Miss Julia Strikes Back (Miss Julia)

Book Description

America's favorite Woman of a Certain Age takes the law into her own hands when a band of jewel thieves targets her town

It's lonely and boring in Miss Julia's normally boisterous town, what with husband Sam off on a long-planned tour of Russia and Hazel Marie vacationing in Mexico with Mr. Pickens. After inviting twenty-five of her closest friends to a party in her home, Miss Julia discovers that she's been robbed—her jewelry, including her engagement ring (a perfect replica of Princess Diana's), is missing! According to the police, this is not the first time the town has been the target of thieves, but Miss Julia is determined to make it the last. Packing Little Lloyd into the car, Miss Julia heads to Palm Beach for sun, sand, and a stakeout. With Etta Mae Wiggins along for the ride and a positively sodden PI on retainer, it's only a matter of time before they get their men. Miss Julia Strikes Back will delight Ann Ross's growing legion of fans and will be the perfect gift for Mother's Day—or any day.

Customer Reviews:

Amusing fluff.......2007-09-27

Miss Julia's jewelry is stolen while Sam (her husband) is away in Russia. Following a dubious-sounding lead by a local sheriff, she withdraws Lloyd from school and drives to Florida where she hires a private investigator to help her locate the thieves. Unfortunately, the PI is an alcoholic, and is more than Miss Julia can handle so she sends for acquaintance Etta Mae Wiggins to assist her. Together the four team up to find Miss Julia's property.

This was a light, entertaining audio. The plot was a little more fantastic than normal... (It reminded me of a Lucille Ball episode). Thankfully there was no Sam in this one. Sam's not a bad character, but he cramps Miss Julia's style. I liked Etta Mae, and Lloyd.... I was disappointed to see less of Lillian. I was lukewarm about Mr. Tuttle. I was a bit fed up with his alcoholism towards the end. Plus, he was so under-developed as a character, we never really understood why he drank, or what his real trouble was. 4 stars. Light amusing non-serious stuff.

Miss Julia Strikes Back.......2007-07-17

Miss Julia is my favorite lady of a certain age. While she has always
in previous book been somewhat headstrung reckless and always in charge she made us love her more. In this book she was out of her element.
Chasing Jewel Thieves - the whole episode - seemed unbelievable and
out of her league. I think she has a problem. Perhaps a mental problem
or some other that needs to be checked out. I hope Sam, Lillian and
Lloyd will keep a close watch on her and see that she gets help.
I miss the old Miss Julia.

Peggy McDonald

delightfully funny.......2007-06-13

As usual, Miss Julia is her ingenious self. This book is delightfully funny and continues the tradition of "scrapes in the name of decency". I just wish Miss Ross would write them faster!

Miss Julia is Miss Julia.......2007-06-08

It was nice to see Miss Julia get some of her gumption back in this episode. Her no-nonsense approach to getting back her jewelry is the old, sparky lady we came to love in the first couple of books. Highlighting another town character was a great addition. I did miss a couple of old friends though.

Miss Julia Strikes Back.......2007-06-01

Very cute story. Miss Julia at her usual in control, but not really, self. Really enjoyable read!

Halo, Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach)

Average customer rating:

Great Halo Books
Awesome...That's all I can say right now.
Halo ruined my life
Great Set
Very nice series

Halo, Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach)
Eric Nylund
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345473043
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Book Description

The official novels of the award-winning Xbox game! This set contains The Fall of Reach, First Strike, and The Flood -- the complete chronicles of the bloody Human-Covenant War on Halo.

The Fall of Reach
As the bloody Human-Covenant War rages on Halo, the fate of humankind may rest with one warrior, the lone SPARTAN survivor of another legendary battle . . . the desperate, take-no-prisoners struggle that led humanity to Halo--the fall of the planet Reach. Now, brought to life for the first time, here is the full story of that glorious, doomed conflict.

First Strike
The Human-Covenant war rages on as the alien juggernaut sweeps inexorably toward its final goal: destruction of all human life!

The Flood
The Human-Covenant War, a desperate struggle for humankind’s very survival, has reached its boiling point on the mysterious, ring world called Halo. But the fierce Covenant warriors, the mightiest alien military force known, are not the only peril lying in wait.

Bungie, Halo, Xbox, and the Xbox Logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Used under license. (c) 2001-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved

Customer Reviews:

Great Halo Books.......2007-10-02

These books are great for any Halo fan fan and are very much informative about things like the spartan program. This is a must buy set for any true Halo fan, or just a reader who wants a great set of books to read. Halo, Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach)

Awesome...That's all I can say right now........2007-09-26

These books were truely great. William C. Deitz rewened Halo: the Flood which is the only one that has parts from the game. But that book was still good. I'll admit, the parts about Captin Keyes in Halo: Fall of Reach (him alone) doing his little thing got really boring but nothing important was in that part so I skipped it. But the whole rest of the book was kick-a$$. Halo: Firt Strike was great, along side Halo: Fall of reach, maybe even a little beter than Fall of Reach. I have read all of these books 3 or 4 times. Unfortunately I got a little water on one of the books....

Halo ruined my life.......2007-09-16

Fall of Reach was such a good addition to the Halo story line. It details all of the events that lead up to the first Halo game, and how the SPARTAN program came to be.

The Flood was, well, essentially a written version of the game. It's good in the sense that you get to see the story from the Covenants perspective, but it just drags on for some time as it details every shot and grenade that the chief fires.

