Reading Judas: The Gospel of Judas and the Shaping of Christianity

Book Description

The two leading, bestselling experts on the Gnostic Gospels weigh in on the meaning of the controversial newly discovered Gospel of Judas

When the Gospel of Judas was published by the National Geographic Society in April 2006, it received extraordinary media attention and was immediately heralded as a major biblical discovery that rocked the world of scholars and laypeople alike. Elaine Pagels and Karen King are the first to reflect on this newfound text and its ramifications for telling the story of early Christianity. In Reading Judas, the two celebrated scholars illustrate how the newly discovered text provides a window onto understanding how Jesus' followers understood his death, why Judas betrayed Jesus, and why God allowed it.

Most contemporary readers will find passages in the ancient Gospel of Judas difficult to comprehend outside of its context in the ancient world. Reading Judas illuminates the intellectual assumptions behind Jesus' teaching to Judas and shows how conflict among the disciples was a tool frequently used by early Christian authors to explore matters of doubt and disagreement. Presented with the elegance, insight, and accessibility that has made Pagels and King the leading voices in this field, this is a book for academics and popular audience both. Pagels's five previous books, including The New York Times bestseller Beyond Belief, and King's The Gospel of Mary of Magdala prove that there is a considerable audience eager for this kind of informed and engaging writing.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty thin, and methinks they doth protest against Bart Ehrman too much.......2007-09-07

Ehrman beat Pagels and King to the publishing punch with "The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot" in 2006. I don't know if that's why they feel they have to attack him (and others) in the introduction for allegedly trying to shoehorn the Gospel of Judas into a Gnostic boot or what, but their complaint just doesn't wash.

Their own description of the "doctrines" of GofJ would lead any blindfolded New Testament or early Christianity scholar to call GofJ "Gnosticizing," if not full-blown Gnostic, and it is.

Also, they give no story of the discovery of the codex, and do less to place it in historical background. And, the 50 pages of "Comments on the Translation" would have been better served coming at the start of the book, as a Sitz im Leben chapter, a la what I just said Ehrman did.

Besides, Ehrman's got a better analysis in general. And, I think he turns an even more skeptical eye to some matters of early Christian origins and development than do they. (For example, they seem to credit the Eucharist, in some way, as having started with an actual event, rather than made up out of pagan whole cloth by Paul.)

I might have three-started this, but I thought the attack in the introduction -- for whatever reason -- was egregious.

It's so logical.......2007-07-26

Book in excellent shape. Contents coincide with what I've been arguing, from a logical point of view, for decades: No betrayal no crucifixion, thus Judas was an accomplice, not a traitor.

Judas: Evil Incarnate or Fall Guy?.......2007-07-19

Eminently readable and intellectually stimulating.

The authors manage to maintain a neutral view of the writing, trying to put it into the historical context (persacution of one Christian sect by another).

I was most interested by the alternative view of the universe presented by this text.

Comparing the actual text of the gospel to the cleaned up version is an interesting exercise. It gave me insight into the workings of historical slueths.

The authors are somewhat obsessed with pointing out that the writer of the gospel is VERY angry about something (probably the fact that he and he group are being eliminated).

This book interests me in reading more of the gnostic texts.

Academic but readable book.......2007-07-03

This book contains 2 gems: The newly published Gospel of Judas and a readable, academic framework for understanding the gospel itself. I have recommended this book to several laity in my congregation. (I am a local church pastor.)

