The Year of Magical Thinking

Book Description

From one of America’s iconic writers, a stunning book of electric honesty and passion. Joan Didion explores an intensely personal yet universal experience: a portrait of a marriage--and a life, in good times and bad--that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a husband or wife or child.

Customer Reviews:

Comfort for the Grieving.......2007-10-22

Didion gracefully and movingly describes the surreal "magical" thinking that is part of the early grieving process. This includes the strange games of denial we play in our minds and the obsessions (what Didion calls the "vortex") that memory of the dead lead us to. She is at her best in describing the suddeness of death, the disruptions it causes, and the painfully strange mental life lived by the newly grief-stricken.

The book is highly intellectual. While this is not surprising given the nature of the writer, I do think that more needs to be said about the heart rather than the mind. Given the terrible tragedies suffered by Didion, it's understandable that she's only ready to let us into her mind and not her heart. The book is good to that extent, but the lack of more emotional depth is a major flaw.

It is also difficult at times to relate to the author, who is part of a high social and intellectual circle. The milieu is interesting and makes the book more interesting for me, but it can be distracting, and Didion at times comes off as a bit snobbish. Not that I want to rip her too much for it -- my heart does to out to her.

In the the end, this is a worthwhile book and potentially a great source of comfort for the grieving.

The Anatomy of Grieving.......2007-10-14

Joan Didion's husband of 40 years, the writer John Gregory Dunne, died of a sudden heart attack during a quiet evening in their Manhattan apartment in 2003. They'd just returned from visiting their only daughter, Quintana, in a coma and septic shock at Beth Israel North Hospital.

As the doctor delivers the news of her husband's death, he characterizes Joan Didion as a "pretty cool customer"-and it's clear throughout this book that she characterizes herself that way, too. In her memoir chronicalling the year following his death, Didion grapples to maintain this sense of self-identity amidst the inclement emotions of grief, anger, and loss. Using her graceful and level-headed prose, she dismantles her emotions: consulting texts ranging from Freud to Emily Post, she looks at grief objectively in order to understand it, and perhaps, exorcise it. She reads medical books and the autopsy report, employing the "magical thinking" of the title to see what she can do to fix them and make life as it was.

When this method fails, readers experience her sense of marvel at her lack of control over memories and sorrow. She describes it as a "vortex" when one stray thought leads her through a tunnel of memories. She carefully tries to avoid these, but, of course, can't. Readers learn about their wedding, places they lived, trips they took-all peppered with refrains like incantations against remembering.

The book captures her constant struggle between remembering and letting go (recognizing that her husband won't need his running shoes when he comes back, for example). She avoids characterizations and descriptions of her husband and daughter, and rather focuses on her very personal memories. Magical Thinking is a personal process for Didion, and readers are witness to her method of maintaining control-one that is heartbreaking, and characteristically elegant.

Just Okay.......2007-10-12

With a topic like death, you almost have a sure winner. There will always be readers who react strongly (and sympathetically) about death.

Although there are parts in the book I felt were poignant and written well, overall I felt the book was egotistical and self-serving. In more than one instance, there are allusions to the many accolades and milestones the author has garnered. There are allusions to celebrities and her involvement in elite social circles. This, I felt, detracted from the topic of death and grief.

I don't regret reading the book and would recommend it to someone who has recently lost a loved one. But there are many more books worth reading other than this one.

A Journal of Grief.......2007-10-09

I probably don't need to write a review for this book, but I did want to put my opinion out there.

I wanted to read Joan Didion because of her reputation and this was the most readily available book. I have read a few of her individual essays but this was first exposure to a full length work by Ms. Didion. The writing in all of her work is strong. This book, however, seems almost to be missing something.

With that being said, what a terribly hard topic to write about and still write well? I would still recommend this to anyone dealing with the loss of someone close to you, but I think there is other work by Joan Didion that is a better example of her expertise.

Loss.......2007-10-06

I have just finished reading, "The Year of Magical Thinking". I was unable to put the book down, once I started it. I have been a health care professional for 30 years. I have dealt with personal experiences of death and loss, and have also had the privilege of observing people, dying patients, and their grieving families, who have undergone the same experiences. The author was able to convey the tremendous sense of loss that a person goes through when a close family member, or friend, dies.
It is almost as if an arm or a leg, or, even, a heart has been excised from the person who has been left to cope. I have found that the only thing that really alleviates the pain, is time. There are people who are so afraid of losing a loved one that they live their entire lives without being open to love because they fear the inevitable loss. I would recommend this book to everyone because, in a lifetime, we will all be called upon to cope with death, loss, and grief. When we experience our own "magical thinking", we will at least be able to understand that we are not alone. There are others who have felt the same way we do and have reacted in the same ways as we have.