First Strike was, by far, my favorite of the three. It details the events that happen on Reach while the Covenant are glassing the planet. Something is on Reach that the Covenant want really bad.

Watch out for the spelling errors in First Strike and Fall of Reach though, lawl.

Great Set.......2007-09-03

this is actually my second set i bought; i think i lent my first set to a friend who i no longer remember and therefore cannot get back from. obviously i liked these books enough to buy them again despite the fact that i might find my old ones later.

Very nice series.......2007-08-25

Provides a broadened view of the game series. Going back to playing the game knowing all this backstory makes it feel that much more epic.

As for the books themselves, they are well-written, and the story is top-notch.

The Pretty Committee Strikes Back (The Clique, No. 5)

Average customer rating:

I love this book. It reminds me of my school life!!!
Best Ever!
Read this book or your missing out!
clique <3
The Pretty Committee

The Pretty Committee Strikes Back (The Clique, No. 5)
Lisi Harrison
Manufacturer: Poppy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0316115002

Book Description

A tragic haircut leaves Kristen looking manlier than a New York Jets linebacker. Will she be condemned to a season of trying to find cute hats when, as everyone knows, hats are so over? Meanwhile, Claire's got everything she wants -- new camo converse high-tops, bags and bags of gummies, and best of all, her first ever cell phone, from Massie. Although Claire's now an official member of the Clique, presents don't matter to her -- all she really wants is her first kiss from Cam, of course!

Customer Reviews:

I love this book. It reminds me of my school life!!!.......2007-10-18

This book is very good. I'm like in love with it!!! It really reminds me of my own school life. Even tough I actually kissed my crush unlike Massie, It was scary for me to kiss mine but I have good friends to help me out in the way just like Massie, Claire, Alicia and Dylan. I rate this book a 5 because it makes you want to continue reading and never stop!!!

Best Ever!.......2007-10-08

This series is one of my altime favorites (including twilight and private). This book is my favorite of them all and every time I get a new book I stay up until midnight reading it front to back. So then after finishing the book in a day, I must wait in torment for the next book to come out. Over all if you had to get one book of the series I would so say this one becuase not only does it potray Massies alpha status majorly, but it has more gossip and fun than ever in Clique history! So buy this book, or better yet... buy the series!!!

Read this book or your missing out!.......2007-06-02

I love this book and all the other Clique books! This book is packed with evil plan, revenge, love, girl power, and everything else you could want! I loved this book and you will too!!!!!

clique <3.......2007-04-16

I've been obsesed with the clique ever since i read the first book when i was in 5th grade. (now 7th)

basically, its about 4 girls.. massie, dylan, alicia, kristen and claire.
I can totally picture these girls... massie being insecure inside but looking totally confident on the outside...
alicia being pretty and everyone else being jealous of her..
dylan thinking shes fat even though shes really skinny.. being a follower in a way
kristen being a little more of a tom-boy and a little more like claire than the rest of the group
claire being really nice.. not rich.. and showing the traits that most people do need to show (insecurity).

book- Octavian country day is ready to pack their bags to go to lake placid. Many adventures happen on the way.. like claire kisses josh hotz because she thinks her boyfriend cam doesnt like her anymore.. (read the previous book [revenge of the boy snatchers] to know more about that.. i cant tell you the rest.. u need to read the book..

i LOVED the ending... i like wanted to read the next book right away...
i suggest getting both books at the same time because your gona wana read the next one asap.

hope you like itt..

The Pretty Committee.......2007-04-03

The Pretty Comitte packs her bags and heads onto the bus to Lake Paicd for 3 days and 2 nigths. Massie Block starts MUCK (Massie's Undergound Cilic for Kissing) with girls. Alicia and Claire battled out boys since Clarie kissed Josh Hotz, Alicia's crush! So Alicia trys to get back at Claire by being with Claire's love Cam Fisher. Dylan's mom Merri-Lee Marvil host of "The Daily Grind" tags along for a mother and daugther weekend. Uh-oh for Dylan.

This book is really great. Claire and Cam kiss and Massie's her derritgon kiss. This book is a total 5 star book for grades 6-10! Enjoy

Average customer rating:

Best book I've ever read
Great book
best in the series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@@@@*****%%%
Eagle Strikes the best!!
Girls can even enjoy this series

Eagle Strike (Alex Rider)
Anthony Horowitz
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0142406139

Amazon.com

Anthony Horowitz's enormously popular series about the world's premier teenage spy, returns for another round with secret agent Alex Rider fighting ingenious villains and charming every girl he meets. Eagle Strike, Horowitz's fourth fictional foray into the world of British spy agency MI6, starts out calmly enough as Alex and his lovely companion, Miss Sabina Pleasure, vacation with her family in the south of France. But before you can say Goldfinger, Alex spots his old nemesis, renowned assassin Yassen Gregorovich, on the beach. What Alex discovers is a plan so diabolical that it makes all of his previous adventures seem like a stroll in the Queen Mum's garden. Alex must fight to keep Gregorovich from executing the plans of a mysterious and murderous madman--an operation code named "Eagle Strike." He will just have to face down a few minor complications first: a virtual reality game that inflicts real pain; a fleet of Porche 911 GT3-driving hit men; and even a near fatal brush with death aboard the most famous aircraft in the world, Air Force One. But he'll persevere, or his name isn't Rider: Alex Rider. Eagle Strike, like all of the ridiculously fun Alex Rider adventures, is a pure guilty pleasure from start to finish. Even the most reluctant of readers won't be able to resist Alex's Bond-like ingenuity and charisma. Anthony Horowitz is a master of pacing, and as Alex swings from one cliff-hanging chapter to the next, Horowitz proves that you don't have to be Shakespeare to pen a crackerjack plot! --Jennifer Hubert

