She's Out of Control (Ashley Stockingdale Series #1)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Christian Chick Lit is the BEST!
  • Unreadable Christian Chick Lit
  • A wonderful read!
  • RANTS and more rants!
  • "Out of Control" Novel- Worth the Price
She's Out of Control (Ashley Stockingdale Series #1)
Kristin Billerbeck
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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  2. What a Girl Wants (Ashley Stockingdale Series #3) What a Girl Wants (Ashley Stockingdale Series #3)
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ASIN: 0849944597

Book Description

Ever been on the verge of buying your own engagement ring?

Ashley Stockingdale, the charming but always-in-over-her-head patent attorney from What a Girl Wants, has finally found the man she wants to marry. But after nine months of dating, it seems her commitment-phobe boyfriend will never use the "M" word. And just when she thinks she's got it all together, Ashley is having trouble knowing where to put it.

A massive remodeling project, a hyperactive puppy, and an ex-boyfriend who wants to be part of her life again all keep Ashley's world spinning. As the mayhem escalates, Ashley's life quickly goes from What a Girl Wants to out of control.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Christian Chick Lit is the BEST!.......2007-07-21

This Ashley Stockingdale novel was the beginning of my new found love with Christian Chick Lit. Be forewarned that if you begin this book you will not only not be able to put this particular book down, but you will forever be addicted to Christian Chick Lit. Kristin Billerbeck is such a wonderful author and I absolutely can not wait for her to write another book. It seems as if her pen doesn't move as fast as I wish it did! :) I am a college student and these books were such an encouragement in my dating and even personal relationship with God. This is a must read, as well as the rest of Billerbeck's books.

1 out of 5 stars Unreadable Christian Chick Lit.......2007-04-25

Let me preface by saying I bought this book cheap in a bookstore. I am a fan of "chick lit" and this seemed to fit the bill. I had no idea from the cover or liner notes that this book was going to mention God and Christianity in every paragraph, along with the implication that if you're not "in" on both, you're just a bad person.

Don't get me wrong... I have no issue with Christians, but I do have issues with self-obsessed, self-righteous characters thinking God has absolutely nothing better to do than answer their inane prayers about nothing. There is no message in this book apart from God seems to sit around all day, letting the third world starve, while He grants the wishes of girls pining over boys. Ridiculous. Badly written, whiny and plain stupid. Some Christians need to re-prioritize, and this author definitely needs to have a good think about what life is really all about.

5 out of 5 stars A wonderful read!.......2007-04-10

This little jewel of a book is the follow-up to "What A Girl Wants", the continuing adventures of Ashley Stockingdale as she deals with the men in her life, a new job, and her best friend's growing family. You'll love the characters and will appreciate the storyline which really shows Ashley's growth through this new stage in her life. The spiritual side of the book is skillfully woven through the book and is in no way heavey-handed; it's simply a part of Ashley's life and the reason for her growth and the ultimate happiness as she seeks to find steady ground and her place in the world. This book is a keeper!

1 out of 5 stars RANTS and more rants!.......2007-03-31

I have no idea what the other people reviewing this book have been drinking, but I am shocked that they all had praises and none of them share my opinion on this book.
I read the first book of this series "What a Girl Wants" and laughed out loud with it's cute/funny situations. It was also my first Christian book ever, and being tolerant of all beliefs but not particularly religious, I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the style.
Anyway, then I got "She's Out of Control" and was SO disappointed!
About midway through the book I was so sick of all the rants, the whining and the ungrateful attitude that I felt like throwing it out the window.
Being a little bit of a masochist, I endured it all through the end and was not happy at all to see that Ashley gets her way even though she did NOTHING to deserve her luck.
And there are other parallel stories that get dropped like a sack of potatoes and leave us wondering 'whatever happened to so and so'?
The only improvement from the 1st book of this series was that in this book Billerbeck didn't preach as much or rubbed her penchant for righteousness on our noses as much.
So I like Christian stories purely because the characters don't jump into bed every other page, but I could do without the profusion of religious words in every single paragraph. There's gotta be a better way to be religious, write a book and don't alienate the rest of your readers that don't share your religion.
Oh, and next time K.B. should really make her secondary characters more tolerant. What kind of Christian enjoys reading about someone being belittled like that???