From Great Deceiver to Bosom Buddy..........2007-06-12

Judas Iscariot has played the role of Christianity's ultimate traitor for centuries. Tradition, as portrayed in the synoptic gospels, claims that he handed Jesus over to the Romans for thirty silver pieces. This vile act led to Jesus' crucifixion and death. So repugnant was this that his name has become synonymous with deceit and betrayal. For example, when Bob Dylan abandoned folk music for electric rock in 1966, an appalled audience member at the Royal Albert Hall yelled "Judas!" Right or wrong, everyone knew what that single name implied. Some cheered, some hissed. Pope Benedict XVI upheld the tradition in 2006 by accusing Judas of greed and power mongering. And why did the leader of the Catholic Church feel the need to reiterate this well-worn point in the twenty-first century? Because the long lost Gospel of Judas had resurfaced. A translation of this document's extant text appears in Part Two of "Reading Judas." Written sometime before 180 CE, the short gospel inverts tradition by depicting Judas as Jesus' most trusted Apostle, as his bosom buddy, his confidante. Not only that, Jesus shares the "mysteries of the Kingdom" with this great deceiver. And only with him. The gospel portrays the other Apostles as weak and conniving dolts who, according to Jesus, worship the wrong God through cruel sacrifice. Jesus' delineation of the "Mysteries" evoke elements similar to Pythagorianism, Platonism, Vedanta, and Buddhism. Certain sections of the gospel read more like Plato's "Timaeus" than the New Testament. In these passages, Jesus outlines a mystical mathematical transcendental cosmology involving a pantheon of lesser imperfect gods, one of which, called Saklas, created humanity, and the all knowing all seeing "Great Invisible Spirit" (the "real God") from which everything emanates. Humans have this Spirit within them, but they must search for it by examining the Self. Jesus' death will serve as an example to humankind that they can escape their physical bodies and enter the Heavenly Kingdom via the discovery of this inner Spirit. Jesus entrusts Judas with initiating this sacred event. Judas then indentifies Jesus to the accusers as instructed, receives some copper coins, and the text ends. Thus does Judas become, in this long lost gospel, the catalyst to humanity's salvation. Judas also sees the vision of his demise. The other Apostles will apparently stone him to death. But, as Jesus points out, such is the price for the "Mysteries of the Kingdom."

Part One of "Reading Judas" analyzes the Gospel in historical context. Drawing from voluminous sources, including the Bible, other Gnostic gospels, and various miscellaneous ancient texts, the essay's authors, Pagels and King, frame the Gospel of Judas as a text infused with anger. What caused this anger? In the second century CE, Christianity as we know it was solidifying under the auspices of bishops and clergy. Recent discoveries show that other interpretations of Jesus' death co-existed with the now dominate view. In other words, Christianity was not as homogenous as tradition suggests. Over time the fringe groups, along with their documents, were suppressed and outlawed as heretical. The Gospel of Judas, argue the authors, represents one of these alternate, or dissenting, ideologies. At the time of its composition Christian persecution was widespread and expanding. Certain founders of the nascent church, such as Tertullian, Ireneaus, and Heracleon, began to glorify the suffering of those who were killed in horrifying and unimaginable ways by the then pagan Roman government. Others Christians followed them "to glory" and met similar ghastly ends. Pagels and King argue that the Gopel of Judas' fervent anger stems from the church's encouragement of martyrdom. The "false venegeful God," according to the Jesus of the Gospel of Judas, demands such needless sacrifice. But the "true God" never would. Jesus demands that the Apostles "cease sacrificing!" So was the Gospel of Judas a protest piece? Maybe. It definitely paints an alternate picture of Jesus and Christianity.

Overall, "Reading Judas" enables general readers to grasp the document's signifigance. Most helpful are the some forty pages of commentary that accompany the translation. Though Pagels and King claim that this gospel doesn't belong in the Christian canon, they argue that it nonetheless demonstrates that the Christianity we have today was written by the winners. And those winners suppressed dissent so effectively that the Gospel of Judas, among others, remained lost for almost two millennia. All together, these ancient texts help scholars piece together the story of Christianity's development. "Reading Judas," though unlikely to alter anyone's faith, provides fascinating and provocative glimpses into the history of western civilization's dominant religion.

Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and, Life

Average customer rating:

Great Book
A go-to book on coaching.
What everyone needs to know
the best coaching book
Your Gate way to Coaching profession

Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and, Life
Laura Whitworth , Karen Kimsey-House , Henry Kimsey-House , and Phillip Sandahl
Manufacturer: Davies-Black Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Coaching | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0891061983

Book Description

A newly revised edition of the book that helped define the coaching profession, Co-Active Coaching captures the essence of what it takes to design and maintain successful, collaborative, and empowering coaching relationships. The authors describe in detail their flexible and adaptive model-placing the client's agenda at the heart of the coaching partnership, define the skills required for success, provide dozens of sample coaching conversations, and a power-packed Coach's Toolkit of over 35 exercises, questionnaires, checklists, and forms to make these proven principles and techniques eminently practical and immediately actionable.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-09-16

This was a gift for my boss and he LOVED it! It arrived very soon after ordering. Thanks for everything.

A go-to book on coaching........2007-08-28

This is one of the few go-to books for coaches, or those who want to become coaches. Very, very helpful. Lots of ideas, tips, etc. The CD that comes with the book is worth the price alone!

Buy this book and read it! One of my favs on the topic of coaching!

