and develop their organization's distinctive capabilities deployed to manage those assets, choose only those major strategic initiatives that force the integration of all demand-facing processes, and "build the culture" with innovation initiatives at all levels and within all areas throughout what should be a demand-driven enterprise.
Joachimsthaler calls for nothing less than "the activation of demand-first growth platforms by whatever means [to] help customers absorb or assimilate an innovation, or retool old ways of doing things, into their daily life or work experiences." Only then can an organization find and execute its next big growth strategy.
Average customer rating:
- Should have by-passed this one
- An Emasculated Male Character
- Wish I knew...
- good read
- Read 'True Believer' first if you want to know what's going on.
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At First Sight
Nicholas Sparks
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
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True Believer
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ASIN: 0446698466
Release Date: 2006-09-05 |
Book Description
Nicholas Sparks brings back two characters from his beloved bestseller, True Believer, in this continuing saga of extraordinary love. There are few things Jeremy Marsh was sure hed never do: hed never leave New York City; never give his heart away again after barely surviving one failed marriage; and most of all, never become a parent. Now, Jeremy is living in the tiny town of Boone Creek, North Carolina, married to Lexie Darnell, the love of his life, and anticipating the birth of their daughter. But just as his life seems to be settling into a blissful pattern, an unsettling and mysterious message re-opens old wounds and sets off a chain of events that will forever change the course of this young couples marriage.
Customer Reviews:
Should have by-passed this one.......2007-10-18
The other reviews say it all. This book has no plot, story, or romance. It's not worth finishing. I don't like this authors style. I read for gaining knowledge and entertainment not shedding tears.
An Emasculated Male Character.......2007-09-30
Being a published author myself, I tend to review books from an author's point-of-view than a reader's POV, which can be very annoying to say the least. First, I have to say that I did enjoy the ending. It could not have ended any other way. A lot of people want a "happily ever after" ending and sometimes that just can't happen. Also, I found it extremely interesting to read a romance (and that's all this book was) written from the male's point-of-view. Sparks writes in an easy style without a lot of weight to slow things down. On the other hand, this did read as a romance and not women's fiction (big difference there). It was sappy, following many of the rules of romance writing with an exception for the ending. I found myself not liking the characters. The main character, Jeremy, is not a "guy's guy." A lot of his behavior and the things he said were ridicilous. I can't picture any man I know saying the sappy things he said. (What guy asks his wife how her "tummy" is feeling?) Like a lot of reviewers here, I also found Lexie annoying and selfish. I will read another one of his books though to see if they are all like this.
Wish I knew..........2007-09-24
I will try not to be a spoiler, but, I wish I had slightly more of an inkling about the "surprise" ending in this book. I am eight months pregnant and have finished three books in the last month... which says a lot for me. I was so mad and disturbed that I spent time investing in Lexie and Jeremy only to experience the tragic ending that was awfully disturbing to this first time mom to be. As other reviewers have written, I kept waiting for something to happen, and well, I guess it did. I'm just mad I had to be a part of it.
good read.......2007-09-10
I did not realize this book was a sequel when I purchased it. I bought it while on vacation. I thought most of the book was rather slow moving and not really attention grabbing. I am not sure if this is because it was a sequal, and the characters were more fully developed and described in the preceding book, which I did not read. I thought the book was going to be very precitable, but the ending really shocked me. I should have seen it coming, having read other Sparks books, and the endings usually are really good.
For a book that I had a hard time picking up at first, I have to say that by the end I had a hard time putting it down.
Read 'True Believer' first if you want to know what's going on........2007-07-04
I didn't realize that 'At First Sight' was essentially a sequel to True Believer. Right from the beginning, it rang hollow with me and the characters didn't seem very well fleshed out. I frankly had a hard time accepting why this great guy from New York would give up his fabulous life for a woman like Lexie. She was irritating, high maintenance, childish, bratty, selfish- and the list goes on. I just couldn't envision their relationship, and from the plot line, evidently, his friends had a hard time with it too. At any rate, this irritating scenario transpired over many pages, and I kept thinking- "Is there going to be some sort of SOMETHING happening?" because it was really needing it. Needless to say, Nicholas Sparks has an easy-going writing style, and his stories always end up with a cloyingly sweet finish, so getting through the book wasn't a problem- understanding the characters was. It seems as though he was trying to evolve a plot line that just wasn't there. It now, however, makes sense to me that I did not understand the dynamics of the characters or why he loved the woman in this story so much, because I had not read the first book, 'True Believer.' Now that it's too late to go back, I would definitely recommend that a person read that book first, and then maybe 'At First Sight' would hold more credibility and understanding. It started out not making sense, and it ended that way for me. It wasn't the worst book in the world, but I didn't love it either.
