Fiction Literature Books

The Nine Taylors is mystery revolving around a small English village and an old church bell tower. I enjoyed the novel, but missed many main stays of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories. Other than Bunter, the book lacked many Lord Peter main stays; noticebly absent are Harriet Vain and the Wimsey family, with the exception of some brief appearances by Inspector Parker. As usual the characters are well drawn and vivid, but I found the plot involving a perloined necklack to be convoluted and confusing. The performance by Ian Carmichael was excellect as usual, the cassette format was annoying; I don't know why Audio Parters, Inc. have not transferred all the Dorothy Sayers novels to CD format at this point given the popularity of the series.

Although I must say that The Nine Taylors is a must for any Wimsey fan, the book is especially good for new comers to the series as it requires no previous knowledge of the other Lord Peter books. No doubt any mystery fan would enjoy The Nine Taylors even though it's a less than typical Lord Peter novel.

On New Year's Eve, Lord Peter Wimsey is driving through the East Anglia countryside, when a flat tire causes him to stop in a local village. The village bell ringers are about to perform, and Wimsey fills in for one of the ringers who can come down with the flu. The nine tailors of the title are the nine bells that are rung upon someone's death.

When a local man dies several months later, and his grave is dug, it's discovered that there's already a dead body in that grave--the body of an unknown man who was seen tramping about the countryside in January by Lord Peter himself. Who is the strange man? How is he connected to the theft of some emeralds that took place in 1914?

It's a mystery that stumps even Lord Peter, and it's pretty ingenious--read it and see for yourself. Dorothy Sayers's novels are such a treat because she really knew how to pull a mystery together--she won't kill off one of her characters simply because she can. There's a backstory to everything, and Sayers leaves no stone unturned in this book. The Nine Tailors is as perfect a murder mystery as you're going to get.

Boring, boring, boring. Too much detail about a boring subject with endless senseless dialogue. Too long, too slow, too hard to even get through 2 chapters. I didn't even care after the first chapter about anyone in the story. The author is labeled a master storyteller??? I didn't get it. Sorry.

This was my first but not my last Lord Wimsey novel. I heard a review of this on NPR and being a fan of Poriot I figured I would give this a try.

I was very surprised how fast my first 27 pages were. I was reading about ringing bells (a subject I can say I have little interest in) and found the writting stlye so tight well written that the time went fast.

I have now started from the begining and plan to read them all.

Of all the Lord Peter Wimsey novels I have had the pleasure to read to date, Ms Sayers created the moodiest of all in The Nine Tailors. While I often could barely follow the mathematical intricacies of the "telling" of the bells, the mere description went far to enhance the environment of the setting in which the intrigue occurs. This novel was my introduction to Lord Peter Wimsey. It led me to seek out and read more of the Wimsey novels, as well as some other Sayer short mysteries. Dorothy Sayers isn't for everybody, just as two of my all-time favorites, John Le Carre and P.D. James, aren't for all readers. If you can accept the pace, the nuances, the manner in which detail is provided to the reader, you'll truly enjoy curling up with a Sayer (Wimsey) novel. While this particular title isn't the best for the uninitiated, it can work. It did for me, and I got hooked.

This book is hysterical! Probably one of his best works if not the best.If you like Sedaris at all then you must read this (even though it's not his latest). It's even funny a second time around, the semi biographical short stories don't get dated.

If you like the dry wit of David Sedaris you will love this book. Even if you don't know who he is, once you have read the first page you will probably love this book.

Seeing the world through the author's eyes for a while helps us to remember the little absurdities we experience every day and, somehow, cherish them for a moment rather than let them drive us stark, raving, looney.

Thank you Mr. Sedaris, for reminding us to treasure even the stranger moments that make up the life of a human being.

I NEVER have received the book...I got charged for it but can't get a response back from anyone!!!!!!