What everyone needs to know.......2007-08-05

This book opened great ways to honor myself and others. It is well written and expanded my idea about coaching.

the best coaching book.......2007-06-29

This book is the best and most comprehensive coaching book I have on my shelfs.
Co-active coaching is what my profession is about and I've found so many answers to my questions about how-to and what-is-next .

Captures the wisdom of co-active coaching and it's a must read if you want to tap into the real power of coaching.

Your Gate way to Coaching profession.......2007-05-28

It's an amazing book that groups theories and practice for a profession that needs alot of practice. It's a necessity for all new professionals in the field.

Average customer rating:

Mwentzler
Very good book
Cell Biology made clear
Essential Cell Biology 2nd Ed.
Fine book, for whatever it matters

Essential Cell Biology, Second Edition
Bruce Alberts , Alexander Johnson , Julian Lewis , Martin Raff , Dennis Bray , Karen Hopkin , Keith Roberts , and Peter Walter
Manufacturer: Garland Science/Taylor & Francis Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 081533480X

Book Description

Essential Cell Biology, Second Edition contains basic, core knowledge about how cells work. It has a proven track record in providing students with a conceptual and accessible grounding in cell biology. The text and figures have been prepared to be easy-to-follow, accurate, clear and engaging for the introductory student. Each section follows logically from the previous one, telling a story, rather than being a collection of facts. Questions integrated throughout each chapter encourage the reader to pause, think about what they have read, and attempt to apply the new knowledge in ways that test their understanding. Based on user feedback, the Second Edition now offers increased coverage of genetics and more experimental background. It is completely up-to-date.

Customer Reviews:

Mwentzler.......2007-09-27

Is an read easy and understandable read. Explains all topics very thoroughly yet in a clear concise manner especially for a biology text book.

Very good book.......2007-09-24

It's kind of hard to judge a textbook, especially when you're a student. But i can honestly say that this book is very straight forward. The diagrams are great, and especially if you read the diagrams as you're reading the book, they add a lot of depth and diversity to the reading. The text itself is not mundane...you won't fall asleep reading it. The CD it comes with is nice....but i tend not to use it that much...all it is, is just video clips. Overall i'd say this is one of the best, if not THE best, biology book i've used.

HOWEVER! Remember that this IS a bio book and it DOES get a little tedious at points

Cell Biology made clear.......2007-03-08

Great book. Although not a basic book, this text make many aspects of cell biology very clear. I would highly recommend it.

Essential Cell Biology 2nd Ed........2006-11-06

This is probably one of the best cell biology books out there. It's easy to understand, covers all the basics, and the CD included with it has really helpful videos.

Fine book, for whatever it matters.......2006-02-28

The book is decent. To be honest though, reviewing textbooks is kind of funny. Does it matter what I say? I suppose if you're ordering this book because you honestly just have a burning desire to learn about essential cell biology, well... the more power to you. You'll learn it just fine from this book. If you're just buying the book because it's the required text for your college class (like I expect), well yeah, doesn't really matter what I say, does it?

Average customer rating:

I took it with me to Europe and...
wiknow
Mastering vino
The absolute best wine primer
Best overall wine book

The Wine Bible
Karen MacNeil
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Reference | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1563054345

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Though it drinks deep of its subject, Karen MacNeil's Wine Bible deftly avoids two traps many wine books fall into: talking down to wine novices or talking up to more experienced enophiles. The book avoids these traps through MacNeil's obvious, and infectious, love of her subject, which comes out in almost every sentence of the book, and which lets her talk about wine in a way that combines the good teacher, the trusted friend, and the expert sommelier. As director of the wine program at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California, MacNeil is one of the world's true experts on wine. After reading a chapter on the Burgenland, for example, you've learned about the region's sweet wines while feeling like you're actually there, toasting a glass of Cuvee Suss with the author. It is this passion that leads to describing an Italian riservas as "mesmerizing" and a Cabernet Sauvignon as having "texture like cashmere."

