Average customer rating:
- Everybody does South Florida - some better than others
- Tense, fast paced and well written
- Another fine book by Randy White
- more of a southwest Florida travelogue than a crime novel
- Good Enough
|
Shark River
Randy Wayne White
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Mystery
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Mystery & Thrillers
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Mystery
| Mystery & Thrillers
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Ten Thousand Islands
-
The Mangrove Coast (Prime Crime Mysteries)
-
North of Havana
-
Everglades
-
Captiva
ASIN: 0425185214
Release Date: 2002-06-04 |
Book Description
What starts out as a normal Florida Keys work-vacation for marine biologist Doc Ford quickly turns into a hurricane of kidnapping, revenge-even murder. And while he can't see through the tropical storm, pieces of his past begin to appear.
"A real winner here...More, please." (Washington Times )
"White's most satisfying to date." (Sarasota Herald-Tribune)
Customer Reviews:
Everybody does South Florida - some better than others.......2006-06-01
Randy White's "Shark River" never succeeds in being more than a rather tedious -- albeit knowledgeable -- marine travelog of South Florida. The elements of action/thriller are weak and hardly more than an afterthought. Everybody loves South Florida overcooked at the hands of Dorsey, Hiaasen, and Barry; Randy White is no threat whatsoever to that highly competitive niche.
Tense, fast paced and well written.......2006-02-02
I have apparently been missing out on a very entertaining series featuring Randy Wayne Miller's "Doc" Ford. Ford is a member of a secret force put together by an unnamed president to act as his personal weapon, basically, working outside the channels of law and order to handle problems that law and order aren't doing so well with. This boo, the eight in the series, takes place after Ford has "retired," the president in question and his aides are dead. Some of the operatives still exist, including Ford, but for the most part he is now just a quiet Marine Biologist trying to stay out of the limelight. In this novel, Ford meets a Bahamanian woman who claims to be his sister, is drawn into the on-going saga of his best friend's sex life, and saves a young heiress from kidnapping and probable death. What follows is a hair-raising sequence of events involving everything from Rastafarian thieves looking for a lost ring they believe belonged to Bob Marley to Columbian drug runners, and secret espionage. Well plotted, well-paced, and the characters, despite this being a later book in the series, are very real, likeable, and fresh. This is narrated by Ron Mclarty, author of "The Memory of Running," which I also enjoyed. He has a very good narrative voice and is able to switch into character for each change of voice with ease. A good book, and a good performance. Highly recommended.
Another fine book by Randy White.......2005-03-11
The Doc Ford character is one of my favorites, combining maturity, brain power, and well-honed physical skills. Shark River introduces the character of Ransom Ebanks, Ford's "sister," who plays a key role in thisbook and the series. You won't be disappointed with this fast-paced thriller.
more of a southwest Florida travelogue than a crime novel.......2005-02-21
'Shark River' is one of those perfectly amiable comic crime novels set in Florida. Carl Hiaasen is the master of the trade, Randy Wayne White is a mere wannabe ... judging by this book. Oh, 'Shark River' is a pleasant read; the pages just float on by. But the author seemed to be wrapped up in describing southwest Florida's flora and fauna than providing the reader with a decent mystery. And so this book will be quickly forgotten by this reader.
As for the story, well we have Doc Ford once again fighting off nasty drug dealers. He also discovered he has a sister/cousin, a rowdy Bahamian woman who creates both attention and trouble. Throw in some wacky characters and a little treasure-hunting and you have ... again, a pleasant yet forgettable read.
Bottom line: probably not worth the bother. Try any of Carl Hiaasen's books instead.
Good Enough.......2003-06-30
In SHARK RIVER Doc Ford is shot while instinctively coming to the rescue of a young woman who is almost kidnapped by some very bad guys from a Columbian drug cartel. When the FBI tries to pressure Ford into helping them solve the case he resists as usual fearing that some of his past deeds as a secret government operative may come back to haunt him. Ford is able to put off the FBI but not Harrington, the girl's influential father, who knows too much about Doc's past and one particular operation known as Sky Hook. Harrington is seeking revenge against a ruthless killer named Edgar Cordero.
The attempted kidnapping is witnessed by a visiting Bahamian lady named Ransom who tells Ford she is the daughter of his late uncle Tucker Gatrell and a sizeable inheritance in stolen gold coins awaits both of them if they can decipher Tucker's complicated instructions. Doc's hippie friend Tomlinson assists in the hunt for the hidden treasure.
