Nonfiction Books

the first 50 pages or so are promising. it seems like it is going to be a quirky, honest depiction of this young man's life after his parents die and he becomes the guardian of his young brother. and as long as he stays with that, the story is compelling. unfortunately, most of the book is full of random stories about his uninteresting life told in such a self-conciously, self centered way. every bad thing that happens to anyone he has ever met manages to be completely about him. he thinks he's infinitely more clever than the rest of the world and more entitled to attention and he acknowledges this. it's as if he thinks that by admitting his faults, the reader no longer has the right to be annoyed by them. but they do and i was. the writing is scattered and lazy and i don't know how it got published.

My good friend highly recommended this book for me to read last summer, citing Dave Eggers as his hero, and so I eagerly picked this up and delved into a story of a great sibling relationship in the wake of a tragedy.

As a 21 year old college student about to graduate, you would think that I would be obssessed with this work, completely representing my generation. And indeed, it succeeded in that. The whole living situation in the Bay Area of California was awesome, and his whole mantra of being young and free in America was great too, and the book should have ended at that. I should warn you that this is a memoir, so his ego is immensely represented as him being basically a self-absorbed Berkeley young intellectual. I could ramble on and on about this book and why I wouldn't rate it higher, but I'll just get to the point.

The first half is simply enjoyable to read with the whole relationship with his brother, dealing with the loss of parents (whom he seemingly never cared for), and with his sister being driven in law school and eventually marrying. His emotions are presented well with his relationships in this memoir, and then suddenly, as if out of the blue, Toph (his brother) is never mentioned again. The second half of the book is about his magazine and this MTV interview that never seems to end. It was so boring and meaningless. I want to read about you and your brother and your lives, not about some stupid magazine and a pretentious MTV real world interview to nowhere.

Overall, I get what he's saying, and it is a good message. Namely, family comes first but it is great to be young and free in America in your 20's, of course if only brought up by wealthy suburban Chicago parents. About 90% of America can't afford to rent his house that he did in the Berkeley hills with views of SF bay and not a job in site. It is a good book and I enjoyed it, but the Pulitzer Prize? No way.

I don't think I have ever given a book a review of "dead in the middle," ringing it at 3 of 5, but I have to do it to this one. I usually really don't like books or really enjoy them (ok, a few I love). I also usually put books down and walk away when I struggle over months to get through them, BUT I found this drive to finish this one. First, it was highly recommended by a friend who is a writer for a living. Second, it has been high acclaimed. Third, I found the brilliance in the ability to write such realistic detail for so many pages on end, but alas, that was where the 3 stopped. The detail bored me to tears and made me want to skip to wear the plot picked back up, except it really never did. I suppose I am just not a good reader of rambling thoughts. I oddly enough know that Eggers is a gifted person, but this piece and the reasons I read for entertainment and intellectual improvement couldn't mesh here.

"A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius." Indeed. So few writers have Egger's gift. Wit, wisdom, a sense of humour, vision, style, flair, and the passion that enables him to masterfully craft such a truly genius work.

Dave Eggers should stick with writing fiction, so that we don't have to face the fact that the people he writes about (that is, himself) truly exist in this world.

I was an early fan of the McSweeney's website, I even have the first 13 volumes of the McSweeney's journal. I bought Dave Eggers book, but never got around to reading it, saving it kind of like saving a good bottle of wine, for when I could truly savor it. So I took it on vacation recently and truly regretted it, as there were few English-language books around I could buy to save me from this self-centered monologue. And I hope the loathing I've now developed for Dave Eggers will not detract my enjoyment of the website and journals.

