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A century ago, malaria was killing Washingtonians, Londoners, Parisians. Today HIV, along with various cancers, has taken its place among worldwide epidemics. Quinine, extracted from the cinchona tree of the Amazonian rainforest, quelled malaria; alkaloids taken from trees in the West African rainforest may well yield a cure for AIDS. Yet those woods, Mark Plotkin tells us, are fast disappearing, along with the native peoples who know the powers of the plants that dwell there. His account of wandering through the Amazonian jungles focuses on local knowledge about plants, whose uses range from the mundane to the magical. The rainforests of the world, Plotkin notes, are our greatest natural resource, an intercultural pharmacy that can cure woes both known and yet unvisited.
Customer Reviews:
Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice.......2007-10-10
This was purchased for my mother, who's taking a trip to Costa Rica. I read it years ago and remembered liking it. She read it, loved it and is now passing it around to her fellow-travelers.
Fascinating, Enligtening Read!!.......2007-07-26
I typically don't get too deeply interested in scientific books simply because unless that's your cup of tea they can come off very dry, dull reads. I was pleasantly surprised with this book however. The mention of shamanism in the title peaked my interest and I found this book to have numerous entertaining stories about an ethnobotanist's travels and studies across the Amazon. Many times during my reading, I would picture the Sean Connery film Medicine Man! The stories of this man trying to earn the respect and trust of the natives and constantly being laughed at and nicknamed "pananakiri" (natives' word for "white man" or "city slicker")were very entertaining and the information on the origins of many everyday household products here in the States was incredibly interesting. I also appreciate how this book stresses the importance of preserving the rain forests and the native cultures inside them. Plotkin definitely makes it clear how truly remarkable and irreplaceable these places are.
There were some sections that did feel like the author would run off on tangent topics, giving the book some portions of reading that drag on a bit. This would be the only reason I would give this book 4 stars rather than 5. Definitely recommended!!
Searching for new medicines in the rain forest? What?.......2007-02-05
I believe that the author of this book should review it. I did not fine any searching in this book.
Plant Power Rules.......2007-01-13
Mark Plotkin does a fantastic job of conveying the fantastic enthusiasm he has for rainforest plants and cultures. He shows us how important plants have been in the course of the development of civilization. As a historian, I greatly appreciated his vignettes into the origins of coffee, rubber and other life changing substances. Mark is a great story teller, and he is one of the luckiest men alive to have seen pristine rainforests and lived with these 20,000+ year old cultures before those clever capitalists and Christians wipe them all out. That's another thing I like about this book. It slams the arrogant missionaries who think they have all the right answers when in fact they are destroyers of indigenous cultures and invaluable medical knowledge. You can't help but read this book and feel that as you watch the rainforests burn, you might as well be watching the library of Alexandria burn.
But the book isn't depressing. It is empowering. Mark has a plan, and he's implementing it. Harness the greed of capitalism, and the pharmaceutical industry. Let's show the world that Science has brought us to this unprecedented point in our cognitive evolution and only Science (not praying to imaginary friends) will save us. Knowledge, not ignorance, is power.
A colorfully written and informative book..........2006-12-30
Plotkin does an amazing job in not only describing his experience in the Amazonian forest but in also describing the many medicinal plants that were used by the native people. The story, as one would think, would seem bland and dry but Plotkin does a wonderful job in keeping his narration flowing and interesting.
I particularly liked the descriptions of what was happening to him when he personally experienced it, such as epena or the flea egg under his toe nail. In describing what happened personally it adds a lot more credence to the story he was telling. Additionally, the extra tidbits of information about his journey were fun as well, such as the large electric eel that was in the water with him.
What is most important though is Plotkin drives home the over arching theme of his book, that of protecting the Amazon and thus its medicinal powers, and not letting the years upon years of wisdom die with the few remaining shamans. A well written book by someone who knows his field very well. I would definitely recommend.
5 stars.
Average customer rating:
- Take this one to the beach!
- Disappointment for a Nicci French fan
- A Dark Obsession
- Absolutely riveting masterpeice of psychological terror
- Gripping, fast-paced and unexpected.
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Secret Smile
Nicci French
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Catch Me When I Fall
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Land of the Living
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Killing Me Softly
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ASIN: 0446617105 |
Customer Reviews:
Take this one to the beach!.......2007-06-17
I enjoy reading Nicci French. This book has the same level of suspense as their other books. It definitely held my interest as I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. If you are single, this one will make you think twice about getting involved with someone you really don't know. What a mess this guy made of an innocent girl's life!
Disappointment for a Nicci French fan.......2006-11-10
I was very disappointed in this book. It started out very confusing and never got any better for me.