I agree with some of the reviewers who have expressed disappointment in SHARK RIVER. It does not strike me as being quite on a par with THE MANGROVE COAST and NORTH OF HAVANA or some of the other entries in the Doc Ford series. It is, however, still good enough, especially if you like Florida and you are a fan of John D. MacDonald or even Ross Thomas with his tales of foreign intrigue. Randy White's Doc Ford books remind me of certain elements I used to enjoy in stories by both MacDonald and Thomas although it does seem impossible to discover truly satisfying replacements for either one of these deceased authors.
Average customer rating:
- Respect for Sharks and Man's History with them
- Fun, Rare information covered,
- shadows in the sea
- The most accurate shark book on the market
|
Shadows in the Sea: The Sharks, Skates and Rays
Thomas B. Allen
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Fish & Sharks
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Mammals
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Ichthyology
| Zoology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Rivers
| Earth Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Lakes & Ponds
| Nature & Ecology
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Marine Life
| Oceans & Seas
| Nature & Ecology
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
SHARKS IN QUESTION (Smithsonian Answer Books)
ASIN: 1558215182 |
Amazon.com
Nothing puts quite the same tingling fear in swimmers, surfers, and divers--especially in the quarter century since Peter Benchley's novel Jaws conquered the bestseller charts--as the thought that a shark might be plying its course somewhere in the murky deep below. Thomas Allen plays on that fear in the opening pages of Shadows in the Sea with a strangely entertaining compendium of shark attacks on humans over the centuries. (The humans get their licks in, however, in the pages that follow, in which Allen recounts the exploits of William Young, an Ahab who chased sharks around the world.) Allen goes on to describe the ways in which scientists have attempted to understand the ways of sharks and their selachian kin, the skates and rays; looks at the place of the shark in the world's folklore and cuisine; and examines the commercial shark-fishing industry. His useful book closes with a species-by-species account of the world's principal shark types, from the 6-inch dogfish to the 20-foot great blue shark. Allen does a fine job of giving his readers an idea of the many ways these frightening but fragile denizens of the sea live their lives--and he provides plenty of anecdotes to disturb a beachgoer's dreams. --Gregory McNamee
Customer Reviews:
Respect for Sharks and Man's History with them.......2004-09-29
First published in 1963, Shadows in the Sea has been a popular book about sharks and their relatives, the skates and rays. Thomas Allen tells what he learned from two major contributors to the book. One was Captain William Young, known as "Captain Shark Killer," the other was Mack McCormick, whose shark research is now housed in American Museum of Natural History (New York, USA). According to the author, both men had a deep abiding respect for sharks.
Thomas Allen gives an evenhanded treatment of sharks in Shadows in the Sea. The author divides his subject into four parts: sharks against humans, humans against sharks, sharks as gods or food, and sharks and their relatives as fish. He opens with the famous story of the shark attack in New Jersey in 1916, which formed the basis of the popular Jaws movies. He believes that hunting sharks does not prevent shark attacks. The wrong sharks are usually killed, and the shark population is further depleted. According to Thomas Allen, sharks have a purpose in the ocean ecosystem.
In presenting human-shark history, the author explains the painting by John Singleton Copley, "Brook Watson and the Shark" (1778). The Lord Mayor of London Watson had lost his leg to a shark. Besides including a shark on his family crest, Watson also commissioned Copley to commemorate the event. However, the beast that Copley painted was not a real shark. He imagined the shark as a huge whale possessing a large jaw of sharp teeth. Most European people at that time had little concept of what sharks actually were like.
Thomas Allen recounts how the over-killing of sharks since the 1970s spurred people to save the sharks. In 1991, the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation campaigned against annual shark fishing "derbies" in California.
(Since the "derbies" involved shooting sharks with guns and harpoons, the author refers to them as "massacres".) By 1995, the Foundation was successful in stopping the organized "derbies".
In the last half of the book, the author presents the sharks themselves, and their natural history. He writes, "Whence the Shadows? Aeons before people appeared on earth, the shark was the monarch of the primordial seas. As prehistorical era after era passed---as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals came forth-the shark remained. The dinosaurs-Brontosaurus, Allosaurus, Triceratops, and a thousand more-stalked the earth in ponderous supremacy and vanished into extinction. But the shark lives on. Millions upon millions of years before the first precursor of man appeared, the shark began a dynasty that has remained unbroken."
