History Books

five stars because could't give more. Definitely interesting. It is a good source for the non oriental student of chinese medicine. Not abstract mysticism but instead a non passionate discourse of the phylosophical background of TCM

i'm still busy reading the book (final chapters).
dr. kaptchuk succeeds in presenting the chinese phylosophy to physicians reared on conventional ideas and practice.
the book is very efficient in pacifying any conflict between the two schools of thought.
great book, great purchase.

This book is great for the student and profesional alike. It explanes everything in a way that is easy to get a grasp on. Im a second year student of T.C.M and recomend this book to anyone desiring a better knowledge of the practice.

Very good introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine. The autor explains very clearly the difference between Oriental and Western thinking.

For the last several years I ended the winter with coughing fits and lung congestion, for which I sought and received the usual western remedies, which proved somewhat useful. But the congestion usually remains, with my coughing and hacking provoking my wife to nag me into seeing her herbalist/acupuncture practitioner, who invariably succeeded where my western medicine had failed. I finally asked the herbalist/L.Ac. to recommend something which explained the workings of Oriental Medicine, and he recommended this book. Although I'm now familiar with concepts such as qi, yin and yang, I find that, even armed with this book, I'm still mystified, and find I still must uncomfortably rely on simple belief that my L.Ac. knows what he's doing, since the logic of these treatment protocols still eludes me.

The writing is juvenile, pedestrian, and even mean. The writers try too hard to be funny. It is a stupid concept. I can't believe it got by a reputable editor. Don't waste your money unless you get it for a dime at a garbage, oop, garage, sale.

This book was just not funny. I think a bunch of seventh graders could have written most of the entries. I wish had not purchased this book.

If only high-school geography had been this funny! I bought this book as a gift for my brother and had to peek inside and couldn't put it down from laughing so hard! I may have to order another copy for my brother...Good thing his birthday is still over a month away!

The more you know about the world the funnier this book is. It spoofs cliches, ignorance and the world at large. Clever, funny and very entertaining.

I got this for my boyfriend's birthday gift. He loves the Onion "News" site, and was a Geography major in college (perfect, right?) I don't think there was a moment, until he was finished, that he wasn't carrying the thing around with him. He loved it, and I have to admit, I liked what he read out loud, too. It's great.

If you're like me and like to read straight from the source, this book is a great introduction to Gandhi. Having been published in 1927, his autobiography does not cover his whole life, so it will not give you a complete picture; there are other resources for that. By covering his early life and his personal growth, and how he developed his ideas and opinions, this book gives you great insight to his thoughts and values.

The book is not perfect. It starts out very interesting and highly readable, and the short chapters make it easy to move through. You may stumble over some people and place names, as well as some unfamiliar Indian terms, but it is all very fascinating - for a while. The farther he progresses with his story, however, the more he gets into the minutia of his political activities, meetings, acquaintances, and travels, to the point where you may feel you are still reading only for the sake of finishing the book. It's still worth it, for what few nuggets of gold can be found in those last several pages.

Now, on a practical level, I selected this, the Dover edition, over the Beacon Press edition (Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth) upon looking over both in the bookstore, because the Dover edition is cheaper, has better paper quality, and is in an easier-to-read font (however, Dover books don't smell that great, I've noticed). The Dover cover is kind of blah, and got scuffed up pretty easily, but the inside is really nice. So the deal is, if you DO judge a book by its cover, and want it to look good on your shelf to impress your friends, get the other one. If you intend to actually READ this book, buy the Dover edition.

This is easily the most powerful book I have ever read. Gandhi does a great job of telling the story in his life in such a way that not only tells a story, but teaches lessons that go along with it. The title explains a lot, considering that Gandhi considered his entire life to be an expirement with the truth.

He is very open about the mistakes that were made (such as his marraige and bigotry at an incredibly young age) and details how he took those mistakes to make his life as consistently honest as possible. The way he organized people to non-violence in two terrible situations in Africa and India are legendary, but the way he brings it home to the individual is under-rated, to say the least.

Gandhi teaches that it doesn't take an army to learn the truth, nor does it take an army to become a part of that truth. His story explains that an individual dedicated to the empowerment of honesty and love can overcome any violence or hatred that can exist. It is within this context that one can use this book to change themselves.