This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women

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Superb
great cd
Nuggets of Treasure
The best gift book you can give, this I believe
Unbelievably inspirational in an everyday kind of way

This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women

Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0805080872
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Book Description

An inspiring collection of the personal philosophies of a group of remarkable men and women

Based on the National Public Radio series of the same name, This I Believe features eighty essayists—from the famous to the unknown—completing the thought that begins the book’s title. Each piece compels readers to rethink not only how they have arrived at their own personal beliefs but also the extent to which they share them with others.

Featuring a well-known list of contributors—including Isabel Allende, Colin Powell, Gloria Steinem, William F. Buckley Jr., Penn Jillette, Bill Gates, and John Updike—the collection also contains essays by a Brooklyn lawyer; a part-time hospital clerk from Rehoboth, Massachusetts; a woman who sells Yellow Pages advertising in Fort Worth, Texas; and a man who serves on the state of Rhode Island’s parole board.

The result is a stirring and provocative trip inside the minds and hearts of a diverse group of people whose beliefs—and the incredibly varied ways in which they choose to express them—reveal the American spirit at its best.

Customer Reviews:

Superb.......2007-09-07

I bought this book after accompanying a friend to a book signing by Gediman in Cleveland last night. I had no idea what the NPR show, on which the book is based, was about but I'm very glad that I went - one of those fortuitous moments causing a small but perceptible expansion of ones world.

The premise of the show/book is people from all walks of life and nations are requested to submit a 350-500 word essay about "This I Believe". No preaching or dogmatic style is allowed, with the focus of the essays being on the greater essence of what it means to be human, alive and existing in this wonderful universe. The show initially aired in the early 1950's as the brainchild of Ward Wheelock (initiated the idea after his wife died and provided the funding), William Paley and Donald Thornburgh (CBS radio execs) and Edward Murrow (radio broadcaster).

Invitations were sent out to the famous of the time to submit their essays. Contributors included Hoover, Einstein, Truman, Barb Stanwyck, Thomas Mann, Jackie Robinson etc. Following the request of one listener contributions were sought from folks from all walks of life as opposed to the merely famous. The show aired daily for 4yrs gaining huge success around the globe. Alas for one reason and another the show came to an end in 1955.

The concept of "This I Believe" essays lay dormant until March 2003 when Gediman found a copy of essays from the 1950's series and realised that much of what they contained then was as pertinent today - a nation at war, health, government, science, philosophy etc. And so the whole concept, via NPR, was resurrected and has become a firm favourite of the NPR audience.

Anyone is requested to submit their essay, submission guidelines are provided in the book. Authors of the best ones received are requested to record them and then they're aired on the show. 80 essays are collected in this book combining some from the original 1950's shows along with ones from the current. (All of the stories submitted so far, some 19000, are available online). A variety of topics are touched upon in peoples personal philosophies from being nice to the pizza delivery guy through to international collaboration being the only way for humanity withstand its global pressures through to the inspiration to be found while looking up at the stars. Contributors include Bill Gates, Warren Christopher, Colin Powell, John McCain, John Updike, Leonard Bernstein, Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller) through to hospital clerks, schoolteachers, fashion designers and an autistic.

You might not agree with all the beliefs presented in the book (and why should you?) but there certainly is much there to ponder. One of the bonuses is for me is the lack of ram-it-down-your throat, my-way-or-the-highway bombast that plagues so much contemporary religion - religion/god is touched upon but in the loftier sense of man's search for meaning as opposed to the fire and brimstone of the pulpit.

Each essay is well written and even though succinct, manage to get across the pertinent points of the authors beliefs. The book certainly lends itself to random browsing (the essays are ordered by authors surname), and with no topic or index you have no idea what you are going to get in to with each.

