Geniuses of Crack

Customer Reviews:

430 pages to nowhere.......2005-07-25

"In the year 1993 Mark, Steve, and Gary were in a band. Being in a band in late-twentieth-century America was kind of like being in trouble -it seemed that everyone had been in it at one time or another."
>
And so begins a book that I had really been looking forward to reading only to finish as one of the biggest literary disappointments I have ever come across. This is an awful book, but at its core it is still a story that is interesting enough to make a reasonably good screenplay (see: "GARAGE DAYS"). Maybe it was written on the gamble that a studio would buy the rights and make something palpable out of it. It has a very simple plot and as such requires a concentrated effort to keep the reader interested...and unfortunately, Jeff Gomez simply isn't up to the task. To sum up: Three early twenty-something year-old men (Mark, Steve, and Gary) are in a band called Bottlecap whose particular musical talents are never adequately detailed throughout the entire book; they are apparently good enough to have caught the attention of a name record label distributed through a megacommunications conglomerate, yet the only performances that we are told of as the pages turn are memorable only because of how awful they are. They burn their bridges and leave their one-horse home town in Virginia (Virginia?) to move to L.A. in order to realize their dreams (such as they are) of fame and fortune "...but remember that this was the last decade in the twentieth century in America, when kids might find $20.00 on the ground but then complain about having to bend over to pick it up."

And that was really the last line worth reading in the whole book. Sadly, it appears on page 11 of 430. The next 419 pages are spent wandering tediously through lives that could belong to anyone. It is a most unfortunate decision by the author to take the reader into the minds of all characters featured in the story, rather than those of just the three bandmates. The result is that we get too much overview; we know more than we need to about the people we don't necessarily want to care about and less than we'd like about the ones that (initially) we DO care for. We want to know why someone would travel all the way across the country and stand at the brink of commercial stardom/artistic annihilation and what thoughts are running through their heads. Instead we get an idea as to just how mind-numbingly boring life can be when simple-minded people find themselves without anything worthwhile to occupy their time and money enough so that actually finding something challenging is no longer something they need to worry about.

The worst of it is that even after slogging through 430 pages of weak style and artificial substance, there is no satisfactory resolution to the story. It is as though a publishing deadline was moved up and the project was prematurely concluded. The reader has a good idea of what is happenING, but after the self-flagellation necessary to reach the end of this book, one feels entitled to know what happenED. But Gomez can't even give us that small satisfaction.

If you still want to read it after all the one-star reviews it has so meritoriously earned, by all means go ahead...but as good as the premise is and as obviously simple as it should have been to write an entertaining story around it, you are doomed to be let down if you approach it with hopes as high as mine when I picked it up.

do you remember rock and roll radio?.......2005-04-07

Wow, this book takes me back. I moved to LA just as this book was coming out. and Gomez really captured the mood of what it was like to live there in the mid-90s. Every once in a while I re-read this to see how the city has changed, and every time I do I'm reminded about how good Geniuses was and still is. A sequel to his first novel, which most people prefer over this one, but I like this one best,.

Great read if you know what you are in for beforehand.......2003-10-09

I have read the negative reviews and to I agree to a certain extent. This is not an action packed book. However, it is not supposed to be one. Gomez writes about the daily life and random thoughts of, for lack of a better term, "average Americans".

Infantile drivel.......2002-09-28

It's amazing to me that books like this gets published. It's a waste of a time, money and paper. Badly written with a stupid soap opera level plot. Void of any literary value. Gomez is obviously trying to appeal to 12 year olds who hanker after a rock band career. If this isn't you, avoid this book.

How did this get published?.......2002-08-07

Absolutely dreadful writing. Far too verbose with shallow characters and a weak plot.
On a positive note, it gives me hope that one day I can get published.

Book Description

An Epic of Two WorldsIn a world as rich and real as our own, Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World-- forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power.War and treachery plague the world, and only Richard and Kahlan can save it from an armageddon of unimaginable savagery and destruction.Terry Goodkind, author of the brilliant bestsellers Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears, has created his most masterful epic yet, a sumptuous feast of magic and excitement replete with the wonders of his unique fantasy vision.

Customer Reviews:

Great Fantasy!.......2007-09-17

I love this series by Terry Goodkind! So does my 17 yr. old son!

Ahhhh, the magic continues.......2007-09-04

I listened to this book on audio CD, as I did the first two. I didn't feel it was as strong as the first two but really good regardless. After listening to the first book (Wizard's First Rule), I was hooked and can't wait to hear the rest. It is great to be able to enjoy these books on my long work commutes! The characters are so brilliant and alive!