5 out of 5 stars "Out of Control" Novel- Worth the Price.......2006-05-25

Ashley Stockindale is back in a whole new novel. This time, she is no longer the desparate woman we left her as. She now has a boyfriend! Seth Greenwood, a.k.a. bald computer nerd is dating her. But, when her boss Hans gives some advice, will Ashley stick with commitment-shy Seth, or see what other types of men there are out there?
Like every business-woman, she is incredibley occupied with her job and flying back and forth from Taiwan to realize love is brewing between Seth and his old-crush, returning "missionary" Arin.
Ashley fears the worst until Seth decides to throw her a party. Now, myself and Ashley were sure that this was the time to bring out the ring, but Kristin threw another curveball. No ring, just a slobbery dog. Rhett.
You are invited to an adventure worth the 13.99 you paid for the book . Enjoy!
P.S. A surprise ending is worth millions as well!
Suddenly stricken: four years ago, Angela Wright had an epileptic seizure that changed her life. Find out how she regained control of her health.(health): An article from: Scholastic Choices
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Suddenly stricken: four years ago, Angela Wright had an epileptic seizure that changed her life. Find out how she regained control of her health.(health): An article from: Scholastic Choices
    Libby Tucker
    Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Digital

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    ASIN: B000NIVFUI
    Release Date: 2007-02-14

    Book Description

    This digital document is an article from Scholastic Choices, published by Thomson Gale on February 1, 2007. The length of the article is 1292 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

    Citation Details
    Title: Suddenly stricken: four years ago, Angela Wright had an epileptic seizure that changed her life. Find out how she regained control of her health.(health)
    Author: Libby Tucker
    Publication: Scholastic Choices (Magazine/Journal)
    Date: February 1, 2007
    Publisher: Thomson Gale
    Volume: 22 Issue: 5 Page: 18(5)

    Distributed by Thomson Gale

    Tastes of Paradise
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • A wonderful introduction
    • A Matter of Usage
    • Not as piquant as I had hoped...
    • Left me wanting more
    • Engaging and readable
    Tastes of Paradise
    Wolfgang Schivelbusch
    Manufacturer: Pantheon
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    Customs & TraditionsCustoms & Traditions | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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    5. The Scents of Eden: A History of the Spice Trade The Scents of Eden: A History of the Spice Trade

    ASIN: 0394579844
    Release Date: 1992-07-07

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars A wonderful introduction.......2007-08-15

    I do not, in general, read history books - social or otherwise but I have been reading a variety of food-related history and culture books. From this context, I found Schivelbush's Tastes of Paradise to be "just right." He provides the broad framework within which he leads the reader through exploration of spices, beer, chocolate, tea, coffee, snuff, opium (and in an afterword, bottled water). Through the study of the place and manner of consumption, he shows some of the effects of these intoxicants on society as well as the effects of history on the use of these intoxicants.

    Two points I found particularly of interest were how the fall of Spain as a world power led to hot chocolate's association with women and children. His brief description of opium as an agent of economic/political oppression also caught my attention. What I appreciated the most, however, was the use of art to substantiate his descriptions of place and manner of consumption. The art added a level of substantiation of his arguments that words could not supply.

    True, as other reviewers have mentioned, this book does not cover the whole topic nor even treat all intoxicants with the same level of detail. However, he does provide an overview sufficient for many of us which serves well as a base for those who wish to explore further.

    5 out of 5 stars A Matter of Usage.......2006-11-29

    I must beg to differ with my fellow reviewers about
    the merits of this book. I do agree that the treatment
    of individual spices is cursory and that the lack of
    an index is a disappointment. What I find to praise
    here is perhaps the very thing that others find to blame.

    Schivelbusch has a point of view that is rooted in
    wanting to discover the attitudes, behavior and beliefs
    that underlay the European fascination with spicing foods.
    He offers a coherent theory-a combination of exoticism and
    social climbing. Then examines the consequences of this
    fascination in art, literature and society at large.

    So this is not an encyclopedia or even a particularly
    good guide to sources. Some of that can be better found
    in drier accounts like Andrew Dalby's DANGEROUS TASTES.

    TASTES OF PARADISE is an accessible and interesting
    account of the place that spices, stimulants and intoxicants
    have in our world. It is a brisk chronicle of what we have
    done with them and what they have done to us, and as that
    I recommend it hightly.