Highly recommended - and who knows, it might compel you to submit your own essay.

great cd.......2007-08-09

great cd some esseys suck amazon ripped me off said it qualified for free shipping the charged me more to ship it than the cd cost thanks Amazon for screwing me on the shipping

Nuggets of Treasure.......2007-05-16

If you're looking for a book you can read in one sitting, this is not the one. "This I Believe - The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women" is a powerful collection of essays based on the National Public Radio series of the same name. The book is edited by Jay Allison, host and curator, and Dan Gediman, executive producer, of This I Believe. These editors are donating their proceeds to This I Believe, Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the mission of This I Believe.

Eighty essayists contributed to this book, each one penning concise expressions of their thought processes following the book's title. From the world-renowned Bill Gates, Colin Powell, Gloria Steinem, Helen Keller, John McCain, and Carl Sandburg, to the hometown lawyer, professor, part-time clerk, and tone-deaf music lover, each one spoke of their deepest beliefs in life. From reflections on kindness, generosity, and compassion, to staunch convictions about democracy, freedom, and war, these essays touch chords every reader will hear in their hearts and minds.

Novelist Isabel Allende, niece of Chilean president Salvador Allende, writes, "Give, give, give--what is the point of having experience, knowledge, or talent if I don't give it away? Of having stories if I don't tell them to others? Of having wealth if I don't share it? I don't intend to be cremated with any of it! It is in giving that I connect with others, with the world, and with the divine."

Grammy award winner, singer-songwriter, and actor Loudon Wainwright III says, "I believe in the power of inspiration, in the mysterious gift of creation. Creation with a small "c," that is, creation as in one's work, hauling a day's catch. When I write a song, I'm happy for a few days and it's not just because I've been reassured that I still have a job, though that's certainly part of it. Mostly I'm happy, I think, because I've experienced a real mystery. I haven't the slightest idea how it happened or where or from whom or what it came. I'd prefer not to know. In fact, I'd prefer not to talk about it anymore. It might scare the fish away."

[...]

The best gift book you can give, this I believe.......2007-05-12

There is something for eveyone. In a world of mad rushing and limited time, this book provides the profound and provocative in quick small doses--simply perfect!

Unbelievably inspirational in an everyday kind of way.......2007-05-06

This is my new favorite book! What i love (and hate) about it is that it's really best to only read a few pages per day. It's so difficult not to just keep on reading one story after another, but then i don't get the full benefit of being able to soak in all the wisdom. And it's great for reading out loud to friends.

Average customer rating:

Ready for a time warp to the English middle ages?
Amazing Character development!
Falls short of Expectation
Superb Historical Writing
ecstatic

Katherine
Anya Seton
Manufacturer: Chicago Review Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 155652532X

Book Description

This classic romance novel tells the true story of the love affair that changed history—that of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the ancestors of most of the British royal family. Set in the vibrant 14th century of Chaucer and the Black Death, the story features knights fighting in battle, serfs struggling in poverty, and the magnificent Plantagenets—Edward III, the Black Prince, and Richard II—who ruled despotically over a court rotten with intrigue. Within this era of danger and romance, John of Gaunt, the king’s son, falls passionately in love with the already married Katherine. Their well-documented affair and love persist through decades of war, adultery, murder, loneliness, and redemption. This epic novel of conflict, cruelty, and untamable love has become a classic since its first publication in 1954.

Customer Reviews:

Ready for a time warp to the English middle ages?.......2007-09-21

This is an exquisitely written story. The characters, even the minor ones, are beautifully developed. The descriptive powers of Ms. Seton are the best in the genre. You can touch, hear, see, smell, and taste the time in which Katherine Swynford lived.

While he's certainly not a villian, I found myself not always warming to the Duke of Lancaster. I didn't mind though it as I found it made him more real and his preoccupation with war and marriages of convenience only made him more believable. To portray the Duke as a sensitive enlightened man of the today would do a great injustice to the authenticity of the story.

This is a love story, no doubt, but it is also a history text book, the best kind there is. You learn more about the period than you ever would in a stuffy history 101 class. I recommend this book to everyone. It is a classic and a must read for all fans of good historical fiction. And while I never read a book twice, for Katherine, I will break my own rule one day...and I look forward to it.

Amazing Character development!.......2007-09-18

This book is absolutely amazing. Who knew that a book about the Middle Ages to be so scintillating! Seton did a fantastic job of character portrayal, especially the inner turmoils of both Katherine and her beloved John of Gaunt. If you want to know the plot, read the synopsis. I have to say that I've rarely encountered such vivid characters who draw you in so completely to their story.