In clear language, the author explains shark naming (taxonomy) and shark anatomy. After reading this book, the reader will have a greater appreciation of sharks. Thomas Allen emphasizes that sharks are to be admired and cherished for what they do. Sharks deserve a chance to be saved from extinction.
Fun, Rare information covered,.......2001-06-20
I read this book after years of interest in the Ocean and all things therein. I had thought I read most of the published accounts of the more well-known incidents, especially here in teh U.S. This book taught me so much more was available. This is the best coverage of the New Jersey shark attacks (with photos) just now being covered in greater detail in 2 newly published books. It covers the story of an old shark fisherman, an evolution of our study of sharks and of attacks and biological data. One of the best.
shadows in the sea.......2001-03-02
this is one of the most informative and fascinating books i have ever read. i have used it for giving speeches and for teaching. the illustrations are very interesting along with the other art works included. i must own close to a thousand books , but this is one of the very few which i read over and over.
The most accurate shark book on the market.......2000-01-20
Well, what can i say? i LOVE this book. From the first pages, an account of the "rogue shark" off New Jersey in 1916, this book is informative, exciting, and sometimes even endearing...stories of shark fisherman, attacks, and a comprehensive guide to sharks commonly found in North American oceans, i have never read a shark book that is so full of information...READ THIS BOOK!
Product Description
Randy Wayne White is a journalist, veteran fishing guide, and author of several nonfiction collections. He also creates superb, best-selling suspense fiction. His novels have received the highest praise from Library Journal and Booklist, and from authors like Carl Hiassen, who says, "Randy Wayne White takes us places that no other Florida mystery writer could hope to find." Marine biologist Doc Ford is spending two easy weeks on luxurious Guava Key compiling data. But when two young women at the resort are attacked, Doc comes to their rescue. In an instant, he is pulled into an international plan of revenge that becomes more deadly with each passing hour. Now, Doc isnt counting fish--hes adding up his chances for survival. Shark Rivers eye-popping chases, eccentric characters, and taut suspense are all seasoned with a rich, dark humor that heightens the irony of Docs predicament. From its astonishing first sentence to the final punchline, this book is sure to grab every listener in its powerful grip.
Average customer rating:
|
The Natural History of Sharks
Thomas H. Lineaweaver III , and
Richard H. Backus
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Fish & Sharks
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Mammals
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Ichthyology
| Zoology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Rivers
| Earth Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Marine Life
| Oceans & Seas
| Nature & Ecology
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 080520766X |
Book Description
There are at least 300 species of sharks that roam the waters of the earth. Some are only a foot long. Other sharks grow to forty feet or more. There are fast sharks and slow ones, shy sharks and bold. Not all sharks attack man; not all live in salt water. For all that we know about sharks, there remains much that we do not know. The Natural History of Sharks is a thorough, expert guide to the knowns (and unknowns) of these fascinating creatures. This is a classic of natural history, written for the non-specialist and extensively illustrated. Learn the habits and patterns of the major species of sharks - the great white, mako, blue, hammerhead, bull, nurse and many more - and follow the story of their often stormy relationship to man and to their fellow sea creatures. The diet of sharks is eclectic (in one was found a raincoat, three overcoats and a car license plate) and their habits complex and fascinating. The Natural History of Sharks explores the intricate world of these compelling creatures - as predators, angling trophies, biological phenomena and, for centuries, inspirers of fear in men at sea. (51/2 X 81/4, 256 pages, b&w photos, illustrations)
Customer Reviews:
Absolutely complete!.......2002-12-04
Although I have not yet read the latest version of a Natural History of Sharks, the first edition of this book totally blew me away. It is an excellent blend of astonishing anecdotes (brushes with whale sharks, the contents of a tiger sharks stomach - you'd be surprised!) and depth of detail. Every major shark family is detailed by these two experts. I have not been able to find a more complete shark reference, and I hope this current publishing is the same.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Pictorial History of Neptune, NJ
|
Neptune & Shark River Hills (NJ) (Images of America)
Evelyn Stryker Lewis
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Northeast
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Mid Atlantic
| Northeast
| Regions
| United States
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0752409972 |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Pictorial History of Neptune, NJ.......2002-02-24
NEPTUNE & SHARK RIVER HILLS by Evelyn Stryker Lewis is an excellent pictorial history of Neptune Twp. and its unique waterfront enclave Shark River Hills in Monmouth County, NJ. The book is well-researched and replete with photographs tracing the development of this Central Jersey shore community. It is written with a "broad brush" so that readers of all ages can enjoy its colorful history. This book is a must for all current and past residents of this proud municipality.