The Wine Bible is broken into countries, hitting all of the major wine producers and most of the minor ones. Each section gives detailed descriptions of the country's wines (with chapters on individual regions when necessary), highlighting specific wine producers and individual wines, as well as talking about local foods, customs, and other tidbits that add to the reading experience. MacNeil begins her journey through the world's wine with an invaluable section on "Mastering Wine," which lets a reader get ready before uncorking separate sections. --A.J. Rathbun

Book Description

THE MOST COMPLETE WINE BOOK EVER. A must for anyone who loves wine, whether they are a pro or an amateur. Thorough, authoritative, and entertaining. (Robert Mondavi, founder and chairman emeritus of the Robert Mondavi Family of Wines"

"The most informative and entertaining book I've ever seen on the subject." (Danny Meyer, co-author of The Union Square CafT Cookbook)

The essentials: The romance and intrigue of Burgundy of sauvignon blanc and the surprising elegance of Spain's top Riojas. Italy, one of wine's most enchanting and ancient homelands. What makes a great wine great? The reason behind Champagne's bubbles. The precise and food-friendly wines of Germany. California, wine's Camelot. The lip-smackingly good wines of Australia. The complexities of Port revealed. How a vineyard profoundly affects a wine's character.

Plus, matching wine with food - and mood. The secrets of professional wine tasters and how to expand your wine-tasting vocabulary. And everything else you need to know to buy, store, serve, and enjoy the world's most captivating beverage.

The shimmering elegance of Veuve Clicquot, affordable luxury in a glass, page 185.

Ravishing, elegant, and rich, Petrus in Ingrid Bergman in red satin, page 156.

Some wines are like people... they get better as they get older, pg. 64.

Sherry, the world's most misunderstood and underappreciated wine, page 437.

Customer Reviews:

I took it with me to Europe and..........2007-10-09

...I was not disappointed. I have recently taken to wine seriously and the first book I bought was this one, based on a recommendation by NY Times wine columnist Eric Asimov. I backpacked it with some shirts and jeans and flew from Brazil to Bordeaux, then TGV-ied to Burgundy, then train to Liguria and then Piedmont and Tuscany and Campania. Nice trip, everyone should do it sometime. (Couple of tips: in Burgundy, stay in Beaune, not Dijon. In Piedmont, spend two nights in Alba, jazzy little barolo-and-trufles town.) Back to business: TWB is exactly what most reviewers below say it is: conversational, unpretentious but authoritative and above all demystifying. The book is organized by countries, so it inspires you to travel. In my case, during the trip I followed her advices on local wines and I never regretted it. I learned a lot and drank some of the best wines so far in my life: thank you, Karen. (Look for these wines if you happen to go to Bordeaux or Siena, respectively: "Le Bon Pasteur", a Pomerol, and "Scirus", a Super Tuscan.) The only reason I do not give TWB five stars is that I feel that the book is already in dire need of a second revised edition. Some of the stores and restaurants she recommends do not exist any more, for example. But more important than that, the wine industry worldwide has been developing very fast in the last ten years and, frankly, the space the book dedicates to some regions seems to me indefensible. Being from South America, probably my opinion that Chile and Argentina together should get more than twenty-some pages at the end of a 900-page "bible" is a little biased. Ok, but the dry table wines from Portugal get six pages, less than the State of Virginia (USA). If you think this is fair, try the Portuguese red blend "Quinta do Mouro 2004" and get back here... Anyway, a fine and fun, if a little dated, introduction to wine. Still a buy.

wiknow.......2007-10-02

The Bible is well written, lots of useful info and facts - curious details, etc.
I like the break down of countries, regions, grapes by color/region, etc.
This was one of the very first books I got recommended to buy when I got into the wine industry - as I was asked the grapes of Bordeaux, I had no clue couple years ago. After looking them at the wine bible, I have never fogotten.
I now work at a Texas winery, and I can thank my teacher and this bible!
Read up, and drink up!
PS: only wish more of the photos were in color.

Mastering vino.......2007-09-28

I bought this book as a tool for work, im a manager at a private social club. This book will teach you a ton about wine. I expecially enjoy the fact that you can start reading this book at whatever section you need to learn about. (broken down by region)

This is such a awesome book, thanks to Karen McNeil for spending the time to write it in "Plain English", it makes it enjoyable and easy to understand for the novice wine lover. CHEERS Karen.

The absolute best wine primer.......2007-09-06

I would rate myself as an intermediate wine enthusiast. I have a good wine cellar, love to buy wines and of course drink them! I just bought the "bible" and have learned so much in the introductory section. The information will bump me up to a new level and give me more confidence when discussing wines before I buy them. It covers the most important wine regions and the wines from them. It is after all a primer not an indepth study of a specific wine. If you want to be an expert on Bordeaux then buy a book on that. MacNeil's writing style is fun and so knowledgeable without being being a wine snob, which of course a leading authority on wine could be. This the perfect wine reference book for anyone interested in wine.