These ideas used in an individual's every day life will lead to the understanding that love is more powerful than hatred, and honesty more powerful than lies. His examples of these ideas and proof that they are true is the most inspiring part of this book.

Even for those of us not religious (like myself) his use of religion is also motivating. He teaches lessons from religions and explains how to use this understanding as a way to love people of opposite religions rather than fighting them.

I will leave the indivudal stories to Gandhi himself, but his life is something everyone in the world would benefit from knowing.

Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of my Experiments with Truth, is a culmination of the life of one of the most famous peaceful revolutionaries and supporters of non-violence. The book is basically an entire list of the life experiences of Gandhi, all of which prove to contribute to his spiritual growth, and in turn, each go to influence his way of thinking. Gandhi's autobiography reveals a vast array of experiments he performed throughout his life, leading to his praise of truth as the ultimate underlying principal, contributing to his adaptation of celibacy (brahmacharya), adherence to fasting, and development of Satyagraha: his concept of non-violent firmness.
Gandhi's autobiography stretches back to his youth in exploring all of his life experiences. Gandhi's inclusion of all aspects of his life in his autobiography illustrates the idea that each and every experience becomes an influence; which, in Gandhi's case, means influences leading to the development of a concept of non-violence to spear-head the Indian journey for Independence.
The strength in Gandhi's autobiography lies in his adherence to truth even as he tells his life story. Gandhi hides nothing, allowing this display of raw truth to help readers examine Gandhi's uncensored ideas and thoughts, making it possible to understand what Gandhi was thinking in even some of the most significant moments in his life.
The main weakness in Gandhi's autobiography, however, is his obvious omission of information where the information is most definitely needed. In order to fully understand a large number of chapters, an understanding of India and its culture is necessary, but not provided. Gandhi also seems to assume that readers have knowledge of the political situation in India, so if you lack any historical knowledge, you will find yourself somewhat confused. Because Gandhi's autobiography radiates the idea that every experience is an influence for the person he eventual becomes, it obviously is a challenge to include every experience and spend an adequate amount of time discussing them. But his choice to omit quite a few particularly significant experiences will not go unnoticed. He does not, for example, spend any time describing his experiments in South Africa, and instead instructs readers to consult other works. Lack of background information regarding people who Gandhi introduces and lack of historical information on the movements he involves himself in, may lead to an incomplete illustration of Gandhi's life.
At the conclusion of Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of my Experiments with Truth, you are left with the desire to take a trip to the library, because you have surely reached the conclusion that there is much more to know about the teacher and leader who made the world aware of India's struggle for independence. The autobiography gives you an in-depth look into the mind of one of the most influential non-violent role models that the world has seen, with a detailed understanding of the steps necessary to try to follow in Gandhi's footsteps if you so desire. Gandhi's autobiography leaves a lot out, but it also leaves you with a strong desire to find out more.

After hearing Mahatma Gandhi's grandson speak at University of Florida, this book was especially meaningful. If only all our world leaders would employ his wisdom!

This book, the autobiography of Mohandas k. Gandhi, the father of modern India, is a must read. if you have any interest in Gandhi, non violence or just want a glimpse into the life of a spiritually guided person, then this book if a must read.

Thank you for fast delivery and the good quality of the book. I really recommend this seller.

I was required to buy this book for Art 131 and while it gives good term descriptions it gives little information to interest the reader and want them to go into an art degree.

Dr. Halima Bashir's autobiography is a testament to the tragedy taking place in Darfur as well as a picture of her life. She begins with her happy childhood in her village - although the chapter of her "cutting time", when she underwent the gruesome ritual of Female Genital Mutiliaton, is wrenching, and progresses to her work as a medical doctor.

Targeted just for speaking out against the violence, and for serving her people, Dr. Bashir is kidnapped and viciously tortured and raped, then released as the ultimate punishment since rape victims are shunned in her society. She could have suffered in silence, as so many women of her culture do, or at least kept her torment private to heal. No one would have blamed her. Instead she bravely speaks out about her ordeal in an attempt to both help her violated country, and to help other victims of sexual assault.

I'm delighted that she has found joy in her marriage and child, and has been granted asylum in England, but as of publication, the fate of her other family members is unknown. I will not close my eyes at night without a prayer for her relatives and the people of Darfur, which also raises the question: WHERE IS THE WORLD??? Why is my USA, as well as the other countries who cried "never again!" after the Holocaust of the last century, so strangely silent? Dr. Bashir chose to become a voice for her oppressed people. The remainder of humanity has a moral obligation to join theirs to hers.