Book Description

Millions adore him. A philanthropist. Anti-drug crusader. Peace activist. And former pop star the likes of which the world has never seen. Sir Damian Cray even has the president's ear. Yet the president's ear is not enough for Damian—he wants more. Such as the president's fingerprints. So he can manipulate computer systems only the President of the United States has access to. So he can launch nuclear missiles. From aboard Air Force One. All in the name of peace.... So what if a few million lives are lost in the process?

Teen spy Alex Rider survives a bullfight, a high-speed bicycle chase through Amsterdam, and even being the target in a human video-game, only to face his most disturbing challenge yet: when the best of intentions are driven by insanity, how do you reason with a madman?

Customer Reviews:

Best book I've ever read.......2007-09-09

Bought this for my very active 12 year old (kiteboarding, surfing, skateboard, video game enthusiast, and musician) who has not been particularly enamored with reading--considers it "not fun" --like going to the dentist. He says he couldn't put it down. Read it in 4 days during the school week. Claims it's the best book he has ever read. Granted, hasn't read many, but getting him to enjoy a book this much is a major victory. He wants me to get all the books in this series.

Great book.......2007-08-23

Great book, non-stop action, hard to put down. The series gets better as it goes. Without a doubt, buy this book.

best in the series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@@@@*****%%%.......2007-08-22

I've read all of the Alex Rider books and i think Eagle Strike is the best. This book starts out where Alex is with Sabina on vacation in France. but then, he sees Yassen gregorovitch and 2 other men on a boat, and sees he cant go on with the vacation after Sabina's house house blows up. the policeman say it was a leak, but Alex Knows that Yassen was behind it all. alex gets really mad, and goes to the boat that he saw Yassen on. and when he's in there, he sees Yassen has Sir Damien Cray's privet phone # on it. he also sees a gun there, so he grabs the gun and goes to where Yassen is sleeping and almost pulls the trigger, but one of his men catches him. they deside what to do with him, and the desicion was make him go as a bullfighter. its either that or they shoot him. so alex goes to the bullfighting arena with Yassen's men pointing a pistol at him the whole time to make sure he doesn't leave. but of course alex finds a way out of it. he flies back to london and tries to persued them that he saw Sir Damien Cray's privet # on yassen's phone, and that they're up to no good, but they dont belive him. so alex desides to go alone.
Damien cray is launching a new Video game called the GAMESLAYER thats supposed to be the world's greatest new VG system. and he's laaunching it at hyde park. Alex goes there andDamien Cray asks if there is any teens there and someone pches him up face-to-face with DC. He maks alex trie the gameslayer and alex is pretty good, until DC Squezzed his arm and made him lose. you're gonna have to read it to figure out wahat happens next!!!!

Eagle Strikes the best!!.......2007-04-16

In the book Eagle Strike the setting takes place in England, at Damian Cray's factory for the GAME SLAYER, a new video game system.
In this book Damian Cray, who is a multi-million dollar singer, made a new high-tech video game system. The M16, or British intelligence, doesn't trust him because everyone who questions him seems to be killed in an accident sooner or later. HMMM? So Alex Rider, a M16 agent, is at the grand presentation of the GAME SLAYER. He is the only teenager there, so Cray calls him on the stage and wants him to try it. It was amazing. Later Alex finds out Cray uses the game system & factory as a cover-up for another plan. The plan is to blow up all illegal drugs in the world, but to do that he must use the U.S.A.'s nuclear bombs. So he steals the president's airplane that has all access to the 12 bombs. They are launched to blow up different parts of the world that make drugs. But this tactic would also take millions of innocent lives. So after a fierce battle in the plane Cray is pushed out and sucked in the engine & killed, Alex then self destructs the bombs in space. So Alex saves the world again.
I recommend this book to people who like suspenseful, action packed books that you just can't put down!

Rylie Williams

Girls can even enjoy this series.......2007-04-11

I am a girl tho i can not get into the gossip girl books and a-list i still enjoy meg cabot but when my friend lent me these books i immediatly fell in love with the action and suspense and basicly everything!! this series isnt only for boys girls can enjoy it too!!

I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE DOING THIS!: AND OTHER THINGS THAT STRIKE ME AS FUNNY

Average customer rating:

entertaining book
Very funny read
I shouldn't Even be Doing This
Okay read
Disappointed

I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE DOING THIS!: AND OTHER THINGS THAT STRIKE ME AS FUNNY
Bob Newhart
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1401302467

Book Description

That stammer. Those basset-hound eyes. That bone-dry wit. There has never been another comedian like Bob Newhart. His comedy albums, movies, and two hit television series have made him a national treasure and placed him firmly in the pantheon of comedy legends. Who else has a drinking game named after him? And now, at last, Newhart puts his brilliant and hysterical world view on paper. Never a punch-line comic, always more of a storyteller, he tells anecdotes from throughout his life and career, including his beginnings as an accountant and the groundbreaking success of his comedy albums and The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, which gave him fifteen years on primetime television. And he also gives his wry, comedic twist to a multitude of topics, including golf, drinking, and family holidays. Today, Newhart appears on Desperate Housewives, in hit movies such as Elf, and in theaters around the country. Reruns of his shows air constantly on Nick at Nite -- have recently been released with great success for the first time ever on DVD. With this book, Bob Newhart gives his millions of fans a first ever opportunity to sample his unique brand of humor -- including excerpts from some of his classic routines -- on the printed page.