Admittedly, his prose is wonderful. Loopy, long sentences, filled with imagery, witty dialogue, colorful scenery, and loads of wonderful scenarios that make you laugh. That's why I'm giving it 2 stars. But you are accompanied on this trip by a narrator whose flaws outweigh his good points. The author had a difficult early life, and it must be difficult to write of it. Also, Dave Eggers was rather young while he wrote this, and perhaps he has matured since. That said, his palpable loathing of old folks and his wish they would just die off and leave the world to him and his youthful compatriots and his gushing endorsement of the world-changing powers of, yes, reality TV, frankly disgusted me and ruined the whole book for me (I am 31, BTW, and have grandparents and old friends I adore, and adored even when I was a trash-talking 15 year old). He implies that a tragedy to a young person outweighs a tragedy to an older person (I disagree, it all depends on the person regardless of age). He constantly criticizes himself...and then continues on the behavior. Fine, that's human. But I don't need to spend hours of my life with a neurotic, selfish, youth-obsessed, contemptuous guy and his constant self-justifications.

The best part of the book was the preface, which had the ironic, satiric cleverness (and even the same font) as McSweeney's, an enterprise I always thought successfully showed off the contradictions of society, with a sort of wise, knowing, calm, and even hopeful air, like some sort of British deadpan joke. We laugh, admit our faults, and then move on. But now I wonder whether it's just trying to be knowing and superior.

So, if you can disassociate yourself from the basic obnoxiousness of Dave Egger's personality and personal thoughts and enjoy his prose, then perhaps you can enjoy this book. For those who have limited time and patience, I'm sure there are people with tragedies just as heartbreaking, but with a less entitled outlook, out there for our sympathy and support.

The connections between plants and people are fascinating. Michael Pollan writes so well, I was pulled through the book. This is a view of the web of life that I haven't seen before. Highly recommended. Another book I enjoyed some time back (not by Pollan) is "Biomimicry".

If you are at all interested in evolution and biology, and man's relationship with the natural world, this is a must-read. Pollan presents the material in a way that makes it digestible to individuals with only a lay-person's knowledge of science.

This was a gift,and what a great gift! I hear botanists say it is not a substantive book, but I am not a botanist! I loved it, everyone I loaned it to loved it. Made me look at my tulips and apples differently, and the birds and the bees and everything -- and as an organic gardener and cook it made me appreciate the natural thoughtfulness behind the varieties we grow and enjoy! Buy, read, and gift his book -- from 16 to 85 have enjoyed it!

The easy and subtle way this book allows readers to view life on earth from an entirely different perspective is unprecedented (at least I've never read anything like it.) Pollan's style is so smooth, so full of humor and humanity, it's impossible not to become totally captivated. Even for someone like myself who doesn't read a lot of non-fiction, this is a true page-turner. Pollan's hilarious and inspiring dissection of Johnny Appleseed, reality versus myth, is in itself worth the price of admission.

You'll notice that a huge majority of readers found this book to be informative, thought provoking, and even enjoyable. It's the type of reading material that sticks with you, and changes your view of the world. It has changed my eating habits and gardening routines. A very few people felt the book was worthless. Hmmmmmmm. Once you read the book you'll probably be able to figure out who those people are. Gee, I don't know... maybe anyone connected with the Monsanto Corporation? Or other greedy monoagriculturalists? Anyone who doesn't care one bit about the future of the planet, or the health of its people? Yup, there is surely a population out there that would take exception to the facts presented in this eye-opening book.

I found this book fantastic on a number of different levels. First, it was artistic...people sending in postcards that were original and/or altered to fit their mood. Second, it was truth...or at least something close to it. People sharing their deepest secrets, expunging their soul and saying what they really think. The collection goes from high drama to low comedy from page to page, and kept me enthralled from dust jacket to dust jacket.

I've been a fan of the PostSecret site for awhile now. It's a project started by Frank Warren back in late 2004 involving blank postcards. He spread them around and asked people to share a secret on the card, decorate it as they saw fit, and then mail it anonymously to him. In short order, the project took on a life of its own, and Warren started receiving cards and letters from around the world. The book PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives is a full-color compilation of some of these mailings, and it's fascinating.

Behind the cover of anonymity, people are willing to 'fess up to numerous things that are dark secrets never before revealed. Going through the book, you see secrets such as "He's been in prison for two years because of what I did. 9 more to go.", "I wish my parents could see me for what I am, instead of what I didn't become.", and "I am contemptuous of others so it hurts less then they are indifferent to me." The words themselves can be funny, haunting, sad, or shocking, but the real impact is the artwork that adorns the cards. It's there that you get the full emotional impact of what the writer is saying. For instance... A "Hello, My name is..." tag with the space filled in as "I force new acquaintances to address me by my shortened name because it makes me forget my past.". Or there's the picture of the wrecked car with the hand-written note "I almost decided not to get out, once I knew I'd hit the river."