The Sword of Truth is Still Sharp.......2007-06-20

The world Terry Goodkind created in his Sword of Truth series, which began with Wizard's First Rule, expands again in Blood of the Fold. Though the third novel is not as gripping as the first novel in the series, it still begins strong.

A new antagonist is introduced, and Richard's opening scene is a rousing sword fight with an unexpected enemy. Moreover, all the characters introduced in the previous novels continue to play a part in this new chapter. In particular the subplot with Prelate Annalina and Nathan Rahl is an enjoyable look into the old wizard's character. If you enjoyed the world of Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell I recommend you continue the journey with Blood of the Fold.

If you would like to comment on my review please vist my blog oncesoldtales.blogspot.com

KKK of the Magic World is Introduced.......2007-06-09

Blood of the Fold is not bad, but I just didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous 2 for some reason. Maybe it is because some of the characters in this one just aren't very convincing. There was definitely more political debate, which seems to slow the story down some.

I was really turned off by the Blood of the Fold group. These guys are the KKK of the magic world, and are just too stupid to be believable. Richard should have been able to brush them aside easily, but I guess you can credit their success to the allegiance to the Keeper.

At least the story progresses. It is worth a read if you have made it this far.

Blood of the Fold.......2007-05-28

Blood of the Fold is an excellent book as a stand alone or as the continuation of the Sword Of Truth series. Terry Goodkind does an excellent job of making the characters people you can enjoy and care about.

My husband and I have been listening to the series on audio book. My only complaint is that as the reader changes with each book, the pronunciation of the names of people and places changes as well. This is a very minor complaint as the story is excellent.

I highly recommend this series of books.

Confessor: Chainfire Trilogy, Part 3 (Sword Of Truth, Book 11)

This is My Blood of the New Testament Which is Shed for Many. Mark 14:24 Communion Grapes Bulletin P: 14 X 8 1/2 Inches, Folds to 5 1/2 X 8 1/2 Inches

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This is My Blood of the New Testament Which is Shed for Many. Mark 14:24 Communion Grapes Bulletin P: 14 X 8 1/2 Inches, Folds to 5 1/2 X 8 1/2 Inches

Manufacturer: Broadman & Holman Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 0805408517

The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3: Wizard's First Rule, Blood of the Fold ,Stone of Tears

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wizard set
Great style, substance and themes.
Sword of Truth
Fantasy at its best!
Don't Buy This Set

The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3: Wizard's First Rule, Blood of the Fold ,Stone of Tears
Terry Goodkind
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812575601

Book Description

The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3 Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, and Blood of the FoldThe Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3 Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, and Blood of the FoldBook 1: Wizards First Rule The masterpiece that started The New York Times bestselling epic Sword of TruthIn the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them--for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say. In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword--to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed . . . or that their time has run out. This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.Book 2: Stone of Tears An Epic of Awesome PowerKahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp .... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.Book 3: Blood of the Fold An Epic of Two WorldsIn a world as rich and real as our own, Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World-- forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power.War and treachery plague the world, and only Richard and Kahlan can save it from an armageddon of unimaginable savagery and destruction.Terry Goodkind, author of the brilliant bestsellers Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears, has created his most masterful epic yet, a sumptuous feast of magic and excitement replete with the wonders of his unique fantasy vision.

Customer Reviews:

wizard set.......2007-09-12

great to get a set like this. When you finish the 1st book 2nd one is right there.

Great style, substance and themes........2007-09-11

Goodkind's writing seems to mature with each book, adding nuance and layer to his seemingly simple themes and characters, leaving the reader to wonder to themselves about what "good and evil" really are.

The stories come alive with great characters, plenty of action, and the wonderment that magical concepts add to the stories. All the fun of being a kid again, but with the adult themes that will keep you reading far into the night.

Have fun!

Sword of Truth.......2007-09-01

Very fast transaction and accurate description of the item, so I would recommend this Seller.

Fantasy at its best!.......2007-08-16

I recommend the first 3-4 volumes of this serie to every fan of good fantasy-literature.
Very creative story, fascinating characters, a lot of suspense, a lot original ideas!
It`s too bad that after "Temple of winds" the whole story started to lose its grip, logic and tended to repeat itself.
Nevertheless, as said before, the first 3-4 volumes are excellent!