Book Description
This book describes the major aesthetic image elementslight and color, space, time-motion, and soundand how they are used in television and film. Zettls comprehensive coverage of aesthetic theory and his inclusion of effective visuals and examples place this text in a class by itself.
Customer Reviews:
Inexpensive Textbooks.......2007-10-16
I love that you offer these books so inexpensively. If I went to my universtiy bookstore I would have paid three times as much. I can use my own money without having to use loan money to pay for books!
5 stars.......2005-10-10
The book is totally new and under very good condition, and the dilievery time is much earlier than i expected.
Best in field.......2004-12-28
This text thoroughly explains the intricacies of applied media asthetics in a concise and completely accessible way. It is a well organizied text that ehances its presentation through the use of many illustrations. I believe that this is the best text on the subject and that it has been since its first edtion.
motion graphics professor.......2002-06-04
"Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics explains the WHY of film and video production. If you're looking for HOW then turn to another book."
I would disagree with the above review. Only by learning WHY first, can we learn HOW later. This book is more than a cookie cutter approach to film and video. If you want to "click and drag" your way through an editing program, then true, this book is not for you. Add this to your collection if you want a book that teaches how to see and create film. Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics has staying power.
Fundamental book on the theory of the moving image.......2001-05-20
This was the assigned textbook for my digital video 2 class, and it is simply wonderful. Zettl is a very knowledgable man on the subject of creating images for film, video, and even new media. (Zettl's text Video Basics 3 was used in my digital video 1 class as well) This book lays a solid foundation for the theory behind how and why the viewer perceives the moving image, and how the filmmaker and video producer can create more pleasing and coherent productions.
While the biggest complaint I've heard about this book is it's over-reliance on theory, it still does a good job of contextualizing theory into practical application. Thus the title of the book: APPLIED Media Aesthetics. Although I haven't read any of Eisentien's theories behind filmmaking, I suspect that Zettl's treatment would compete rather well, and is probably more accessible for a modern reader.
This book covers all the bases from color and light, time and space and structuring audio to image. Zettl succintcly deconstructs the intelligent mind behind the images and sound of our cultures film and television productions.
Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics explains the WHY of film and video production. If you're looking for HOW then turn to another book.
Book Description
Even for the religious, life is full of questions: What is faith? Can my life be more satisfying? How can I deepen my walk with Christ? What does it mean to be happy? These bubble and boil underneath the surface of our everyday life. And though we ignore them, we know they point us to realms of wisdom or even mystery-to something more.
Author Mark Buchanan asked these same questions. "I want more, God," he prayed-and the answer was more than he was looking for. It was right there, hidden in plain sight among the syllables and syntax of a few words of advice from the apostle Peter. With time and experience, Buchanan learned to tease it out, this secret of more, and he wrote a book about it: Hidden in Plain Sight. The answer, he discovered, is an investigation of the cross. The answer is an excavation of the virtues. The answer urges us passionately to "make every effort." And, Buchanan tells us, the answer is worth it.
Customer Reviews:
As functional as it is enjoyable.......2007-08-01
As a thinking Christ-follower, I struggle with the delicate balance between faith and works. I understand and appreciate God's grace, but He must be impressed by my efforts at piety...mustn't He?
With his usual deftness, Mark Buchanan presents a flowing exegesis of 2 Peter 1:1-9 that actually gives me hope in my aforementioned struggle. Buchanan is my favorite Christian author. He is a gifted wordsmith with a winsome delivery, yet his work presents a functional practicality and I reference it often. "Hidden in Plain Sight" is different than anything Buchanan has done before and he seems to be maturing as a writer. I especially enjoyed "The Petrine Diaries," behind-the-scenes glimpses into Peter's soul which added insight and context to his exhortation. When I finished the last page, I found myself looking forward to Mark Buchanan's next offering. I am certain it will be another cherished gift to the church.