Customer Reviews:

entertaining book.......2007-09-25

A quick read. Very entertaining. I had listened to the CD and wanted to read it. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Very funny read.......2007-09-23

This was a very funny read from Bob Newhart. He tells the story of his
life in short interludes which put together a picture of a man at peace with himself and the world. His humor has always made me laugh, some-
times loudly and this book did the same thing.

I shouldn't Even be Doing This.......2007-09-19

Not a rib splitter. But a good, relaxing read. Lots of fun stories about Newhart and his celebrety friends. If you like Newhart's sense of humor, you will like this book.

Okay read.......2007-07-05

I didn't read the ad carefully when I purchased this product. Even though we thought it was an album of Bob Newhart's comedy routines we enjoyed listening to the book. It was a 3 CD book and we enjoyed alternating this book with the other audiobooks we had purchased.

Disappointed.......2007-06-22

I like Bob Newhart, but this book was not as good as I was hoping for. It was not a quick read.

Average customer rating:

alex rider E.G

Alex Rider Complete Boxed Set (1 to 5)
Anthony Horowitz
Manufacturer: Scholastic, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439880521

Product Description

Five Alex Rider novels: Stormbreaker, Point Blank, Skeleton Key, Eagle Strike, and Scorpia. The autor creates a teen super-spy with finesse and typical teen insecurities who is a likeable hero living a fantasy come true. There is plenty of slam-bang action, spying and high tech gadgets in these non-stop thrillers!

Customer Reviews:

alex rider E.G.......2007-01-17

great series about a reluctent teenage spy who for many resons has been forced into mission after mission to save the world.
many great action scenes and characters which leaves you wishing for more once youve finised reading them.
E.G

Average customer rating:

Excellent as a Historical Text Book
Not very good...
A very useful beginners guide to American film.
Movie spoiler

American Cinema/American Culture
John Belton
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 007004466X

Book Description

Developed to accompany the Annenberg-funded telecourse American Cinema, and written under the aegis of The New York Center for Visual History, this text offers a fascinating look at the interplay between the movie industry and mass culture in America.

Ideal for film appreciation and film and culture courses found in Cinema Studies, English, History, American Studies, or other departments, American Cinema/American Culture first examines the industry, its narrative conventions, and its cinematographic style.

Following this introduction, students are exposed to the sweep of film history in the U.S. using five genres as the bases for discussion and focusing on the point at which each had the greatest affect on the industry, film aesthetics, and American culture.

Finally, the book concludes with a look at Hollywood post World War II, giving separate chapter coverage to the effects of the Cold War, television, the counterculture of the Sixties, directors from the film school generation, and the trends of the Eighties and Nineties.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent as a Historical Text Book.......2007-03-24

So, I expected this book to be a bit more fun. Unfortunately, the fun element is missing. However, in fairness, the book serves as a thorough textbook for the history of American Cinema and its techniques and various genres. I did enjoy reading about the early studio system and the vast amount of control this oligopoly held. There were some very good critiques and studies of specific films, and a bit about specific actors and actresses. Even a bit about directors. Though packed with information, the book just lacks an entertainment value that it could and should have pulled off based on the subject matter.

The different genres studied include:

Westerns
War Movies
Silent Films
Film Noire
Screwball Comedies

As well as an overall dissertation on Classical Hollywood Style and its various techniques.

Not very good..........2005-03-05

I got this book for a class on the history of cinema. Unfortunately, as the title implies, it only deals with American Cinema. If this is a book for school, check out the class to see if foreign films and film history will be discussed. This book is, again, as the title implies--one-sided. Most of the movies it discusses, gives away crucial plot-points and endings. Some movies that I've been dying to see were ruined in just one or two sentences. This book is also very puffed-up and biased (I don't know any other way of explaining it). Many times throughout the book, Belton seems like James Lipton of "Inside the Actor's Studio", and goes on and on about the greatness of Hollywood, actors, director's, and films with nothing negative to say. It's not at all critical of anything and the author frequently inserts his own interpretation of films into the general text, which I found a little pompous. The book does offer up some interesting facts about the early history and the birth of cinema, but there's something about the way this book was written that makes it hard to stay interested. I think the chapters about film genres exaggerate the importance of some of them, and neglects other genres completely, ie. Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Sci-fi, Animation, Epics, etc. Again, question the instructor and/or look at the class syllabus before siging up if this is the only book for this class. I don't believe this is a comprehensive and unbiased view of cinema and it's history.

A very useful beginners guide to American film........2003-01-08

Years ago I took an intro-level film class at a community college. This was the text for the class. It was accompanied (at least in my class) by a PBS video series that combined film clips with interviews and historical information. Going into the class I had little more than a passing interest in film and film history. But after taking that class, my passion for film has grown exponentially with each year. But back to the book, I really liked this book and highlighted my way from the front cover to the back cover. There are of course limitations to this book. Firstly, it deals only with American films. Secondly, this book barely breaks the 300-page mark - hardly a comprehensive volume. You aren't going to get any information on John Cassavetes here or anything. Now if you have a chance to use this book in conjunction with the PBS films, I think you'll do much better (in fact I think the vids even give a nod to Cassavetes), but even then please note that this material is for an INTRO-level film class, and won't be much good for someone who already knows a fair amount about American film. But with that in mind, the book still has a lot to offer someone looking to introduce themselves to film history.