Best overall wine book.......2007-09-01

I have my own collection of wine books and I was introduced to the Wine Bible in a wine shop I worked in. I was very impressed with the amount of information in the book. Also, the book is well written and easy to read. Not only did I buy the Wine Bible for me, but I've bought it for friends just getting started in their wine appreciation and knowledge.

Average customer rating:

Karen Kingsbury #1 Writer~
Can't put them down
God's Faithfulness
INSPIRATIONAL LOVE STORY
Great read, and excellent marriage advice

Forever (Firstborn Series #5)
Karen Kingsbury
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1414307640

Book Description

Katy Hart is thrilled about her future with Hollywood’s Dayne Matthews. But as she plans a wedding and looks for a house on the shores of Lake Monroe, she receives tragic news. Now she and the members of the Baxter family must travel to Los Angeles and sort through their options. While paparazzi open fire on the Baxter family, Luke Baxter must wrestle with feelings that have troubled him for nearly a year. Ultimately, the Baxter family must pull together one last time in an act of service and love to help Katy and Dayne find what they’ve always been looking for--a chance at forever.

Customer Reviews:

Karen Kingsbury #1 Writer~.......2007-10-11

Anyone who has ever read any of Karens books knows that there is no other writer in this day and age that hits every emotion that we all go through in this life, in our own search for why we are here, who we are, and the battles that can and do happen in this life.

The number one moral is that Gods Love and our love for others is the strength to keep us all carrying on in this journey in life. There is hope in all of her books.

It is such a "blessing" to read a book, that everyone whether a believer or not in God who touches our lives in everyday situations with family and friends. There is not one of her books that I have ever been disappointed in. Once you read one of her books you will be "hooked" and can't wait to read the next one.

Seagull
<><
Las Vegas, NV

Can't put them down.......2007-10-10

A friend got me started on Karen's books. Now I have read almost all of her books. When I start one, I find it very hard to put it down - I just want to keep reading to the end. All the books in this series and her other series' are great. I can't wait to find out what will happen to the Baxter family next.

God's Faithfulness.......2007-08-02

The book is a wonderful nonfiction that displays God's awesome faithfulness and presence through the continued story of The Baxter Family. I was so taken that I could hardly put the book down and I'm eager to begin the Sunrise Series. These books are encouraging in my life as well, reminding me of God's promises and truths in my own life. Thank you for encouraging me in my walk with Christ!

INSPIRATIONAL LOVE STORY.......2007-07-19

This is one of Karen Kingsbury's best books, and certainly her best love story. An award winning book, it's also by far the best of the Firstborn series. She's crafted the characters in the Baxter family so well that you feel as though you are a member of this family. I highly recommend Forever! The Candidate: A Novel

Great read, and excellent marriage advice.......2007-07-18

I thought that this new part of the series was packed with excellent marriage advice that is both practical and Biblical. I love this series, and how Kingsbury portrays God's graciousness and mercy.

Claimed By Shadow (Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Strong Sequel
Exciting Sequel to Touch the Dark
Not so intertained
Indecisiveness with Mystic Backgrounds
Wonderful Sequel!

Claimed By Shadow (Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 2)
Karen Chance
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Urban | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Dark | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Horror Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0451461525

Book Description

Clairvoyant Cassie Plamer has inherited new magical powers-including the ability to travel through time. But it's a whole lot of responsibility she'd rather not have. Now she's the most popular girl in town, as an assortment of vamps, fey, and mages try to convince, force, or seduce her-and her magic-over to their side. But one particular master vampire didn't ask what Cassie wanted before putting a claim on her. He had a spell cast that binds her to him, and now she doesn't know if what she feels for him is real-or imagined...

Customer Reviews:

Strong Sequel.......2007-10-15

Reading over the reviews that have been left, it seems to me that people either get what the author is doing or they don't. Flat out. I'm one of the former, having only just discovered a new series that really works for me. I don't agree with the reviewer that thought this was a paranormal romance, however. I don't read romances because I've never thought they had much of a plot. These books have plot in spades, and while the romance angle is there, it's not the main focus. I also liked the way the plotlines of the two books neatly play off each other. If you enjoyed Touch the Dark, you'll probably enjoy this one, too. I did, and I'm on board for the next.

Exciting Sequel to Touch the Dark.......2007-10-11

I loved Touch the Dark, and the ending left me looking forward to reading more about psychic Cassie Palmer's adventures. I was very excited to discover that there was a sequel, and that it picks up a lot of the threads I enjoyed in the first installment and runs with them.