Seven Ways / One Path to a Better Life.......2007-07-26
The somewhat obscured virtues 2 Peter sets-forth, if adopted and practiced faithfully, assure you of a better life with Jesus.
Amen and amen........2007-06-06
The writer Diane Ackerman once wrote that for too many people, "Life is something that happens to them while they wait for death." In HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT, Mark Buchanan explores seven ancient virtues that are found in the writings of the apostle Peter. In doing so, Buchanan invites us to pay attention to our lives, to really live, not just exist.
The life we've always wanted, Buchanan reminds us, is already here. It's not later, like after the kids are grown, or we've gone to counseling, or gotten a degree. It's now. We have everything we need. And there are seven virtues that, according to the Apostle Peter, if we add to our lives will make us more fruitful and productive. But first we have to search out these virtues and apply them.
What are the virtues? We need knowledge, the key to efficiency and productivity, and for it to be detoxified by goodness, which renders knowledge beneficial and not impressive. Add self-control; learn to pray. Persevere. Become Godly (Godliness, he notes, is "beautiful when it is authentic, and revolting when it's pretense.") Be kind. Love each other. Virtue's "groundwork" is faith, he writes. Its lifeblood is the Spirit.
As in his previous books, such as THE REST OF GOD and THINGS UNSEEN, Buchanan crafts lovely prose and careful word choices to get his message across. "...the Spirit is a wind. I'm learning to run with his gentle pummeling on my back, keeping me from growing weary. Some days, I spread my arms like wings and catch that wind beneath them, and for moments I fly. I fly."
Buchanan's vulnerability, often poignant personal stories, careful incorporation of scripture, illustrations and quotes from such diverse writers as Annie Dillard, G.K. Chesterton, and Pat Conroy enrich and illuminate his message. Every page is a challenge if we take it to heart. And we can't be proud of these virtues; rather, each virtue must come with an underlying humility.
In one interesting passage of the book, Buchanan wrestles with a concept that I've always struggled with. When we know that whenever we make a decision, the fallout of it might have negative consequences, how do we move forward? For example, we send care packages with toothbrushes in them to impoverished children in Africa, and the local toothbrush vendor loses his business. Or the church decides to invest in new choir robes, and the local food pantry can't feed 30 families because they are short on funds. It can make you crazy! Buchanan's advice, riffing on Martin Luther's "sin boldly," is helpful: "Don't anguish over every little thing. Do what needs doing and leave the outcome to God."
Something different: Buchanan integrates "The Petrine Diaries," 11 entries drawn from the life of Peter plus three short fictional stories that are tagged onto each section of the book, which he includes to "stir up your imagination." Although his nonfiction is stronger than his fiction, these short stories help flesh out the person of Peter on which the book revolves.
This is a message that will go straight to your heart if you let it, make you ask yourself questions about the way you are living, if you are risking enough, if you really want enough of God. I love Buchanan's hope for his book: "May it disrupt us, turn us upside down in order to live right-side up.... May it help us live with such holy vigor that when we're gone, our epitaph will be, "They really lived." May we say, "God, I want more of you." Amen and amen.
--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby
4 1/2 Stars...Deceptively Light.......2007-05-28
With his fifth book, Buchanan proves to be one of the best Christian authors you've never heard of. He writes with humor and grace. He makes a lofty promise in "Hidden in Plain Sight," offering "the secret of more." More what? More rules to Christian living?
Buchanan states up front that this book is about practicing virtue. However, he quickly sidesteps Victorian stereotypes and invites us to explore dark, haunting, beautiful, and life-changing truths contained in a few verses from II Peter. He leads us through these precepts, connecting the dots of virtue, building one upon the other, until we have a clear picture of what it means to have godly love. Along the way, Buchanan gives us insights into this outspoken disciple. Peter is more human than we remember--and more godly than we might assume. Peter shows us an example of what to do and what not to do.
Buchanan uses this example to great effect. He offers hope for those who feel discouraged in their Christian progress, as well as correction for those who have lost their focus, or become spiritual workaholics. He raises questions. He deals honestly with life's difficulties. In a deceptively light 200 pages, he gives meaty bites of practical theology, bites that require thorough chewing to produce the most efficient nourishment. Don't rush through these pages. Mull them over. Enjoy each savory word picture. These concepts are ones to live by.