The first third of the book starts with the birth of film, moves quickly on to the Hollywood studio system, and walks us through the basics of film style (camerawork, lighting, editing, etc.). The second third covers the basics of film genre; there is a chapter about film noir, one on comedies, one on war films, and one on westerns. This second section was particularly useful to me. I could read each chapter, jot down a list of promising titles, hit my local video store, and I was good to go. The third section covers American film after World War II. In this section things seem a little compressed. 110 pages for 50 years of film? A lot is lost on the cutting room floor. But there's lots to dig into all the same. There's a chapter on Hollywood during the McCarthy years (yikes!), one on film's evolution during the emergence of television, a chapter on 1960s counterculture films, one on the film school directors of the 1970s and 1980s, and finally a pretty weak chapter on film in the 1990s. Oh yeah, and at the end of the book there's a handy glossary (in case you're ever stuck on what point-of-view editing is) and a pretty thorough index.

Again, not a book for someone who already has a good feel for film history. But definitely a great resource for someone new to film studies, or for someone who has trouble finding a movie at Blockbuster on Fridays. It did a great job getting me excited about movies, and I imagine its done the same for others.... A good companion to this text (or possibly an all-out replacement of it) is Scorsese's VHS/DVD, "A Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese Through American Movies."

Movie spoiler.......2002-10-08

This would be a great book to read if you have no intention of watching the films discussed within, or if you've already seen them. On quite a few films, it tells the whole plot, in detail, from opening to end credits.

I also don't like the prose of the author, as he excessively uses sentences "in quotations". The writing structure is very formulaic and boring. The "5 paragraph essay" format is good for high school students learning to write, but imagine an entire book written that way. I can only read it for 15 minutes before losing interest.

The book does, however, provide plenty of examples from a variety of films.

Amazon.com

The Dark Knight Strikes Again is largely an entertaining comic, but much of what made The Dark Knight Returns so good just doesn't work here. Miller's gritty, untidy artwork was perfect for DKR's grim depiction of the dark and seedy Gotham City, but it jars a bit for DKSA, which is meant to depict an ultra-glossy, futuristic technocracy. Lynn Varley's garish coloring attempts to add a slicker sheen, but the artwork is ultimately let down by that which worked so well for DKR--this time around, it just feels sloppy and rushed. The same is true of the book's denouement, which happens so quickly that it leaves the reader reeling and looking for more of an explanation. Moreover, DKSA is packed full of characters who will mean little to those unfamiliar with the DC Comics universe (e.g., the Atom, the Elongated Man, the Question). Perhaps the book's biggest failing is that where The Dark Knight Returns gave comic book fans a base from which to evangelize to theuninitiated, The Dark Knight Strikes Again is just preaching to the converted. Comic book superhero fans will find much to enjoy here, but others would be better off sticking with the original. --Robert Burrow

Book Description

The Dark Knight Strikes Again is Frank Miller's follow-up to his hugely successful Batman: the Dark Knight Returns, one of the few comics that is widely recognized as not only reinventing the genre but also bringing it to a wider audience.Set three years after the events of The Dark Knight Returns, The Dark Knight Strikes Again follows a similar structure: once again, Batman hauls himself out of his self-imposed retirement in order to set things right. However, where DKR was about him cleaning up his home city, Gotham, DKSA has him casting his net much wider: he's out to save the world.The thing is, most of the world doesn't realize that it needs to be saved--least of all Superman and Wonder Woman, who have become little more than superpowered enforcers of the status quo. So, the notoriously solitary Batman is forced to recruit some different superpowered allies. He also has his ever-present trusty sidekick, Robin, except that he is a she, and she is calling herself Catwoman. Together, these super-friends uncover a vast and far-reaching conspiracy that leads to the President of the United States (Lex Luthor) and beyond.The Dark Knight Strikes Again is largely an entertaining comic, but much of what made The Dark Knight Returns so good just doesn't work here. Miller's gritty, untidy artwork was perfect for DKR's grim depiction of the dark and seedy Gotham City, but it jars a bit for DKSA, which is meant to depict an ultra-glossy, futuristic technocracy. Lynn Varley's garish coloring attempts to add a slicker sheen, but the artwork is ultimately let down by that which worked so well for DKR--this time around, it just feels sloppy and rushed. The same is true of the book's denouement, which happens so quickly that it leaves the reader reeling and looking for more of an explanation. Moreover, DKSA is packed full of characters who will mean little to those unfamiliar with the DC Comics universe (e.g., the Atom, the Elongated Man, the Question).Perhaps the book's biggest failing is that where The Dark Knight Returns gave comic book fans a base from which to evangelize to theuninitiated, The Dark Knight Strikes Again is just preaching to the converted. Comic book superhero fans will find much to enjoy here, but others would be better off sticking with the original. --Robert Burrow

Customer Reviews:

What a mess.......2007-10-23

A sloppy, train wreck of a book. It makes little to no sense and the artwork is atrocious. The Superman story line is the only redeeming quality, but everything else is a mess. A very strange low for otherwise great work from Miller and DC.