I had to read this book for a book club and it was very difficult to get through. The story was all over the place and it just didn't have a flow and continuity to it. I enjoy Sedaris' work and was shocked that I had such a hard with this book. Try it for yourself and let's discuss.

makes you fall in love with his unremarkable characters, who do nothing grand and simply just...live

I disagree with Dixie who had written the previous review! The book was not written for 3 year olds! A good parent reviews the info and suggested age levels in the review section before buying. We have been very happy with these books. After buying one other, we bought this one and love it just as much. These experiments are simple to read and study. But the teach important science concepts so I am as happy as a mom can be...but again...I read the age level before buying the book! Someday I hope to make a list of recommended books...this will be one!

My children and I have used this book until it has become tattered and torn. Not only are the science activities easy to understand, they are easy to do and don't require any special equipment. I would highly recommend this book...I loved it so much, that I now have a collection of all of this author's books.

I bought this book for my 3 year old son since he has an interest in science. When I got the book I was disappointed in the experiments listed, such as disecting an osyter and fish. Not that I have problems with that, but I was looking for something that you can find objects around the house and more cause and reaction type thing.

My children loved this book becasue they had fun with experiments. But my husband and I loved this book because it taught our children science conepts that we could never teach. We used this book until it got raggedy and torn and then my kids insisted on getting another copy!
We highly recommend this book.

Karen and Fred

My DH is using this and other books for a science and gadget class with 10 K-2 kids. He likes this book as the experiments are easy and fast paced enough to keep the kids' attention, a real issue with this bunch.

I got this book as a gift when my baby was about a month old. I've read it to her at bathtime everyday since and it still makes her laugh. (She's 7 months old now.)

This book is made of toxic plastic. You have probably heard the latest news about plastic stuff. I already forgot which one because I threw mine out. I don't know maybe now they started making it of some other material but I bought mine in 2005.

Wonderful book. Both my kids (one year and three) love the rhythm - my 3 year old has it memorized, the baby starts to smile as I start the first verse. The illustrations are bright and cheerful - very eye-catching for a baby. There is no way a baby/toddler could not love this book!

My son has all the baby einstein bath books and they are his favorites by far. Cute little educational stories and bright pictures!

Our baby started "reading" this in the tub from about 4 months. At 19 months she still loves it. The verse was easily memorized and can get a smile out of her in or out of the tub. The other Baby Einstein bath books are cute, but this one is by far my (and her) favorite.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

My daughter loves this book. After reading this to her a few times, she wanted me to wash her hands when they were dirty right away.

Little kids don't understand the concept of germs so this book helps explain why we need to wash our hands!

...a 2400 year old work of philosophy? The question, itself, is not without philosophic interest.

Rather than presume to judge Plato, or Socrates, or Plato-as-Socrates, I will simply add my own voice to the chorus of general opinion and say: TLDoS is as resonant and, in its way, relevant, today as it was so many aeons ago. Though hardly a work of unassailable logic it is, nonetheless, a deeply thoughtful, imaginative, and passionately argued one. As I made my way through it, I had to remind myself, from time to time, that what I had before me was a work of ancient literature. Tredennick and Tarrant are to be commended for their eminently readable translation. As I am not a classicist, I cannot speak to the quality of the translation, but if the quality of the endnotes serves as any indication, I would venture to guess that the translation is first-rate.

A very complex Socrates -- as remembered, as imagined, and perhaps also as invented -- emerges from the four dialogues in TSDoS. That this same Socrates still has power to reach across the ages to confound, inspire, frustrate, entertain, and teach is as sure a testament to his legacy, and to the legacy of classical Greek philosophy, as any.

Read and learn.

In Athens, during the fifth century B.C., the Sophists were wise men. They were not philosophers, or scientists, they were itinerant teachers. Socrates was a moralist and a religious man. Plato was forty years younger than Socrates. THE APOLOGY and the CRITO are founded on fact, shaped by Plato's artistry, (he was a poet, also).

Socrates was indicted for impiety. A public action was brought against him as a menace to society. Orators and poets disliked Socrates's influence on the young. He asserted in THE APOLOGY that the true champion of justice must confine himself to private life. Socrates received the death penalty. He did not think he should stoop to servility because he was in danger.