    --Lynn Hoffman, author of THE NEW SHORT COURSE IN WINE and
    the forthcoming novel bang BANG from Kunati Books.ISBN 9781601640005

    3 out of 5 stars Not as piquant as I had hoped..........2002-02-06

    This just had to be a subject right up my alley. Spices? I live in Texas where Tabasco is a condiment (and not a spice) and jalapenos are considered vegetables. Stimulants? I have a coffee cup surgically attached to my hand and Brazilian music runs constantly through my head. Intoxicants? I worship beer. What could be better than a book about all three subjects?

    Tastes of Paradise considers the social use of and social importance of spices, stimulants, and intoxicants largely from a Western point of view. It covers the use of spices, the coffee-related ethic of the middle class, chocolate, the rise of smoking and snuff, alchohol and the industrial revolution, and the rituals and places surrounding our drinking. What more could we talk about?

    Turns out there's a lot more we could talk about, and what would be better is a book that really covers all three subjects. My disappointment boils down to three basic complaints against the book. The first is by far the broadest. In including "a social history" in the title, Schivelbusch focuses almost exclusively on the social effect of the use of the particular stimulant or intoxicant. Nowhere does he discuss the broader history of the item or the impact of the item on society (read "The True History of Chocolate" for a broader and more thorough presentation on chocolate, for example). My second complaint regards his treatment of specific subjects. Spices get remarkably short shrift (twelve pages total; less space than the discussion of drinking rituals; "Nathaniel's Nutmeg" is a better presentation on spices as a whole), and tea is only considered from the point of view of England (I'm pretty sure that the Chinese and Japanese drank tea, and that there's some social history there). Finally, there are more illustrations in this book than in most elementary school readers.

    The book is immensely readable, does include -some- interesting illustrations, and covers admirably the impact on western society of the most popular stimulants and intoxicants from the 1600's to the late 1800's. However, there's an enormous amount that isn't there (except for the extra illustrations; those are presented wholesale), and in that the book disappoints.

    4 out of 5 stars Left me wanting more.......2001-05-10

    And I see from the reviews below that I wasn't the only one. The author has really picked a fascinating subject, and brings it to life, weaving together strands of economics, sociology, geography, and chemistry to explain some of the impacts that these now-commonplace items have had on Western culture. (And what impacts our culture has had on the items - did you know that chocolate was a drink for monks and aristocrats before it became a snack for children?)

    But the book is far too short. Many subjects are merely glanced over, and the illustrations, in addition to being so numerous as to be suspected of being filler, are often dark and hard to make out. I would have rather seen the author do a book this size on any one of the various subjects at hand - just coffee, say, or just pepper - and really explored it in depth.

    4 out of 5 stars Engaging and readable.......2000-08-09

    Schivelbusch's Tastes of Paradise provides a refreshingly light-hearted, yet engaging glimpse at some of the substances which, through our stomachs, lungs, and palates, have played a not insignificant role in personal and cultural interactions of European civilizations. Concentrating primarily on western societies between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, Schivelbusch devotes over 50 pages to each of the subjects of coffee, tobacco, and alcohol; he also includes ample discussion of the historical role of chocolate, spices, and nineteenth-century opiates. I read this book as part of a college-level World History class (middle ages- present) and found it to be an enjoyable and worthwhile complement to novels, primary sources, and textbook readings we studied. Spread out in small doses over the course of the semester, it provided an unusual vantage point from which major themes such as Industrialism, Christianity, Romanticism, and social class structures could be more readily understood. Over 100 black-and-white reproductions of period art enhance Schivelbusch's lively discussion of the material. Without suggesting that these substances played an unrealistically inflated role in history, Schivelbusch offers a highly accessible discussion equally suitable for the student or casual reader.
    A Taste of Paradise (Leisure Historical Romance)
    Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    • Kinda dragged
    • Disappointing
    • WHERE IS PARADISE
    • Read this expecting a Connie Mason story, not a deep and haunting historical tale.
    • Not the same story again!!
    A Taste of Paradise (Leisure Historical Romance)
    Connie Mason
    Manufacturer: Leisure Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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    ASIN: 0843954647

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Kinda dragged.......2007-08-15

    Well, can't win 'em all.

    The characters in this book frustrated me.

    It's been recapped enough, so I won't do it again.