One recommendation before embarking on this incredible tale: buy an historical reference book about the time period. Having another persective on the historical aspects of this time would have been helpful because Katherine intentionally stayed out of the political realm and some of the factual details are hazy.

Falls short of Expectation.......2007-09-05

Katherine is no doubt a wonderful novel with excellent description of England in the 14th Century. However, in my opinion, the story fell short in comparison to the summary I read on the back of the book. Characters in the novel were well developed but not deep enough to make me cry for the characters that died. The only character I truly feel for is Katherine because throughout the entire novel it was through her perspective that the readers see. According to the author, Anya Seton, it was her intention to have the readers see through Katerine's perspective. I find that reading through Katherine's perspective a weakness of the novel because although there were political intrigues among nobles and rulers, I find it less threatening toward the protagonists of the story because the plots against the protagonists and wars were mentioned very little. When I first read the summary of the novel I thought it was a love tragedy of a dark time, but what I got out of it was more of a light reading. So I gave this novel a four stars because it was slightly below my expectation.

Superb Historical Writing.......2007-08-26

I think if I had to choose my favorite book out of tens of thousands, it would have to be this one. This author had incredible imagination coupled with outstanding literary skills. Never have I read a book that makes me visualize the late 1300s as this one does, and I've read many of them. This book has withstood the test of time, and I'm delighted it has been reprinted, as have all of Anya Seton's works.

ecstatic.......2007-08-23

I read this book about 25 years ago and have always remembered it. Found it accidently while looking for something else. Am loving it all over again.Katherine

Average customer rating:

Sexual Impropriety?
Boring, disappointing rubbish.
weird
earthly Joys
earthly joys

Earthly Joys: A Novel
Philippa Gregory
Manufacturer: Touchstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0743272528

Book Description

Whether he is nurturing a single rare seedling into a blossoming tree or planning acres of exquisitely conceived royal gardens, John Tradescant's fame and skill as a gardener are unsurpassed in seventeenth-century England. But it is Tradescant's clear-sighted honesty and loyalty that make him an invaluable servant, and in his role as informal confidant during garden strolls with Sir Robert Cecil, adviser to King James I, he witnesses the making of history, from the Gunpowder Plot to the accession of King Charles I and the growing animosity between Parliament and court.

Tradescant's talents soon come to the attention of the most powerful man in the country, the irresistible Duke of Buckingham, the lover of King Charles I. Tradescant has always been faithful to his masters, but Buckingham is unlike any he has ever known: flamboyant, outrageously charming, and utterly reckless. Every certainty upon which Tradescant has based his life -- his love of his wife and children, his passion for his work, his loyalty to his country -- is shattered as he follows Buckingham to court, to war, and to the forbidden territories of human love.

From the details of garden design and innovation to the politics of a growing revolution which was to kill a king and turn a world upside down, Philippa Gregory once again makes history come alive through the people whose passions shaped that world.

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"Whether he is nurturing a single rare seedling into a blossoming tree or planning acres of exquisitely conceived royal gardens, John Tradescant's fame and skill as a gardener are unsurpassed in seventeenth-century England. But it is Tradescant's clear-sighted honesty and loyalty that make him an invaluable servant, and in his role as informal confidant during garden strolls with Sir Robert Cecil, adviser to King James I, he witnesses the making of history, from the Gunpowder Plot to the accession of King Charles I and the growing animosity between Parliament and court. Tradescant's talents soon come to the attention of the most powerful man in the country, the irresistible Duke of Buckingham, the lover of King Charles I. Tradescant has always been faithful to his masters, but Buckingham is unlike any he has ever known: flamboyant, outrageously charming, and utterly reckless. Every certainty upon which Tradescant has based his life -- his love of his wife and children, his passion for his work, his loyalty to his country -- is shattered as he follows Buckingham to court, to war, and to the forbidden territories of human love. From the details of garden design and innovation to the politics of a growing revolution which was to kill a king and turn a world upside down, Philippa Gregory once again makes history come alive through the people whose passions shaped that world. "

Customer Reviews:

Sexual Impropriety?.......2007-08-30

I have read several of Philippa Gregory's books; at least one from each series (the Tudor stories, Wide Acre and now Earthly Joys). And while I find her writing engaging and her characters intellectually attractive, I strongly feel that there must be something amiss in her psyche. That she can write so vividly about sexual-taboos makes me wonder what went on in her own life.
I glossed over the overtly sexual goings-on of the Other Boleyn Sister, The Constant Princess and The Queen's Fool, attributing it to the eccentricity of royal life. However, I threw Wide Acre away and refused to read the remaining stories of the series.
From the beginning of Earthly Joys I was waiting for the sexual deviancy at every page turned. I feel that the physical relationship between the gardener and the duke was unnecessary. The plot and John's character development would in no way have been compromised had she left out their tryst. Furthermore, I don't believe that the shipboard encounter advance either character; on the contrary I feel that her inclusion of sex in their relationship only weakened my trust of John's steadfast and honest character (and quiet frankly of Ms. Gregory's mental capacity).
I would have enjoyed this story so much more had she left out the physical relationship between John and the Duke. I will not be recommending this novel to anyone.

Boring, disappointing rubbish........2006-12-15

As an avid fan of all other novels by Philippa Gregory, I was terribly let down by this one. Unless you are a gardener or botanist interested in the origins of English gardening, there is nothing remotely interesting about this story. And even the historical facts, which are usually so masterfully intertwined with the plot in Gregory's other books, are given very little attention. The main focus is on the characters, but the characters never change or grow or learn from past experience. One theme is established at the outset of the book, and it just continues in the same dull vein until the end. Stuck with it because of how much I loved her other work, but I'm sorry that I wasted weeks of reading on this dud.

weird.......2006-11-30

Have enjoyed her other books. this book proves that "company men" live in all ages. Career is just more fun than familys.the book wanders like a vine, not a good first choice read.

earthly Joys.......2006-08-11

Philippa Gregory seems to have kept quite close to historical facts in accuracy, when comparing her fiction to a factual book on Tradescant's life.
It is a pacy read with emotional and erotic scenes;good descriptions of the finding of rarities and plants, modes of travel, social,religious,political feelings of the time.
The story brings history to life.

earthly joys.......2006-03-20

I have read all of Phillipa Gregory's books, and always eagerly await her next, but this was a miss. I was very disappointed in this stilted, boring book...I can only imagine that it is enjoyable to garden enthusiasts. Unlike Gregory's other novels, which have unexpected twists and enough action to keep one interested, 'Joys' drags on, with pages and pages devouted solely to plant descriptions. Gregory's attempt at some sort of 'love connection' between the gardener and his master is completely unromantic. I encourage anyone who likes this genre to read Phillip Gregory's work-just don't bother with this one.

Modern Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Power Electronics

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Modern Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Power Electronics
Gregory S. Nusinovich
Manufacturer: Wiley-IEEE Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471683728

Book Description

A comprehensive study of microwave vacuum electronic devices and their current and future applications

While both vacuum and solid-state electronics continue to evolve and provide unique solutions, emerging commercial and military applications that call for higher power and higher frequencies to accommodate massive volumes of transmitted data are the natural domain of vacuum electronics technology. Modern Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Power Electronics provides systems designers, engineers, and researchers-especially those with primarily solid-state training-with a thoroughly up-to-date survey of the rich field of microwave vacuum electronic device (MVED) technology.

This book familiarizes the R&D and academic communities with the capabilities and limitations of MVED and highlights the exciting scientific breakthroughs of the past decade that are dramatically increasing the compactness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability of this entire class of devices.

This comprehensive text explores a wide range of topics:

Traveling-wave tubes, which form the backbone of satellite and airborne communications, as well as of military electronic countermeasures systems
Microfabricated MVEDs and advanced electron beam sources
Klystrons, gyro-amplifiers, and crossed-field devices
"Virtual prototyping" of MVEDs via advanced 3-D computational models
High-Power Microwave (HPM) sources
Next-generation microwave structures and circuits
How to achieve linear amplification
Advanced materials technologies for MVEDs
A Web site appendix providing a step-by-step walk-through of a typical MVED design process

Concluding with an in-depth examination of emerging applications and future possibilities for MVEDs, Modern Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Power Electronics ensures that systems designers and engineers understand and utilize the significant potential of this mature, yet continually developing technology.

SPECIAL NOTE: All of the editors' royalties realized from the sale of this book will fund the future research and publication activities of graduate students in the vacuum electronics field.

