Tell No One!!! Tell everyone ..Hold Tight one of Harlan's best

Whilst I count myself a real Myron (and especially a Wynn fan) I thought Hold Tight was a brilliantly crafted book. Other reviewers have gone in to the nuts and bolts of the plot so thats all well covered. What I will say is I usually read 2-3 chapters a night, Hold Tight I did not put down until I had finished the book. Great story Harlan . . . Thanks

over-rated.

This was my first Coben book and the only reason I decided to buy it was because of all the great reviews here on amazon. Maybe because the reviews were so good I had over anticipated how good this book really was going to be. Dont get me wrong, it is a good mystery book but I didnt find it very suspenseful and i didnt find the 'surprises' awfully surprising. Worth a look if you have the time and money but not worth going out of your way to buy.

Murder most horrid

A really engrossing country house murder told with all the suspense and horror that the nation felt on reading the accounts in the press. Summerscale weaves the developments in detection, and how the social scandals of the time were influencing and shaping the definition of the novel itself.<br />Unlike other reviewers, and having never experienced lsd (pounds, shillings and pence btw), I was amazed at just how many pennies were in a pound and what a shilling could buy!<br /><br />It isn't perfect: for example there is a theory left to the very end which never gets a proper consideration in the rest of the text.<br />Also I wonder whilst highlighting the social realities of the time, that some discussion about the huge social restraint placed on women, both the lady of the house and the maid, might have added extra depth.<br /><br />Still highly recommended.

A Boys' Own Yarn - with insight.

This is an enthralling, hair-raising tale of a country in the grip of an exploited past and a gruesomely plundered present; interwoven with the equally hair-raising story of a man in the grip of an insane obsession. <br />A calm and measured analysis of Belgian colonial rule counterpoints Butcher's apparently senseless and appallingly perilous quest - that of following in the footsteps of the explorer Stanley, a newspaper-man whose motives for making that first 1867 trip down the Congo seem to have been pretty dubious; and who, moreover - unlike Butcher - travelled under the protection of a bloodthirsty private army of his own. The author's fascination with his subject, combined with the unseen terrors that lurk round every bend in the river, make this a page-turner; and at a deeper level, his pointless seeking out of danger stands, I think, as a distorting-mirror to the madness that is the Congo today: in this instance, a madness that is both European and self-imposed. <br />"Blood River" brilliantly conveys the plight of the Congo as a whole; its only defect is a certain lack of human empathy for the citizens of a once-civilized country now slowly being obliterated by fetid jungle - and, indeed, by rivers of blood. I read this book immediately after enjoying Annie Hawes' much more laid-back African tale,"Handful of Honey"; another fearsome thousand-mile journey across the continent - this time amid warring Islamists and their opponents. The themes of post-colonial collapse and of Macchiavellian interference by the ex-colonial powers are heart-breakingly similar in both books; and are something us comfortable Westerners need to hear a lot more about. But compared to Hawes' full-blooded Moroccans and Algerians, people with opinions of their own, Butcher's Congolese often seem mere ciphers. I would recommend reading both books for the fuller picture! <br />

One of the best

The message of this book is great: that one should try to rid oneself of the"ego." While I agree with many principels in this book, there are a few I can't swallow. Even so, this is one of the better"self-help" books out there."The Power of Now" and"You Can Heal Your Life" are also very helpful.<br /><br />A NEW EARTH is written well--something you need not expect with this type of genre. And while part are familiar to anyone who has studied the religions and outcomes:"Turn the other checck, Karma, etc," there is a freshness to Tolle's take on how to apply these ideas.<br /><br />If you're new to the thinking of the collective consciousness, then you'll want to read this. My advice on reading this is to take it one chapter at a time and not try and cram everything in together. Let it sink in. That way you'll be more open to the concepts. A great book for spiritual growth; both accesible and useful.