    The only thing left out was Sohpie spent a lot of time in the sun on the ship to Jamaica and then was mistaken for a Jamaican. LOL

    Really though, both characters brought a lot of grief on themselves from their own actions.

    I got so tired of Christian's hang-ups. Get over it.

    He needed a good session with Dr. Phil!

    3 out of 5 stars Disappointing.......2006-11-17

    I really wanted to give this book 2.5 stars. The characters drove me crazy back and forth. The heroine of the book new Rigby was after her but yet she continued to put herself in these situations. The book was basically tiring. Like others reviewers stated your better off with Ms. Mason's older books like the Black Knight and excellent read.

    2 out of 5 stars WHERE IS PARADISE.......2006-06-26

    I didn't like this book. Some romance novels you get because they are historical romances and others because they are steamy romances. This book starts with a steamy sex scene, so one would figure that the rest of the book will have steamy sex scenes, but it doesn't. Several characters were very unlikable, the historical story about Jamiaca was not very interesting and some of the sex scenes were very ordinary. It was a bizarre romance novel.

    4 out of 5 stars Read this expecting a Connie Mason story, not a deep and haunting historical tale........2006-06-23

    Those of us who have read hundreds of romance novels are very familiar with Mason's style. I read Connie Mason stories after I have read something deep and haunting. (i.e. Marsha Canham's "Blood of Roses" series, Julia Garnett's "The Scotsman", Shannon Drake's "Come the Morning" series, etc.) After being emotionally blown away, I need to read something light and simple. Mason's books are softer soap opera type stories. A very good buffer between the soul- haunting stories.
    I also like the fact that Mason strives to present places and historical events that most other authors never touch. When you want to experience a land and culture that has not been used time and time again, Mason has some good books to choose from. "A Taste of Paradise" is one of those books. It is a journey to the tropical island of Jamaica. The slave tragedy of 1831 is at it's root.

    The story:

    Christian Radcliff is an Englishman who is haunted by guilt. Seven years ago he killed his best friend in a duel over a woman. In his distress, Chris took to the sea. After years of running a shipping business, he has made himself rich. He is ready for a new adventure. He finds it in Jamaica. He wins a sugarcane plantation in a card game. This plantation will be his future. Despite how far he has come, he can not forget the woman he loved, nor forgive himself for killing his friend over her.

    Sophia Carlisle is a high- born English lady. However, her father and step- brother have put the family in dept. At the age of seventeen she fell in love with Christian Radcliff. She desperately wants to marry Chris, but her father forces her to accept the proposal of Chris's wealthy best friend, Desmond. To her horror, the two friends duel for her hand. Desmond is killed. Chris leaves England in his sorrow. Now Sophia is left alone to bare the scandal. Her father whisks her away to the country where the family will hide in shame.

    Seven years later, Sophia's father is dead. Her step- brother, Rayford, has gambled away what little the family had left. He owes money to several people. The worst dept being 500 pounds owed to a plantation owner, Rigby. When Rigby threatens to throw Rayford in debtors prison, Rayford agrees to sell Sophia's virginity to Rigby in exchange for the cancelling of his dept. Sophia escapes Rigby, hiding on a ship in the harbor. Little does she know, the ship is owned by her lost love, Christian Radcliff.

    By the time Christian finds Sophia on his ship, it is too late to turn the ship around and return her to England. His only choice is to bring her along to Jamaica and then put her on a different ship back to England. However, when Sophia reaches Jamaica she falls instantly in love with the island. She makes her own plans to stay and build a new life for herself.

    While searching for a governess position, Sophia is horrified when she is captured by Rigby. Chris manages to save her from his grasp, but now knows he has no choice but to give her a safe place to stay in his home. Chris wants Sophia badly, but is too guilt- ridden over his friend's death to accept his feelings for her. Sophia loves Chris dearly. She prays Chris will find the freedom to love her back.

    Thousands of slaves are kept working at Jamaica's various plantations. Chris, being a man of English beliefs in freedom, frees his slaves and offers to have them work for pay. Surrounding plantation owners are furious. They believe his act will cause their already defiant slaves to rebel. In the face of a slave uprising, Chris feels he must send Sophia to the safety of his brother's home in England. To Sophia, this feels like the ultimate rejection. She decides to never return to Chris, even when Jamaica becomes safe. Now Chris is desperate to win her back.