Hidden In Plain Sight.......2007-04-05
Mark Buchanan is a unique writer. He writes in a style that is "out of the box" thinking. He keeps me off balance in a good way. As a result I find myself actively engaged with the message he is seeking to convey.
Book Description
Harper Connelly has what you might call a strange job: she finds dead people. The way Harper sees it, she's providing a service to the dead while bringing some closure to the living-but she's used to most people treating her like a blood-sucking leech. Traveling with her stepbrother Tolliver as her manager and sometime-bodyguard, she's become an expert at getting in, getting paid, and getting out fast. Because for the living it's always urgent-even if the dead can wait forever.
Download Description
Harper Connelly has what you might call a strange job: she finds dead people. She can sense the final location of a person who's passed, and share their very last moment. The way Harper sees it, she's providing a service to the dead while bringing some closure to the living-but she's used to most people treating her like a blood-sucking leech. Traveling with her step-brother Tolliver as manager and sometime-bodyguard, she's become an expert at getting in, getting paid, and getting out fast. Because for the living it's always urgent-even if the dead can wait forever.
Customer Reviews:
I didn't expect to like it -- but I did.......2007-09-18
"Grave Sight" is a murder mystery novel, with one small fantasy twist -- the main character has a psychic ability that tells her the cause of death when near any corpse. The setting is modern day, the victims a teenage couple, and the "detectives" the psychic and her step brother, who are investigate reluctantly.
Overall, this novel is nicely written, enjoyable, entertaining, and closes nicely. On the other hand . . . the mood is pessimistic and glum; the pshychic and her brother actively seek one night stands with complete strangers (which grosses me out); the psychic spends way too much time feeling sorry for herself; and the third quarter drags on a bit. Still, I enjoyed it and I'll read the sequel.
Good book.......2007-08-13
I really like Charlaine Harris as an author. This is my second book that I have read of hers. They are mystery with a little bit of paranormal. Just my kind of book! She doesn't put in a lot of filler descriptive words which I like. It holds your interest all the way through. I recommend this book and Grave Surprise.
Bodies, bodies everywhere.......2007-06-29
Grave Sight(2005)
I bought this book for my wife based upon Arthur W. Jordin's excellent review(see below) and then decided to read it myself, first. It's an excellent book, if you enjoy the TV shows Bones, House and others like them which my wife does you'll enjoy this book. It isn't War and Peace, but it is light enjoyable reading. I didn't particularly like War and Peace anyhow. I think it was all those Russian names.
Gunner June, 2007
An Unwelcome Mystery.......2007-06-27
Okay I was fooled into getting this book by a person I know and it wasnt what I expected. For people who have read her other series please do not think that this book follows the sames lines or even the humor in this series. If you like mystery with a touch of suspense than this for you. Harper has powers that allows her to see death seeing as she was hit by lightening when she was younger. All in all it has good characters and a solid plot but for those as I said looking for another Sookie go elsewhere this series is for the mystery at heart readers.
Keeper Shelf Material.......2007-06-12
The books that Charlain Harris writes have been ending up on my keeper shelf for years. This new book seems to be keeping right up with her older series for entertainment value, so if you like your mysteries with a bit of paranormal spice, this one will fit right in. I enjoyed it very much and will be looking for more in the series.
Customer Reviews:
buy this and the bingo game for sight words, and you're set........2007-07-04
Very nice, cleverly put together. Finally a "beginning reader" series, "sight word reader" etc that IS indeed for beginners! there is a picture, "the" sight word and another couple of other words that the grown up can read. This helps build confidence and interest. My autistic (but normal IQ) son likes it, and it is difficult to find material for him. A safe purchase.
Great Purchase!.......2007-07-03
The literacy specialist at our local school recommended looking for "$1 Sight Word books". She had some books by Scholastic so, I started there. These books are perfect for my beginning reader. There are about 50 sight words in total in the pack. My 5-year-old can pick books by the sight words on the front. My 3-year-old can't stand to be left out so, she also reads her favorites, too.
I'd definitely recommend this pack.
Good group of books.......2007-06-27
My daughter has just started using the books and is enjoying reading them. She likes the worksheets that came with the books.
Excellent packaged product.......2007-06-24
The best way to teach children to read is to have them follow along with you with a simple, repetitive book. Each book is very thin, so the child is not bored, and jumps right alone to the next book.
The words contents are very well chosen, and I feel the illustrations are well done as well.
I want more products like this one!