Don't Buy This Set.......2007-08-05

Unless you've already read the series and just want to replace your copies, don't buy this set. I made the enormous error of purchasing this set without reading any of Goodkind's novels first. I forced my way through Wizard's First Rule and realized that I wasted my money. I have no intention of ever reading Blood of the Fold or Stone of Tears.

I have very, very few positive things to say about the Wizard's First Rule. So I'll just get the positives out of the way now. Zedd is a very likable character. Not very original, certainly, but he's kooky and funny and hard not to like. The character Giller, too, is likable after a fashion.

Well, that's about all I can say thats positive about the novel. So lets get to the negatives.

1. It's poorly written. The narrative is clumsy, the dialog is repetitive and unrealistic. Not only is the language poor, but Goodkind is unable to logically construct even a simple paragraph, let alone an entire chapter. He has a habit of meandering in his paragraphs so that the first sentence of the paragraph has absolutely nothing to do with the last sentence. This would be understandable were he writing in stream of consciousness, but, alas, he is not. He also has the annoying habit of changing the perspective of the narrator from paragraph to paragraph without informing the reader, making it difficult to sort out who thinks what.

2. The characters are detestable. As I already said, Zedd and Giller are good characters. But they are minor characters. The hero, Richard, is one of the most immediately dislikable protagonists I've ever seen. He's arrogant, whiny, awkward, stupid and completely intolerant of other people and their cultures. Which leads me to my third major criticism.

3. Inconsistent character development. Goodkind frequently changes the personality of his characters to suit the chapter. In one chapter, Richard throws a tantrum because he cannot use his right hand to do something because it is against the culture of a tribe he is visiting. A chapter or two later, he willingly eats the flesh of another person because the culture dictates he must. In addition, Richard (and the other characters) range from mind-bogglingly stupid to brilliant and back something within a couple paragraphs. Goodkind makes his characters smart when he needs to in order to advance the plot, then makes them stupid when he needs to. Richard, Kahlan, Zedd, etc., all do enormously stupid things, and then are brilliant the next chapter. And its not just one character, every character is in turns brilliant and stupid. And it seems that there is always one brilliant character and several stupid characters at any given time so there is always enough intelligence to advance the plot. What's the point of having 800 pages of character development if you just throw it away to advance the plot?

4. And speaking of the plot, the story of the Wizard's First Rule is pretty poorly devised and highly predictable. There are two major secrets in the novel, the first being the identity of the Wizard (which is readily apparent within the first 15 pages of the text) and the identity of the Traitor (which is apparent as soon as it is learned that Richard was betrayed). And despite how painfully obvious who these characters are, Goodkind painstakingly devotes hundreds of pages to discovering their identities. It's terribly painful clawing your way through this book when you already know how all the big secrets and how the book is going to end within the first few chapters.

5. Plot-lifting. In a lot of ways, Wizard's First Rule is a dumbed down version of Robert Jordan's the Wheel of Time. Richard is essentially Rand Al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, though he is purely a good character and destined only to help the world. Kahlan Amnell and the Confessors are utterly identical in every way to Jordan's Aes Sedai. The torture and training Richard endures is identical (and often down to the very wording) to the training Egwene Al'Vere endures. Darken Rahl is a very poor rip off of Shai'Tan, the Dark One (and, for that matter Darth Vader of Star Wars fame). There is very, very little of Goodkind's original thought in the Wizard's First Rule, and what original thought there is is very poor.

6. Convenient Writing. Goodkind is the King of making crap up as he goes. Due to his inability to write his way out of a wet paper bag, Goodkind is constantly having to make up new powers or abilities to get his characters out of a seemingly impossible situation. The best example for this is one scene in which Kahlan, Zedd and Chase are ambushed by Darken Rahl's minions. For whatever reason, Zedd and Chase are incapacitated and Kahlan, for some other stupid reason, can't use her powers and is being raped. Suddenly, Kahlan develops a new ability that 1. has never been mentioned before, 2. she admits that she had never been able to do before, 3. must be taught by an expert, as stipulation Kahlan never met. Yet somehow, Kahlan is able to use this power and miraculously defeats the enemy. Goodkind's writing in these situations is so bad that he flat out admits what the character just did is impossible, but goes with it anyway.

In truth, I could list another dozen or so criticisms of this book. But I doubt anyone is going to read that much. My advice: If you've never read Terry Goodkind before, read him before you blow the extra money on this set. If you're an intelligent, well-read reader, you will likely hate the series and regret spending the money, as I did. You are more likely to enjoy this book if you are a child, say 10-12 years old, or you have never read a fantasy book before. If you fit into either of these categories, the cliches will not seem so bad, and the new world of fantasy will blind you to the very poor writing and storytelling. But in either of those circumstances, I would still advise against buying the set. Make sure you like Goodkind before you drop the money for three of his books. Go to the library and read a chapter or two first. There's a very good chance that you will despise this novel like most other experienced readers.