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"Wicked"...A fairy tale for adults

Everyone has a background story that you know little about...

why I threw it away

Great beginnings, fizzled at the end

Wicked

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Gregory Maguire
Manufacturer: HarperAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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Son of a Witch: A Novel

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister: A Novel

Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

Mirror Mirror: A Novel

WICKED: THE GRIMMERIE, A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL

ASIN: 0060876328
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Book Description

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes the victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

Performed by John McDonough

Download Description

Packed with e-book extras, including the original classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, and the Reader's Group Guide. When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only one side of the story. Meet Elphaba -- a smart, prickly, little green-skinned girl who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil. When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil? Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

Customer Reviews:

"Wicked"...A fairy tale for adults.......2007-10-23

I saw the musical "Wicked" in May 2006, and decided to give "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire a try.

It's difficult to convey my feelings on this book. On one hand, I think the idea of a 'true story' of Elphaba "The Third Eminent" Thropp is intriguing and brilliant, since it provides proof that sometimes there are rational explanations for seemingly irrational circumstances and behaviors. (Why was Elphaba green? Why was Elphaba eventually labeled Public Enemy #1? Why did Elphaba want Nessarose's shoes so much?) On the other hand, there were times when I closed the book for a few days and forced myself to continue because there were so many questions and not enough answers, or the answers were delayed by unimportant happenings. How did Glinda *really* become the 'Good Witch of The North'? (She stayed at Shiz and became a sorceress, but what actually led to her elevated position?) What really happened to Fiyero? (Here's a hint for those who saw the musical: He wasn't necessarily *The* Scarecrow) If Elphaba truly had an aversion to water (She had no running water in her loft 'because she didn't use it'), then how was she able to drink water-based beverages like tea and ale? While some questions were in fact answered adequately, more questions arose and were left to ponder over, and that got rather irritating at times. The biggest question, of course, was Liir's background: First, it was hinted at that he's Elphaba's son with Fiyero (she even acknowledges that possibility at one point in the story); later on, we're led to believe that since he looks nothing like Elphaba or Fiyero, he's really some orphan that the maunts stuck Elphaba with to get both of them out of their lives. Was he or wasn't he Elphaba's son? (We never find out for sure...at least not in this installment)

Overall, I suppose the book is worth a read for those who like their fantasies dark, but I feel that I must add this advice: If you have seen the light-and-airy Broadway musical that was (VERY, VERY loosely) based upon this story, you may be disappointed and even bored with the serious tone and bleakness throughout this book; if you haven't, then you may find this book fascinating and enlightening, and find the musical to be silly trash. Another bit of advice: This is NOT a children's book. Despite the all-too-familiar illustration of the two witches on the cover, there is much mature content that should not be read by people under the age of 16 (My 8-year-old niece recognized the cover and wanted to read it, and I had to explain that it was a 'grown-up book'). I say this not because of the sexual content (although I'll admit there's enough of that) but because of some of the more realistic undertones hinted at throughout the book. (politics, questioning good and evil, etc.) If you decide to read this, take a bit of precaution, and prepare to hear The [Shocking] Other Side of The Story.

Everyone has a background story that you know little about..........2007-10-22

OK... probably not the type of book I'd pick up with no external influence. But on the cruise, one of the shows had a snippet from a musical called Wicked. I found out a little about what it was based on, and then saw the paperback by the same name... Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. As I was running out of reading material, I decided to pick it up and give it a try. It was better than I expected, and was a unique perspective on the classic movie The Wizard of Oz.

The story revolves around the life of Elphaba, a green child born to parents living in the land of Oz. Through her childhood and school years, you watch her deal with the problems of being different than everyone else, as well as having a family that is less than functional. Her college years link her up with others who have the same subversive thoughts and purposes, and it leads her to a life committed to overturning the evil rule of the Wizard. The book ends at the same place as the movie, with the death of the witch at the hands of Dorothy. But what you find is that Elphaba's quest for the ruby slippers was really nothing more than an attempt to reclaim a family heirloom, and that she really just wanted to be left alone to live out her life in peace.

I think the reason I enjoyed this as much as I did was the perspective twist. Rather than looking at Oz as a happy little land with dwarfs running around, you find that it was really a political hotbed of intrigue and repressive actions. The good guys are actually trying to maintain their royal positions, while the bad guys are the activists who are trying to effect change in society. And when you finish the book, your entire mental framework of Oz is forever altered.