Tears of the Desert: A Memoir of Survival in Darfur by Halima Bashir is a very emotional and riveting book. I found this book very painful to read at times, yet I couldn't put it down, even though I was sobbing at some points. I was lucky enough to receive this Random House publication from the Library Thing Early Reviewer Program.

It seemed that Halima Bashir was born lucky. She is from Darfur, a region of Sudan, and a member of the Zaghawa tribe, and was born into a family that was wealthier than most. For the most part, she had a happy childhood. She was the oldest child of an enlightened and progressive father. He recognized her intelligence early and had big dreams for her. She was sent to a city school because the village schools were not very good. It was there that she faced prejudices and social injustices for the first time . Even so, she excelled at school and went on to university and became a medical doctor.

It was after she was finished with school that violence really took over her beloved country. Janjaweed, armed by the Sudanese government began attacking black Africans. Rebel groups were formed to fight back. Halima's willingness to treat these rebels got her in trouble with the government. She was forced to escape from her country and is fighting the injustice from afar.

The terror and destruction these people have to live with is unimaginable. You need to read this book in order to comprehend it. One thing that struck me is the role that China has played and continues to play in the genocide that is taking place in Darfur. That gives me one more reason to avoid buying Chinese made products.

I welcome a wake-up call. It is so easy to unconsciously become cocooned in my protected life on the West Coast of the United States, where daily issues end up being hunting for the best price for gasoline for my car, battling the crowded freeways and looking for a parking place, discussing the what to fix for dinner that night. I try to stay abreast of the global situation by watching the nightly News Hour on our local PBS station, but it is easy to glaze over or become anesthetized by the onslaught of words from talking heads, figures and maps so that the news takes on a element of the unreal. So when something happens to hit my radar in a way that makes me say, "I didn't know that!" or that says to me, "Open your eyes!" I am grateful and I feel a little more connected to reality.

The book, "Tears of the Desert" was slipped inside my screendoor, an advance review copy I was sent to read. I looked at the cover, the title word "Desert", the subtitle word "Darfur" and thought to myself, "I am going to read something I know very little about." I had heard of the cries of genocide in the Sudan, seen pictures of streams of refugees, and read of the outcry of protestors during the summer Olympics in China, but I didn't understand the conflict and it felt very impersonal to me.

However, when I began to read the book I entered a new world and culture, the life of Halima Bashir in a Zaghawa tribal village in South Darfur. The first part of the book described the tribal life, the traditions and practices as seen through the eyes of a child. Her descriptions of her family members brought the characters to life and her portrayals were so personal that when events involved them later in the book, I felt a personal sorrow and outrage. Because of her father's dreams and encouragement, Halima was able to gain an education and go on to the University to study medicine, rather than marry and settle down to have children like most of the girls in her tribe. The first glimpses the conflict between the Arabs and Africans were presented in the chapters covering the school years when Halima leaves her village to attend a school for girls in the city. Here she finds herself in a mixed population of city Arab girls and rural African girls. The incidents that occur here are but a omen of what is to come in the remainder of the book.

[...]

After listening to it, I could hear the lyrical cadence of her speech as I read the rest of the memoir. I choose not to go into the remainder of the story in my review. To fully appreciate it, the reader has to be guided gently through the passage of time, page by page. Be aware that it is not an easy read. Some passages of the cultural rituals or the atrocities inflicted by militants affected my "protected sensibilities." But I considered it a small price to pay for having my awareness heightened to the reality of the situation affecting so many innocent victims in the Sudan.

I gave the book a 5 rating, the highest possible, not for the writing craft, which is not as polished as some, but for the content. The writing style is simple and direct...which makes the story all the more haunting. Halima's courage, strength and will to survive amidst overwhelming odds is gripping. To realize that so many people are having an experience of life under the most horrific circumstances is important. Hers is a story that needs to told and needs to be heard. Brava to Halima Bashir for speaking out. Bravo to Damien Lewis for participating in the telling. And bravo to Random House for publishing it. For me, now behind the headlines, numbers and statistics, there are faces.