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Cassie, the young Robin has decided she would rather be Catgirl, instead. Being older, I guess she reckons she looks good in a catsuit.

Now a more experienced field operative, she leads missions for the Batman.

There is a Kingdom Come type feel to this story as the heroes who are government sanctioned, and those who are not, line up for or against the Dark Knight.

ugh..........2007-08-14

the artwork is too sloppy to look at, the story is a meandering wad of lard... what the hell, Frank, did you whip all this out in a week for some desperate need for cash? Give your fans the respect they deserve.

"Sequel" to the Legendary "Dark Knight Returns".......2007-07-19

Frank Miller raised the bar for comics when he released the original 4-issue prestige format mini-series in 1986. It was one of two books that redefined comics for the 21st century (the other is Alan Moore's Watchmen). Every comic book fan has read (or should have read) it. It should be on your bookshelf right now!

But here we have the less-than-spectacular sequel, "The Dark Knight Strikes Again." The sequel is much more standard capes-and-tights super-hero action than the darker "Dark Knight Returns," and can be avoided by all but the most diehard fans. It doesn't strike any of the same notes as the original series. What we have here could almost be considered Silver Age super-hero action, rather than the post-modernity of "Dark Knight Returns." Miller experimented by deviating from the formula that's worked for him on classics such as "Sin City" and "Daredevil," but by doing so leads readers into different territory that they may not be interested in following him to. This is a "sequel" in name only.

Wacky Wayne Chronicles.......2007-07-19

If you are expecting anything nearly as good as the Dark Knight Returns, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. While I was slightly disappointed with the book overall, I've gotta say that this is one of the craziest comics (graphic novel, whatever) that I've ever read in my entire life. It's worth reading at least and while it doesn't ruin the memory of the original Dark Knight Returns, it's just too out there for me. The art is really funky and kind of sloppy, the writing isn't Miller at his peak and the story is a weird mishmash of cameos and political satire.

And the fate of one character in particular (I don't want to ruin the surprise because the individual shows up literally out of nowhere as one of the piece's main villains and shows up almost nothing like you remember them) was just mind boggling.

Worth a read but I don't know about recommending a purchase on this.

Average customer rating:

'Requires an active and creative mind to enjoy'
total synthesis 2
not for the common person
Increased Potency
Plausible, but understated and unsafe

Total Synthesis II
Strike
Manufacturer: Panda Ink
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 096582912X

Book Description

The most comprehensive and detailed book on the underground production of ecstasy and amphetamines ever published. Step-by-step synthesis recipes with extensive detail are given for more recipes than any other book in existance. Plus, this book represents the first collaboration of the underground. Naughty chemists from around the world have contributed their favorite recipes and comments to provide the reader with massive insight and options.

Customer Reviews:

'Requires an active and creative mind to enjoy'.......2007-05-15

'Strike'(AKA Hobart Huson)also created 'THE HIVE' an on-line clandestine chemistry forum which has since been taken off the web (though various archive snapshots such as RHODIUM still exist). This book written by Strike is extremely useful, though it requires an active and creative mind to enjoy the full benefits of this book. Much information is scattered through out this book just waiting for someone to come along and put it all together. Many of the useful tips and hints that Strike gives at the beggining of the book, take on new meaning when combined with the suggestions he gives at the end of the book. An enormous wealth of information is awaiting anyone willing to go though this book and put all the unconnected parts together.

total synthesis 2.......2006-07-10

a very well written book in detail of manufacture of all amphetamines and ectacy but unless you have a chemistry background is have to follow or attempt any of the synthesis described in the book but still a good source of information

not for the common person.......2006-07-04

if you have a chem degree this book is great..but with a degree you don't need the book..way too tech for the above average high school grad

Increased Potency.......2006-06-06

I don't plan to read or buy this book. The VOGEL textbook is the best book for lab technique. It is doubtful that Strike's book talks about enantiomers. MDMA exists as right and left handed enantiomers. Probably only one enantiomer has the biological activity. The other enantiomer is probably just inert filler. Thus, optically pure MDMA would be twice as active as the mixture of right and left handed enantiomers. Buy a book on Resolution procedures.

Plausible, but understated and unsafe.......2006-03-11

Assuming a layperson to chemistry could perform all the steps outlined in this book, they would still put themselves at risk. This book suggests utilizing a variety of corrosive and/or combustible chemicals to produce illegal narcotics. The reactions are understated by the author, and any reader shouldn't assume they will be able to yield a clean product easily, if at all. It suited the needs of my research into the manufacture of methamphetamine, but, legal aspects aside, I wouldn't attempt any of the reactions.

Average customer rating:

Substance and Beauty, Too
A meticulously researched historical novel
Moving story of a mine strike's politics and dangers.
Beware that movement that generates its own songs.

Bread and Roses, Too
Katherine Paterson
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0618654798

Book Description

Rosa's mother is singing again, for the first time since Papa died in an accident in the mills. But instead of filling their cramped tenement apartment with Italian lullabies, Mamma is out on the streets singing union songs, and Rosa is terrified that her mother and older sister, Anna, are endangering their lives by marching against the corrupt mill owners. After all, didn't Miss Finch tell the class that the strikers are nothing but rabble-rousers;an uneducated, violent mob? Suppose Mamma and Anna are jailed or, worse, killed? What will happen to Rosa and little Ricci? When Rosa is sent to Vermont with other children to live with strangers until the strike is over, she fears she will never see her family again. Then, on the train, a boy begs her to pretend that he is her brother. Alone and far from home, she agrees to protect him . . . even though she suspects that he is hiding some terrible secret. From a beloved, award-winning author, here is a moving story based on real events surrounding an infamous 1912 strike.