When the book opens, Cassie is trying to get rid of the powers that were thrust upon her at the end of Touch the Dark. She's the new, and very reluctant, pythia, the magical community's head seer. But the power that comes with the office makes her a target for everybody from assassin war mages to vampires to the former leading contender for the role, a seer named Myra. Cassie isn't interested in power-she'd prefer to save her skin. But while she tries to figure out how to decline the position, Myra has come up with a clever plan to remove her competition-permanently.

This book hits every single one of the elements I enjoy in a novel: it has well rounded characters with real personalities, it's dark but has a good deal of humor, too, it has a feisty heroine, a dose of romance and it is never predictable. I read it in one (very long) sitting because I didn't want to put it down! I am eagerly awaiting the third book in the series, Embrace the Night, to be released in April of 2008.

Not so intertained.......2007-08-27

I did not read the first book, but I picked this one up because it looked good. I just did not get into it like I normally do with books of this genre. The main character just seemed whiney to me. I could see no real reason that she wouldn't want to accept her power. Maybe it is explained in the first book. The shifting through time was interesting as well as the Dracula references. Over all I counsider this book ok and I will not read the others in the series.

Indecisiveness with Mystic Backgrounds.......2007-08-18

In book one, Cassie was smart, savvy, and running for her life. In book two she is still running for her life, but she doesn't know what's going on. On the whole, I believe a protagonist with a clue is more fun than one without one. The supporting cast from 'Touch the Dark' is still here, but with switched around loyalties that aren't always well explained. I liked the first volume better, but the second isn't that much worse. 'Claimed By Shadow' gave me the sense the author was trying too hard with her plot, as things become very tangled at the expense of characterization. This could have been wonderful if motivations were shown instead of told in dialogue.

In short, this novel was fast and suspenseful without being great. A nice quick read if you go for vampires and magic. It felt much more like paranormal romance than fantasy.

Wonderful Sequel!.......2007-08-15

I loved the first book (Touch the Dark) and anxiously awaited the sequel. I was thrilled to find it was even better! Smart, sexy, funny, intense, like nothing else in the genre. Can't recommend it highly enough for fantasy, mystery or thriller fans.

Average customer rating:

Awesome story with a romantic ending...
Sunrise
Romantic to da core!
good way to spend an afternoon
Sunrise

Sunrise (Sunrise Series #1)
Karen Kingsbury
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0842387471
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Book Description

In preparation for their long-awaited wedding day, Dayne and Katy are determined to keep the ceremony a secret from the paparazzi. Their relationship grows closer and stronger as they plan together, but in the end it takes the help of the Baxter family and many of the CKT kids so that they’ll even have a chance at a private wedding. John Baxter is thrilled that his oldest son will be settling down a few miles away, but he isn’t sure how any of his kids will handle a situation he can no longer run from--the feelings he is having for his friend Elaine. In the meantime, the Flanigan family is struggling with their young boarder, Cody Coleman, Jim Flanigan’s star receiver. After an alcohol overdose, Cody fights for his life. Only God’s grace and a miracle can bring him back from the brink of death--physically and spiritually.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome story with a romantic ending..........2007-10-23

I enjoyed Sunrise immensely, probably because I became familiar with Dayne and Katy in Kingsbury's book Fame. While Kingsbury does a great job slipping in the back story a little bit at a time, sometimes it's just not as good as reading it for yourself. I loved Fame and I loved Sunrise. (Nothing like going straight to the wedding.) Actually, there were four books after Fame that led up to this point, so if you like soap opera drama in the sense that every book makes you crave the next "episode" then you'll love Sunrise as a prelude to the exciting things yet to come.

The wedding scene was also the most beautiful and romantic that I've ever read. You can't help but love Dayne and Katy and want great things to happen in their lives. Especially after getting a feel for all that they went through even without reading the previous books. Their love is rich and deep and based on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Kingsbury is unabashedly Christian in that respect. She always emphasizes the importance of salvation in the lives of her characters. I love that. The subplot regarding the perils of drinking and driving was well done as was the budding romance between the senior Baxter, John, and his long-time friend, Elaine.

Kingsbury is also the queen of secondary characters and subplots. Just like in the soaps, there are always several stories going at once. Of course that makes me crave the next book in the series--which I thankfully have--so I can immediately continue on. Kingsbury writes fast enough to make it possible to go from one story to the next. I've probably done myself a disservice by not reading everything in order (I plan to jump back to read Forgiven (which comes after Fame) and I still need to read Redemption, which was the book that started the last two series. But no matter which way you slice it, each series containing the Baxter family is addicting. I'm glad to be getting my next fix.