I gave this set two stars, by the way, for the reasons listed in the previous paragraph. If you're an inexperienced reader or are new to the fantasy world, this series will work well for you. In addition, Mr. Goodkind CAN write, and can write well. The Wizard's First Rule features one or two chapters that are marvelously written. But this is an extreme exception to the rule. Perhaps the later books are better, but after Book I, I will work very hard to ensure that I never read another word of Goodkind's writing.

Blood, bread, and fire: The Christian's three-fold experience

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Blood, bread, and fire: The Christian's three-fold experience
Vance Havner
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

When God Breaks Through: Revival Sermons by Vance Havner

ASIN: B000868C6K

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Blood of the Fold
Terry Goodkind
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTKG06

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Blood of the Fold
Terry Goodkind
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000U5568G

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Blood of the Fold (The Sword of Truth)
Terry Goodkind
Manufacturer: Weidenfeld Military
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Blood Of The Fold: Book Three in the Sword of Truth Series

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Blood Of The Fold: Book Three in the Sword of Truth Series
Terry Goodkind
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Blood, Bread and Fire: The Christian's Three Fold Experience
Vance Havner
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O2SKOW

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Blood Of The Fold

Manufacturer: Book Club Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GLY4XM

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Best of the DC Archive Series

BOP 'em Canary!!!!

classic,fun superheroine comics

Great collection of rare, classic comics

I am very pleased with getting this book

The Black Canary Archives, Vol. 1 (DC Archive Editions)
Various
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Wonder Woman Archives, Vol. 1 (DC Archive Editions)

ASIN: 1563897342

Customer Reviews:

Best of the DC Archive Series.......2007-08-03

This here's my surprising winner for the best of the DC Archive editions. This ones kind of a greatest hits collection but the Golden Age stories hold up well, and are quite entertaining. Tho, the artwork for the older stories isn't the best, the newer tales have real nice artwork. I'd love to see a Volume 2 for Black Canary.

BOP 'em Canary!!!!.......2007-01-07

This DC Archive Edition of Golden Age and Silver Age Black Canary comics tales is a real goodie. The Judo-chopping , Ju-Jitsu-tossing crime fighter was always into heavy conflict with the criminal underworld and was, in many ways, a lineal ancestor to the tough-as-nails Cathy Gale and Emma Peel of t.v.'s "Avengers" years later. She also shared some common
ground with t.v. detective Joe Mannix (Mike Connors) and 50's pinup legend Bettie Page. Like Mannix she was always getting bonked on the head by the baddies, and, like Bettie, she was always getting tied up.

Somehow, over the years, the Canary always managed to get herself un-tied in time to save her life and catch the crooks, and, like Mannix himself, fortunately all that head-conking never resulted in permanent brain damage. so our heroine never got "punchy" on us.

These charming, exciting "old school" comics stories are lots of fun and showcase some fine artwork by some of those artist icons that are well remembered by long-time fans (certainly by "boomers"). A great deal of the work is by Carmine Infantino, who later would become a DC "staple" with his work in the Silver Age "Flash", as well as "Adam Strange" in Mystery In Space , the recurring "Space Museum" stories in Strange Adventures, and the "New Look" 60s "Batman".

Also putting in an appearance is Murphy Anderson, a very gifted artist in his own right, as well as Infantino's best Silver Age inker (apart from Infantino himself).

A special treat at the end of the volume is a two-part adventure illustrated by the late, legendary Alex Toth (world renowned for his late 50s-early 60s "Zorro" work for Dell), arguably the best graphics design/layout artist in comics. Toth's bold blacks and panel designs are always a blast and he is really clicking on this particular contribution.

Black Canary Archives, Vol. I ....get one. It's a keeper.

classic,fun superheroine comics .......2006-03-30

Another one of DC Comics' excellent Archive editions, this volume centers on the Golden Age female superhero, the one and only Black Canary( the one that appears in the Birds of Prey comic book is her daughter, and is thus Black Canary II). Black Canary(a.k.a Dinah Lance) was one of the few prominent female superheroes in the early days of comics, the only other famous examples being Wonder Woman and Supergirl.
These tales(which span from the 1940's up to the 1970's), include the following issues: Flash Comics # 86-104, Comics Cavalcade #25, DC Special Edition #3, The Brave & The Bold # 61-62, and Adventure Comics # 399,418-419.