A Dark Obsession.......2006-10-29
The husband/wife writing team that is billed as "Nicci French" was the perfect team to construct this intense, shocking story of romantic obsession. Why? Well, because the two main characters are a man and a woman, and we get to know both of them very, very well. The double-gendered authors get the inner workings of both the male and female minds exactly right. The novel's gimmick is simple: after their break-up, one member of a young British couple begins to stalk, torment, and threaten the other--but exactly who is doing what to whom? That's a good question, and the answer (and the ultimate solution to the problem) will surprise and disturb you.
I've read all the Nicci French books now, and this hypnotic little gem is my hands-down favorite. You may never look at your loved ones in the same way again. Enjoy (but leave the lights on!).
Absolutely riveting masterpeice of psychological terror.......2006-10-26
Miranda's life is turned upside down when she catches Brendan, a guy she's been dating for a little over week, reading her diary, and dumps him. Two weeks later, she discovers that he's now dating her sister, and soon they are engaged.
Of course, Brendan has told everyone that he dumped her and hoped there were no hard feelings. When the purchase of a new flat falls through, sister Kerry and Brendan show up on her doorstep asking for a place to stay for a week. A week turns into many, and soon, Miranda moves out of her own place because the crude comments that Brendan makes to her and his general behavior have her really creeped out, as he has completely invaded her lifeby insinuating himself into her family, destroying friendships and ruining any chances for new romances to develop in his wake of psychosis.
After the suspicious suicide of her troubled teenage brother and the death of a close friend, Miranda goes over the edge trying to prove that there is something strange about Brendan, only to cast suspicion on herself.
The author manages to make you loathe and feel for Miranda at the same time, especially since everyone is charmed by Brendan and thinks that she is the one with the problem. It will keep you on the edge of your seat just wondering when Brendan will be caught. I had such a hard time putting it down because I had to know what happened next. And what a cathartic ending!
Gripping, fast-paced and unexpected........2006-05-18
This book is a fascinating psychological thriller that will disturb you and make you think twice before you smile back to anybody, much less give your number to anyone you don't know.
Nicci French is an expert when it comes down to the horror and frustration of watching your predator smile at you from afar.
The tension in the book builds up on every page and you end up rooting for Miranda and her apparently crazy behavior.
The final unexpected twist will leave you stunned.
Average customer rating:
- True Horror
- The Miniseries wins
- Fun Stuff
- FOR THE NICCI FRENCH FANS, SECRET SMILE IS A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER NOVEL ABOUT THE BOYFRIEND AND THE WORST NIGHTMARE
- Finished in 2 hours....
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Secret Smile
Nicci French
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Catch Me When I Fall
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-
The Red Room
-
Killing Me Softly
ASIN: 0446533475 |
Book Description
From the international bestselling author of Land of the Living and Killing Me Softly comes a chilling new novel about a broken affair that leads to a deadly obsession.
Mirandaís sister has a new boyfriend who isnít the man he claims to be. Miranda should know, because she broke off her affair with him a few weeks ago when she came home and found him reading her diary. Now Brendanís back, and pledging his undying devotion to the person Miranda loves most in the world. Whatís worse, her sister is not only deeply smitten, sheís begging Miranda to let them move in with her until they find a place of their own. Against her better judgment, Miranda agrees. Then, the nightmare begins. Like a virus, Brendan starts spreading destruction throughout her life until Miranda realizes what no one else seems to--that behind Brendanís handsome smile lurks a terrible secret.
Nicci Frenchís previous novel, Land of the Living, was published in Warner hardcover in 5/03 and has over 80,000 copies in print. Film rights were sold to Courtenay Valenti of Warner Bros.
Customer Reviews:
True Horror.......2007-08-14
When people talk about what scares them, they always say things like monsters, vampires, zombies, etc. This is what truely terrifies me. Smart sociopaths!
Excellent read!
The Miniseries wins.......2006-06-26
This is one of the very very very few books that had a movie/miniseries that was way better. I bought the book in the first place because I saw the miniseries on the BBC and adored it. The miniseries was very exciting and interesting, though a lot different. I did like that, in the book, Miranda ended up with another boyfriend and the cop didn't like her, but other than that the ending was lame.
Overall, after seeing the miniseries the book was not as good or anywhere near exciting and I can see why they changed the book.
Fun Stuff.......2006-04-12
I feel a little guilty enjoying these writer's works as much as I do. Not deep but really entertaining. Very British in its focus and style, this psycological thiller is a fast paced and enjoyable read. Might be a little too tame for conventional horror tastes and a little contrived for those who want realism. But the writing is good and the story easily engages the reader and holds the attention. French has a quirky and effective habit of dropping thematic bombs in very understated ways throughout the book. Many American writers should learn this trick. Subtlety is often better than overkill. Try this story, you'll probably like it.