Sunrise.......2007-10-10

Karen Kingsbury has done it again..This book is AMAZING....I laughed, cried & now look at the sunrise in a different way..

Romantic to da core!.......2007-09-29

A much better series. I was moved. I was bored somewhere in the middle of the firstborn series and was realy praying this would be different. Thankfully it was!

good way to spend an afternoon.......2007-09-15

I read this in one afternoon and enjoyed it. The plot _is_ a bit thin, but Sunrise seems more like a transitional book, mainly written to wrap up the Firstborn series and lay the groundwork for the Sunrise series. As such, it works well. There were some minor inconsistencies (the press is watching the Baxter family to guess where the wedding is, but Katy's parents can take a commercial jet to Mexico with no problems? Wouldn't somebody be watching them, too?) but all in all, I love the book, and appreciated it more after reading Summer.

Sunrise.......2007-09-15

I was very pleased with the product; it was in great condition and arrived at just the right time. The quality of the book was excellent, better than I had expected.

Average customer rating:

Read This A Must!!
are u a good student or not? should u or not should u not get the work book?

Living Psychology
Karen Huffman
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Medicine | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0471679380

Book Description

It's about life.
It's about time.

Living Psychology was written for students like you, with real lives and real concerns. Full-timers. Part-timers. Working people. Heads of families. Career changers. All with two things in common. Everyone wants relevant material they can immediately use and apply to everyday, real life. And everyone is busy.

With you in mind, Living Psychology emphasizes psychology's direct relevance to your modern busy life--careers, business, school, relationships, and society.

Real life. Drawing on scientific research and recent advances in neuroscience, behavioral genetics, cognitive psychology, and related fields, Living Psychology shows how to use psychology to better understand everyday life. Using proven hands-on, active learning tools, interactive exercises, video clips, photos, and animations, Living Psychology also helps you learn psychology, while simultaneously teaching you to learn how to learn--so you can learn anything.
Real time. Because students and professors are so strongly pressed for time, we organized Living Psychology into 15 chapters, each of which is condensed into brief, manageable modules to help you focus on key content. The accompanying study guides and fully integrated media will also save you time.

Customer Reviews:

Read This A Must!!.......2007-01-10

Check with your professor about her notes. If lectures are good then book is not needed. It is a good refrence though. However I was dissapointed with amazons description. They acknowledged the book was a complete paaackage and edition, however, I did not recieve the cd-rom that should have came with the book. So I had to purchase seperate. Be sure to check with your professor that you don't need the cd before buying unless it is at great price.

are u a good student or not? should u or not should u not get the work book?.......2006-02-23

the work book really didn't help me out much. it just like reading the book. if you read the book and do your home work then you will be fine. i wouldn't say that its not helpful. it is to some poeple, i'm sure. if you are good at studying and note taking, then don't buy this work book. on the other hand if you are not then go a head and get it.

save $30 and just buy a high lighter and a note pad. highlight over information that you think is important and take note over those. do it for each chapter and this will really help you study for each exam. best of luck too you!!!

Average customer rating:

Required for classes
Rewarding Book
Used it for Calc1 , 2, and 3
I would not adopt it for my courses in calculus
Not good.

Calculus: Single and Multivariable
Deborah Hughes-Hallett , Andrew M. Gleason , William G. McCallum , Daniel E. Flath , Patti Frazer Lock , Thomas W. Tucker , David O. Lomen , David Lovelock , David Mumford , Brad G. Osgood , Douglas Quinney , Karen Rhea , and Jeff Tecosky-Feldman
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 047147245X

Book Description

Striking a balance between concepts, modeling, and skills, this highly acclaimed book arms readers with an accessible introduction to calculus. It builds on the strengths from previous editions, presenting key concepts graphically, numerically, symbolically, and verbally. Guided by this innovative Rule of Four approach, the fourth edition examines new topics while providing readers with a strong conceptual understanding of the material.

Customer Reviews:

Required for classes.......2007-05-17

If I had to learn solely from this book, I would not know anything about calculus. This book is a great tool for professors to supplement their teachings, but not very good as a stand alone if you are trying to learn on your own. There are lots of examples throughout many of the chapters that skip crucial steps and of course the even problems are much harder than the odds which have answers in the back. I'm mostly glad that this book covers three semesters of math credit at my community college.