Another tasty morsel...just a little hard to chew

For those of you who haven't been long-term fans of Shan or the Demonata, there are some things you should know prior to starting this book: First, when you're reading a Darren Shan book, you must remember ANYTHING is possible and absolutely NOTHING is out of bounds, even in his stories aimed primarily at teens. Second, you should never get tired of a series like the Demonata simply because--so far--the story's been pretty flimsy; those who've read Cirque du Freak know that with patience in his structure comes surprising satisfaction in the end result, and the Demonata series is no different. The action truly BEGINS in this book, and what you make of his direction is entirely up to you, but I think the plot he introduces in this seventh volume is unbelievably original, even for the likes of him, and I think you'll be as shocked as I am nobody's ever done it before.<br />Before starting this book I thought I'd predicted everything that was going to happen based on the cover image as well as supporting evidence involving Shan's style. <br />But let me reitterate: When it comes to the work of Darren Shan: ANYTHING. IS. POSSIBLE.

Open Minded

Considering that it was when Lawson was in power under Thatcher that Global warming was first talked about I find this whole book highly hypocritical and slightly dangerous. Yes scientist are only 90% Global warming is down to us, but science is only ever 90% sure. Lawson is right he is no scientist. This book is simply tosh.

Aaaaaahhhh! Like a mug of good red bush tea!

It is nice to see that AMS is back in his stride vis a vis the No1 Ladies Detective Agency! The last couple of the books of this series-though enjoyable as always!-have not been quite as"traditionally built" as the first few of the series, as I say in my review of"Blue Shoes and Happiness". For those who say the pace is too slow, I understand, but that is Africa...Maddening for the first while one is there and then sorely missed and grieved when one is not. For those who say the plots are predicatable, well, yes, I suppose but, to me, this is part of AMS's"genius" because what he is describing is just...LIFE. Life in Botswana, to be sure, and of a rather unusual person for her enviroment, but life noetheless. How many times have you realized that, really, your life is absolutely, marevellously exciting....to YOU, but upon reflection, is it really so to other people? Well, possibly not. But that's life! And there is something rather comforting in knowing the end of the story before one reads it sometimes. So, settle in with a cup of good red bush tea (or your equivalent) and ENJOY!

A great book

I could not put it untill I had finnished reading this story. History brought to life. If children in school want to learn about Tudor England this book is the ideal vehicle. It makes history exciting, intersting and a great detective story as well. Alf Stubbs

More like this one, please ...

It's open to question whether someone like Mike Engleby, who experiences the world with a degree of disconnection, could actually write in the way that he does in this affecting memoir. But at least it puts his oddness into the context of a world we can relate to - one in which our definitions of 'sanity' and 'normality' begin to look debatable! (You're at a dinner party, and finding it hard to cope with the conversation. The people on either side of you are droning on and on about what schools their children should go to. Is it you that has a problem?)<br /><br />The structure may at times be contrived, but I thought this was a brilliant and important novel, and it's left a deep impression. It was very accessible, with plenty of laughs (former members of Human League beware, p.207!), and the writing quality alone made it worth the purchase. Just once - in Chapter 6 - I started losing interest, but then three pages of electric prose on Engleby's perception of the Brixton riots brought me back, and after that I found it hard to put down. The final chapters offer a dark and pessimistic reflection on the human condition, but this is fitting, given Engleby's situation. And his poignant fantasizing about an alternative outcome to the story provides the perfect ending.<br /><br />It's easy to feel sorrow for Engleby's victims, but shouldn't we feel just as sad for him? There but for the grace of ... well, He Who Moves Very Mysteriously Indeed. A challenging and hugely rewarding read, and a welcome departure from Faulks's previous novels.<br /><br />