Dr. Bashir writes an incredible story of joy, pain, suffering, accomplishment, respect and above all, love for her fellow man. This book truly makes for a smaller world. Suddenly you are inside the heart of a small girl that grew up in the African bush and suffered severely simply because of where she happened to be born. I cried often as I read this book. The characters are, on the face of it, as different from me as I could possibly imagine..African, poor, Muslim, etc. In reality, they are no different. These are men, women, and children just like you and me. This is a heartbreaking story that I highly recommend.

Tears in the Desert is a memoir of genocide in the Sudan, Muslim against Muslim over skin color. Halima Bashir is a black African raised in the Zaghawa tribe in a family of comparative wealth. The Zaghawa men are proud of their history as fierce warriors who protect their village territory and their families from invaders. Halima is proud of her heritage and her intellectual gifts, particularly mathematics. Her gifts and her family's wealth allow her to attend a private school for girls and later university in Khartoum.

The history of tribal pride has led to competition in Darfur and throughout the Sudan for land and prestige. But there is more than tribal rivalry. The Khartoum government is run by white "Arab" Muslims whose proud heritage causes the people to despise the black tribal Africans. Although Halima's advantages paid off in education, her M.D. degree is fully useful to her only if all Sudanese are treated equally. Of course, in the Sudan they are not.

After being mistreated for many years, African tribes attacked Arabs and regrouped in the hills. Government attacks on villages were carried out leaving few surviving men and a great many women and children. For the survivors like Halima, brutal female circumcision, rape, and mayhem were perpetuated by the Arab Muslims in the rationalization of jihad. Halima survived, but barely. Many others died or left their villages to stay in large refugee centers.

The memoir is written like a novel with the help of Damien Lewis, a BBC reporter and writer who has covered conflicts in Africa for many years. Halima and Lewis have produced an exciting and important work that will give the reader great insight into activity in Darfur and explain why humanitarian activists have demanded that the United Nations and specific countries like the U.S. intervene and stop the genocide. China has blocked this intervention because of reliance on Sudanese oil.

Interesting parallels are drawn between Darfur and the holocaust in Nazi Germany. Do the people of the world claim ignorance of the situation in Darfur as German citizens claimed ignorance of Buchenwald and Auschwitz? The book suggests that irrational cultural pride provides an excuse for domination and extermination of perceived rivals.

This is a fascinating book that will inform, shock, and perhaps drive the reader to some action. The graphic descriptions of mutilation and assault are disturbing and the story puts hope for the future in some doubt. Is this an inevitable human condition in which individual misery is irrelevant? Halima is attempting to fight back by publishing this memoir at some risk to her and her family's safety.

Our company is introducing Toyota Production System methodologies, and we all had questions about "Why do we use 11x17 paper for presentations?" and "How do we perform this task ?". This is a very good reference book for our specific case. It is written in a pragmatic way, with examples to follow, and good guidance. The other books (Toyota Way, etc.) are not as helpful to people that are practicing the methods already. After all, following TPS means regular practice and improvement of the methdologies; not merely studying the Toyota culture from a distance !
-Dave Goetz-

I thought this book did a nice job of describing not only the "tools and techniques" that US mfgs try to copy from Toyota, but also the underlying culture of excellence and high-performance organization that is the support structure of Toyota. Too many American manufacturers try to copy the "lean" techniques without understanding how the "Toyota Way" really drives excellence in both short- and long-term. This book does a really good job providing that insight.
Tom Nettleman - [...]

Simply the most important book to have on your shelf if you are serious about lean manufacturing. This book is less about theroy and more about practical advice. I find it is the book I take with me as a senior lean consultant. Dave and Jeff have done an excellent job putting these concepts and experineces into word.

Some miss the wisdom in these pages but I find it right on the money. Chapter 4 is a chapter I have asked people to read over and over. In my opinion it is were most companies are and don't know it.

I recommend this book very highly. Get it, read it more than once.

This is a must read and reference book for any lean implementer. After reading the Toyota Way I wondered how the Fielbook could be any better or even the same. I was totally shocked when it was as good if not better than the Toyota Way. If you are thinking about buying this stop thinking and buy this book.

I added this book to my lean collection over a year ago. Those of us that have 10+ years experience with lean, we will find this resource very basic. What the author created was a resource tool for training. I utilize this resource for introducing new leaders to the concepts of lean. In addition, this resource is especially helpful for those who have zero understanding and are somewhat resistant to embrace lean / systems thinking.