FOR THE NICCI FRENCH FANS, SECRET SMILE IS A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER NOVEL ABOUT THE BOYFRIEND AND THE WORST NIGHTMARE.......2006-04-05
Miranda's sister, Kerri, has a new boyfriend. He's a raven-haired, handsome charmer who seems to dote on Kerri. But Brendan isn't the man he says he is. Miranda should know, because she broke off her own affair with him just a few weeks ago when she found him reading her diary.
Now Brendan claims that it was he who ended their short-lived relationship--and everyone believes him. When he and Kerri announce their engagement, Miranda's parents are thrilled for their shyer, less confident daughter. Then Kerri and Brendan beg Miranda to let them live in her apartment until their new home is ready. Against her better judgment, Miranda agrees.
Like a virus, Brendan starts spreading destruction thourghout her life. He invades her privacy and disrupts her relationships with her family and friends. And then the real nightmare begins...
Like the obscenities he whispers into her ear, his onslaughts are as undetectable as they are devastating. Those closest to her begin to doubt her mental stability and accuse her of the very thing she believes drives Brendan: obsession. When Miranda decides to take off the gloves, fight back, and discover what is behind her enemy's bemused, secret smile, the consequences will be unlike any readers have ever encountered before.
Rarely do the pharse "page-turning thriller" and "will keep you up all night" truly apply to a book as well as they do to this unpredictable, intelligent, and vastly entertaning tale of one woman's strength and one man's madness.
Finished in 2 hours...........2006-01-29
I could not put this book down. This is my first Nicci French novel, and I will be going out to get more. This was a good read.
Product Description
5 Titles By Walker - The Color Purple - Meridian - The Temple of My Familiar - Possessing the Secret of Joy - By the Light of My Father's Smile
Product Description
Book Description"Do you think that room service will deliver chocolate?" asked Izzie, who was on her knees on the floor with her face in the minibar. "We're all out here." "Yeah," said T. J. "Who needs boys when you can have chocolate?" "Ah, but they come in handy when we haven't any," said Nesta. "Let's call the boys in their rooms. Maybe they haven't eaten their supplies."A school trip to Florence seems like the perfect escape for Lucy. She wants time away from Tony, who is pressuring her to take their relationship further. In Italy she meets an American boy and thinks he might be the ideal way to get over Tony.He seems to be the perfect gentleman, and Italy introduces Lucy to a world of culture and sophistication. Will she be able to move on from Tony? Or is it a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire?
Average customer rating:
- A Complex Character for Children to Relate With
- A Complex Character for Children to Relate With
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Mona Lisa: The Secret Smile
Letizia Galli
Manufacturer: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0385321082
Release Date: 1996-02-01 |
Customer Reviews:
A Complex Character for Children to Relate With.......2000-08-30
Follow the life of Leonardo da Vinci from the time of his youth into adulthood. The illustrations are good, but the story gets a little long for little ones as it goes into, sometimes excessive detail. It also can overwhelm children with complex new subjects/words like vegetarian, mobile scaffolding, riddles, etc., which break the flow of the story as a parent will have to stop and explain.
But the story is interesting, probably better suited for 6 to 10 year-olds. I'm sure that Leonardo da Vinci isn't the easiest topic to write about, especially for an audience of children, so the author earns extra points there.
A Complex Character for Children to Relate With.......2000-08-21
Follow the life of Leonardo da Vinci from the time of his youth into adulthood. The illustrations are good, but the story gets a little long for little ones as it goes into, sometimes excessive detail. It also can overwhelm children with complex new subjects/words like vegetarian, mobile scaffolding, riddles, etc., which break the flow of the story as a parent will have to stop and explain.
But the story is interesting, probably better suited for 6 to 10 year-olds. I'm sure that Leonardo da Vinci isn't the easiest topic to write about, especially for an audience of children, so the author earns extra points there.
Product Description
The secrets to a celebrity quality smile are revealed in this book. Dr. Frey's full mouth approach guides you through all the steps of advanced cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry techniques, how to use the golden proportion technique, understanding advanced veneers and computer imaging to choose your perfect smile and correcting your bite. Full color photographs with before and after photos of patients
Average customer rating:
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Secret Smile
Nicci French
Manufacturer: Thorndike Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Literature & Fiction | Large Print | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 078626585X |
Book Description
Miranda's sister, Kerri, has a new boyfriend, a handsome charmer who seems to dote on Kerri. But Brendan isn't the man he says he is. Miranda should know - she broke off her own affair him just a few weeks ago when she found him reading her diary. Rarely do the phrases "page-turning thriller" and "will keep you up all night" truly apply as well as they do to this unpredictable, intelligent, and vastly entertaining tale of one woman's strength and one man's madness.