Stop ruminating , start living

I know nothing about clinical depression but it is much bandied about. We all feel down from time to time and I am sure there are are those amongst us who hide behind this so as to wallow in their own self pity.<br /><br />The most common thing you can do and I see it in both myself and other is ruminative thinking. That is allowing things to go round and round in your head. I see it with people who will not make a decision for fear of making the wrong decision. They defend this behaviour because they think by taking no decision they will not make another mistake.<br /><br />It was the most important lesson from this book. Do not indulge in ruminative thinking.<br /><br />Fill your life up with things to do so that you do not have time to keep thinking about all your problems .<br /><br />I also liked the section of spotting errors in your thinking . It is easy to think somehow you are being a realist by accepting current cynical opinions such as turning molehills into mountains, overgeneralising and not thinking efficiently .<br /><br />For the last few years I have had a set of goals in both my private and business life. It gives me plenty to do and stops me ruminating about my past" failures".<br /><br />Also I try and practice mindfulness from meditation whereby you live in the moment and experience what you are doing right now.It is a form of concentration and can take you mind off the past and the future. dealing with the present is a full time occupation<br /><br /><br />A very good informative book on what could be a complicated subject. A must read who want to change their lives.

Mister Storyteller

This is one book I would not have picked up if it were not for the Richard and Judy Book Club (they have their uses). Written as if Matilda, the main character is writing her autobiography some years after the event. We go on a journey of retelling roughly three years of her life between the ages of 13-15, as well as conclusion which ties all the ends up very nicely, as she becomes older and takes her discovery of Charles Dickens and in particular `Great Expectations' to a new level.<br /><br />The author chooses Charles Dickens, `Great Expectations' as the vehicle to show Matilda's journey discovering the power of reading, escapism into another world. We all use books to that end and that to me is there main purpose.<br /><br />What this book, in my opinion does is teach us the value of a good book. Mr Watts (the only white man in the village) teaches Matilda and the other children that by escaping into another world via a book, means you can escape from your own world. In Matilda's case, escape the civil war which is raging through her small island. Destroying everything - their possessions, their homes and ultimately lives but also spirit and faith which are important.<br /><br />Imagination is the key voice which I feel the author taps into through Mr Watts (later on in the novel, we discover that he was anything but a teacher) teaching the islands children, to recreate a story from what you can remember inevitably makes you use your imagination and your own interpretation on events. There is a lot to teach these children on this island and Mr Watts cleverly uses the locals to also help teach and show that whatever the subject matter we can all be educated by it. <br /><br />This book reached many different levels and leaves you bereft at the end. Quite moving. The tragedies that Matilda has had to face are although not dealt with in any great graphic detail, as is the want of today's society, they still hit home. A good read, with elements coming back to you long after you have put the book down. <br />

Very useful

Was creating my own simple receipes for a while but when straggled got this book and found it really helpful. Lots of nice and easy ideas for baby meals. My boy is now very good eater.

Smell the whisky tang

This is undeniably an entertaining read but the memory has taken a battering over the years. He comes out with some ridiculous stuff like"I paid all the band the same as U2 were getting" etc and banging on about others being sloppy and unprofessional. Half the the Fall concerts I've seen he's spent the gig forgetting words, walking off stage and twiddling amp knobs to no effect.<br />If you take his ramblings with a pinch of salt you'll find some hilarious moments; Japanese camp guard, Dad's advice and Vic and Bob's unexpected cameo.<br />Love the guy's music and glad he's doing what he's doing. Also glad I don't have to work with him.

Easy reading for easy weightloss

I recieved this book on a Saturday and finished it within 2 hours. I found it to be very well written. It's easy to understand and easy to follow. As with everything - it takes some getting used too. My biggest change is having to eat slower. I eat fast but I will get there. I find the CD to be relaxing and easy to listen too as well. I don't have to worry about"banned" foods, counting, or skipping meals. This is such a simple plan that has such promise! Good luck to all who read it and take the advise!