Highly recommend for your 4 to 6 year old.......2007-03-08
My daughter and I read these books almost everynight. They are easy and quick to read. I highly recommend buying these for young children who are starting to show an interest in reading.
Book Description
Like Open Road's series of foreign language menu-readers, our new compact lightweight travel guides are for those travelers who already know where they're staying and don't want to lug around a huge book during the day. With a sprinkling of restaurant selections, our Europe Made Easy series focuses on taking readers to the best, as well as the most different and unusual, sights and walking tours. Tuck this guide into your pocket and head out for a great day of sightseeing: you'll have over 100 sights at your fingertips, from the Papal Palace in Avignon to the mysterious spring in Fontaine-de-Vacluse, from the Roman amphitheater in Nimes to the strange stone huts near Gordes. Features insider tips on hip cafes, sidebars on great places to eat, interesting shops, fun outdoor markets, suggestions on where best to sample Provence's world-famous wines, and beautiful walks in Provence's loveliest towns, including a wine-themed walk in Chateauneuf-du-Pape; a stroll through medieval Avignon; a baroque walking tour of Aix; and a Roman-era walk through Arles. Bonus excursion info on the French Riviera. Attractive design features a second color on the inside.
Customer Reviews:
Too easy.......2007-04-10
This book might be better than nothing or it might do the trick if you don't care whether you make the most of your trip or you're on a directed tour and don't have any choices as to what to see or where to go. Better choices are available from Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, Cadogan, Michelin and National Geographic Traveler.
Make the Most of Your Trip.......2005-12-31
I prefer guidebooks that aren't just mammoth listings of everything (hotels, restaurants, sights). This compact book hits the target with its highlights and its walking tours.
The directions are in red, interspersed with commentary in black print. The notes give relevance to much that you would unknowingly pass by. Boxed in red are DETOURS (interesting museum or cafe close to the walking tour), SHOPPING TIPS AND ENTERTAINMENT TIPS.
This covers 35 towns in Provence, 10 in the Marseille/coast area, 24 for the Western French Riviers, and 9 for the Eastern French Riviera.
I wish I'd had this on my first visit to Provence and the French Riviera. This time, I won't miss so much.
Surprising gem of a guide book.......2005-11-14
This guide book was a last-minute impulse buy before we headed off on our 10 day trip to France. We surprised ourselves by using it almost exclusively to navigate around this wonderful region of France. Short 'n sweet descriptions of all noteworthy towns in the region helped tremendously with deciding where to head next. We used the walking tours in Aix-En-Provence, Avignon, and Arles, and felt them invaluble in getting the most out of our time in each city on our brief trip. We also visited many of the tiny scenic villages recommended in the book. "Provence Made Easy" is accurate, well-written, concise, and fun to read. (Fits in your pocket!) We also had Lonely Planet Provence with us and ended up using it almost exclusively (and seldom) for accommodation and restaurant information. For trip shaping, this small, handy book was it. We used this book in conjunction with "Walking In Provence" by Janette Norton and felt that together these two books offered us a unique, authentic view of the region. We wished we had Andy's book "Paris Made Easy" when we arrived there for the last two days of our trip! Thanks, Andy!
Book Description
The first overview of the revolutionary advertising techniques and media needed to successfully reach today's consumer.
Twenty years ago an advertiser could reach eighty percent of the American population with just three television commercials. Today it takes 150. Advertising is suffering because of the sheer amount of it, the lack of innovation within traditional advertising formats, and the power that media fragmentation and technology give to consumers to tune out the noise.
The new buzzwords are guerrilla, stealth, ambush, buzz, viral, grassroots, wildfire, and ambient. This book is the first to harness them into an integrated communications approach, as Tom Himpe explains and illustrates:
• the four driving forces for getting close to the consumer: be personal; go where the competition isn't; make the brand invisible; be unpredictable;
• the eight techniques—from consumer involvement to harnessing the power of the senses—for employing these driving forces, illustrated with campaigns from across the world;
• the four types of campaign that make use of this new knowledge. 435 color illustrations.
Books:
- The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything
- The Spinner's Companion (Companion)
- The Stolen Child: A Novel
- The Sweet Far Thing
- The Wild Rose of Kilgannon
- This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War
- Tramps Like Us, Volume 1
- Vanishing Acts: A Novel
- Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life
- Witch Child
Books Index
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