    2 out of 5 stars Not the same story again!!.......2006-05-11

    Is it just me or are all of Connie's books sounding the same? This story had no real plot and the characters were not developed at all. What happened to the great books that she use to write? I keep buying her books thinking that they will be better the next time, but they never are. I would advise readers to read her earlier books. Don't even waste your money or time on this book!
    A Taste Of Paradise (Silhouette Romance)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      A Taste Of Paradise (Silhouette Romance)
      Patricia Thayer
      Manufacturer: Silhouette
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Mass Market Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
      Silhouette RomanceSilhouette Romance | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books
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      ASIN: 0373197705
      3 Book Set - PERILOUS WATERS /AFRAID TO LOVE /A TASTE OF PARADISE
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        3 Book Set - PERILOUS WATERS /AFRAID TO LOVE /A TASTE OF PARADISE
        Margaret Mayo
        Manufacturer: Harlequin
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback
        ASIN: B000LUE9X8
        El Sabor Del Paraiso: (The Taste Of Paradise) (Harlequin Jazmin (Spanish))
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          El Sabor Del Paraiso: (The Taste Of Paradise) (Harlequin Jazmin (Spanish))
          Patricia Thayer
          Manufacturer: Harlequin
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Mass Market Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
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          SpanishSpanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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          ASIN: 0373683901
          The Exotic Tastes of Paradise, The Art of Sri Lankan Cooking
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            The Exotic Tastes of Paradise, The Art of Sri Lankan Cooking

            Manufacturer: Lincoln Green Publishing
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover
            ASIN: B000HVMICK

            Product Description

            Includes "23 new fiery recipes added to the most famous curry book in the world."
            Romance Treasury : Kowhai Country, Not the Marrying Kind, A Taste of Paradise
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Romance Treasury : Kowhai Country, Not the Marrying Kind, A Taste of Paradise
              Helen Dalzell, Margaret Mayo Gloria Bevan
              Manufacturer: Harlequin Enterprises, Limited
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Hardcover
              ASIN: 037304187X
              Set of 10 Romance Novels by Connie Mason (Highland Warrior, A Taste of Paradise, Gypsy Lover, A Knight's Honor, The Pirate Prince, Pure Temptation, The Dragon Lord, Ice and Rapture, Tempt the Devil, Promised Splendor)
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Set of 10 Romance Novels by Connie Mason (Highland Warrior, A Taste of Paradise, Gypsy Lover, A Knight's Honor, The Pirate Prince, Pure Temptation, The Dragon Lord, Ice and Rapture, Tempt the Devil, Promised Splendor)
                Connie Mason
                Manufacturer: Leisure
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                ASIN: B000TOAMPK
                Set of 5 Titles by Connie Mason: (1) Caress and Conquer; (2) Promised Splendor; (3) Tender Fury; (4) A Knight's Honor; (5) A Taste of Paradise
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Set of 5 Titles by Connie Mason: (1) Caress and Conquer; (2) Promised Splendor; (3) Tender Fury; (4) A Knight's Honor; (5) A Taste of Paradise
                  Connie Mason
                  Manufacturer: Various
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Paperback

                  GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
                  ASIN: B000VCE1AC
                  A Taste of Paradise
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    A Taste of Paradise
                    Margaret Mayo
                    Manufacturer: Harlequin Books
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                    ASIN: B000EZOZ5C

                    The Ghost Brigades (Sci Fi Essential Books)
                    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                    • A Brain Possessed
                    • Are these reviewers all insane???
                    • Quality Character-Based Sci Fi
                    • Great book, as good or better then Old Man's War
                    • Excellent addition to "Old Man's War"
                    The Ghost Brigades (Sci Fi Essential Books)
                    John Scalzi
                    Manufacturer: Tor Books
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Hardcover

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                    ASIN: 0765315025
                    Release Date: 2006-02-21

                    Book Description

                    The Ghost Brigades are the Special Forces of the Colonial Defense Forces, elite troops created from the DNA of the dead and turned into the perfect soldiers for the CDFs toughest operations. Theyre young, theyre fast and strong, and theyre totally without normal human qualms. The universe is a dangerous place for humanityand its about to become far more dangerous. Three races that humans have clashed with before have allied to halt our expansion into space. Their linchpin: the turncoat military scientist Charles Boutin, who knows the CDFs biggest military secrets. To prevail, the CDF must find out why Boutin did what he did. Jared Dirac is the only human who can provide answersa superhuman hybrid, created from Boutins DNA, whose brain is uniquely able to access Boutins electronic memories. But when the memory transplant appears to fail, Jared is given over to the Ghost Brigades. At first Jared is a perfect soldier, but as memories surface, he begins to intuit the reasons for Boutins betrayal. As Jared desperately hunts for his father, he must also come to grips with his own choices. Time is running out: the alliance is preparing its offensive, and some of them plan worse things than humanitys mere military defeat . . . .