Average customer rating:
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Secret Smile
Nicci French
Manufacturer: Penguin Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Mystery & Thrillers | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
ASIN: 0141805412 |
Amazon.com
"I am a 21-year-old chiropractic student who has had diabetes for over 10 years," writes the author, who has been working with children and teenagers with diabetes since she was 15 and founded a camp for young people with diabetes. This slim book is "what children want their parents to know" about dealing with the social and emotional issues of diabetes, a perspective lacking in most books about this condition. For example, "My parents were worried about the long-term impact of diabetes and how it would change my life and my family's life. I was worried that I wouldn't [miss] my school field trip."
McAuliffe teaches parents important concepts like not blaming yourself if your child has diabetes, accepting that your child will have diabetes forever, not transmitting a negative attitude, and letting your child be a "normal" kid. She also teaches strategies for dealing with daily life, such as including siblings in diabetes education and emergency training, educating your child's teacher and classmates, and giving siblings without diabetes some extra attention. McAuliffe gives no medical advice--plenty of other books do that. She shares from her heart and experience what it was like being a kid with diabetes and how parents can make it easier or more difficult. --Joan Price
Book Description
A chance to step into your child's shoes. When your child was diagnosed with diabetes your first priority was probably to learn everything you could about diabetes and how to manage it. Whether your child is a youngster or a teenager, you've done your best to help with injections, meals and snacks, and the many other elements of a diabetes management program. But through all this, you may be overlooking the importance of your child's social and emotional development. Children want to be normal, and diabetes makes them "different." Many well-meaning parents inadvertently focus too much on their child's diabetes, and not enough on other aspects of their child's life. This unique book, written by a young woman who was diagnosed with diabetes at age 11, gives you the opportunity to understand and relate to your child's feelings. Drawing on the author's own experiences and those of the many children and young adults she's counseled, this sensitive guide explains:
- How children feel when they're diagnosed
- Why diabetes is a bigger adjustment for you than for your child
- How to encourage a healthy approach to diabetes
- The importance of diabetes education
- How to make your child's life as normal as possible
- Dealing with outside forces (school, day care, relatives, etc.)
- Eliminating the power struggle for independence in adolescence
• Books to Fund A Cure • A portion of this book's proceeds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, a not-for-profit voluntary health agency, whose primary objective is to support and fund research to find the cause, cure, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and its complications. Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Library Health
Customer Reviews:
Growing Up with Diabetes: What Children Want Their Parents to Know.......2006-08-19
I was Disappointed with this book. My 2 year old son was recently diagonosed with Type 1 and from the title of the book I would have thought the book was about a child who has had this diasease for longer than the age of 11 years old. I was expecting the girl to have had diabetes at a very young age. The title should be "Growing up with diabetes in my teen years"
Read it and weep!.......2002-05-14
It is so refreshing to read a book that speaks for the children instead of another doctor or professor's medical perspective. It makes a reader understand how pervasive this disease is and how every action, response, or comment can affect the child.
Growing Up With Diabetes: What children want..........2001-07-18
This is a well-intended but ultimately limited book that aims to embrace the large issue of shaping parental understanding of and response to their children's diabetes. This ambition is not well served by the book's brevity; given the author's own premise that diabetes is different for every child and every family, greater depth and breadth of discussion of the many issues at hand peppered with presentation and analysis of specific anecdotes would be useful here. As the mother of a newly diagnosed 12 year-old son, I think that this book probably best serves as a primer for affected families with younger children. I should think that the book's topic might be specifically addressed to families of adolescents (vs. younger children)in a separate work.
What an encouragement!.......2000-06-28
This book was very informative and very encouraging for me as a parent with a newly diagnosed 18 month old child with diabetes. Not only did the author address the concerns of children with diabetes, she also zeroed in on some of my own fears, concerns and misunderstandings involving diabetes and how it affects the day-to-day activites in my family. I would recommend this book to anyone feeling overwhelmed and frightened with a newly diagnosed child with diabetes.
This book is a MUST-READ!.......2000-04-28
A wonderful combination of accurate info, humor, and sharp insight into what it's like to be a child with diabetes. Parents will see themselves somewhere in this book (if not everywhere!). Parents get so caught up in the medical end of things - numbers, dosages, shots, carbs - this book really helps you see things from your child's point of view. There are helpful suggestions, often delivered with a description of a real-life situation the author has experienced, to get you thru rough spots. A great book!
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