If I were a Wizard of Oz fan (unbelievably, I've never watched it all the way through), I might have enjoyed it even more. But even a passing knowledge of the story is enough to make for a few hours of entertainment.

why I threw it away.......2007-10-20

Because I could not get over such a casual use of such strong language and obscene situations, I only read to page 72 of 538. I bought the book because I fell in love with the Musical, but I found myself to be very disappointed each time I sat down to read.

Great beginnings, fizzled at the end.......2007-10-16

One good thing about this book is that is was so different from the play that one doesn't spoil the other.

The first 3/4 of the book was can't-put-it down engaging, but it fizzled out at the end, starting just about the time of the arrival of Dorothy. Where earlier in the book the violence had impact and a message at the end it was gratuitous. The conclusion of the story was neither triumphant nor tragic, but rather disappointing and dissatisfying. The attempt at the end to make the storyline match up to the original Wizard of Oz plot was rushed and seemed contrived.

The play Wicked did a much better job in 2 hours then the book did in 500 plus pages of weaving the Wizard of Oz story into this one.

Still, for the amazingly true to life personalities, insights, wit, wonderful dialogue, and imagination I would recommend this book (see the play first and after).

And, once you have seen the play it is interesting to notice how the playwright built up characters and ideas from the book. For example, the play Fiyero is a compilation of the book Fiyero and playboy Avaric and in the book Crope, not Boq, becomes the silenced page. The play takes Elphaba's fantasy and makes it come true.

Wicked .......2007-10-14

I have never benn a fan of "Wizard of Oz", but the background stories of the witches does entice. I read this book to get a fresh take on an old story- and I was not disappointed. I like the characters, and the way the story weaves around the original novel. But I do not like the constant reminders of religion and politics - after a while I had to check the cover and make sure I was not reading George Orwell or Aldous Huxley. The fresh spin on some classic roles was a fun, quick read. I hope that his other books are not as preachy or politcal.

The Johns Hopkins Atlas of Digital EEG: An Interactive Training Guide

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The Johns Hopkins Atlas of Digital EEG: An Interactive Training Guide

Manufacturer: The Johns Hopkins University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0801883725

Book Description

An electroencephalogram (EEG) records and measures electrical activity in the brain and is used to help diagnose seizure disorders, screen for delirium and dementia, evaluate head injuries, and examine brain activity in comatose individuals. While the introduction of digital EEGs carries the promise of better accuracy, it requires that physicians and technologists be specially trained.

This sophisticated and practical collection of teaching tools uses digital EEGs -- to be read as they would be in practice -- to provide a comprehensive introduction to all EEGs and to ease the transition from the paper to the digital format for neurologists and technologists. It incorporates multimedia presentation and interactive digital EEG and video to help physicians and technicians recognize common normal and abnormal EEG patterns represented in a digital format. The atlas presents EEG patterns in a logical sequence, beginning with normal adult and pediatric patterns, working through variants and abnormalities, and concluding with abnormal neonatal patterns.

This book is accompanied by an EEG reading system on DVD that allows the reader to review "live" EEG, facilitating training on formatting EEG for review and rapidly cross-linking between similar and related EEG patterns. In addition, the atlas contains a primer on reading EEG, a software tutorial on how to read digital EEG, an EEG self-test, a collection of MRI images showing positions of standard EEG electrodes over the brain, and video examples of common types of seizures.

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Very organized textbook
A good chemistry book.
Why don't they use books by Wiley in high schools?
It may help to use additional resources with the book

Chemistry
John A. Olmsted , and Gregory M. Williams
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0471478113

Book Description

100% Pure Chemical Understanding

Every morning many of us are energized by a cup of coffee. Imagine if you were as energized by understanding the chemistry in your morning cup--from the coffee trees, which fill red coffee berries with caffeine and a variety of other chemical substances, to the feathery crystals formed by the caffeine molecules, to the decaffeinating machines, which use liquid solvents to remove this stimulant from some of the beans. Now, that's real chemical understanding!

Olmsted and Williams' Fourth Edition of Chemistry focuses on helping you see and think about the world (and even your coffee) as a chemist. This text helps you understand how chemical phenomena are governed by what happens at the molecular level, apply critical thinking skills to chemical concepts and problems, and master the basic mathematical techniques needed for quantitative reasoning. You'll see the world as chemists do, and learn to appreciate the chemical processes all around us.