Great collection of rare, classic comics.......2004-05-10

This collection includes adventures from her entire solo career, from 1947 to 1972, starting with a support role in the comedic crime strip, "Johnny Thunder" (a minor character from the WWII-era DC lineup), and moving on up to a brainlessly goofy hippie-era plotline involving a women's lib group that was actually a front for a notorious criminal mastermind. It's all good stuff; not too substantive on the writing side of things, but nice light fun nonetheless. The best part is Carmine Infantino's artwork, which was highly imitative of newspaper cartoonist Milton Canniff, with a rugged yet stylish flair -- very different from the fluid, slapdash style Infantino adopted later in the '50s and '60s. I really enjoyed reading this one, and found it less repetitive than other volumes in the series... It's also nice to see one of the lesser, neglected Golden Age characters finally get their due, particularly one as foxy as the Lana Turner-ish Black Canary... Wish they'd do a DC archive for Wildcat, as well!

I am very pleased with getting this book.......2002-02-16

This book not only contains Black Canary's Golden Age appearences, but also includes some of her Silver Age appearences too. Very nice volume that covers a lot of Canary's early history. Like the fact her first appearence she was described as being a villian, although she stole from criminals only. Then she bacame a hero fighting, early on, with Johnny Thunder (Who should get his own volume to. Email DC and say you want one!) Canary then went on to do a solo gig in her own feature in Flash comics. This volume even shows her team up with Starman - which now in DC history is when Canary had an afrair with Starman.
So if you want to find out about the early adventures of Diana Drake, the first Black Canary (Diana lance, now appearing in Bird of Prey, is her daughter) then buy this volume!

Book Description

Alastair Humphreys' round the world journey of 46,000 miles was an old fashioned adventure: long, lonely, low budget and spontaneous. Cycling across five continents and sailing over the oceans, his ride took him four years to complete, on a tiny budget of hoarded student loans. Moods of Future Joys is the story of the first remarkable stage of the expedition.

Customer Reviews:

Moods of Future Joys.......2007-02-17

Alastair Humphreys recounts an extraordinary adventure of lifetime in a very sympathetic and honest way that makes you immediately 1. like the guy and 2. want to join in the ride! I've read this book 3 times, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey each time. If you've ever dreamt of taking a journey that challenges your ingenuity, pushes you to your limits, and re-defines you as a person you must read this book! I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the next volume in the series.

Moods of Future Joys.......2007-01-18

The book was in good condition, delivery time was fairly quick considering it was the Christmas season.

Great book.......2007-01-11

A really amazing adventure and a really great read. Al has honestly changed the way I think about many countries in Africa and about travelling in general. I have recomended this book to many of my wanderlusting friends, and to anyone who appreciates the absurd.

Joys of reading Mood of Future Joys.......2007-01-11

When I picked up this book I was a bit skeptical because I have read a lot of round-the-world travel books, I thought this book would be just like the rest of them. That is until I started reading it. Humphreys brilliantly portrays each country he is riding through, using humor and sharp observation. This book is award worthy, it should be up there with other great travel books and in every great book shelf. Looking foward to part two.

Engaging writer makes good against the odds.......2007-01-05

Because the author couldn't get a publisher, he decided to brazen ahead and self-publish. The book lacks the professional polish of a publishing house, but makes up for it in preserving a vivid sense of the writer's personality, so the book is more like an evening in a bar listening to tall tales that happen to be true. Humphreys honestly reveals the trepidations he began with, while allowing us to experience with him how his fears yielded to respect and pleasure in the people and cultures he got to know. And always the undercurrent of incredible freedom in the midst of the pains and pleasures of his journey. I've never been to the places he pedals through, nor lived as ruggedly close to the land, but Humphreys' enthusiastic writing let me feel as if I had.

Average customer rating:

A great book for adventurers!

Traveler's Joy
Juliette De Bairacli Levy
Manufacturer: Keats Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0879836512

Book Description

Learn to explore the freedom of the wandering life in this enchanting guide to the wonders of unfettered travel. The legendary Juliette de Bairacli Levy is known for her many books on living in tune with the rhythms of nature and her mastery of herbal lore.