Rewarding Book.......2007-05-13

If you want to learn integration techniques and become a whiz at basic computational calculus, you need another book. If you want a book that gives you a lot of proofs and tons of examples, you also probably need another book.

So why do I give the book 4 stars? The answer is _the problems_. I used this book for 3 semesters of calculus, and I felt like I actually discovered a lot of the machinery of calculus just by doing the problems. It's a great feeling to discover rather than be taught. That's what this book helps you do.

Of course, this means you will probably have to do a few more problems than the teacher assigns (unless the teacher is very in tune with the book and knows exactly which problems are related). Also, when you get to techniques of integration, you'll probably need to refer to other books for examples.

Another downside is the cost. But, unfortunately, that's a problem with all American text books.

Oh and about the book and solution manual not giving many solutions... Don't worry about it. When you solve most of these problems, you _know_ when you get the answer because everything will click and make sense. This is a fun book for problem solvers.

Used it for Calc1 , 2, and 3.......2007-03-31

It was a nice value, having bought the book new, that I was able to use it for three classes. The book itself, however, needs a lot of help. I agree that it does under explain and then do a lot of examples. The problem is that the examples are often nothing like the exercises in the book. They are often oversimplified or overly complicated compared to the exercises used as homework. The student solution manual is good for what problems it has. But with only every other odd, there are not nearly enough.

Mathmatica is used with this book. Which is nice, if you enjoy using a computer program that is not as good at a TI-89 graphing calculator.

I would not adopt it for my courses in calculus.......2006-12-22

I teach mathematics and computer science at a small college, so I examined this book for possible adoption as a text in our three class sequence in calculus. Since it does cover calculus all the way through flux integrals and the calculus of vector fields, there is certainly enough material for the sequence. One characteristic that I approved of was the lack of "using technology" segments.
In this area, I will be the first to admit that I am of the old school, even though I have taught a course in programming with Maple and am a heavy user of Mathematica. The reason why I disapprove of using these programs in calculus is that the students have enough on their minds without having to learn how to program a symbolic mathematics package. Learning calculus is very hard, all mathematics, especially calculus, is not a spectator sport. Some people liken it to a contact sport, as it can be very exhausting to learn it. Forcing the students to simultaneously learn programming is in my opinion too much to ask. There are plenty of exercises and solutions to the odd-numbered ones are included.
However, I will not be adopting this book or recommending that it be adopted. I do not think the depth of the explanations is adequate. For example, on page 50 there is the epsilon-delta definition of a limit. After that, there is only one example (limit of 2x as x goes to 3) of how this definition is used to determine a limit. On the next page there is a theorem listing many of the properties of limits but no explanations as to why they are true. Proofs are largely nonexistent, the pedagogical style is to say, "here is something that is true" and then go immediately to an example of how it is used.
I will readily concede that if that is your style of teaching calculus, then this book will work for you. However, if you want to occasionally give a true proof-style explanation as to why a property holds, then you are on your own.

Not good........2006-10-13

I used the James Stewart 5e for the first quarter for calculus. But I switched schools and this school used the Hughes Hallett book.

Pros: None

Cons:

There not enough reference pages.

There only a total of 2 pages back and front for the whole calculus book. This book is used for 3 quarters of calculus and this book ONLY has 2 references. It would be nice to able look back in reference page to refresh my head from first quarter calculus formula but this book has a short list. James Stewart is better in the way that it takes an extra step to include lots Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry formulas.

Solution manual only has every other odd.

I bought solution manual without looking at it. They only have a solutions for problem 1, 5, 9, 13, and etc. The review problems are the same thing where they only work out every other odd problem. I was able to return this solution manual. I am super happy I didn't have waste any more money into this book.

Those two cons make me hate this book.

I would recommend that if you had to buy the book, look to other books for reference pages. Unless your teacher assigns every other odd, I wouldn't buy the solution manual.

American Government: Continuity and Change, 2006 Edition (Paperbound) (8th Edition)

Average customer rating:

American Government

American Government: Continuity and Change, 2006 Edition (Paperbound) (8th Edition)
Karen O'Connor , and Larry J. Sabato
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

U.S. | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0321209184

Book Description

This new edition of the number one book in American government continues to provide the most current and engaging introduction available for the course. Written with the belief that knowledge of the development of American government is integral to fully understand our current political system, American Government: Continuity and Change offers a strong historical perspective that highlights the evolution of government and engages students with examples relevant to their lives.

Customer Reviews:

American Government.......2007-03-23

I am not an American Government person, but there is a lot of very useful information in this particular book.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books