Customer Reviews:

Substance and Beauty, Too.......2007-03-23

This lovely story tells about two children caught up in the infamous Lawrence, MA, mill strike of 1912. Rosa Serutti is caught between the anti-union pronouncements of her teacher and the harsh reality of tenement life for her immigrant family. Jake Beale runs from his alcoholic father and finds friends among the Italian mill-workers. As the story progresses, Rosa and Jake are taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Gerbati in Barre, Vermont. Here they receive clothing and food and love from Mrs. Gerbati, but both Jake and Mr. Gerbati are troubled by something from the past. Through the beauty of roses blooming from granite, Jake finds a new life and Mr. Gerbati breaks out of his shell. The strike ends and Rosa returns to her Italian mamma, the woman who deserved not only bread for her family, but roses too.

This is historical fiction of the highest calibre, with authentic details, well-developed characters, and a touching ending. It is a story of substance and beauty, too.

A meticulously researched historical novel.......2007-02-09

Bread and Roses, Too is told from the alternating perspectives of two very different children. Jake Beale has faked his papers to work at the local mill, is largely illiterate, and spends most of his time running away from his abusive, drunken father. He respects no one, and sleeps literally in garbage heaps. Rosa Serutti is the daughter of Italian immigrants, and attends school, though her mother and older sister work in the mills. She's studious, prissy, and quiet, and worries a lot.

Though they have different backgrounds and experiences, both children find their lives turned upside down when the Lawrence mill-workers go on strike. To tell the truth, neither reacts well. Jake steals, lies, and fails to appreciate people's kindness to him. Rosa lectures her mother about the perils of striking, and slinks along on the fringes of the marches and demonstrations that arise, even as she is sometimes inspired by them. I didn't much like either child, early in the story. But things do get better. Eventually, Jake and Rosa's lives intertwine. Rosa is sent away to live in safety with a family in Vermont, and Jake escapes along with her, towing a dark secret.

All of the major events in the book are based on meticulously researched historical events (as detailed in a historical note at the end of the book). The Lawrence strikes are depicted as they happened, in terms of local and state responses, the presence of union organizers, and the humanitarian "vacations" provided for many of the mill-workers children. Barre, Vermont really did host several children from Lawrence during the strikes. A photo of the children inspired the author to look further into the story.

The historical detail does slow the book down a bit, especially in the early part, when Jake and Rosa are still in Lawrence. Because of this, I had a bit of trouble getting into this book. However, it won me over by the end, and had me in tears (in a good way). The two strongest aspects of the book, I think, are the depth of the immersion into the world of the immigrant mill-workers, and the complexity of the characterization.

Regarding the immersion, this is a book that will make readers feel lucky to have food, and warmth, and clean water, and not to have to worry about basic survival. Here's an example, when one of the Italian strikers buys lunch for Jake, giving him a platter of spaghetti:

"It was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. The tomato sauce even sported a few bits of greasy sausage. Jake forgot the crowd around him, forgot the strike, forgot the menace that waited for him in the shack, and fell to, his nose almost in the steaming plate. He hadn't had a full platter of food to himself in his entire thirteen years of life."

None of the characters in this book are one-dimensional, with the exception of Jake's dad, who is largely off-screen. Rosa's teacher is not very nice to the children in her class, and she tries to coerce them to convince their parents not to strike. And yet... she travels though the violence-prone streets to ask why Rosa isn't coming to school anymore, and she ends up providing lunch every day for the kids who remain in her class. The man in Barre that Rosa and Jake are sent to stay with, Mr. Gerbati, starts out silent and grouchy, and especially resentful of Jake. But when Jake actually gives him reason to be disapproving, Mr. Gerbati displays unexpected kindness "like his flowers blooming from the cold gray granite." Rosa's mamma is uncouth and uneducated, and somewhat careless of her children, but she has a voice like an angel, and she wants better for her Rosa than she ever had. Isn't that the immigrant dream?

I think that the book is accurate in capturing Rosa's struggles as the "smart one" in an immigrant family. She wants to fit in with her family, but even though she's still a child, her education is taking her beyond them. She's the only one who reads and writes fluently in English. At one point she thinks:

"She would be an American, an educated, civilized, respected American, not a despised child of an immigrant race. When she grew up she'd change her name and marry a real American and have real American children. She wouldn't go out to work in a mill and leave them in the care of someone's old granny who couldn't even speak English. She'd stay home and cook American food and read them American books and ... But even as she thought these determined thoughts, somewhere in the back of her mind she could smell rigatoni smothered in tomato sauce with bits of sausage in it and could hear her mamma's beautiful voice singing Un Bel Di."

I think that there are plenty of immigrant kids today facing the same sort of conflict between the promise of being American and the pull of their own culture.

This is a book that I'll remember for a long time. There is so much unflinching detail: Jake sleeping in the garbage; the welts on Jake's back; the wide-eyed awe of the children when they visit the Gerbati's house for the first time; and the feeling that Rosa has of being part of something larger than herself, during the demonstrations. I think this is one of those books that gets better in your memory, the longer it stays with you. I hope that kids will be able to get past the "good for you" feeling of the early historical parts, because the story has a lot to offer.