Death is either annihilation or migration of the soul. Crito visited Socrates in prison. Crito urged him to escape. He claimed that Socrates was throwing away his life when he might save it. Socrates argued with Crito that he had no problem with the laws and, thus, he had a duty to be law-biding. Aiding Socrates's escape would be a breach of faith.

PHAEDO is the last conversation. Socrates believed a man should be cheerful in the face of death. A love of wisdom, not the body, makes a person cheerful. Soul resembles the divine, body resembles what is mortal. No soul which has not practiced philosophy may attain the divine nature. Pythagoreans have a theory of the soul. The soul is imperishable. Friends were admonished by Socrates to just be themselves. The philosopher faced death handily.

Amazing and wonderful, the three titles are a compelling work.

THE DEATH OF SOCRATES is a very inspiring book to read, especially now, when many of us may be facing the same situation he faced--though with a crucial difference. Whatever distortion of the real Socrates may have been introduced by Plato or other writers, enough comes through to paint a portrait of the first true individual in history-- the first person to be guided by his own individual conscience to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Reading the Apology, one thrills to Socrates intransigence in the face of the Athenian jury which sentenced him to death. CRITO presents the best argument for government under law ever offered, and thus the beginning of the tradition of civil disobedience later taken up by Thoreau, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. When Socrates' friend Crito urges him to flee, saying that most people will think he was really guilty if he does not, Socrates says, "Why should we pay so much attention to what most people think?" Then he engages in a symbolic dialogue with the Law of Athens, which can be thought of as comparable to the US Constitution. It is clear that he is grateful to the Laws for having given him the opportunity to be a dissenter. The crucial fact is that they have permitted him the right to attempt to persuade his fellow citizens by permitting him free speech. Even when he was arrested for his teachings, he was allowed to speak in his own defense. Although the verdict was unjust, he was a victim not of the Laws but of his fellow men. (p. 95)

However, the tradition of civil disobedience which Socrates founded is only meaningful in a democracy, where people have the right to dissent and to have a fair and public trial. And it is rapidly becoming obsolete. For on October 17, 2006, President Bush signed into law the Military Commissions Act, initiating the gravest crisis in US history, not excepting the Civil War, Pearl Harbor, and 9/11 itself. Congress has had over a year to repeal or amend that act but has failed to do so. Now it is up for review by the Supreme Court. If that body, now nearly half-filled with "rubber stamp" justices, fails to strike down the law as unconstitutional we shall have to resort to a very different tradition than that of Socrates, one which has its roots in medieval England, and was transformed in the 17th century into John Locke's social contract theory. Jefferson expressed it in the immortal words of the Declaration of Independence: speaking of the American colonists, he wrote, "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them to absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government and provide new guards for their future security." Faced with the prospect of living in a society which would have made his dissenting individualism impossible, I'm sure Socrates would have agreed.

In this simply-organized compilation of Socratic Dialogues, I would offer that the way Penguin Classics presents them cannot be outdone. The playfully loquacious dialogues are pure-gold bricks of logic, and should therefore be cherished greatly. This book is easy to understand because there are endnotes on every page. Spanning the entirety of over 200 juicy pages, Harold Tarrant and Hugh Tredennick present The Last Days of Socrates to the reader in an easy to follow pattern of notes. These final works of Plato should not be thought of as poor entertainment, but rather highly intense and compelling Greek discussions. It is very well-done and should be read over and over again.



Although every Socratic dialogue is absolutely riddled with complacent people for Socrates to question, this collection actually reveals the largest variety of listeners. From crazy commoners to cynical and court-goers, a critical criminal and the crowd of conflicting friends, Socrates caught every category and class of character off guard. At first, the evidence that hints at Socrates' trial is a mere conviction and nothing more. He had been free then. He had boldly questioned commoners at the very steps to the courthouse that he would defend himself in later. This penniless philosopher inquired of many people during his spare time.