I find the author created an introduction tool for front-line leaders. Therefore, this is a must have for people at this level.

Unfortunately, I have recognized a number of gaps with this text. First, if your culture does not promote these concepts, forget it. If you are a supervisor in a ridged union shop, you will have a hard time implementing these concepts, since the thrust is aimed at non-union and high-performance driven cultures. My second issue is the overall simplistic approach granted to cultural transformation. Even in the best, most highly motivated environments, a lean transformation requires great time and patience. A change agent must understand that positive change occurs when these excellent concepts are `top down, bottom driven.'

Lastly, I would like to see more case studies. More specifically, this audience needs case studies on how to transform a culture (from mass production to lean for example) in small pieces. Leaders need more than concepts to learn. As we know and have experienced, leaders, especially front-line leaders, need a road map of how to start. I recommend small case studies that illustrate small success stories.

I still highly recommend this resource, for all levels. The author created an easy-to-read guide that motivates the reader to begin cultural transformation. I would like to see a dedicated resource on case studies for (a) union and non-union shops; (b) lean with limited resources such as organizations with few employees, start-ups; (c)lean in highly challenging, toxic work environments; and (d) lean in distribution industries.

I love this book. I must have read it thru ten times already.

Don't let the title scare you. Bonner and Wiggin bring a dull subject to life with an irreverent but refreshing take on history.

"Would the nation be better off if Lincoln had not slaughtered so many Southerners?" they ask. "Would world history have been worse if Wilson had not meddled in World War 1."

Political correctness is cast aside. Party propaganda is ignored. National heroes get skewered. "The most popular American presidents were those who stole most beautifully," they intone, describing the logic of democratic larceny. These guys love to poke fun at pompous politicians.

The authors do get serious. After relating the rise and demise of past empires, they report that America is headed for the same fate. She has moved away from her founding principles, away from the freedoms of republic and into the clutches of empire.

With the inexorable rise of the state come delusions of grandeur and pseudo patriotism. Government intrusion crowds out free enterprise. Civil liberties are tossed in favor of fast money. Original thought gives way to corporate cool. History is relegated to the dustbin.

We are consumed with the running of empire. We mind everyone's business but our own. We shred the Constitution for wars without end.

Wave good-bye to the American Republic. Say hello to the Empire of Debt.

If you want to know what is going on in the world of money today, here is the book to read. Very well written. It describes in detail and easy understandable form the diease of todays financial world. If everybody would have read this book two years ago it would have protected a lot of people from personal loss or bankruptcy. Thank you for speaking the uncomfortable truth.

I enjoyed this book. Mr. Bill Bonner is too political for me and sometimes he's just trying to be cute, but overall I enjoyed reading the book and I personally like the newletters put out by Mr. Bonner's Agora Inc. I am a paid subscriber to some of these news letter which gives good investment advice. Regards, Keith Renick, Peachtree City, Ga.

I just finished the book in time to turn on the news that my bank, WaMu, has been seized and sold in one motion. Now the boys in Washington are telling us that they were caught by surprise and have to craft a solution that needs to be passed in days if not hours. President George "Chicken Little" Bush has appeared to tell us that we will face the fires of hell if we don't pass his (and his cronies) best guesses at a solution. Hmmm, WMDs anyone?

Bonner and Wiggin predicted the whole thing well in advance and since I don't subscribe to the divine revelation theory of economic analysis it is clear to me that the situation was clear to others as well. Evidently none of those people were at the SEC or in goverment until yesterday. Glad they could show up but I am seriously frightened by what they might do now that they are belly up to the bar.

We, as a people, have got to get educated and yesterday would have been a good day to start. This book is an example of the information that is available. It is up to us to begin to us it.

Bonner and Wiggin recommend gold but that is clearly indicated to be a strategy available to the less connected and less sophisticated investor. For the savvy folks who are in Martha Stewarts phone tree, they recommend investments in companys in contrast to stocks. The company performance is the criteria, not the stock and they require different approaches that are explained in the book. The basic difference is the amount of effort and the methodology for investment. Personally that phone tree looks pretty good to me...

Good luck everyone.