                    Customer Reviews:

                    5 out of 5 stars A Brain Possessed.......2007-10-11

                    The Ghost Brigades (2006) is the second novel in the Old Man's War series, following Old Man's War. In the previous volume, John Perry became an official CDF hero and made barnstorming tours around the colonies. Jane Sagan went back to work in the Special Forces, AKA the Ghost Brigades.

                    In this novel, Jane leads a raid on an Obin colony world. The Special Forces take one Rraey prisoner from the Eneshan facility. After a slight biological adjustment of his body, Jane convinces the Rraey to cooperate.

                    The prisoner Cainen tells of a concerted effort by the Rraey, Eneshan and Obin to conquer the Terran colonies. This alliance has resulted from the defection of one human -- Charles Boutin -- who had been a senior scientist in Military Research. The Colonial Defense Forces were greatly surprised at this news, since Boutin was already dead and buried.

                    When Harry Wilson finds a recording of Boutin's consciousness among his effects, the CDF decides to create another version of the man. The standard Special Forces processing is used to produce a modified body from Boutin's DNA. Then the recorded consciousness is downloaded into it. Everything goes according to plan, except that the resulting mind seems to be a tabula rasa.

                    In this story, the new body is named Jared Dirac and integrated into a Special Forces training squad. After his training, Jared is assigned to a Special Forces ship under Lieutenant Jane Sagan. He serves in the Special Forces for almost a year before something brings back one of Boutin's memories.

                    Jared is reassigned to Military Research to try to stimulate more memories. Cainen and Harry Wilson work with him on the project. He is gradually gaining more memories and his mind displays are looking more like Boutin's every day. Then they send him to Boutin's former home station in hopes that the familiar surroundings will bring further progress. Since the station is now in Obin hands, Jared has to sneak into the habitat and the aliens detect his presence.

                    This story provides more information on the CDF, the Colonial Union, and their relationships with the nearby aliens. It also mentions weapons of mass destruction: nuclear weapons and biological warfare. The nukes are used as shipkillers and one passage implies that they have been used against alien colonies. The Obin have also used a virus to destroy an army of alien clones.

                    This tale also introduces a new type of WMD: cybernetic weapons. Computer viruses and other hostile softwares have appeared prominently in many SF stories. Now, however, the author has created a possibility of mass destruction through such a virus.

                    This sequel builds upon, but differs greatly from, the first novel. Some continuity is provided by characters and institutions, but the plot is nothing like the first story. A difficult effect, but well done. Enjoy!

                    Highly recommended for Scalzi fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of military operations, transferred consciousness, and dutiful persons.

                    -Arthur W. Jordin

                    2 out of 5 stars Are these reviewers all insane???.......2007-10-08

                    Please read a few books by the following authors:

                    Iain M. Banks, Charles Stross, William Gibson, John C. Wright, Richard Morgan, Neal Asher, Ken MacLeod.

                    Or just read one book by one of the above authors. Now read Ghost Brigade.

                    Notice a difference?

                    Scalzi has to tell rather than show. His characterization is shallow. His technological ideas would have been novel ten years ago. The pacing drags.

                    Here's an example: At one point he writes that the soldier's guns are linked to their specific brain implants. He then writes that that's so "their guns can't be used against them by anyone else". Really?!! Thanks for making that clear, because I wouldn't have picked up on it otherwise. The writing follows this painful pattern throughout.

                    This would be a great book for a seventh or eigth grader wanting to read their "first" sci fi novel, but is it really "top notch"? If you want some great sci fi, skip this and read any of the authors listed above.