Average customer rating:
|
Shark River
Randy Wayne White
Manufacturer: Berkley Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KXQOSY |
Book Description
Dumped by her boyfriend and demoted from WBBB's prime-time spot, radio producer Allie McGuffey has nowhere to go but up. She plans to make her comeback by turning temporary DJ Charlie Tenniel into a household name. And if he's willing to help her cure her breakup blues with a rebound fling, that's an added bonus.
Charlie just wants to kick back, play good tunes and eat Chinese food. He's not interested in becoming famous. But he is interested in Allie. And after all, what harm in a little chemistry between friends?
But suddenly their one-night stand has become a four-week addiction. Night after night on the airwaves, his voice seduces her. . .and all the other women in town. He's a hit. It looks as if Charlie's solved all Allie's problems. . .except one. What is she going to do when he leaves?
Customer Reviews:
Early Crusie -- sprightly and fun but too short and not as finished as her later work.......2007-08-12
Jennifer Crusie is surely one of the more generally enjoyable writers working the romance field these days. This an early novel, Charlie All Night, first published in 1996. Crusie's early novels were, I am pretty sure, Harlequins, but they are getting reprinted lately (some in hardcover, though not this one) under such imprints as Mira, which as I understand is a more upscale Harlequin imprint.
This book is about a radio producer, Allie McGuffey, who has just been dumped by the guy she has made a star. He's now sleeping with her younger, no doubt trimmer, assistant, and he arranged for his new girlfriend to be his new producer. Allie's new assignment is Charlie Tenniel, the new late night DJ. The problem is, Charlie doesn't want to be a success. Unbeknownst to Allie, he's really in town as a favor to his father, a friend of the owner of Allie's radio station, who wants Charlie to investigate a nasty anonymous letter accusing someone -- who? -- at the station of unspecified bad things.
But Allie is good at her job -- and, against his will, so is Charlie -- and before long Charlie is a hit, raising such issues as saving the old City Hall, and legalizing medical use of marijuana. Allie and Charlie are good together in bed, too, though both of them plan for that to be just a one night stand -- or maybe two, or three -- but nothing long term!
No surprises here, really. It's early Crusie, which means mostly that it's too short. But the writing is sprightly, the main characters engaging, the plot very slight but still interesting enough. Minor work, to be sure, but fun.
One of my favorites!.......2007-02-13
This is an early Cruse from her days writing category romance. It doesn't have the depth of her later stand alone books, but its a fun romp with classic Crusie dialogue. Those who only know Crusie's later work may find this one on the light side. But I discovered this author while she was still writing category romantic comedy and Charlie All Night is as good as any of them.
A so-so novel from one of the reigning queens of chick lit.......2006-11-28
Charlie All Night is about a radio producer named Allie and the new-to-town disc jockey she falls in love with. After Allie is dumped by her dj boyfriend from both his personal life and his radio show, she decides to make him jealous by pouncing on the first man she can find, who in this case happens to be the new dj at the station, Charlie. Charlie plays along with Allie's plan and, before you know it, the two have jumped into bed with each other and move in together.
This book was not great by any means, and a disappointment as a fan of Jennifer Crusie's work. It was hard to get through and the subplot mystery of Charlie's real reason for being at the radio station was hard to follow. I found myself bored most of the time and ready to be done with it. As a fan of Crusie, I wouldn't recommend this one. You could do far worse in the chick lit genre, but you could also do far better. I'd recommend Anyone But You or Bet Me by Crusie instead of this mediocre story.
Another Good One.......2006-08-13
Another good one from Crusie. When I want something light and funny I turn to her boooks and haven't been disapointed yet.
Some of my favorite people.......2006-08-13
Some of my favorite characters were in this book, but I never did see where the whole thing with Charlie's brother was going.