Customer Reviews:

A great book for adventurers!.......2005-12-22

I recently received this book (in the Dutch translation) from a dear friend. Although I don't have much time to read, every split second I do have available, is spent reading this book. It gives very useful tips for any traveller and also for possible hard times ahead (which I hope will never come)... It is a book for survivors, well written with many anecdotes and lovely illustrations. Although not everything she recommends is feasible when one is travelling, many tips are very useful. I simply love this book and can recommend it to anybody, even to people who never travel.

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How Do You Fill The Hours in the Family Car?
Great Resource
Pack up for Vacation

Joy Ride! #1 (Heritage Builders)
Jacqueline Lederman
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1561797987

Book Description

Value priced!

A wonderful resource for turning time spent in the car into a joyful time to teach kids how faith can be a part of everyday life. Joy Ride! is a Heritage Builders tool from Focus on the Family that features activities, puzzles, games, and discussion starters to help parents get their kids thinking about--and living out--what they believe. Makes road time with kids fun!

Customer Reviews:

How Do You Fill The Hours in the Family Car? .......2006-08-03

During family car trips, children are notorious for asking the perennial question, "How much longer until we get there?" Now whether you are shuttling kids to a soccer game or on a long cross-country car vacation with the family, here's a valuable resource to turn your hours on the road into a valuable learning experience.

JOY RIDE!, FAITH-FILLED FUN AND GAMES FOR DRIVETIME by Jaqueline Lederman (Tyndale House Publishers) is a part of the Heritage Builders series. Targeted for all ages of children, this book is packed with ideas. As the author writes, "The goal of this book is to provide families with a good Christian growth resource for use in the car." The information is divided into three sections: games, discussion starters and Bible challenges.

The travel games help children learn new information and also use creative thinking to stretch children spiritually. As for keeping score, the author suggests you do what works for your child. If scoring and prizes motivate the child to play, then use it. The discussion starters contain several sections--jump start (to set the scene for discussion), speeding up (follow-up questions to continue the discussion), look at the map (a Bible verse to bring it into the conversation) and travel plan (the personal application section where children relate it to their lives). The final section, Bible Challenge, has three levels of difficulty: Easy, Moderate and Hard. No matter which type of question, the answers are included in the book and everyone in the family can increase their Bible knowledge from these challenges.

The author includes a caution in the introduction to this book, "You are wise not to make every trip in the car into a Bible learning time, and not to make every game or discussion end with a pointed moral lesson. Use your drivetimes to develop your relationships with your children and find out how they are doing, how their friends are, what they're up to, and so on."

This tool has potential for overuse but can be invaluable for every family with the right balance. When you're planning the next stint in the car, pull this small title from your glove compartment.

Great Resource.......2001-08-24

Great stuff in here. Some of it is WAY over my 4-yr old's head, but I think it will prove to be a great resource over the years to come

Pack up for Vacation.......2001-06-25

It's July! Pack the car with baggage, food, and the kids. Head for fun and relaxation. But first, prepare for the hours on the road. Make the most of the time with Joy Ride; Faith-filled Fun & Games for Drivetime by Jacqueline Lederman. The games, discussion starters, and Bible challenges will enable you to interact happily with your children. As an added bonus, even you may learn new information (Oh yeah - it might be a good idea to bring your Bible along on the trip.)

Customer Reviews:

A delightful book for yourself, for a friend........1999-02-20

Gerry Wieland writes as no other can. Inspirational, humorous, thought provoking. I love the book, keep it near by and have bought several for gifts.

Joys for the Journey adds to the joy of mine........1997-12-20

Grandma Gerry's book made me read it at once. Her fresh view provoked appreciation of life. I gave her book as gifts and everyone sent it on to someone else. Her travels make us feel more at home.

Pierre Bayle: Reader of Travel Literature

Average customer rating:

Pierre Bayle: Reader of Travel Literature
Joy Charnley
Manufacturer: Peter Lang Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0820434345

Average customer rating:

Traveler's Joy
Junzaburo and Masuo Ikeda Nishiwaki
Manufacturer: Tokyo: Nantenshi Gallery
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SUUUUC

Average customer rating:

Traveler's Joy

Traveler's Joy
Juliette De Bairacli Levy
Manufacturer: Keats Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0879831839

Customer Reviews:

Traveler's Joy.......2002-04-02

This magical book has made me want to shelve my responsibilities and hit the road! The author's enthusiasm and ability to embrace hardship and bounty alike are truly inspirational. I am encouraged to lighten my material load to provide space for the gifts that the simple life provides. Recipes, travel lore, herbal medicine, literary references, and personal observations make this book an enjoyable read.

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