                    4 out of 5 stars Quality Character-Based Sci Fi.......2007-10-06

                    The Ghost Brigades is a sequel to Scalzi's excellent debut novel, Old Man's War. Several centuries from now, humans are aggressively pushing outward into space, establishing colonies and holding them by force against any number of alien races. The Colonial Defense Force (CDF) is made up of human minds transplanted into new bodies genetically engineered for combat. The most elite branch of the CDF are the shadowy Ghost Brigades.

                    The story follows an atypical member of the Ghost Brigades, Jared Dirac. Jared's body is a clone designed to reintegrate the mind and memories of a traitor, Charles Boutin, who is helping an alliance of races plan a war against the CDF. The mind transferal doesn't work, so Jared enters the service as himself. However, a series of events begin to trigger memories, which eventually leads to a mission to extract Boutin and uncover his secrets.

                    What I like best about Scalzi are his characters. Every person in the book has a well-developed, unique, believable personality. Even better, their personalities are not static, but change and mature with events. This is true of every character, but especially so for Jared. As a newly created being, Jared struggles to understand the world and his place in it. In an interesting scene, Jared reads Shelly's Frankenstein to find parallels to his own situation. Is he truly human? Does he control his own destiny? You come to like and care about Jared, which is good, because the book is more about his journey than it is about military operations or galactic politics.

                    As much as I liked the book, I can't quite give it five stars. The overall plot and action sequences were not as satisfying as Old Man's War. Still, it is a top-notch piece sci fi tale. I give it 4½ stars.

                    5 out of 5 stars Great book, as good or better then Old Man's War.......2007-09-11

                    Continues the enthrolling world that Scalzi created in Old Man's War. This book will be a fast read for most and just as interesting and entertaining as any book I've read. I only have experience with newer sci-fi books, but this one explores the idea of human existence and fate well. Can't wait to read the rest of the books by Scalzi.

                    The only annoying part is all the typos. The editor was obviously drunk when he checked for typos, but the storyline outweighs all the typos, even though this would usually turn me off of a book immediatley.

                    5 out of 5 stars Excellent addition to "Old Man's War".......2007-08-30

                    After reading his first book, I couldn't wait until he wrote another. "Ghost Brigades" does not disappoint. I love his characters sense of humor which is often lacking in science fiction. Most writers have characters that take themselves too seriously, which means the writers themselves do as well. John Scalzi is a breath of fresh air in what can be a very tedious genre.
                    Brigham's Ghost Brigade and the Case of the Deadly Counterfeiters
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      Brigham's Ghost Brigade and the Case of the Deadly Counterfeiters
                      Ron Carter
                      Manufacturer: Harbour Books
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      Spine-Chilling HorrorSpine-Chilling Horror | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                      ASIN: 0964367246
                      The Case of the Golden Spike Kidnappers (Brigham's Ghost Brigade, 2)
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        The Case of the Golden Spike Kidnappers (Brigham's Ghost Brigade, 2)
                        Ron Carter
                        Manufacturer: Harbour Books
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        Children's BooksChildren's Books | Subjects | Books | Baby-3 | Ages 4-8 | Ages 9-12 | Animals | Arts & Music | Books on Cassette | Books on CD | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Computers | Educational | History & Historical Fiction | Issues | Literature | Obsessions | People & Places | Popular Characters | Reference & Nonfiction | Religions | Science, Nature & How It Works | Series | Sports & Activities
                        ASIN: 0964367262
                        Dark Brigade
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          Dark Brigade
                          Chris Westwood
                          Manufacturer: Headline Book Publishing
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Paperback

                          Westwood, ChrisWestwood, Chris | ( W ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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                          ASIN: 0747234795
                          The thought brigade: America's influential ghosts-in-government
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            The thought brigade: America's influential ghosts-in-government
                            Roger Winship Stuart
                            Manufacturer: I. Obolensky
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Unknown Binding

                            United StatesUnited States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books | 19th Century | 20th Century | 21st Century | African Americans | Civil War | Colonial Period | General | Revolution & Founding | State & Local
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                            ASIN: B0007E2HX2
                            THE GHOST BRIGADE
                            Average customer rating: Not rated
                              THE GHOST BRIGADE
                              John Scalzi
                              Manufacturer: Tor
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Hardcover
                              ASIN: B000OW5EXW
                               Case of the Deadly Counterfeiters: Brighams Ghost Brigade
                              Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                              • Case of the Deadly Counterfeiters : Brighams Ghost Brigade
                              Case of the Deadly Counterfeiters: Brighams Ghost Brigade
                              Ron Carter
                              Manufacturer: Harbour Books
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Paperback