Average customer rating:
|
Charlie's Magical Night
Sara Thomasian
Manufacturer: Lifevest Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1598793810 |
Product Description
3 Book Set By Jennifer Crusie; Don't Look Down; Santa Baby; Charlie All Night
Product Description
5 massmarket paperbacks. 5 Titles By Jennifer Crusie - Strange Bedpersons - Charlie All Night - What the Lady Wants - Tell Me Lies - Crazy for You.
Average customer rating:
|
Charlie All Night
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417665408 |
Product Description
3 Novels and 1 Omnibus by Jennifer Crusie - Charlie All Night, Crazy For You, Don't Look Down, Santa Baby.
Average customer rating:
- Top Ten Favorites
- Nothing More Than A True Friend
- FLIGHT is a blast
- A Triumph
- NOT Science Fiction
|
Flight: A Quantum Fiction Novel
Vanna Bonta
Manufacturer: Meridian House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Literary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
UFOs
| Occult
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
UFOs
| Astronomy
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0912339179 |
Book Description
A writer starts believing his own work when astonishing coincidences synchronize his life with what he's writing and convince him he has created a world from which his dream lover, Aira Flight, has come to life.
Download Description
This quirky adventure set in the space age flies beyond what meets the eye to realities that stretch the mind and imagination. The story hinges on discovering the true identity of an ethereal woman whom a lonely writer (Mendle Orion) finds in his bathroom one stormy night. The lovely stranger seems to have no memory of any past, but happens to resemble the fictional super-heroine (Aira Flight) who has been the writer's constant fantasy and comfort through bouts of self-doubt and depression. Mendle's conviction that the power of love has brought his fantasy love to life particularly riles a former girlfriend who sets out to bring him back down to reality (and herself) by uncovering the truth about the mysterious stranger. Many surprises await in the twists and turns of this riveting who-is-it. True to its name, FLIGHT is just the ticket for anyone who has ever felt out of place or far from home in a cynical world. A satisfying adventure spiced with mystery and quantum entanglement, it is ultimately an unforgettable journey through possible worlds, within and without, where dreams aren't the opposite of reality, true love is the best sex, and life could be so good, it's true. "Whatever 'quantum fiction' is, we need more of it." -PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Customer Reviews:
Top Ten Favorites.......2006-02-16
I loved the concept of this book, I wish Ms. Bonta would write more.
It has been years and I still recommend this book to everyone.
Nothing More Than A True Friend.......2005-08-04
My youngest daughter was reading Vanna Bonta's "Flight" when I decided to give it another go-through. I had been living with it somewhat begrudgingly. (There are only so many times a parent can listen to popular culture catch-phrases bandied around!) After my son was away at college, and a few years of this book being passed from kid to kid as Initiation Rite of Passage to Cool (in my day it was the Tolkien Trilogy and Herman Hesse's Siddhartha), I had a brief break from squeals of "totally genetic" and being told my "synapses are frying." The annoyance was redeemed a little when my middle daughter shunned fluff vanity mags & fashion by parroting the book's satire on body obsession (must say she pulled off an impressive cold rendition of the book's Z-Zone women-bots! "Thank you, I am beautiful.") Now it's the youngest's turn. I was a little surprised to find myself picking the book up and reading it through again, this time not because I was curious to check up on what they're reading or what they think is so great but I read it selfishly. I think we all identify a little with this book's cosmic and curiously unhip super heroine 'Aira Flight' whose only power seems to be a vague recollection that she came from something better than an Earth-gone-crazy. I found myself thanking the book (well, author) when I watch the news and remember the scene where Aira Flight has no immunity to violent headlines and sobs as though world events were happening to her pesonally. One of my favorite quotes from the book has become "Love is not blind, Love's sees what's most true." This story of Aira Flight, Mendle and Onx brings out the forever young in me that knows we can change the world, we can make a difference, we're better than this. The heroine could be a prototype of what would happen if people advanced personally as well as technologically. I also look up at the night sky. As my children already knew all along, I'm reminded that I may have known more about what's real when my ideals were more intact. That's a good thing to have rekindled, our dreams themselves. Expect a strong story and a unique treat. There's nothing else like it. This is the kind of impact that defines a great book, in other words nothing more than a true friend.