In this collection, the second and third dialogues are the ones that depict the powerful defense of Socrates using logic to its full extent. In brilliantly defending himself, Socrates caressed, persuaded, and rallied only just under half of the jury. Unfortunately, he had failed to win the jury over completely, but he had come so close. Sleeping in the cell that was later constructed for him, Socrates was aroused by Crito, a man who had been a believer in Socrates. The extent of the discussion is contained in the third dialogue titled Crito. Anyhow, the general public hated Socrates so much that only death would avenge their flaming lust for revenge. The second and third dialogues depict Socrates' infamous apologetics and must be read. That is not all, however.



In Phaedo, Socrates calmly awaited his own death by hemlock, in a full chamber of the courthouse. He first addressed his followers and comrades alike concerning the meaning of life. He wanted to reassure them that there was indeed life after death, and that he would be going to a better place. Before he drank the poison, however, Socrates spurred a discussion of the soul and its immortality, or at least as logic had presented it to him. (Of course he had to argue it.) When two of his followers timidly provided Socrates with their opposing views, he only smiled and destroyed each argument consecutively. This he did because he wanted to share his hopes with his friends and did not want them to doubt his reincarnation. Nobody could fight back tears as he took the poison and perished. Socrates' legend now carries from there on. In Phaedo, the philosopher convinced his pals that his soul had not been dying, but had rather been transcending.



I love how Penguin has organized these significant conversations. Socrates is much easier to comprehend because of this book. Socrates had been last heard saying, "Crito, we ought to offer a cock to Asclepius. (This is because Asclepius had been the god of pleasure.) See to it and don't forget." Buy this book. See to it and do not forget. When I purchased this book, which was in a used condition, it only cost two cents and has not disappointed me. Since it is known that Socrates is always welcome to thinkers, the price feels reduced even further for those who love logic. You will deprive yourself if you miss out on this intellectual classic of the Father of Greek philosophy.

Although many accounts of Socrates' trial are known to have existed for some time after the actual events described by Plato, only Plato's and Xenophon's accounts survive. Both writers were sympathetic to Socrates, and so are somewhat suspect as to whether they adequately and accurately describe the full nature of the charges against Socrates. Plato, a 27-year-old admirer of Socrates at the time of the trial, describes the charges as being impiety (questioning the state sanctioned [poly]theology) and, thereby supposedly corrupting the minds of Athens' youth. A similar charge had, years earlier, driven Anaxagoras from Athens, but many scholars believe there were probably other factors involved in the case against Socrates. Here we find an intractable mystery (and some unwarranted speculations that are merely libelous)*.

Plato's telling of Socrates' last days consists in four parts:
(1.) Euthyphro: Socrates in Action. (2.) The Apology: Socrates on Trial. (3.) Crito: Socrates in Prison. (4.) Phaedo: The Last Conversation.

Euthyphro, The Apology, and Crito are better paced and more interesting than Phaedo, which is a long Socratic argument that the soul must possess some extra-material existence, which continues, or is somehow renewed, beyond corporeal death. I suspect that most readers will enjoy the first three sections of this text, but find the last (and longest) more of a chore; at least that is my opinion. Throughout the text, Plato presents Socrates as a man of both relentless curiosity and an admirable ethical heroism.

* As to the rather facile side bar discussion that seems to have been present in earlier reviews in this forum (while noting the forensic evidence indicating that the worst of these comments was deleted): Given the full weight of the available evidence, Socrates' supposed bisexuality can add up to nothing more than idle speculation. As to his relationships with young men, it cannot be confirmed that they involved males that were considered to be below an age at which they could accountably assent--and even more importantly, IF any such relationships were of a sexual nature at all. Given the available accounts, arguments that these were NOT sexual relationships seem clearly more defensible than (slanderous?) accusations that they were. In other words, as regards this charge, we simply enter an arena of irresolvable facts and potential slander. Why go there?! What we CAN glean from the only extant accounts of Socrates' character is that he considered himself to be one who strove to consistently abide by the highest ethical standards, and that this is consistent with Plato's account here. As cited in Phaedo, these comments of Socrates' seem particularly relevant to this [particular slander]: ". . . true philosophers abstain from all bodily desires and withstand them and do not yield to them. . . those who care about their souls and do not subordinate them to the body dissociate themselves firmly from these others and refuse to accompany them on their haphazard journey; and, believing that it is wrong to oppose philosophy with her offer of liberation and purification, they turn and follow her wherever she leads."