THE EMPIRE BUSTING BUBBLES;
Empire of Debt by Bill Bonner and Addison Wiggin
Page 48; in 1989, "American democratic imperialism triumphed unmistakably against its adversary-the Evil Empire. The Good Empire was the last one standing; God had shined its light on us and would never turn it off.
Many people said many dumb things in the twentieth century..."
The shock value of this true book makes it a gripper and an epic classic.
Page 317-318; "The oldest generation of Americans remembers the Great Depression. They borrowed reluctantly, saved eagerly, and made the United States the Greatest power on earth. Their children still talked their parents' talk, but didn't mind walking off in a different direction when the wind was at their backs. And their grandchildren? The newest generation seems to have no regard whatever for the virtues of their grandparents or the futures of their grand children. They disregard the wisdom of the dead, and load up the unborn with debt."

For those that love to read a book that grabs them and doesn't let go - Karen Abbott's Sin in the Second City is a MUST. Not only does the reader get an enjoyable history lesson- but along the way Karen shows us how so much of what we know and experience today - is not new at all.

The portrait of the Everleigh sisters is simply fascinating, Chicago of the early 1900's was made for Abbott's prose - and the best part is - She's writing another book. People will read again - and Karen is one of the reasons why. Read this book. Its SUPER.

SIN IN THE SECOND CITY reads like a novel but is a non-fiction book. The fascinating world of the Everleigh sisters and the underground world of prostitution in the early 1900's make for a fascinating read. The author has researched the material well to flesh out the elusive sisters and their cohorts, courtesans, friends and enemies.

The author's prose is evocative of the time without ever being stiff or scholarly. It is easy to become engrossed in the world of the Everleigh club and the shifting allegences of the various madams and underworld figures.

All in all, a fascinating book that reads like a historical novel. I would highly recommend it.

A fine story telling in the context of a well-crafted historical novel. The small and difficult to read font is the only reason why I cannot make Sin in the Second city a 5-star read.

Really great book about turn of the century Chicago right after the World's Fair. There is no doubt that sin and crime were just as evident in the world 100 years ago as they are today. The Everleigh sisters did an amazing job of running a "decent" brothel and staying a step of two ahead of their competitors. I wish there had been more history on them from before they came to Chicago, I was surprised to find they grew up near the area I live in. The history of the religious movement to tame Chicago's Levee district was also very interesting. The only drawback is the book didn't flow quite as smoothly as a pure novel, but it is one of the most interesting non-fiction books I have ever read. If only my high school history books had been this good!

I seem to be swimming against the tide of opinion on this book. Plainly and simply speaking, I didn't think it was all that great. The subject matter was interesting, and it's fun to be a voyeur sometimes, looking into people's shady lives, but I just didn't think it was that well written -- kind of dry in the execution. I love history (it was my undergrad, grad and postgrad field) and I love history when it's written so that the general reader can read, relate to and understand it, but for some reason, her writing style just left me flat. Also -- my bone of contention is that she didn't have credible sources for the real story of Everleigh sisters, but went on to tell the tale anyway. Granted, she warns her reader of this fact, but still.

Long and short of it -- I liked the subject matter, though it could have been fleshed out quite a bit more. The writing (imho) was just flat. I've seen comparisons by readers of this author to the work of Erik Larson and (again imho) it doesn't begin to come close. I had to make myself finish this book and that's never good.

This is book 5 in a series of 6 Diana Gabaldon books. It is a wonderful Love story, with historical value taking place in the middle to late 18th century. I would highly recommend all 6 books. It starts with Voyager.

I really loved this book in the series. I was disappointed with Fiery Cross and was hoping that this one would redeem. It did! It was a treat to read it! Can't wait for the next one!!!

I'm finally done! Whew! I read the whole series and I thought the last, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, was just as good as the others. I do wish that it wasn't as quickly tied up at the end, jumping around, without the final word on what happened to Claire and Jamie, but on the whole I really enjoyed every word.
I suggest you start from the beginning of the series and make sure you have lots of time to devour all 6. I stayed up way to late for a month or so :-)

After reading the first five Voyager series books, I was thrilled with this book. It tied up so many loose ends from the other books and gave an even more intimate look at the characters. This is one of the better books in an excellent series of books. Diana Gabaldon's books are entertaining, engrossing and even educational. I find them hard to put down once I start reading.

The series hould have ended before this volume. It's bloated, repetitive, boring, and self-indulgent, not a cohesive story but a collection of vignettes, often unrelated to the main characters we know and love. A sharp editor should have sliced this huge book in half.