FLIGHT is a blast.......2002-08-03
FLIGHT is one cool book. It really made me think. I'll never view reality the same again. The glossary alone is great reading. I loved the descriptions of Z Zone, the dolls that were bred for sensation. The commentary and parallels on our society are outrageously funny. The end gets a tad pedantic but it's forgivable because it somehow all works since the book is stylized. There is so much really amusing and funny stuff. This book is rich. It's a blast. I love this book. Is there anything more powerful? I laughed and cried and will always love this book. FLIGHT is one of the coolest books of the world. I think we should all sing IMAGINE by John Lennon for the ending, too.
A Triumph.......2002-07-24
I used to think this was science fiction, and that kept me from picking "Flight" up for a while. I'm glad my reading group wouldn't ease up on recommending it. Fear not, this is NOT mere science fiction. I mean, if you want to call Bradbury that, I guess it would fit, but Bradbury is NOT science fiction. "There are infinitely more English professors than authors." (Bonta) I wonder if Vanna Bonta had already received the great public reviews and loving fans for her novel debut when she wrote that!
This book is, much to my celebration, not one of those contrived efforts that are stiff with classrom corrrectness and never breathe. Talent is born and not made. "Flight" is charming and yet uncannily moving. It has garnered the type of unswaying reader love that would drive any ambition-driven colleague to calumny. (Forrester anyone?) But I have to say, even though I wish I had thought of it, Rave On.
I also find myself quoting Bonta, rare considering she is so new, bu I'll recommend the reading if only for the gems. She has won several prizes for poetry, Her background discipline is obvious when she wraps up (okay, sometimes a little too spread out) concepts into distilled gems that pack the power of essential truth. "Ridicule is a public confession of fear." "The true poem rests between the words." Just a few of many gems. I also personally welcome the timeless idealism of the book and Bonta's irreverent (and hilarious) spoofs of elitist intellectualism. Though I look forward to this writer's maturing work, I salute her in the words of another born artist of a different medium, "You may say I'm a dreamer...but I'm not the only one." (John Lennon, IMAGINE)
With the schlock of mediocre genre and formula books being hashed out to us, this fare is a relief from pages spawned by ambition or frigid intellectualism. I'm also surpirsed that this book came out four years ago and everyone is still talking about it. This little novel is a triumph. It makes humans laugh and cry. The poor classroom competition stuck on where to put the comma is left in the dust, growling protest...a little too loudly.
NOT Science Fiction.......2002-07-14
Sadly, this has to be one of the worst books I've ever read. Bonnta earns no points for her science: she claims that quantum means 'thought influencing matter,' and her whole 'story' is predicated on that assumption. Actually quantum physics concerns itself not at all with the metaphysics of human thought, but rather with the realities of spacetime at infinitely tiny levels, which is expressed as energy or matter or both. Quantum states arising from these interactions are indeed bizarre and fascinating, and have been explored in depth in many other books.
She claims to have 'invented' a new genre, "quantum fiction," showing herself clearly illiterate in the science fiction genre which existed long before she began writing. I recommend especially that she read and reread the works of this genre, perhaps Stephen Baxter to begin with, and submit her writings to hard SF authors for review next time. She might even like to take a physics course or two.
Bonta also preaches a strange kind of metaphysics which shows no knowledge of what's gone before, again showing her lack of education, and it is very simplistic, suggesting as she does that bringing the world together to sing for a moment will rid it of its ills. If she seriously believed this, she needed to explain how the complexities of human existence would be alleviated by such an act (which means she would have had to read and absorb many disciplines to formulate a theory)and how those would extend into the future. She did neither. Rather, she relies on the sentimentality of the hope to carry the reader through, which is fine for readers who don't think.
Lastly, her writing is like that of an in-coming college Freshman. I found myself reaching for my pen to cross out whole sections as she repeated her simplistic, rambling philosophy over and over, and as her dialogue remained redundant and static for chapters at a time. This is a would-be writer in need of some serious college course work on philosophy, literature, and good ol' fashioned creative writing. Not to mention those physics courses.