"Lost Horizon" is widely considered to be one of (if not the) seminal science-fiction works. It speaks to the universal human desire to find utopia and live long enough to enjoy it. This is one of the rare books that I was semi-reading, reading a dozen or so pages a month, and became so involved when I reached the plot twist I immediately had to finish it.

While I love the book, especially the massive twist in the middle, the ending leaves me wanting. Without giving away too much, while I like the open-ended quality, I found the plausibility of one of the main characters finding their ideal world and, with hardly a second thought, abandoning it almost on impulse rather remote. This left a sour taste in my mouth of what was otherwise an amazing book.

I think the first thing that struck me was how timeless this story is, the search for a personal utopia, the subtle morality, the ideal of moderation. The quotes struck me as so appropriate for the modern age, even though the book was written in 1933. "laziness in doing stupid things is quite a virtue." "Time enough for everything" and the ever popular "the meek shall inherit the world," an old time biblical favorite. The book is charming and elegant, about a magical place for everyone.

This is a most excellent fantasy and perhaps James Hilton's greatest work. Where his other books have not survived, this modern version of Camelot or Utopia lost someplace in Asian mountains is an answer for a perfect society. His style is pleasant easy reading, while being thoughtful and provactive, making a person consider that perhaps industrialization is not the answer for the ills plaguing humanity. I only wish the movie and the musical had portrayed the book exactly as written.

What a beautiful and wondrous book! I was completely captivated by the mysteries of Shangri-la. Our hero Conway's adventure was an awe-inspiring tale of a monastery hidden deep in a Tibetan mountain range, where the llamas lead extraordinary existences. Theirs are privileged lives steeped in wisdom and secrecy. Their isolation and longevity allows them a unique position in the world and very few outsiders are privy to their secrets. Hilton's use of the high llama's telepathy is certainly prophetic, considering the book was written prior to World War II.

Lost Horizon was a great adventure story as well as a picture of an ideal society. Hilton's dream on utopia was brilliantly written and enchanting.

Lost Horizon is a very introspective book. Metaphors abound perhaps, but what I'm inclined to take from the book each time I read it are the questions asked. Questions of purpose and what it all means. It's very thought provoking without being tendentious.

Stylistically, Hilton is economical, but very capably sets a mood that permeates the entire narrative whether in describing the landscape or the more subtle aspects of the different characters. For me, the mood is one of relaxed contemplation.

In another context, it's a wonderful travel book. It takes the reader to a faraway place and implicitly invites him to make choices and contemplate weighty issues in this most unlikely of settings.

Lost Horizon is not a literary masterpiece, but it's a good story and very clever in its presentation.

Such a well written book, such great characters that lead you along so believably right up to the end with a ridiculous unlikely and infuriating ending. Do that many people choose to deny their talent and turn down a chance at happiness in order to avoid guilt pangs they don't need to take onto themselves?? Oh please.

This was a really good read. Greatest book I've ever read? Nooooo, but well worth the read! I was discouraged by all the negative reviews on here, and was going to pass on reading it, but I was glad I tried it, finished it over a weekend. Really good.

While I found this to be a quick read I can't say it's a great book. I do think it's a fantastic book club choice though. As you can see from all of the previous reviews, the paralizing dive takes place in the first chapter. As the book unfolds we see how each of the characters deals with the result of the dive from Claussen's pier. There is enough tension between the characters and the main character is unlikable enough to make this a great discussion piece. While I didn't love the book, I did like it and have passed it on to several friends.

I loved the opening chapter--it was shocking, jarring, and beautifully written. The book doesn't let up--I was hooked from the start and read it almost straight through. Carrie is a complicated character--likable and flawed as we all are. A truly compelling read.