                              TeensTeens | Subjects | Books | Authors, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Health, Mind & Body | History & Historical Fiction | Horror | Literature & Fiction | Manga | Mysteries | Reference | Religion & Spirituality | School & Sports | Science & Technology | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Series | Social Issues
                              ASIN: 9996206742

                              Customer Reviews:

                              4 out of 5 stars Case of the Deadly Counterfeiters : Brighams Ghost Brigade.......2000-11-13

                              This is a great book that's captivating from the very first sentence! Ron Carter introduces all the characters without losing any momentum. We read the book as a family to endless pleading for "just one more chapter, please?" With all the elements of a great mystery plus Orrin Porter Rockwell and teenage detectives this book is fun to read. I saw all the events unfold on the stage of my mind with such clarity that I wondered, "with writers like this in the world, why do we bother to watch TV?". The story takes place in the early days of Salt Lake City and has the Ghost Brigade gathering clues at the request of President Brigham Young with the help of many adult who are completely oblivious to the investigation. Before we even finished the book I turned to the Internet to see what other books he had written so that we could get others. If you like family friendly, nail-biting suspense you'll love this book.
                              The Ghost Brigades
                              Average customer rating: Not rated
                                The Ghost Brigades
                                Scalzi; John
                                Manufacturer: Subterranean
                                ProductGroup: Book
                                Binding: Hardcover
                                Similar Items:
                                1. Old Man's War Old Man's War

                                ASIN: 1596061316
                                Release Date: 2007-07-25

                                Product Description

                                A traitor to humanity is helping a trio of alien races destroy humanity -- all of it. His motivations are unclear, his whereabouts unknown. But the traitor left something behind: a recording of his consciousness. That consciousness is poured into Jared Dirac, a warrior born as an adult to fight the battles no one else will take. As Jared fights, he learns more about the man whose personality has been placed in his head -- and learns why he turned traitor. But can Jared, bred to save humanity, be trusted not betray it instead?

                                The second installment in John Scalzi's "Old Man" universe will be published as a companion volume to Old Man's War. Once again, Vincent Chong will be contributing a full color cover and several full color interior illustrations.

                                Limited: 400 signed hardcover copies

                                The Elephant in the Boardroom: Speaking the Unspoken about Pastoral Transitions (J-B Leadership Network Series)
                                Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                                • Great help for church leaders
                                The Elephant in the Boardroom: Speaking the Unspoken about Pastoral Transitions (J-B Leadership Network Series)
                                Carolyn Weese , and J. Russell Crabtree
                                Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
                                ProductGroup: Book
                                Binding: Hardcover

                                GeneralGeneral | Ministry & Church Leadership | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                                MinistryMinistry | Ministry & Church Leadership | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                                GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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                                Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
                                Similar Items:
                                1. A Change of Pastors: ...and How It Affects Change in the Congregation A Change of Pastors: ...and How It Affects Change in the Congregation
                                2. Beginning Ministry Together: The Alban Handbook for Clergy Transitions Beginning Ministry Together: The Alban Handbook for Clergy Transitions
                                3. Before You Move: A Guide to Making Transitions in Ministry Before You Move: A Guide to Making Transitions in Ministry
                                4. Temporary Shepherds: A Congregational Handbook for Interim Ministry Temporary Shepherds: A Congregational Handbook for Interim Ministry
                                5. Culture Shift: Transforming Your Church from the Inside Out (J-B Leadership Network Series) Culture Shift: Transforming Your Church from the Inside Out (J-B Leadership Network Series)

                                ASIN: 0787972576

                                Book Description

                                Carolyn Weese and J. Russell Crabtree—experts in the field of church leadership—have written a nuts-and-bolts guide to developing a succession plan for smoothing pastoral transitions. Filled with strategies and solid advice, this handy resource is based in solid research and the authors’ many years of experience working with churches in a wide variety of denominations. Weese and Crabtree clearly show that leadership succession should be part of every church’s planning process.

                                Customer Reviews:

                                4 out of 5 stars Great help for church leaders.......2007-01-04

                                This book was very helpful in guiding our church leadership to begin thinking about pastoral transitions. I think it is written broadly enough to apply to many denominations and situations.

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