Not all the items are as dark as what I've noted above. There's "I believe in destiny, and I think I know mine. :) :) :)", "I had a cyst on my face that ruined 7th and 8th grade. Now I love it because it makes me different.", and my favorite (written on a Starbucks cupholder)... "I give decaf to customers who are RUDE to me!"

I guess part of the fascination with PostSecret is the lurid stuff that shows up. But it's also a reminder that what you see on the outside of someone is in all likelihood far different than what they see on the inside. It once again reminds me that everyone is struggling with something in their lives.

There are other books in the PostSecret series, and I have them on hold at the library. This book was excellent in a thought-provoking way, and I look forward to more.

Each of the Post Secret books gives you a window into the human soul. Sending in a post card is a cathartic experience. Laugh, cry and connect with insightful journeymen in the human experience. Read the books. Share them with friends. Subscribe to the blog.

"Some of the most beautiful postcards in this collection came from very painful feelings and memories. I believe that each of us has the ability to discover, share, and grow our own dark secrets into something meaningful and beautiful." ~ Frank Warren

There are some things you wouldn't even tell your best friend. Instead, you might consider telling Frank by sending him a creative postcard. What started off as an idea for a community art project has morphed into numerous books.

Some of the postcards show a sense of humor, while others show a dark side inspired by people's psychological pain. You may be shocked by some of the vindictive thoughts or even surprised by your own emotional response to the honesty in the messages. Here are a few I can actually include in a review (others are too private to post):

"I put coins in other people's parking meters."
"I am home-less and no one (not even my family) knows about it."
"I give decaf to customers who are rude to me."

One thing I know for sure is that some people have given me regular coffee instead of decaf! In this book such a dark side is now revealed.

This book is a fairly quick read because most of the postcards have just a few sentences. Most of the postcards are artistic and represent the feelings and moods of the writer. That is what makes so many of them unique. While reading I had thoughts about sending in a postcard with my own secrets. This book is sure to inspire you in such a direction.

~The Rebecca Review

I was not aware of the website until I got this book as a birthday gift. It was one of the best birthday gifts I have ever received. The book is amazing. The boldness of some of the messages is astonishing. You can learn here what the REAL world is all about. Some of the messages are funny, some sad, but most of them will make you stop and think about the way we interact with others, what are desires are, etc. I think the reader will often well relate with many of the messages. I definitely encourage everybody to either get the book or at least visit the website.
Another great title i recommend is Naked Pictures of Famous People

This was incredible. My son is 5 and reads much more advanced books, but loved the moving pictures in this one. It ranked right up there with magic! We had tried purchasing him a zoeatrope but it was too much work for him to deal with the slips to put in, this was much nicer for him.

We found this to be a interesting and fascinating book for children.
The animation is really cool.

Unfortunately, our book was damaged a little in shipping. The square on the front of the book was pulled and tore a little. I chose not to return it because of the cost of postage to do that. If it loosens up more we will have to tape it.

This is a cool book! All three of my kids (8, 4 & 2) think it's fun to read. I first saw this book in a Kindermusik class. The teacher read it to the kids and the entire class of 2 and 3 year olds were mesmerized. She had them act out each page and they loved it! We do the same thing at home. This book is requested often to be read and we've had it for several months.

This unique book will having you reading it over and over. As an adult I find it hard to put the book down.
It stays on my coffee table.

WOW! This book was amazing!! Both young and old were mezmerized by the moving pictures!

I was so excited when I orginally read reviews about this book. My Daughter had out grown the toddler Bible story books and this look appeared perfect. Unfortunately, after I started reading it with her I soon found that the stories were not truely accurate to the Bible. The heart of the stories are there but the author embelishes the stories which when teaching a child is inappropriate.