I did not care for this book at all. I thought the first half of the book was very believable and thought-provoking. You might not like her character, but at least Carrie was facing truly deep moral issues...but then the second half of the book just proves that your first impression of Carrie was actually right. She is a shallow, young, clueless girl that is pretty much a loser. Not the "deep-angst, I feel sorry for your inner turmoil" loser, just a loser. She could not make a commitment to anything or anyone and therefore, left the end of the story to be flat. I like flawed characters, but Carrie was just see-through without any connection to the reader.

Uncle Tom's Cabin was mentioned so often in various Civil War era history books I've been reading that I'd decided to order it from Amazon! I was very surprised at how good it was, a page-turner and a tear jerker. I could see the historical importance of it and said that to me anyway, what Common Sense was to the Revolutionary War; Uncle Tom's Cabin was to the Civil War. It brought something important into the homes of people who had their own problems and thought little about slavery and awakened them. It is an easy read even by modern standards and I recommend it to everyone. Moviemaniac

Uncle Tom's Cabin, which is set between 1840 and 1850, is a novel that brought the cruelties of slavery into American homes. It unveils how slaves, like Uncle Tom and Eliza, were treated by slave owners, like Simon Legree. Throughout the novel there's a strong contrast between good and evil, which is personified by the different slave owners. First, Tom and Eliza serve a Christian family. Tom embraces Christianity through his compassion for others, honesty, evangelism, humbleness and his obedience without compromising his beliefs. Eliza, a beautiful Christian mulatto, shows her courage and love for her son. This love becomes strongest when she escapes with him to Canada after he's sold to pay debts. In the meantime, Tom is sold to Simon Legree. Simon displays evilness in his strength, greed and brutality. After Tom's friend escapes the plantation, Tom is blamed. The plot thickens when in Eliza's journey to Canada, she literally skates over thin ice as her son's master is close behind. Overall, the book was well written and the introduction omitted need for further research. Ms. Stowe is outstanding at exposing the severity of the slavery atmosphere without today's Hollywood gore. The historical accuracy is shown throughout the novel as The Fugitive Slave Law is mentioned and Harriet provides parallels between actual people and the story's characters. However, as the introduction states, Stowe claims both that slavery is evil for exaggerating differences between races and denying similarities. Overall Stowe is noteworthy and her book should be read because it influenced attitudes towards slavery, and embeds historical events interestingly.

This book touched my heart. I loved it! Uncle Tom was such a strong character. After all he went through, he managed to keep his faith and
know that God had bigger plans for him. I give this book my highest score and wish that I could give it more. It's definitely one of the best books I've ever read.

I grabbed this book, figuring I would try some of the classics. Figuiring, what would be better than the book that assisted in breaking our country (US) in two.

This classic was simply put amazing and well worth the hype. Mrs Stowe has created great characters in this novel and even though most readers know she was an abolitionist she did a very good job at being unbiased, showing both sides as equal as possible, pro-south, pro abolitionist and those people in between. The good and bad southerners and the good and bad Northerners.

I am shocked that only one other person has reviewed this timeless book. PLease read it, review it and tell your friends. THis book is a jewel.

My 19 month old grandaughter absolutely LOVES this book. It really teaches words and she loves opening the flaps and saying the words. I would definetly recommend this one!

I love this book for the simple fact that it allowed me to teach my 18 month old all the common words in various settings (park, aquarium, farm, school and home). It also has flaps which intrigue her as she likes to see whats behind each one. I am amazed at all the words she has picked up from this book! Fantastic book for parents wanting to establish letter recognition (alphabet page) and build their childs vocabulary!

This book was a gift from grandparents and it quickly became my 19 mo. old daughter's obsession. She selects it any time I ask her to bring me a book to read to her and will carry it to me on a whim as well, simultaneously calling out "elmo."

Great book. Very colorful and the flap parts are fun and pretty sturdy. It keep's my child's attention for a while.