Amazon.com
This manual-style book instantly dives into Eckhart Tolle's principles of "living in the moment," which could be a jarring experience for readers who haven't read his preceding book, The Power of Now. For the initiated, though, this makes an excellent companion guide--rich in exercises and meditations to help readers get out of their minds so they can live more peacefully in their bodies. Sometimes it's hard to fathom what on earth Tolle is talking about: "To regain awareness of Being and to abide in that state of 'feeling-realization' is enlightenment." Be patient. All concepts will be revealed (or at least more carefully explained). Ultimately, Tolle leads readers into a new form of thinking (or actually not thinking) that erases the consuming habits of waiting, worrying, and being in fear. The first step is ending the "delusion of time." He asks, "Are you always trying to get somewhere other than where you are? ... Is most of your doing just a means to an end?" If so, Tolle has a book full of advice for you. As simplistic as this may sound, Tolle's work has spiritual merit and depth, especially for frantic Westerners who find their lives diminished by packed schedules and busy-ness. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Eckhart Tolle is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most inspiring spiritual teachers, sharing the enlightenment he himself experienced after a startling personal transformation. His views go beyond any particular religion, doctrine, or guru. This book extracts the essence from his teachings in The Power of Now, showing us how to free ourselves from “enslavement to the mind.” The aim is to be able to enter into and sustain an awakened state of consciousness throughout everyday life. Through meditations and simple techniques, Eckhart shows us how to quiet our thoughts, see the world in the present moment, and find a path to “a life of grace, ease, and lightness.”
Customer Reviews:
the power of now.......2007-10-10
at first i had to re-read paragraphs to grasp the meaning of what was being said. but as i moved through the book what was being said became easier to understand. i found that the book really helped me with the issues that i had been dealing with and was able to find a sense of peace.
Great book.......2007-10-06
I highly recommend this book. If only we lived in the NOW, we might enjoy the little things much more. This book will show you how.
Old wisdom made new........2007-09-11
There is absolutely nothing new in this book. Why then did it have such an impact on my life? I think it was because Eckhart Tolle took the religion out of spirituality and he took the spirituality out of life. And what was left was a simple message of liberation.
Free yourself from the tyranny of your thoughts and find peace. Yes, of course, the Buddha said much the same thing long ago. And many others have said the same thing since the Buddha. But Eckhart Tolle presented this enduring wisdom in a package that was devoid of rituals and beliefs, ones meant for another time and culture.
To practice the power of now, I need believe nothing. I do not need to sit in a certain way or chant in a certain way. I need only choose to be in the now, which is another way of saying I need only stop thinking, thinking, thinking. And by not thinking, I will have jumped a major hurdle on the path to enlightenment.
Of course, there is the small problem that I do not know how to stop thinking. I better give this little dilemma some thought because "Practicing the Power of NOW" is a little vague about how to stop thinking. But if I understand what I read, I simply follow the slogan of Nike and just do it. And there is wisdom in that. There is wisdom in finding my own way.
In the meantime, I suppose I can breathe and sink into the inner sense of well being within my body. And I can treat myself with compassion. Wait, come to think of it, Eckhart Tolle said to do that too. Such a wise man he is to agree with me.
Great book!.......2007-07-05
Shorter version of the original book, so if you forget something you can always refer to this one. Good if you don't feel like rereading the "Power of Now."
Excellent Spiritual Insight!!.......2007-07-02
Definitely one of the best spiritual books there are. Gives you a great insight on transforming the self to the real self. Reader could easily realize the uniqueness and practicality of the approach.
The only drawback I see is it is sort of uni-dimensional in its spiritual approach concentrating extensively on the now... I personally felt the insight in the movie "Peaceful Warrior" more complete.
Books:
- She's Out of Control (Ashley Stockingdale Series #1)
- Short Stories in French: New Penguin Parallel Text (New Penguin Parallel Texts)
- Sleepwalk: and Other Stories
- Sun In Glory (A Valdemar Anthology)
- Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali , Longman African Writers Series (Longman African Classics)
- The Accidental Tourist: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
- The Art of Mending: A Novel
- The Artist's Problem Solver: Practical Solutions from 10 Professional Artists for Painting in Watercolors, Oils, Pastels and Acrylics
- The Brush-Off: A Hair-raising Mystery
- The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal (Cat Who...)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Mr. Lincoln's Way
- History: Fiction or Science
- Who Does She Think She Is
- Antiques at Home: Cherchez's Book of Collecting and Decorating with Antiques
- Boys Over Flowers, Volume 23
- Europa The Ocean Moon: Search For An Alien Biosphere
- Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achi
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: Synthesis and Perspectives
- A Life against the Grain: The Autobiography of an Unconventional Economist
- Mexico Business Intelligence Report