A Fourth Edition with a lot of new perks!
* Revisions include a new, early energy chapter; revised coverage of bonding; expanded coverage of intermolecular forces; and increased coverage of multiple equilibria, including polyprotic acids.
* New pedagogy strengthens students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
* Visual Summaries at the end of each chapter use molecular and diagrammatic visual elements to summarize essential skills, concepts, equations, and terms.
* eGrade Plus provides an integrated suite of teaching and learning resources, including a complete online version of the text, links between problems and relevant sections in the online text, practice quizzes, the Visual Tutor, Interactive LearningWare problems, and lab demos, as well as homework management and presentation features for instructors.

Customer Reviews:

Very organized textbook.......2007-09-23

The problems really helped me understand what to think about in chemistry without overwhelming me with information. However, the section on MO theory was a little unclear, I would recommend an instructor to explain that concept to students. I still countinue to use this textbook not only as a reference, but also in prepartion for taking advanced chemistry courses and possible preparation for med school.

A good chemistry book........2006-07-25

Wonderful book no doubt in terms of content. But a serious limitation is that it is without a chapter in Organic chemistry. Other chapters are easy to understand. Only due to the lack of organic chemistry discussions I am giving it 4 stars

Why don't they use books by Wiley in high schools?.......2004-12-04

That is the gold question because Wiley Publishers put out some amazing books. A highly organized index, comprehensive tables for electron affinity, ionization energies, thermodynamic functions, equilibrium constants and standard redox potentions are all here for the intermediate/advanced reader while all the fundamentals from bonding to composition are here. The book focuses heavily on electron relationsips in bonding and the effects of intermolecular forces. Large colorful charts and diagrams are shown on every page. There are multiple examples throughout every chapter with an adbundance of questions at the end. The only complaint is an incomplete periodic table as it only shows molar mass, valence configuration, the atomic number, and the elemental symbol. Great book with good organization. 5 Stars.

It may help to use additional resources with the book.......2002-10-31

The pros about this book:
1. I really enjoyed the sample problems in the book. It helped prepare me for the additional problems in the book.

2. For the most part, I understood everything. Reading it was not too difficult.

The cons about this book:
1. Some answers were incorrect. I had to speak with the instructor to get a couple of problems cleared.

Book Description

This well-established text in its twentieth edition is a leading, comprehensive resource. The latest revision to this classic authority includes the work of three new associate editors, and many new chapters and authors. It features the latest laboratory technology including gestation management, polymerase chain reaction, oligonucleotide arrays and cell biology, and early tumor detection. This book is the most comprehensive resource in the field and provides current, authoritative information for physicians and lab technicians.

Customer Reviews:

I'm no pathologist and I love it........2004-07-03

I'm a chemist and in my practical experience in the laboratory I have to say this is probably the best text you will find if you are a analytical reader. Of course, this book is not written with a enjoyable style, but if you bear to read it carefully and really analize the details, you will not regret the effort. This is great for reference and if it wasn't so dull in style It will make a great job as a textbook too, besides this is a classic.

Very useful for pathology residents.......2003-08-15

I rate this book a "4" as it's essential reading for residents in clinical pathology. A large number of the pathology board questions come directly from this book, making it necessary reading. It's also VERY dry reading, even for a pathology textbook. After reading this book you'll be ready from something comparatively exciting, like watching paint dry. However, due to its importance in studying for the boards, I highly recommend it.

Extremely Useful.......2001-11-26

I'm medical student from Hong Kong. I find it very useful in preparing Problem-based-learning tutorilas. The interpretation of the laboratory results are the most useful. It helps me understand more in the PBL cases.

A must for every doctor.......2001-04-05

Simple and delightful , filled with nice illustrations this book is necessary to every doctor not only clinical pathologists and laboratorits but everyone who handles daily with ambulatory and infirmary pacients. A must in every uptodate doctor or even meddicine students bookshelf.

Supurb text.......2000-11-21

This reference receives from all reviewers the top recommendations for comprehensive, concise, understandable presentations. Every laboratorian needs this reference. The 20th edition is due in February, 2001.

The Diaries of John Gregory Bourke: November 20, 1872, to July 28, 1876 (Diaries of John Gregory Bourke)

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The Diaries of John Gregory Bourke: November 20, 1872, to July 28, 1876 (Diaries of John Gregory Bourke)
John Gregory Bourke
Manufacturer: University of North Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1574411616

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