The child doesn't know that what is written is not authentic and that is unacceptable. I have wanted to write a review for a number of months but had put it off and tonight when I signed on to write the review I did see another user that had the same issue with the book as I do and I encourage you to read that review for examples but I will give at least one example. Here is an excerpt from the story of David and Goliath:

Begin Quote
"Chickens!" Goliath bellowed. "Your God can't save you! I'll rip your heads off and have you on toast!" His beady, greedy eyes glowered at them hungrily from under his horrible helmet - as if any minute he really might just gobble them all up. And he laughed his terrible laugh. "Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha" it boomed, echoing horribly around and around the dry, dry valley. Well, Goliath might just as well have been a green slimy monster with three heads because God's people froze with fear.
End quote

Most of what you read here will not be found in the Bible. You can recognize that most of it is creative story telling but even the quote of Goliath saying "Your God can't save you" that is not found in the Bible; in fact Goliath never makes a reference to God.

I kept looking for a Bible book and have been happy with "First Bible Stories" see link below
First Bible Stories

This is a thoughtful, respectful, intelligent book that you can share with ANYONE who has a remotely open mind.
The only reason it gets four stars is that I was looking for something a bit more dense and challenging, but now that I think about it, how many people out there are geeks like me? Not many.
This book is extremely engaging, using questions posed by REAL people and providing REAL answers with great insight. So, for what it lacks in philosophical depth (okay, you can read the stuff in the references if you must) it makes up for in accessibility to (almost) any reader.
CAVEAT: This book is not for stupid or closed-minded individuals, whether they be Christian or Atheistic in their faith walk. But if you can't grasp the reasoning, you probably weren't pondering the questions in the first place.
This book does not give you pat answers or smug circular reasoning. It does acknowledge the validity of some anti-Theist arguments and then gently and thoughtfully dissects them. Atheists, skeptics, agnostics, and thoughtful Christians alike will appreciate the fact that they are not being taken for a ride.
The first half of the book examines arguments against Christianity, and agrees where agreement is appropriate. There is no whitewash, only reason and good arguments.
The second half of the book gives reasons that support Christianity. It is very helpful, but not arrogant or over-the-top.
You can purchase this book for any friend without embarrassment.
Recommended.

This Bible Storybook is wonderful, fantastic, awesome!! I think anyone with children should have it. I bought 5 so I could start blessing all the young families I have a reason to give a gift to and also so I could have one at my home (no children at home any longer.)

I bought this book as a birthday present for my 6 year son. We read it everynight and he seems to really enjoy it. It inspires lots of questions from him.

This is a wonderful Bible storybook for kids. It literally does bring you back to Jesus in every story. I read it to my great-nephews whenever they are over. They love to look at the pictures and pick out a story and when we get to the end they now know that whatever story it is it will bring us back to Jesus. We are able to talk about Him and how much He loves them. I recommend it for all. I purchased two for our church preschool department.

It's a good book. Offers pronounciation, definitions, synonyms, and antonyms, as well as good practice. Chances are there are at least some words you'll learn from the book, even if you do well on the diagnostic test but I still suggest that you take that test to see if you should get a higher level book.

I have used this at almost all the middle school and high school levels. It is ok, but if a student is not great at memorizing, or is not already a great speller, this is not as helpful as some other books. It is a very typical, rote way to learn. Worldly Wise is organized and structured in a much better way. It is especially great for teaching spelling/definitions, etc. to dyslexics or children with other minor learning issues. I also think Worldly Wise does a better job at showing definitions, showing how words are used in sentences and paragraphs, and also at showing homonyms, etc. Vocab. Workshop is great as an extra tool.

I commend Mr. Harper for yet another inspirational book aimed at encouraging a generation that needs all the positive encouragement it can get. His committment to not only succeed in his own life; but to also enspire others to do the same speaks well for him and should be applauded. Thank you Hill Harper for not sticking your head in the sand.

Thank you my brother Hill for this wonderful book. I have bought 3 books. Two to my young cousins who graduated from Spellman and Hampton and one for my granddaughters to share who are 16 and 19. What they have told me they have gotten from the book is wisdom beyond what I could have said to them. Wisdom for their life, words to save their lives and make it better. That was what I wanted for these young ladies and you did that for me. God Bless You!

Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny

I'm only about half way through and I can't say enough great things about it. You must read it for yourself. Its an amazing book full of praise, inspiration, honesty, knowledge, quotes, and so much more. It perfect for all ages. It provides a refresher course for anyone who needs to be reminded of how unique and special we all are. As we grow older and life creates more and more obstacles, we often lose focus. Hill Harper puts you right back on track with enough truth to help keep you there.

This book was awesome!!! It was very inspirational and uplifting. This book is not only for teenagers but for women of all ages. This book has helped me to become the beautiful woman that I am. This book has inspired me to become all that I can be. I am a 43year old happily married woman and I learned so much from this book. Hill Harper keep up the good work !!

I loved this book. As a Big Sister to an 11 year old girl, I found the topics that Hill Harper spoke to "Little Sistah" about was truly what is on a little girl's mind. I loved that he took an active role in the responses AND that he had a variety of women give their responses. I would love every single parent girl to read this book.

Why did they change the name of the hardcover? I nearly bought Fall by Ron Franshell, not knowing it is the same book.
Just finished this book and yes it was a great true crime book but not as good as I hoped. I had bought it only based on the reviews on amazon. All 5 stars reviews. Yes it is a good true crime book, but as with many other true crime writers, they tell you already in the beginning of the book, what happened, the murder and who did it. I like a bit of suspense, yes also in my true crime books. Very sad story.Good read.

In 1973 in Casper, Wyoming, the paths of two twenty something lowlifes, Ronald Kennedy and Jerry Jenkins, intersected with that of two half-sisters, eighteen year old Becky Thompson and eleven year old Amy Burridge. None of their lives would ever be the same again. Becky and Amy had just finished up some last minute grocery shopping at a local store, when they realized that they had a flat tire. Kennedy and Jenkins offered to help them and give them a ride home.

Once they were in the car, however, it was clear that Becky and Amy were going to be taken to hell and back again. The upshot is that they were abducted and ultimately driven to the North Platte River where Amy was thrown from a bridge that spanned a gorge into the river over a hundred feet below. Becky was then raped by Kennedy and Jenkins, and then she, too, was thrown from the bridge into that same river and left for dead. The only difference is that she physically survived her ordeal and lived to tell the tale.

The author divided the book into three parts. In the first part, the author takes great pains to describe the town and the people who played a part in the unfolding drama. He also paints a poignant portrait of the two girls who had been abducted and treated so cruelly by fate. He also describes the details of the events that led up to the crime, the crime itself, and its immediate aftermath.

In the second part of the book, the focus is on the prosecution of the case. Again, the author gives much detail on the individuals who were going to be involved in the prosecution of the case, as well as those who were to be responsible for the defense of Kennedy and Jenkins. The author also gives details from the trial itself, in addition to the outcome.

In the third part of the book, the author details what became of Becky Thompson and notes the impact that this singular event had on her life. He also details what happened to Jenkins and Kennedy. The reader also discovers what became of the families of the victims, the families of the defendants, and those who were involved in the trial process. He also includes portions of a memoir written by Kennedy, which the author expertly dissects and analyzes. This is, however, the Achilles heel in the book, as the self-serving drivel served up by Kennedy made this portion of the book drag somewhat.

This case was big news when it happened, and it shook the town of Casper to its core. In fact, the author knew Becky and Amy, as they were his next door neighbors in Casper, Wyoming, where he grew up. He was a junior in high school at the time that the crime occurred, and he recalls the impact that the crime had on not only the community but on his family, as well. This personal connection explains the well-spring of deep sadness that resonates throughout this well-written book and speaks to the reader. Meticulous in his research, it is clear that for this author this book was a labor of love, as the author brings to life with his prose all those whose lives had been touched by this heinous crime.