An Atheist Handbook

There have only been 719 reviews to date, so far so I thought it needed another. The title is available in paperback (which has some comments on criticisms of the hardback edition in a new introduction) and amazon are currently offering it at half price.<br /><br />Why has this book been so controversial? Well Dawkins isn't a theologian (nor does he need to be, but more on that later) he is an evolutionary biologist and is famous from his books wherein he developed the pioneering gene's eye view of evolution (instead of the level of the individual animal) in books such as 'the selfish gene' and 'the extended phenotype' it seems being a symbol of neo-darwinian theory he found himself the target for the oddest attacks, people who said his field wasn't a field at all but an ungodly contradiction of the biblical story. In his biology books, Dawkins famously tosses in a few asides about how silly religious faith is and how so many of their holiest observances seem to be based on just so much made-up fairytale nonsense.<br /><br />Finally it seems that being on the defensive against creationists did not suit his nature and he published his first non-science book - 'The God Delusion'. Despite taking the offensive he keeps firm hold of his scientific methodology and establishes through reason and logic how pretty much everything in religion is wrong. How silly the arguments are for God, how we don't need it for ethics, How it doesn't even provide much comfort and so on.<br /><br />None of Dawkin's arguments are particularly new and groundbreaking. What he achives in this book is the rather less revolutionary though incredibly useful act of bringing all the arguments together. This is why I would call it an atheist's handbook. You can neatly look up an argument to trounce a theist and then follow it up with his excellent bibliography. Some of the criticism based on the hardback was due to the fact that Dawkins had no religious training, and he dispenses with this rather juvenile complaint in the introduction to the paperback.<br /><br />If you're an atheist, you'll love it, if you're someone who just 'doesn't believe in god much' then it might expand your mind and you will probably put it down as an atheist. If you're religious? It will ask you hard questions which I hope anyone reading this will have the courage to do honestly to make them think about what they choose to accept as true.<br /><br />So far, this is the most important book of the 21st century.

Interesting insights into the mentalist's mind

I am a huge fan of Derren's TV shows. Being from Croydon too I feel a sort of bond (How sad is that!), so was delighted to get it for Christmas as asked for. The first half of the book covering Magic, Memory and Hypnotism was great fun reading, and I plan to go re-read, learn the tricks and build my own Memory Palace soon. I was also interested to find out more about NLP from his sceptical point of view.<br />The second half of the book covering anti-science, pseudo-science and bad thinking was harder going, especially as I've recently read Dawkins' book The God Delusion. However, Derren puts so much of himself and his beliefs into the text that it was never less than readable, and I cheered up hugely once this section got onto so-called 'psychics' and 'mediums'.<br />A fascinating, thought-provoking and entertaining read from an equally interesting guy although we don't find out much about him in real life.

Buy this!

Is there anything left to say about Wisden? The 2008 issue has a new editor in Scyld Berry but apart from that, it's as you would expect.<br />The writers aren't slow in dishing out brickbats where due - the dreadful 2007 World Cup in particular, or praising things that work - the 2007 World Twenty 20.<br /><br />The only abberation I have found is the missing attendance figure for the Friends Provident Trophy Final. What I've always found strange is that whilst gate figures are given for domestic Test Matches, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Cup games, they're missing from all other matches. Why not publish attendances for all domestic matches and those abroad, where known? Are they really that embarrassing?<br /><br />The 1680 pages should keep you busy until the 2009 edition is out.<br /><br />

A must have for ALL DRIVERS!!!

It is evident that most drivers on the road either have lost the ability to read, or they're completely ignorant and simply cannot be bothered to be knowledgeable of the current rules and laws of the roads and road safety. Just for learners indeed! RUBBISH! If drivers simply took the time to have a look through this simple guide, people would be aware of the simple things such as when you can and cannot use a bus lane, and which lane you are supposed to be in when using a roundabout, and the list goes on.<br /><br />I simply believe that ALL drivers should have a copy of The Highway Code and be up to date with road safety and the laws. Then some of these pretty pictures on grey poles on the sides of roads may actually make sense to the dim witted behind the wheel, and no longer wonder why they get nasty looks and unsociable hand signals from other drivers.