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on February 8, 2007.

Moving story of a mine strike's politics and dangers........2006-12-10

Rosa's mother seems happy again after recording from the mining death of Rosa's father - but she's out in the streets singing union songs, and Rosa's frightened of the corrupt mill owners. When she's sent away to live with strangers in Vermont until the strike is over, she worries she'll never see her family again. Her adoption of a younger boy will help protect them both in this moving story of a mine strike's politics and dangers.

Beware that movement that generates its own songs........2006-09-25

Doggone it, Katherine Paterson, stop making me cry! Under normal circumstances the number of books that make me tear up is a slim number that could be counted on one hand. And most of those books, if I was going to be honest with you, were probably written by Katherine Paterson. Ms. Paterson is a bit of a wonder. Year after year, decade after decade, she churns out consistently well-written meaningful pieces of children's fiction. The last book of Ms. Paterson's that I read was her rather remarkable, "The Same Stuff As Stars". Now, however, she's decided to traipse back into the world of historical fiction, alongside all the other authors this year, and produce a bit of fascinating history that can show a situation clear distinctions between good and bad, and yet leave enough room for people with nebulous motives. If complex narratives is the name of the game, consider Paterson a player.

On the one hand there's Jake. On the other hand there's Rosa. Both children live in Lawrence, Massachusetts in less than stellar conditions. For Jake, life is especially rough. His father's a drunkard who steals his son's money all the time and beats him senseless. And though Jake can usually make a little money in the local mills, it's rarely enough to keep him fed and warm. Rosa, in contrast, is relatively lucky. She lives with her mama, elder sister, and little baby brother in one of the city's many tenements. But life at the mill has been getting worse and worse and when it looks as if the mill owners are going to cut the workers' pay yet again, that's the straw that breaks the camel's back. Now Rosa's mother is joining in with the 1912 strike alongside workers from a variety of different backgrounds. And that might not be so bad except that Rosa is firmly convinced that her mama is putting their entire way of life in jeopardy. Her worst fears are confirmed too when her mother puts her on a train to Barre, Vermont to wait out the strike with a kind family there. On the train Jake meets up with Rosa and though they are only barely acquainted, he convinces her to say that he's her brother so that he can get out of town fast. As it happens, Jake has a secret he's trying to escape while Rosa has a life she's trying to remember.

Though it's clear from the get go that the mill owners are bad and the mill workers are good, Paterson works tirelessly to muddle the issue through Rosa's eyes. As far the girl is concerned, joining in the strike is dangerous and common. And Jake's no better a person with his constant schemes on how to get ahead and lie his way out of most situations. When he finds himself with the striking workers the book reads that, "This was the excitement of being a thief in the middle of hundreds of thieves, all set to steal away the world of Billy Wood", who is the mill's owner. In fact, you could probably say that there are few main characters out there half as self-centered as Rosa and Jake. For a long time all they think about is themselves. It takes a long time for them to get on that train headed for Vermont (150 pages or so), though once they do they're taken far enough away from what they're used to to think about something other than me me me. Rosa's schoolteacher Miss Finch is another complicated character. Unlike the mill schoolteacher in "Counting On Grace", Miss Finch is completely on the side of the owners. She doesn't want Rosa to be taken out of school, but she also encourages the children vehemently to keep their parents from striking. Rosa is, of course, completely on her teacher's side, and it's interesting to watch as Paterson pulls the child reader's strings back and forth and back again. She never tells her audience what to think and she doesn't have to. This book is an excellent example of "show, don't tell".

For those amongst us who don't know their American history as they should, I think I might not be the only one who thought that the title, "Bread and Roses, Too", meant that this story was a sequel. I know, I know. I'm a Neanderthal. I accept that. Really, it wasn't until the story showed how Rosa participated in naming the Bread and Roses Strike personally that I knew where the title even came from. Ms. Paterson, who is always good with clarification, mentions in the book's Historical Note at the end that no one really knows who came up with that phrase. She just took the liberty of assigning the job to Rosa, and it works like a dream.

Part of the privilege that comes with being a writer is that if you would like to set a book partly in your own hometown, you have that right. Ms. Paterson sets part of this book in Barre, Vermont where she herself lives. The people of Barre have long been known for the role they played in hosting the children of the Lawrence strikers. Ms. Paterson used all kinds of Barre historians to aid her in the writing of this book, and the result is a story that certainly gives the city its due. The writing for its own part is, of course, pitch perfect at all times. And while the book's first sentence is nothing to crow about, its last one is amazing. You won't understand much of what it means without having read the book, but I'll write it here just so you can get a taste of what Paterson's about. "How strange, how wonderful it semed to be running, not away from petty crime or deadly fear, but toward a new life where bread was never wanting and roses grew in stone."

It's interesting to note that Paterson doesn't go into the details of what working in a mill would entail in this book. We see the result of horrid working conditions rather than the cause. Technically she already showed the cause in her book "Lyddie". And if you happen to be desperate to read about what it was like for mill children, definitely seek out Elizabeth Winthrop's remarkable, "Counting On Grace". If children reading this book can get past Rosa's self-centeredness (she doesn't ever seem to get behind the strike until it seems as if she's named it herself) and they don't get bogged down in the story's first half, they'll be rewarded with a remarkable addition to the Paterson oeuvre. Reading "Bread and Roses, Too", makes you feel, when you are done, as if you've become a better person for the reading. A lovely little novel.

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