A very real,true, Heart breaking story of two beautiful and young girls who had everything in life to live for. But a crazed killer, a bridge, a dark night, changed all that forever. This book will pull you right into the heart of the story and will keep you there even after you've finished reading. Once you have finished, everytime you come to a bridge-of any type-you will find yourself automatically saying a prayer not only for the 2 girls, but for everyone you love and know. this story will stay with you. In your mind and your HEART for a long time. You really need to read this story and get the chance to once again feel your emotions on a different level.

Excellent true crime story! Very engrossing and well written. Hard to put down!

This book was heartbreaking, intense, and immensely well written. I was surprised by the wealth of information on the criminals that was presented. Rarely in crime novels do you get such detailed information given to the author. The caring and personal way in which the author presents the situation gives it something extra. His concern and the way this horrific crime touched his life comes through. This book was hard to look away from.

The older niece (5) has recently stopped liking this book, and will leave the room when I read it. Not sure what's up with that, she used to like it well enough. Her little sister, though, will stand by her desire to have it read when *normally* she caves to Big Sister Pressure.

This book has a very bouncy rhythm and tune (if you know the tune), and very colorful illustrations. It's just fun to read, and it's quick, too.

I definitely recommend it to young kids, especially any in the age where they're learning about letters.

What a FUN book! My two-year-old son loves this book and I love to read it to him. The words have a great cadence and I find myself singing each page! The pictures are very primitive which is nice (no sensory overload) and it helps young children to learn their alphabet. The story is super cute and the author uses great imagery. Although the illustrations are primitive, you can imagine these letters racing up the coconut tree! It's a wonderful book for any child's collection!

I remember reading this to my youngest sister so it brings back a lot of good memories.

This is the MOST FUN book to read. I giggle EVERY time I read it!!

Plus, you can't go wrong with a book that educates! (Alphabet)

This is a terrific alphabet book with a fun rhythm to it. My children love it! The reading on the CD by Ray Charles is dull.

I love the fun rhythmic way this book can be read. It was very well thought out and goes over each alphabet twice in a manner that would rivet a child's attention to the story. This ABC book would be quite difficult to top. I remember this book from my own childhood.

This is a great book...fun for both kids and adults. I love how the pages have cut outs that clue you in to the next page. Fun!

Great simple illustrations with bold colors - neat thinking - leaves age-old question unanswered, which does come first - chicken or the egg?

I love the book. I bought it for my son last Christmas, but it's a little too conceptual for a three year old. Still, it's beautiful. I'll try this out with him in a year.

A lovely book for young people, with die cut pages that explain some of life's mysteries in an age appropriate way.

Which came first--the chicken or the egg? Finally, someone is here to tell us. But the answer later.

"First the egg," written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, is a Caldecott honor winner for 2008 and an honor book for the Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) Award. What makes it special? Both the artwork and the story, or actually, in this case, concepts that lead from one transformation to the next. Two previous clever winners are Flotsam (Caldecott Medal Book) by David Wiesner and Black and White, an earlier Caldecott by David Macauley.

I took this book from a display in our bi-annual Book Fair. I read it in just one minute. Then reread it. And reread it. Every time I pick up this seemingly simple book, I see something else I missed. Even the covers are part of the story. This book is more than clever--it is brilliant, as in illuminating.

Listen, here is the story. Get comfortable and let me read it to you:

First the EGG
then the CHICKEN
First the TADPOLE
then the FROG
First the SEED
then the FLOWER
First the CATERPILLAR
then the BUTTERFLY
First the WORD
then the STORY
First the PAINT
then the PICTURE, First the CHICKEN
then the EGG!

Well? Exactly! Without the bold colors and almost in-your-face images in the background, the words are fine, but...? A Caldecott Award is given to the most distinguished picture book of the year. Please look at the cover image with this review. That gives an idea of the power of the colors and paint technique, which is impasto on canvas, providing two layers of texture. That is what this book has--texture: layers of texture in the art and the concepts.

Art? A creative, bold enterprise that can make the chicken or the egg first. Think it, do it. Create. That is exactly what Ms Seeger did. She created a bold, creative way to examine this age-old riddle.

"First the egg" is highly recommended, not only for children, who will adore it, but also for adults, who will be reminded of the grandeur of creation in all its many forms. Great children's books belong in the collection of adults as well as in children's.